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It's not just your everyday backrub. Massage therapy is now being offered
through the Well·Life Department at Saint Joseph Health Center. It's one
of the best ways to provide an overall feeling of wellness in individuals
and has been shown to provide physical, mental and spiritual benefits.
"We've had a lot of requests for massage therapy," says Jeanette Metzler,
Well·Life coordinator. "It really complements healing and health, and
fits perfectly with our mission of treating the body, mind and spirit."
"I've always believed touch to be very important in healing," says Janet
Rose, one of the massage therapists providing the service for the health
center. "I've been interested in massage therapy since I was in my 20s-but
took it up seriously after my kids were grown." Rose studied at the New
Mexico Academy of Healing Arts in Santa Fe. She is nationally certified
and licensed through the state of Missouri.
"My work is based on traditional Swedish massage," says Rose.
"It's a very popular basic kind of massage for general relaxation. It
leaves the person with an overall sense of well-being. It sometimes involves
some deep tissue work, depending on the needs of the client."
Other massages are being offered as well. Reflexology massage
is normally done of the foot and/or hands. Pressure is applied to specific
points that correspond to different areas of the body. Reiki is
an energy balancing massage aimed at stress reduction and relaxation.
The client remains fully clothed. A chair massage is great for those short
on time and energy. It focuses on the head, neck, shoulders and arms.
Rose is also certified to teach infant massage. When done properly, it
can improve a baby's digestion and circulation. It can help relax and
calm a fussy baby and has been shown to raise a child's sense of self.
"Infant massage provides a wonderful opportunity for bonding," says Rose.
"It's a very personal experience between a parent and child. I think it's
so important. If babies can experience a loving, nurturing touch, they
carry it with them their whole lives."
Prices for massages depend not on the type of massage (because each session
is personalized) but on the number of minutes:
- 30 minutes $45
- 60 minutes $60
Rose says she has worked with people of all ages and with different conditions.
"Each massage is tailored for each person. Each time is different-because
people are never the same. They come with a different body than they had
a week before."
Appointments for massages are required and can be made by calling
816-943-2167.
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