Appleton Healthy Steps Massage
Tammy Schleicher, Appleton's Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Reflexologist, Reiki Practioner
My name is Tammy Schleicher. I am a Licensed Massage Therapist in Appleton, ABMP member certified, Certified Reflexologist, & Reiki Practitioner in the Fox Cities area. I have been studying Massage and Reflexology, Reiki and other modalities for over 5 years. I believe in the many benefits of Massage, Reflexology, Reiki & other therapeutic holistic approaches to the body's natural ability to heal itself. I am excited to be able to offer my services to the Fox Cities. I hope you find my website informative! Feel free to post any questions on my "contact us" page.
Appleton Healthy Steps Massage
I WILL BE AT BOTANICAL INDULGENCE IN NEENAH IN JANUARY OFFERING 10 MINUTE SAMPLE REFLEXOLOGY SESSIONS! COME AND EXPERIENCE ALL THEY HAVE TO OFFER, AS WELL AS YOUR FREE REFLEXOLOGY SAMPLE AND ENJOY! I WILL POST DATE AT A LATER TIME.
!!NOW OFFERING BAMBOO MASSAGE IN APPLETON!! For details check out the services tab. Come and experience this relaxing massage today!!
*NOW ACCEPTING MAJOR CREDIT CARDS AT OUR OFFICE in Appleton!*
GIFT CERTIFICATES ALSO AVAILABLE! PLEASE GO TO MY SERVICES/SPECIALS PAGE ON THIS WEBSITE TO PURCHASE YOURS, OR CALL TAMMY
@ (920) 407-3051.
Why Massage?
Why massage? Why not just curling up with a good book to relax? While there is nothing wrong with that, is there something physical (other than unwinding) that you can gleam from losing yourself in a book? So, what about massage? What benefits can we reap from regular visits to a place of massage? Evidence is showing that the more massage you can allow yourself, the better you'll feel. Here's why.
Massage as a healing tool has been around for thousands of years in many cultures. Touching is a natural human reaction to pain and stress, and for conveying compassion and support. Think of the last time you bumped your head or had a sore calf. What did you do? Rubbed it, right? The same was true of our earliest ancestors. Healers throughout time and throughout the world have instinctually and independently developed a wide range of therapeutic techniques using touch. Many are still in use today, and with good reason. We now have scientific proof of the benefits of massage - benefits ranging from treating chronic diseases and injuries to alleviating the growing tensions of our modern lifestyles. Having a massage does more than just relax your body and mind - there are specific physiological and psychological changes which occur, even more so when massage is utilized as a preventative, frequent therapy and not simply mere luxury. Massage not only feels good, but it can cure what ails you.
The Consequences of Stress
Experts estimate that 80 percent to 90 percent of disease is stress-related. Massage and bodywork is there to combat that frightening number by helping us remember what it means to relax. The physical changes massage brings to your body can have a positive effect in many areas of your life. Besides increasing relaxation and decreasing anxiety, massage lowers your blood pressure, increases circulation, improves recovery from injury, helps you to sleep better and can increase your concentration. It reduces fatigue and gives you more energy to handle stressful situations.
Massage is a perfect elixir for good health, but it can also provide an integration of body and mind. By producing a meditative state or heightened awareness of living in the present moment, massage can provide emotional and spiritual balance, bringing with it true relaxation and peace.
The incredible benefits of massage are doubly powerful if taken in regular "doses." Dr. Maria Hernandez-Reif, from the Touch Research Institute (TRI) at the University of Miami, is known for her massage research, along with colleague Tiffany Field. Together, they and other researchers have done outstanding work proving the value of massage. While their studies have shown we can benefit from massage even in small doses (15 minutes of chair massage or a half-hour table session), Hernandez-Reif says they know from their research that receiving bodywork 2-3 times a week is highly beneficial. And if we lived in a fantasy world, Hernandez-Reif has the answer. "I feel a daily massage is optimal."
It's undoubtedly a wonderful thing when your therapist begins unwinding those stress-tightened muscles, and your day's troubles begin to fade away. But it's the cherry on top to know this "medicine" only gets better with frequency.
What You Already Know: The Benefits of Massage
In an age of technical and, at times, impersonal medicine, massage offers a drug-free, non-invasive and humanistic approach based on the body's natural ability to heal itself. So what exactly are the benefits to receiving regular massage and/or bodywork treatments?
Massage as a healing tool has been around for thousands of years in many cultures. Touching is a natural human reaction to pain and stress, and for conveying compassion and support. Think of the last time you bumped your head or had a sore calf. What did you do? Rubbed it, right? The same was true of our earliest ancestors. Healers throughout time and throughout the world have instinctually and independently developed a wide range of therapeutic techniques using touch. Many are still in use today, and with good reason. We now have scientific proof of the benefits of massage - benefits ranging from treating chronic diseases and injuries to alleviating the growing tensions of our modern lifestyles. Having a massage does more than just relax your body and mind - there are specific physiological and psychological changes which occur, even more so when massage is utilized as a preventative, frequent therapy and not simply mere luxury. Massage not only feels good, but it can cure what ails you.
The Consequences of Stress
Experts estimate that 80 percent to 90 percent of disease is stress-related. Massage and bodywork is there to combat that frightening number by helping us remember what it means to relax. The physical changes massage brings to your body can have a positive effect in many areas of your life. Besides increasing relaxation and decreasing anxiety, massage lowers your blood pressure, increases circulation, improves recovery from injury, helps you to sleep better and can increase your concentration. It reduces fatigue and gives you more energy to handle stressful situations.
Massage is a perfect elixir for good health, but it can also provide an integration of body and mind. By producing a meditative state or heightened awareness of living in the present moment, massage can provide emotional and spiritual balance, bringing with it true relaxation and peace.
The incredible benefits of massage are doubly powerful if taken in regular "doses." Dr. Maria Hernandez-Reif, from the Touch Research Institute (TRI) at the University of Miami, is known for her massage research, along with colleague Tiffany Field. Together, they and other researchers have done outstanding work proving the value of massage. While their studies have shown we can benefit from massage even in small doses (15 minutes of chair massage or a half-hour table session), Hernandez-Reif says they know from their research that receiving bodywork 2-3 times a week is highly beneficial. And if we lived in a fantasy world, Hernandez-Reif has the answer. "I feel a daily massage is optimal."
It's undoubtedly a wonderful thing when your therapist begins unwinding those stress-tightened muscles, and your day's troubles begin to fade away. But it's the cherry on top to know this "medicine" only gets better with frequency.
What You Already Know: The Benefits of Massage
In an age of technical and, at times, impersonal medicine, massage offers a drug-free, non-invasive and humanistic approach based on the body's natural ability to heal itself. So what exactly are the benefits to receiving regular massage and/or bodywork treatments?
- Increases circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs
- Stimulates lymph flow against toxic invaders i.e., in breast cancer patients, an increase the cells that fight cancer
- Increased circulation of blood and lymph systems improves the condition of the body's largest organ - the skin
- Relaxes and softens injured and overused muscles
- Reduces spasms and cramping
- Increases joint flexibility
- Reduces recovery time, prepares for strenuous workouts and eliminates subsequent pains of the athlete at any level
- Releases endorphins - the body's natural painkiller - used in chronic pain, illness, and acute injury to relieve pain
- Reduces post-surgery adhesions and edema to reduce and realign scar tissue after healing has occurred
- Improves range-of-motion and decreases discomfort for patients with low back pain
- Relieves pain for migraine sufferers and decreases the need for medication
- Provides exercise and stretching for those with restricted range of motion in atrophied and shortened muscles
- Expectant mothers use less medication, have less depression and anxiety, and it shortens labor and hospital stays
So, Why Reflexology?
What do we know about the benefits of Reflexology? Reflexology is a form of acupressure, using the thumb and the fingers, and is a highly effective alternative medicine. The reflex correlating to the organ “mapped out” on the foot is affected, and it sends electrical pulses to that organ to detoxify and cleanse itself of any congestion blocking the pathway to that organ.
Imagine a stagnant pond, with no inlet or outlet, full of toxins and algae. Now imagine putting an inlet and an outlet in that same pond, bringing fresh water and healing life to that pond. That is what Reflexology does for your body. Reflexology assists in many different areas of general body health. Some of the most beneficial aspects of Reflexology include the following:
· Increases circulation
· Relaxes tension in your body
· Normalizes your body and all its functions
Reflexology helps your body eliminate and remove the toxins and it clears the way for the body to function properly without outside interference. Practitioners can relieve stress and pain in other parts of the body through the manipulation of the feet, hands, and ears. Some of the things Reflexology can help with are these:
· Sluggishness or tiredness
· Fibromyalgia
· Digestive issues
· Immune/autoimmune systems
· Reproductive problems
· Headaches
· Back or foot problems
…and many other issues.
The origins of Reflexology are not known, but the earliest attestation to a similar health technique can be found in an illustration on the walls of the physician’s tomb at Saqqara in Egypt. The practitioner is stationed working at the man’s feet. The hieroglyphics in the tomb can be translated to; "Don’t hurt me." The practitioner’s reply is: "I shall act so you praise me." Many civilizations have practiced reflexology. Evidence of this has been documented on four continents: North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. The roots of Zoku Shin Do go back to ancient China and are over 5000 years old. The Cherokee tribes of North America to this day practice a form of Reflexology that they continue to pass from generation to generation.
Imagine a stagnant pond, with no inlet or outlet, full of toxins and algae. Now imagine putting an inlet and an outlet in that same pond, bringing fresh water and healing life to that pond. That is what Reflexology does for your body. Reflexology assists in many different areas of general body health. Some of the most beneficial aspects of Reflexology include the following:
· Increases circulation
· Relaxes tension in your body
· Normalizes your body and all its functions
Reflexology helps your body eliminate and remove the toxins and it clears the way for the body to function properly without outside interference. Practitioners can relieve stress and pain in other parts of the body through the manipulation of the feet, hands, and ears. Some of the things Reflexology can help with are these:
· Sluggishness or tiredness
· Fibromyalgia
· Digestive issues
· Immune/autoimmune systems
· Reproductive problems
· Headaches
· Back or foot problems
…and many other issues.
The origins of Reflexology are not known, but the earliest attestation to a similar health technique can be found in an illustration on the walls of the physician’s tomb at Saqqara in Egypt. The practitioner is stationed working at the man’s feet. The hieroglyphics in the tomb can be translated to; "Don’t hurt me." The practitioner’s reply is: "I shall act so you praise me." Many civilizations have practiced reflexology. Evidence of this has been documented on four continents: North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. The roots of Zoku Shin Do go back to ancient China and are over 5000 years old. The Cherokee tribes of North America to this day practice a form of Reflexology that they continue to pass from generation to generation.
How does It Work?
Although Reflexology has been around for about 5000 years, the term 'zone therapy' was introduced in 1913 by William H. Fitzgerald, M.D. (1872-1942). Since then, it has been studied and perfected. Zone Therapy is based on the idea that each body part is represented on the hands and feet and that pressing (acupressure) on specific areas on the hands or feet can have therapeutic effects in other parts of the body.
- The body is divided into 10 longitudinal zones—five on the left side and five on the right side of the body
- Each organ and area of the body is represented on the hands and feet
- Reflexing each area can stimulate the flow of energy, blood, nutrients, and nerve impulses to the corresponding body zone
Check out this Interactive Foot Reflexology Zone Therapy Chart using the "Ingham Method"
What Does Research Have To Say About Reflexology?
Research article from Kevin & Barbara Kuntz
Research has shown the specific techniques of Reflexology to be effective and beneficial in many ways. A survey of 170 Reflexology studies from 21 countries shows that Reflexology is effective, impacting a variety of physical and psychological concerns. Reflexology:
· Creates relaxation: From the moment the Reflexologists hands start their work, the relaxation begins as shown in research using EEG brain activity. All together, 24 studies demonstrate Reflexology’s relaxation effects.
· Reduces pain: Pain reduction following Reflexology work is documented in 27 studies including research showing impact on individuals of all ages and health states
· Ameliorates health concerns: Research shows that Reflexology work helps individuals of all ages with some 78 health concerns ranging from aggressive behavior in children to urinary concerns of the elderly.
· Improves blood flow: Separate studies show that Reflexology work increases blood flow to the feet, brain, kidneys and intestines.
· Aids post-operative recovery: Reflexology work aids recovery after surgery as shown by several studies, reducing pain and lessening the use of post-operative analgesics.
· Impact on physiological measures (e. g. blood pressure and cholesterol; measurements by ECG, EEG, and fMRI)
· Enhances medical care: Reflexology helps where nothing else can for many: phantom limb pain sufferers, neuropathy patients, and hemodialysis patients to name a few.
· Benefits mental health: Research demonstrates that Reflexology can reduce depression (11 studies) and anxiety (9 studies).
· Complements cancer care: Pain, nausea, vomiting, and/or anxiety eased for chemotherapy patients following Reflexology work as shown by 16 studies from 7 countries.
· Eases pregnancy, delivery and postpartum effects: Women who received Reflexology experienced shorter labor times and used less analgesia. In addition, Reflexology showed a positive impact on postpartum depression, anxiety, urination and bowel movements.
In general terms, the benefits of Reflexology have to do with the reduction of stress. Because the feet and hands help set the tension level for the rest of the body, they are an easy way to interrupt the stress signal and reset homeostasis, the body's equilibrium.
Research has shown the specific techniques of Reflexology to be effective and beneficial in many ways. A survey of 170 Reflexology studies from 21 countries shows that Reflexology is effective, impacting a variety of physical and psychological concerns. Reflexology:
· Creates relaxation: From the moment the Reflexologists hands start their work, the relaxation begins as shown in research using EEG brain activity. All together, 24 studies demonstrate Reflexology’s relaxation effects.
· Reduces pain: Pain reduction following Reflexology work is documented in 27 studies including research showing impact on individuals of all ages and health states
· Ameliorates health concerns: Research shows that Reflexology work helps individuals of all ages with some 78 health concerns ranging from aggressive behavior in children to urinary concerns of the elderly.
· Improves blood flow: Separate studies show that Reflexology work increases blood flow to the feet, brain, kidneys and intestines.
· Aids post-operative recovery: Reflexology work aids recovery after surgery as shown by several studies, reducing pain and lessening the use of post-operative analgesics.
· Impact on physiological measures (e. g. blood pressure and cholesterol; measurements by ECG, EEG, and fMRI)
· Enhances medical care: Reflexology helps where nothing else can for many: phantom limb pain sufferers, neuropathy patients, and hemodialysis patients to name a few.
· Benefits mental health: Research demonstrates that Reflexology can reduce depression (11 studies) and anxiety (9 studies).
· Complements cancer care: Pain, nausea, vomiting, and/or anxiety eased for chemotherapy patients following Reflexology work as shown by 16 studies from 7 countries.
· Eases pregnancy, delivery and postpartum effects: Women who received Reflexology experienced shorter labor times and used less analgesia. In addition, Reflexology showed a positive impact on postpartum depression, anxiety, urination and bowel movements.
In general terms, the benefits of Reflexology have to do with the reduction of stress. Because the feet and hands help set the tension level for the rest of the body, they are an easy way to interrupt the stress signal and reset homeostasis, the body's equilibrium.