Certain internal health challenges can be chronic conditions that cause ongoing stress for the individual. Seeking real relief can also be stressful in finding a viable solution to the condition. Let's look at two ***VERY*** common health concerns and explore avenues to potential pain relief.
MENSTRUAL PAIN
Menstrual pain and discomfort (DYSMENORRHEA) can affect up to 95% of women. You read that correctly - 95%. Menses are generally a 21 day cycle and can fluctuate between 21 - 35 days. Hormones are typically well balanced, but when there is a rise or fall in these levels, symptoms arise that are immediately reflected both physically and mentally.
Mood swings, cramps, anxiety, cravings, insomnia, acne, fatigue, and headaches are typical. At the least, these can appear as simple challenges but to some women, these can be seriously debilitating.
CONSTIPATION
A condition that everyone has experienced at some point *sigh* , the rates of constipation increase as we age. Lifestyle, foods, stress and other environmental factors can play major roles in contributing to constipation. The OTC laxative pharmaceutical treatments in North America was over $1 billion in 2019. That's billion with a "b."
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Both of these conditions can be significantly assisted by belly massage.
For clarity, 'abdominal massage' would be medically accurate. This includes work to the region between the lower chest border and the top ridge of the pelvis, with all the various structures and systems that lay within.
Abdominal massage directly affects the parasympathetic nervous system. Parasympathetic is the "rest/digest/de-stress" response in the body. Accompanied by a slower heart beat and reduced respiration, a calmed body is naturally easier to stimulate for desirable positive outcomes.
The abdomen is special.
Understandably, it can also be an area that individuals do not wish worked on due to embarrassment or sensitivity. As healthcare professionals providing massage therapy, total client comfort is ensured for treatment from start to finish. A trip to restroom is recommended just before stepping into the private massage room to empty the bladder.
A heated, comfortable massage table with fresh linens is set for you as per usual. Undresssing to your level of comfort or fully clothed, you are covered by sheets. Towels are then carefully laid across the full chest area and across the pelvis rim, exposing only your abdomen. Your head and knees are fully supported by pillows for total relaxation. Heat is then immediately applied to the abdomen to soften the tissue for upcoming treatment along with an eye mask.
To further relax the body and mind, hand massage is first provided to enhance the experience. You may be guided here with direction to deepen your breath as you are led into the massage. This then moves to a base skull massage producing more relaxation to the whole. Heat is removed from the abdomen and gentle, feather touch is introduced with natural raw shea butter for easy massage on the skin. Raw shea is buttery and melts quickly upon contact. It provides a perfect slip to the hands & fingers as they work finely and intricately in this delicate region. Various techniques are used and extra time is spent unwinding 'hot spots' that are particularly painful to the client. The massage is free flowing and covers the sides of the body, back of the body in addition to the front belly. Work gradually goes deeper, accompanied by increased pressure, into the abdominal cavity but always within your comfort zone.
This fine-tuned massage often provides enough comfort and relaxation to reset the body internally and a marked improvement is felt within 24-48 hours.
Treatments for MOON MASSAGE and MIDDLE MASSAGE are 60 minutes in length and can be regularly scheduled as needed.
Moon Massage is ideally recommended 2-3 days prior to menstruation.
Middle Massage is ideally recommended after one week of no bowel movement.
Available at Apex Massage Therapy with Magie!
Magie Matulic, Author: My approach and practice are highly distinctive and effective. I created a specialized bodywork for clients I refer to as MAT MUSCLE MOBILISATION MASSAGE. This therapeutic treatment addresses:
• chronic pain relief
• deep tissue pressure
• myofascial unwinding
An experienced and compassionate health care professional, I have been providing professional massage therapy since 2012. My training is Canadian (Ontario) and Asian (Thailand). I have had the privilege of working together with elite professional NHL athletes, corporate executives, and the every person. In addition to working as a fully certified, licensed, and insured Registered Massage Therapist, I am also a certified yoga teacher.
Born and raised in Calgary, I have lived around the world. Personal interests include the arts, nature, photography, poetry, travel, writing, yoga and meditation.
My client focus of body+mind+spirit wellness is fully integrative and based in eastern traditions coupled with western modern science.
Shelly Macgregor is the Owner of Apex Massage Therapy Ltd. and the Founder of Spagoes and Spa 901 in Fernie BC. 
