Relax Take an hour out of your busy day, lie down surrounded by a pleasant ambience and enjoy a relaxation massage and / or be treated for muscular aches, pains and tension headaches. About Massage Massage stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is that division of our nervous system that promotes 'rest and digest'; opposite and in contrast to the sympathetic nervous system that poises us for 'fight or flight'. Massage consists of a plethora of manual techniques to systematically and therapeutically manipulate the muscular system. A combination of basic strokes is applied to the body during a relaxation massage. Advanced techniques are additionally applied as required during remedial massage. These deal with the treatment of muscular imbalances that can be the cause of conditions such as repetitive strain injury (RSI), frozen shoulder, lack of range of motion, tension headaches, stiff muscles, or impaired circulation and elimination such as blocked sinuses, oedema, constipation and many more. Your Practitioner John Warouw holds a Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy) from the University of New England, a Naturopathy Diploma from Health Schools Australia and a Remedial Massage Diploma from the ACT College of Natural Therapies. He is an accredited Naturopath and Remedial Massage Therapist with the Australian Traditional-Medicine Society (ATMS), a professional member of the Complementary Medicine Practitioner Associations Council (CMPAC) and the Complementary Health Council (CHC). John has been in practice since 1996. His private practice is in Melba, ACT. John is registered with most Health Funds for Naturopathy and Massage. When treating patients with massage, John deploys techniques such as: relaxation massage; joint mobilisation; deep tissue friction (DTF); proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF); trigger point treatment (TPT); myofascial release; manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) etc. Massage Benefits Massage can potentially be beneficial by: Promoting Healthy Skin o Nourishes and promotes healthy skin by improving sebaceous secretion to lubricate the skin; encouraging surface circulation, thus improving skin condition and texture o Improves skin flexibility and elasticity and loosens scar tissue to maintain healthy skin mobility o Relaxes the fascia on the scalp, decreasing tension and some forms of headaches Maintaining General Health o Improves circulation of blood and lymph o Relaxes muscles and improves joint mobility o Improves functioning of the immune system o Hastens elimination of harmful particles / toxins through improved blood and lymph circulation Promoting Healthy Muscles o Supports better muscle activity through increased circulation of nutrients and removal of waste products o Relieves restricted motion due to muscle tightness, stiffness and spasms. o

o Can relieve pain by relaxing muscles and other tight tissues that may entrap nerves o Helps prepare the muscles and joints for activity (pre-sports events) o Assists muscle recovery post-sport event or after any intense muscle activity Aiding the digestive system o Encourages digestion through a gentle stomach massage o Relaxation encourages the parasympathetic nervous system (that is the nervous system that stimulates digestion) Treating problem conditions o Eases muscular tension and aches o Alleviates tension headaches o Eases muscular back pain o Addresses oedema through improved circulation o Relaxes stress and anxiety o Assists clearing blocked sinuses Providing general stress relief o Relaxes tense muscles o Improves circulation and nutrition of tissues o Generally relaxing What to expect You will be massaged in a comfortable atmosphere on a padded massage-table surrounded by soothing aromatic scents and pleasant music. Expect a peaceful, relaxing experience. Allow an extra 15 minutes if this is your first massage session because it commences with taking a health-history. This includes detailed questions about your physical condition in order to maximise the effectiveness and safety of the session. If the purpose of your visit is to treat a specific condition (rather than general relaxation only), the details are discussed so that the session can focus on the areas that require treatment. Oil is used to aid the massage process. If you have a strong personal preference against the use of natural oils, lotions may be used. During the massage you will be regularly asked for feedback on the pressure that is applied so that it stays at your level of comfort and need. Pressure varies from light gentle touch to strong deep tissue massage. Privacy Personal information is collected in order to deliver the safest and best possible health care to you. That information is obtained directly from you, or with your consent from people like your general medical practitioner. All personal information collected is kept in strict confidence and not disclosed to any third party without gaining your consent or, in some instances, where the law requires it. You have full access to all your records kept by the clinic. Your privacy is assured Ethics & Etiquette For a full-body massage you will be asked to disrobe to a level that you feel comfortable with. Undressing and dressing takes place in private, and a sheet, towel or gown is provided for draping. Your modesty is respected at all times and you continue to be completely covered except for the area being massaged.