WendyDonaldsonMassage.com
"Swedish and LifeStream style massage"
About Massage

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 707-363-5112
 email me

I offer in-office and mobile massage services throughout Napa Valley.

Why massage?  There are many reasons for enjoying regular massages, as listed below.  While most folks can BENEFIT FROM MASSAGE without concerns, there are some instances where MASSAGE IS "CONTRA-INDICATED"--not advisable.  Here are the facts:

BENEFITS OF MASSAGE

  • Because massage stimulates your body’s systems, you will have the most beneficial massage experience if you make sure to drink lots of water both before and after your massage, as well as, if you have at least a little something to eat.

  • Massage dilates the blood vessels, improving circulation and helps to reduce congestion in the body.

  • Massage increases the number of red blood cells especially in the cases of anemia.

  • Massage stimulates the lymphatic system, thereby, helping in the removal of toxins and wastes for the body. This stimulation aids in boosting the immune system’s ability to keep the body healthier.

  • Massage relaxes muscles, relieves tension and chronic pain.

  • Massage improves muscle tone and helps prevent or delay muscular atrophy resulting from forced inactivity.

  • Massage can compensate, in part, for lack of exercise and muscular contraction in persons who because of illness, injury or age are forced to remain inactive.

  • According to some authorities, massage can burst the fat capsules in subcutaneous tissue. Combined with a nutritious diet, rigorous exercise and drinking plenty of fluids, this can help in eliminating cellulite and excess weight in the body.

  • Massage stretches connective tissue, improves the tissue’s circulation and nutrition and so breaks down or prevents the formation of adhesions. This helps to prevent scars.

  • Massage improves the circulation and nutrition of joints and hastens the elimination of harmful deposits. It lessens inflammation and swelling in joints to help alleviate pain.

  • Massage reduces edema in the body.

  • Massage increases blood supply and nutrition to muscles without adding to their load of toxic lactic acid produced through voluntary muscle contraction. Massage thus help to prevent buildup of harmful “fatigue” products resulting from strenuous exercise.

  • Massage makes you feel wonderful!

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CONTRAINDICATIONS OF MASSAGE

“Contraindication” means not indicated. Massage is not advised when certain medical conditions are present. It is important for me to know your medical history so I can adjust the massage or not give one as needed.

  • I won’t do a massage when a Doctor has prohibited it nor in the acute stages of these conditions: Allergies, Cancer, Contagious Conditions, Inflammation, Pregnancy when complications are present, severe Edema and Thrombosis.

I will do an adjusted and/or light massage when conditions have passed, lessened and/or avoid the affected areas as indicated, especially under these conditions: frail elderly, herniated or ruptures discs, Osteoporosis, strains, and Cancer.

  • Doctor’s: They win, they’re right. I will need their written permission as indicated below:

    Allergies: Allergy symptoms are your immune system’s way of telling you something foreign is present and your body is working hard to rid itself of the allergen. Massage can upset this balance in the acute stages. Some people find massage very helpful to stimulate the immune system and some find that massage overwhelms it. Light massage only for the acute stages.

Cancer: You and your doctor need to decide whether massage is right for you in this case. Massage stimulates the lymphatic system which can spread the cancer; however, lymphatic stimulation helps remove toxins which can boost the immune system. It’s a choice you and your doctor have to make.

Contagious Conditions: Infection: Influenza, Colds, Virus, Bacterial, Sinus, Bronchitis, some Cysts, etc.

—The liver and kidneys can be overwhelmed by infectious toxins. The immune system battles infections by gathering them up into the lymphatic system. Massage stimulates the lymphatic system and then spreads the infection back around the body. I’ve had two people who thought their colds were receding enough to have massage and were then sick again later on that day or the next day. Also I need to protect myself and my space from infection. I recommend at least a week after symptoms have receded before having a massage. Massage can be very beneficial after that week has passed.

Skin Conditions: Head and body lice, Poison Oak and Poison Ivy, Scabies—massage would just spread these conditions further around your body, my body and my massage space. I recommend as least a week after condition clears up.

I will avoid areas with Skin Conditions like sores, warts, lumps eczema, burns, skin cancer, stings, boils, hives, shingles, etc.

Inflammation: Arthritis, Bursitis, Tendonitis, Neuritis, Dermatitis, Phlebitis, and Sprains and strains, etc.--Massage directly on the affected area in the acute stages of inflammation can overwhelm the kidneys and liver with toxins, as well as, increase the inflammation. Inflammation indicates that your body is already working hard to correct these conditions. Massage on areas not directly affected by the inflammation can be beneficial.

Pregnancy with complications: I need a doctor’s written permission before I’ll do a massage under these conditions to protect all of us.

Severe Edema: Edema is swelling caused by excess fluid in body tissues due to circulatory problems. It’s also an indication of liver and kidney overwhelm. Massage stimulating the area usually worsens the edema. I will need a doctor’s written permission before working on chronic edema. Light edema means light massage, no deep work.

Thrombosis: Deep vein thrombosis, varicose veins and thrombophlebitis, etc.—A blood clot is present in these conditions which can be loosened, becoming an embolus that can be fatal if it reaches the lungs or brain. I take these conditions seriously since the outcome can be fatal and won’t do massage even with a doctor’s written permission if the condition is acute. I will need a doctor’s written permission and will completely avoid the affected areas otherwise.
 

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HOURS  and Contact

Call me at 707-363-5112 or email me for your appointment! If calling and you are directed to my voice mail, please leave a message and allow up to 2 hours for a reply, as I give each of my clients uninterrupted attention during their service--as you will also receive!

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