The Origins of Massage Therapy Massage therapy history dates back thousands of years to ancient cultures that believed in it’s medical benefits. The first written records of massage therapy are found in China and Egypt. Some of the earliest known massage dates back to 2700 BCE. The first known Chinese text is called “The Yellow Emperor’s Classic Book of Internal Medicine.” This book was first published in English in 1949, but has become a staple in massage therapy training and is also often used as a textbook for teaching many other forms of alternative medicine such as acupuncture, acupressure and herbology. Considering the long history of massage, its incorporation into Western medicine is only in its infancy. The potential for growth and research of the healing properties of therapeutic massage and body work has gained great momentum over the last fifty years, and the public demand for massage therapy is at an all-time high. As a preventative practice, therapeutic massage is used in spas, gyms and work places all over the country. Using massage therapy to promote balance and maintain internal and external health is something that is now a standard part of the North American lifestyle. In the health care industry, massage is commonly used in hospitals, nursing homes and birthing centers. It is also used in physical therapy and in chiropractic clinics to treat pain, increase circulation and expedite the healing of injured muscles.
Benefits of Massage:
Reduces Pain
Increases Blood Flow
Stretches Muscles
Decreases Anxiety
Relieve Migraines and Headaches
Reduces Stress
Reduces Spasms and Cramping
Increases Joint Flexibility
Improves Range of Motion
Improves Posture
Lowers Blood Pressure
Improves Sleeping Disorders
Types of Massage Provided: Swedish Massage: A lighter touch massage that helps increase blood flow. The techniques help the whole body to relax. Deep Tissue: Similar to Swedish Massage, but with deeper pressure. It is used to help release chronic muscle tension. The focus is on the deepest layers of muscle tissue, tendons, and fascia. Raindrop Therapy Technique: Raindrop Technique incorporates calming, energizing and soothing essential oils with traditional massage practices. It was inspired from Egyptian, Tibetan and Native American healing traditions. The power of therapeutic-grade essential oils is combined with various massage techniques to create a unique and profound experience. Young Living Therapeutic-Grade Essential Oils
Also available: Pregnancy massage and Hot Stone
Meet Your Massage Therapist! My name is Kayla Gertken and I’ve been performing Massage Therapy since 2008. I completed my training at Minnesota School of Business, earning my Associates Degree. I am skilled in performing Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Therapy, Rain Drop Thereapy, Pregnancy Massage, and Hot Stone Massage, along with other specialized techniques. My main focus is to assist each client in feeling comfortable, relaxed and their healthiest. Besides massage therapy I enjoy spending time with my husband Chris, my two children (Penelope and Colton) and dog Axle. We like to go hunting and fishing together and spending time with our extended families.