- Integrated Body Therapies
Christine A. Ruppert, LMT5712 Stillwell Road
Rockville, MD 20851301-231-8695
Wellness
New Mom, New Lifestyle – How Massage Can Support You
A healthy, well-balanced lifestyle is multi-faceted, and must incorporate elements of the physical, mental, and spiritual. As a new mom, it is easy to feel like you are running on empty in all of these categories. Your world revolves around caring for the new bundle of joy, and your own needs quickly become secondary. However, it is essential that you nurture yourself as much as possible during this transition. While it may sound cliché, sleep when the baby sleeps. Seriously, the dishes will wait. Exercise and nutrition will strengthen your reserves, even if it consists of an apple, a protein bar, and a walk around the block. Stay connected to your support system, and consider community resources such as a new mom support group. Baby yoga and infant massage are great ways to connect with other moms while doing something healthy for yourself. continue reading
Here’s the latest research on how massage helps heal sore muscles
After vigorous exercise, a good massage feels really great. It helps to ease muscle soreness and relax away muscle tension. Massage therapists and athletes have long known that massage reduces signs of inflammation and reduces muscle tightness. Until now it was unknown how massage helps stressed muscles. However, a recent research study published in Science Translational Medicine shows how massage affects muscles at the cellular level. continue reading
Studies Show Massage is Good for Relieving Depression and Anxiety
Massage is an ancient technique for helping people to overcome physical and psychological health problems. Massage is an integral component of traditional Chinese medicine, and in the United States is a part of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). It is helpful in promoting healing for a range of conditions, from physical injuries to emotional stress. Recent studies have shown that massage provides positive support for those experiencing depression and anxiety.
Depression and Anxiety
The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that approximately 10% of Americans suffer from some form of depression in a given year, while 18% suffer from some type of anxiety disorder. These disorders may coexist and often go untreated. Depression and anxiety can interfere with an individual’s ability to fully engage socially, and increases the risk of unemployment. They can lower the body’s defenses and make people more susceptible to diseases. continue reading
Connecting Cultures: Massage Therapy & Tui Na
Dating back to 1700 B.C., Tui Na (pronounced “twee-nah”) is an ancient Asian form of bodywork and healing. It is recognized as the precursor to most forms of Asian bodywork, and in many ways, it mirrors the foundations of Western Massage Therapy. continue reading
The Seven Best Types of Stretching
Evaluating the various types of stretching can be difficult. Fortunately I’ve got a list to help you identify the seven best types of stretching to incorporate with your massages.
Understanding and knowing the difference between each stretching technique will help you decide which will suit your specific needs. continue reading
How Swedish Massage Effects Hormone and Immune Function
Most of us experience times when we seem much less tolerant to illness and generally just feel run down. We all know that a healthy lifestyle including a nutritious diet, exercise, plenty of sleep and a decrease in stress, plays an important role in encouraging wellness. Additionally, research is beginning to show that massage is also a positive contributor to staying healthy. continue reading
Massage Benefits The Elderly Too
One group that is seeing an increase in the use of alternative therapy such as massage is the elderly. In fact, many massage therapists receive specialized training to work with them. As the “baby boomers” get older and this population group grows, it’s good to know just how they can benefit from massage.
Geriatric massage is geared towards the specific physical and psychological aspects of aging.
5 Ways That Massage Removes Common Obstacles to Meditation
If you want a meditation practice but have never been able to stick with the program, massage can remove many of the common obstacles. Learn how a massage session can get you ready to feel more peaceful and connected.
Sleep: Many people complain that they can’t meditate because they fall asleep as soon as they sit down. That is a sure sign that you are sleep deprived. You’re not alone. Fifty to seventy million Americans experience sleep issues that affect their health according to the Institutes of Medicine. Research shows that massage enables better quality rest for people of all ages. continue reading
Include Massage Therapy in your New Year’s Resolutions
The end of December is near and Christmas has passed. New Year’s Eve is right around the corner. As old as the tradition of watching the ball drop in Times Square, there is our New Year’s Resolution.
Common resolution list items might look like this:
- “I’m going to go to the gym 3 times a week.”
- “I’m going to eat healthier.”
- “I’m going to work less and relax more.”
More often that not, we find ourselves falling behind on our resolutions before January is even over. We have the best of intentions, and we are trying to take better care of ourselves and achieve a better work-life balance. But sometimes, we try to achieve those goals the ineffectively. continue reading
Stretching Between Sessions to Sustain Results
Whether it is emotional or physical, stress takes its toll on our bodies overtime. This can cause chronically tight muscles and various aches and pain. In many cases this can be easily prevented with proactive self-care.
One of my many goals as your massage therapist is to prevent pain. While we all wish we could get massages on a daily (or even weekly) basis, there will probably be weekly gaps between your sessions. To keep your body in tune, stretching is an effective technique for self-maintenance. continue reading