Whether you seek it out for pain management, stress relief, or even a luxurious treat, bodywork and massage can have a profound effect on your health. And the benefits compound – the more you get, the more it helps.
Bodywork is a natural, alternative medicine technique that involves working with the body’s soft tissues for therapeutic benefits. This can include massage therapy, reflexology, shiatsu, acupressure, visceral manipulation, and more – according to the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals, there are almost 300 massage and bodywork methods. These methods can range to no touch, light touch, or deeper touch.
Most types of bodywork are used to relieve pain, improve physical functions, stress relief, and provide a better mind and body well being. The majority of people use bodywork to deal with chronic pain. “Bodywork is often used to resolve chronic pain from unidentified problems,” says therapist Jeannine A. Kiger of Outstanding Bodywork Therapy in Waynesburg. “It can improve your quality of life and just generally make you feel good.”
Jeannine has over 25 years of ongoing training in various aspects of bodywork therapy, including certifications as a massage therapist, nutritional therapist, colon hydrotherapist, and integrative health practitioner. Jeannine herself is an example that bodyworks therapy’s success. After an accident and years of failed treatment, she was told there was no hope for her condition. She turned to bodywork therapy, and found her quality of life restored over the years, which inspired her to chose her current career path.
“Life is a journey and your body is the vehicle you use for the journey,” shares Jeannine. “You’ve only got one, so you need to keep it running by checking the oil and doing maintenance. Bodywork is that maintenance.”
