ESALEN® MASSAGE
"There is nothing so healing as the human touch."
- Bobby Fischer
Esalen® Massage has been described as “the meeting and merging of form, energy, structure, and soul.” Or more familiarly: the reconnection and reintegration of the body, the mind and the spirit.
Our Esalen® Massage offers nurturing touch, long flowing strokes, varying pressures, soft rocking, gentle stretches and mobilizations, and the contemplative pauses and holds that are the hallmarks of a uniquely Esalen® Massage. Both therapeutic and deeply relaxing, this session helps to reset the nervous system, releasing pain, tension and stress while improving circulation and lymphatic flow.
Please note, that while pressure may range from light-to-firm, and myofascial release is typically a component of our interpretation of this session, this is not a deep tissue (“no pain, no gain”) session. And while Esalen® Massage has demonstrated benefit for our athletic clients, neither do we offer “Sports Massage” nor do we claim to be able to “fix” any issues, particularly chronic (and especially not in one session alone).
Reimagine what you believe massage to be.
You have one body. It is home to your mind, your spirit. It is home to trillions of human cells, tissues, organs, organ systems – and trillions of beneficial bacteria (your microbiome). Stress (and cortisol) are of no benefit to any. This is your only body. For life. Treat it well, nourish it well, and it will serve you well. For life.
"I've been going to massages for the past several years, and this was my best experience by far. Nina was recommended to me by a friend, saying that I had to see her, and I'm so glad I did. The quality of touch, the pace, it was like a dance that elevated massage into an art. Loved it!"
L.S., Alpharetta (via Google Reviews)
"Unbelievably Amazing! There really aren’t words to truly describe Nina’s abilities but I’ll make an attempt. She has extensive education in so many areas of healing. That knowledge combined with her innate talents makes her an indescribably special massage therapist. After your first session you will know you have found a rare jewel."
T.W., Roswell (via Google Reviews)
HISTORY AND BACKGROUND
Massage Therapy is an ancient medical modality, with origins tracing back to the earliest Indian Ayurvedic, Traditional Chinese, Korean and Japanese systems of healing, and with written evidence of application dating to at least 3,000 BCE where use was first presented in the influential, "The Yellow Emperor's Classic Internal Medicine" (ca. 2,700 BCE). In Ancient Egypt, the earliest written record of Massage Therapy was found in the Tomb of Akmanthor (known as “The Tomb of the Physician”), dating to 2,400 BCE. Massage Therapy may have been introduced to Western civilization by approximately 800 BCE, and by 400 BCE Hippocrates (considered to be the “Father of Modern Medicine”) wrote that “The physician must be experienced in many things, particularly massage” as a means for maintaining optimal physical health, while also enhancing athletic performance. Galen, believed to be the greatest and most influential physician of the Roman Empire (and who himself believed that the health of body and mind were very much connected), recommended massage to not only maintain a healthy body, but to treat physical injuries. From Ancient Greece and Rome, the practice of massage then traveled through to continental Europe where it continued to be utilized in wide-spread practice as a medical modality. (Please see Robert Noah Calvert's, The History of Massage: An Illustrated Survey from Around the World for an exceptional overview.)
Modern Massage Therapy, capable of incorporating a variety of manual modalities, is based on techniques developed in the late 1700s by Per Hendrick Ling of Sweden and, as such, is often referred to as “Swedish Massage.” Today, professional licensure for the practice of Massage Therapy requires formal education and detailed knowledge and understanding of the sciences of Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology and Pathology - which body parts are where, how they function, how they move – and what, and how, energy and forces (internal and external) can influence them. Massage Therapy - practiced and developed world-wide for over 5,000 years - is today recognized by both the scientific community and contemporary allopathic medicine as a safe, effective and complimentary treatment approach with tremendous physiological benefits. (A small sample of clinical research is provided below).
Nina Dmitrieff, a Licensed Massage Therapist with well over 10,000 hours of education and experience, attended both the College of Acupuncture and Massage in Miami, and Georgia Massage School, from where she graduated before passing the nationally recognized board exam, the MBLEX. Trained in traditional and neuromuscular therapeutic techniques, Nina has continued to earn additional hands-on certifications in Esalen® Massage, Modern Cupping Techniques, Medi-Cupping, Myofascial Techniques and Manual Lymphatic Drainage/Complete Decongestive Therapy (Vodder Technique), in addition to having earned advanced certification in a wide range of subject matter, including (but not limited to):
Advanced Facial Cupping Techniques
Ayurvedic Philosophy as applied to Manual Therapies
Cancer Treatment and Massage Therapy
Chakra Balancing (Mind, Body, Spirit)
Elder Care and Hospice
Essentials for Treating Computer Users
Evaluating and Treating Lower Back Pain
Evaluating and Treating Neck Conditions
Evaluating and Treating Upper Extremities
Facial Massage
Fibromyalgia
Myofascial Therapy
Palliative Care
Pediatric Massage
Pre- and Post-Op MLD (Including preparing for and following Plastic Surgery)
Plantar Fasciitis
Reflexology
Rotator Cuff Injuries
Scar Tissue Management
Touching Trauma
Trigger Point Therapy
Upper Extremity Overuse Disorders
In addition to ongoing interest in the supportive treatment of those with Autism through Manual Lymphatic Drainage, CranioSacral Therapy and Massage Therapy, Nina’s current area of academic and applied interest is in addressing chronic illness, pain and mobility issues at the intersection of fascia and the lymphatic system, through the use of Esalen® Massage techniques, Myofascial Release, Manual Lymphatic Drainage and advanced Cupping Therapies.
Contact the studio today to learn about our services, and to schedule your appointment - and to come to know and enjoy the very real health and wellness benefits that professional manual therapies can provide.
“Massage is a very ancient form of treatment. So ancient that one may consider its history to be as old as that of mankind, and its beginning prehistoric.”
- Emil A.G. Kleen, MD
MEDICAL CONDITIONS BENEFITTING FROM TREATMENT BY PROFESSIONAL MASSAGE THERAPY
ADD/ADHD
"A recent study by Field et al 1998, showed massage therapy to decrease fidgeting and improve scores on the Conners Scale (Conners, 1995) in adolescents with ADHD. Massage therapy has also been shown to increase serotonin levels (Field et al 1996, Ironson et al 1996) which might help modulate elevated dopamine levels thought to occur in children with ADHD."
Source: The Effects of Massage Therapy & Exercise Therapy on Children/Adolescents with ADHD
AGING
"If there is indeed a positive correlation between lowering cortisol and increasing telomere length and telomerase activity, this provides a solid scientific argument for massage and bodywork improving general health, reducing likelihood of chronic disease, and increasing overall longevity."
Source: Massage & Bodywork Magazine
ALLERGIES
"Stress can cause several negative effects on the body, including causing more symptoms for allergy sufferers," study author Dr. Amber Patterson, of Ohio State University, said in a journal news release. "Our study also found those with more frequent allergy flares also have a greater negative mood, which may be leading to these flares," she added."
Source: WebMD
ANXIETY
"Massage therapy had immediate beneficial effects on anxiety-related measures and may be a useful de-escalating tool for reducing stress and anxiety in acutely hospitalized psychiatric patients. Study limitations preclude any definite conclusions on the effect of massage therapy on aggressive incidents in an acute psychiatric setting."
Source: Pilot Study Evaluating the Effect of Massage Therapy on Stress, Anxiety and Aggression
ASTHMA
"All studies have shown that massage therapy has a significantly positive effect on children with asthma, improves the pulmonary function parameters of large airway, reduces the plasma concentrations of PAF and prostaglandin, and increases the levels of PAF-AH and DP1; therefore, it greatly improves pulmonary function."
Source: Massage Therapy in Children with Asthma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
AUTISM
"Nurturing touch and regular sensory integration appear to reduce the social, communication, behavioral, learning, thinking and problem solving-challenges associated with ASD."
Source: Breaking Through: Massage + Autism
ARTHRITIS (AND RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS)
"A 15-minute, moderate pressure massage daily led to reduced pain and anxiety and improved grip strength in 22 adults diagnosed with hand or wrist arthritis. The participants were given four weekly massages from a therapist and taught to massage their sore joints daily at home. Results showed that the combination of massages could possibly reduce hand pain up to 57 percent."
CANCER
"Massage therapy shows promise for reducing pain intensity/severity, fatigue, and anxiety in cancer populations. This is the conclusion of a collaborative meta-analysis of research on massage therapy for pain conducted by Samueli Institute and commissioned by the Massage Therapy Foundation, with support from the AMTA."
Source: Massage Therapy Benefits for Cancer Patients
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
"A number of studies indicate that massage may be beneficial, both for some of the risk factors of heart disease as well as a treatment for those who have undergone some cardiac procedures."
Source: Massage Therapy & Heart Disease. Massage Might Reduce Risks & Benefit Recovery
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
"The results demonstrated significant change in symptom severity and functional status from two weeks. Based on this study, the combination of massage and trigger-point therapy is a viable treatment option for carpal tunnel syndrome and offers a new treatment approach."
Source: Massage Therapy as an Effective Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
CEREBRAL PALSY
"There are many benefits of massage therapy for children with cerebral palsy, including the increase or reduction of muscle tone, reduction of spasticity, improved flexibility and range of motion, assistance in the relaxation of muscles holding bones and joints in a particular position and improved fine and gross motor function."
Source: Benefits of Massage Therapy. Can It Help A Child with CP?
CHRONIC PAIN
"The existing literature suggests that massage therapy may be a useful approach for pain relief in a number of chronic, non-malignant pain conditions, particularly musculoskeletal pain complaints (e.g., shoulder pain, low back pain)."
Source: Effectiveness of Massage Therapy for Chronic, Non-malignant Pain: A Review
CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME
"After treatment of 3 courses, 26 cases were markedly effective, 52 cases were effective, and 7 cases were ineffective, with a total effective rate of 91.8% and a markedly effective rate of 30.6%. Pressing acupoints and massage can effectively improve clinical symptoms of the patient with chronic fatigue syndrome."
POOR CIRCULATION
"Massage therapy improves general blood flow and alleviates muscle soreness after exercise, according to a study. The results also showed that massage improved vascular function in people who had not exercised, suggesting that massage has benefits for people regardless of their level of physical activity."
Source: Massage Therapy Improves Circulation, Alleviates Muscle Soreness
CONSTIPATION
"Abdominal massage can relieve constipation of various physiological causes. It stimulates peristalsis, decreases colonic transit time and increases the frequency of bowel movements. It also reduces discomfort and pain, induces relaxation and improves quality of life. No adverse effects have been reported."
COPD
"Abdominal massage can relieve constipation of various physiological causes. It stimulates peristalsis, decreases colonic transit time and increases the frequency of bowel movements. It also reduces discomfort and pain, induces relaxation and improves quality of life. No adverse effects have been reported."
DEPRESSION
"Reductions of trait anxiety and depression were MT’s largest effects, with a course of treatment providing benefits similar in magnitude to those of psychotherapy."
DIABETES
"Increasing circulation, relaxation, positive myofascial effects, relieving scar tissue at injection sites and diminishing the effects of neuropathy are all positive benefits to the diabetic client that will assist this individual in living a normal, healthy life."
DIGESTIVE DISORDERS
"The results of three studies conducted on intensive care patients showed that abdominal massage improved gastrointestinal function, and decreased abdominal circumference and distension. Two studies showed the effectiveness of abdominal massage in reducing the gastric residual volume."
Source: The Effect of Abdominal Massage on Gastrointestinal Functions: a Systematic Review
EDEMA, LYMPHEDEMA
"Manual lymph drainage, a specialized form of massage therapy, is an integral component - along with compression bandaging (CB) - of combined physical therapy (CPT), an internationally recommended optimal treatment. ."
FIBROMYALGIA
"The study concluded that the application of manual therapy in fibromyalgia patients performed with moderate pressure for 15 min on the posterior cervical musculature decreased the perception of pain, muscle fatigue, and the state of tension-anxiety."
Source: Effects of Manual Therapy on Fatigue, Pain, and Psychological Aspects in Women with Fibromyalgia
HEADACHES AND MIGRAINES
"The massage therapy subjects reported fewer distress symptoms, less pain, more headache free days, fewer sleep disturbances and they showed an increase in serotonin levels."
HYPERTENSION (HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE)
"The efficacy of massage therapy combined with antihypertensive drugs in the treatment of essential hypertension is superior to antihypertensive drugs alone, and it is safe."
IMMUNE DISORDERS
"The current literature suggests that improvements in mood resulting from brief interventions can influence some immune parameters in ways indicative of enhanced immune function."
Source: Effects of Brief Mood-Improving Interventions on Immunity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
INFERTILITY
"Massage and bodywork modalities from all over the world have an ancient tradition of working to promote healthy female fertility. Recently, some protocols addressing the pelvic environment have been developed. Some combine massage and aspects of physical therapy, and small-scale studies show some success in increasing both tubal patency (the ability for sperm cells to travel through the uterine tube) and pregnancy rates."
Source: Bodywork for Female Infertility
INFLAMMATION
"Our findings suggest that the perceived positive effects of massage are a result of an attenuated production of inflammatory cytokines, which may reduce pain by the same mechanism as conventional anti-inflammatory drugs such as NSAIDs."
INSOMNIA
"Massage is a smart, healthy, and drug-free option that has helped many people overcome insomnia. Because melatonin influences the sleep stage of an individual’s circadian rhythm, a natural way of boosting serotonin is a positive sleep-inducing option. This connection calls for further research showing the direct effects massage therapy has on serotonin and sleep. In the meantime, the existing evidence is enough to recommend regular massages for sleepless patients."
MENOPAUSE
"Recent results from self-report questionnaires have shown improvements in sleep pattern and quality of life following massage therapy. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of massage therapy for the treatment of postmenopausal symptoms, particularly insomnia, and indicate that it is a promising line of research."
Source: The Beneficial Effects of Massage Therapy for Insomnia in Postmenopausal Women
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
"The study used self-reports by the participants and found that, at the end of a five-week period, physical and social activity had improved in the people receiving massage. Those in the massage group also reported a decrease in depression. There was, however, no improvement in grip strength and only marginal improvement in ambulation."
Source: Massage and Bodywork
OBESITY
"The results showed that both MAMT [Massage] and MAT [Acupuncture] could reduce body weight and BMI significantly, compared with the pretreatment values, for all the participants; however, the differences in body weight and BMI reductions between pre- and post treatment for the MAMT and the MAT groups were not statistically significant. The optimal periods for reductions in both body weight and in BMI were the first 4 days. Accounting for the economic strategy (time and money) in alternative therapy, MAT alone may present a reasonable option in the treatment of overweight and obesity in adults."
PARKINSON'S DISEASE
"Massage therapy has been proven to improve a patient’s day-to-day activities, sleeping habits, walking, stress, and more. Rigidity, stiffness, fatigue, and other symptoms have also been proven to get relief from this treatment. If these symptoms aren’t addressed, depression, poor self-esteem, and isolation can set in or get worse.
One study showed that massage helped boost self-confidence, well-being, walking abilities, and performance of daily living activities in a group of seven patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease. They were monitored while receiving eight one-hour, full-body massage therapy sessions over the course of eight weeks.
Urine samples of these patients also showed a significant decrease in the amount of stress hormones that were registered at the beginning of the study."
PEDIATRIC DEVELOPMENT
"This narrative review on pediatric massage literature from the last decade suggests that massage therapy has positive effects on several pediatric conditions. These include preterm infant growth, psychological problems including aggression, gastrointestinal problems including constipation and diarrhea, painful conditions including burns and sickle cell, muscle tone disorders including cerebral palsy and Down syndrome, and chronic illnesses including diabetes, asthma cancer, and HIV."
Source: Pediatric Massage Therapy Research: A Narrative Review
PREGNANCY
"Research shows prenatal massage therapy can help reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, relieve muscle aches and joint pains, and improve labor outcomes and newborn health. Prenatal massage therapy addresses different needs through varying techniques, one of which is called Swedish Massage"
Source: Prenatal Massage Therapy
SCIATICA
"The distinct techniques and stretches used during the course of this study have the possibility of becoming useful, non-pharmacological interventions for reducing or eliminating pain and sciatica symptoms associated with low back pain."
STRESS
"These studies combined suggest the stress-alleviating effects (decreased cortisol) and the activating effects (increased serotonin and dopamine) of massage therapy on a variety of medical conditions and stressful experiences."
Source: Cortisol Decreases and Serotonin and Dopamine Increase Following Massage Therapy
TENDONITIS
"Massage therapy is becoming a common and effective mode of treatment for tendonitis. This is because the act of massage targets and works the injured tendon fibres and surrounding muscle tissue. This loosens muscles and boosts blood circulation and healthy collagen in and around the affected area. Chronic tendonitis can greatly affect a person’s movement, comfort and quality of life, which can lead to increased stress and depression. Massage therapy can not only ease the physical pain associated with tendonitis, but it can also help to reduce any emotional pain too by relaxing and calming a person’s nervous system and encouraging the release of feel-good hormones."
“Doctors put drugs of which they know little, into bodies of which they know less, for diseases of which they know nothing at all”