Ever wonder why you feel so relaxed after a massage?  Many aspects related to massage engage the parasympathetic nervous system.  The function of the parasympathetic nervous system is to restore the body to ‘balance’ after experiencing stress or pain.

One of the most under estimated aspects of massage is simply the weight of the blanket on the stomach.  Other elements of massage that engage the parasympathetic nervous system are music, lighting, aromatherapy and of course the massage itself on the body. ...

There are three distinct branches of muscles making up the Tranvsersospinalis Group; semipinalis capitis, rotatores and multifidi.  The action of these muscles allows us to extend (straighten) the vertebral column and to rotate to the opposite side.  Thinking about how much we move daily, stretching, reaching, bending over and straightening, these set of muscles get a work out.   Since they are not the large muscle groups such a quads or hamstrings they don’t get much attention – UNTIL you ...