Massage Therapy

Our Practitioners offer several forms of massage ~
Some of which are explained in this section.
Please let us know if you have questions and if you would like to have sessions individually tailored to your specific needs.


Both Melissa & Debra are trained in this Technique

What is Raindrop Therapy Technique?

The Beautiful Art of Bringing Balance
Essential Oils were used in ancient times to lift the spirit and increase the energies of the body. The Bible contains many examples of oils being used to anoint and cleanse the body. The beautiful ritual of applying oils was practiced with the purest intentions in the hope of bringing great joy and relief to both, those who gave and those who received it.
The Raindrop Technique, a gentle massage method of "dropping" essential oils on the spine and back, was introduced to modern society by Dr. Gary Young. His inspiration came from the traditions of an earth-based people, the Lakota Indians. A Lakota medicine man named Wallace Black Elk told Gary the story of how the Lakota people used to migrate to Canada each spring. There they would experience the beauty and healing benefits of the aurora borealis, or Northern Lights.
The Lakota people would reach their hands high into the sky, using them as antennas to pull vibrant energy from the dancing lights. They would breathe the energy level in and push it up the spines. They believed that these enchanting lights had the power to raise their personal energy level and to make them well.
In the 1800's, when the borders between the United States and Canada were completed, the Lakota people could no longer travel north to experience the energizing effects of the Northern Lights. So they used feathers instead to raise their energy, brushing them lightly up the spine.
A few years after his meeting with Wallace Black Elk, Gary studied the beneficial effects of therapeutic-grade essential oils on spinal malformities and other difficulties of the body. He was inspired at that time to use a brushing technique similar to what is used by the Lakota when applying the oils. The result is the famous Raindrop Technique, which has benefited thousands.

The Raindrop Technique is often used in conjunction with a type of foot massage called Vita Flex. These two techniques are very different from traditional reflexology and back massage in that they do not employ heavy pressure, pushing, or any form of spinal manipulation. The gentle action of the oils is what brings about the remarkable results.
The principle oils include: Valor, thyme, oregano, wintergreen, cypress, peppermint, basil, and marjoram. The oils are dropped onto the back from a height of about six inches, hence the name, "Raindrop". The oils are then lightly brushed with the fingertips until they are absorbed into the skin, infusing the body with their positive properties.

Valor A special blend from YLEO that works on electrical and energy alignment of the body. The key to using this blend of oils is patience. Once the frequencies begin to balance in these areas, then a structural alignment can occur. This is the most important oil used in this application.
Thyme*(Thymus vulgaris) is one of the most antiseptic essential oils. It contains thymol, which has been studied for its effect on gingivitis and plaque-causing organisms in the mouth. It may be beneficial in helping to overcome fatigue and exhaustion. This essential oil can easily penetrate the body, and may help kill any bacteria that may be present. Supplies energy during times of stress and physical weakness.
Oregano works similarly to thyme but is more aggressive and may help stimulate the immune system, balance metabolism and strengthen the vital centers of the body.
Wintergreen *(Gaultheria prcumbens) contains the same active ingredient (methyl salicylate) as birch and is beneficial for massage associated with bone, muscle, and joint discomfort. Elevates and increases awareness in sensory system.
Cypress(Cupressus sempervirens) is one of the oils most used to support the circulatory system.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is one of the oldest and most highly regarded herbs for soothing digestion. Peppermint has been found to improve mental accuracy, and soothe the respiratory system. Jean Valnet, M.D., studied peppermint's effect on the liver and respiratory systems. Other scientists have also researched peppermint's role in affecting impaired taste and smell when inhaled. Dr. William N. Dember of the University of Cincinnati studied peppermint's ability to improve concentration and mental accuracy. Alan Hirsch, M.D., studied peppermint's ability to directly affect the brain's satiety center, which triggers a sense of fullness after meals.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) can be relaxing to muscles, including smooth muscles (those not subject to our voluntary control, such as the heart and digestive system). It may also be used to soothe insect bites when applied topically. Beneficial for mental fatigue, basil may help stimulate and sharpen the sense of smell.
Marjoram(Origanum majorana) is used for calming the respiratory system and assists in relieving spasms, relax the muscles. Massage to calm stressed muscles. supporting the muscles and the respiratory system. It assists in calming the nerves and is antiseptic.

What is Aromatherapy??

As defined by the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy
www.naha.org


“Aromatherapy is...the skilled and controlled use of essential oils for physical and emotional health and well being.” Valerie Cooksley

“Aromatherapy conveys the concept of healing with aromatic substances.” Robert Tisserand

“Aromatherapy is a caring, hands-on therapy which seeks to induce relaxation, to increase energy, to reduce the effects of stress and to restore last balance to mind, body and soul.” Robert Tisserand

“Aromatherapy can be defined as the controlled us of essential oils to maintain and promote physical, psychological, and spiritual wellbeing.” Gabriel Mojay

Aromatherapy can be defined as the art and science of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize and promote the health of body, mind and spirit. It is an art and science which seeks to explore the physiological, as to observe and enhance the individual’s innate healing process. As a holistic medicine, Aromatherapy is both a prebventative approach as well as an active treatment during acute and chronic stages of illness or ‘dis’-ease.

It is a natural, non-invasive treatment system designed to affect the whole person not just the symptom or disease and to ssist the body’s natural ability to balance, regulate, heal an maintain itself by the correct use of essential oils.

“Aromatheray is essentially an interaction between the therapist, client and essential oils, working together to bring forthe ht ehealing energy which will help the client regain their sense of well being and vitality.” Jade Shutes

Origin of the word Aromatherapie

The term “aromatherapie” was coined by Rene Maurice Gattefosse in 1928. He utilized the word to imply the therapeutic use of aromatic substances (essential oils). Since the beginning of Aromatherapy, the practice has encompassed human pathology and the treatment of different conditions (emotional and physical) with essential oils. As Aromatherapy developed into a practice it adopted an holistic approach which encompasses the body, the mind and the spirit (energy).

As an holistic therapy Aromatherapy is able to work on several levels of the individuals well being.


How does aromatherapy massage work??

The nostrils are attached to a part of the brain called the limbic system. The limbic system controls our emotions and influences the nervous system and hormones.

When you inhale essential oil molecules, messages are transmitted to the limbic system and affect heart rate, stress level, blood pressure, breathing, memory, digestion and the immune system.

Essential oils are also believed to be absorbed through the skin into our system.

Each essential oil has different healing properties. For example, some calm while others energize.

The essential oils/blends and their specific qualities  that are offered for therapeutic massage consist of:

Orange/Ginger:Revitalizing
Ylang Ylang/MyrrhSoothing
Eucalyptus/Spearmint/St. John’s WortStress Relief
Vanilla/Lavender/AngelicaTranquil Sleep
Cedar Wood/Clary/PatchouliSerenity
LavenderStress Relief, Uplifting
LemongrassCalming, Uplifting
RoseCalming, Uplifting


Notation: If you suspect that you may be pregnant, please inform your therapist, as some essential oils are contraindicated with pregnancy. Thank you!

The Holistic Center Inc.
"On The Historic Town Common"
53 East Main Street ~ Route 9 West Brookfield, MA. 01585
(508) 867-3409

Retail & Drop In hours:  Open Tuesdays thru Saturdays 11 am to 6 pm ~
Also by Chance & Appointment
All Private Sessions Scheduled by Appointment ~