Parasympathetic Massage????

[Christine George]

Can anyone tell me what the heck is a "parasympathetic massage"?

At one place (where I used to work) and many others around here in San Diego I see parasympathetic massage offered alongside Swedish massage and Relaxing Massage.

I don't know how many clients I've had to explain how the ANS is divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The PNS or parasympathetic nervous system allows our body to rest and restore ourselves, basically anything that isn't fight or flight. So why offer this type of modality as different than Swedish or any other form of massage, for that matter?

Anyway, I didn't put it to clients quite that way but in more layman's terms that they may understand. I just don't understand why therapist's here are offering it when it just creates more confusion from client's who are trying to figure out what modality will best suit their needs.

 

[DARKESTKNIGHT]

I did a search on yahoo for this. According to what I found, PS massage is a very slow stroke type massage, it should be painless, and most people fall asleep when receiving one. Some say it is great for lymph drainage as well. Personally, I dont see much of a difference between PS massage and a very light Swedish session.

 

[magix151]

How I was taught its a Swedish massage.

I would say the ones that are saying they offer "parasympathetic massage" are just looking to make people think they are getting something unique and not just a Swedish massage; a term used quite often.

 

[Sick Jane]

Hi Kathryn,

The reason you see Parasympathetic massage advertised here in San Diego is because of the promotion of that term by School of Healing Arts run by Seymore Koblin.

When I took their 100 hour course back in 91 we were taught that to do slow effluerage strokes not to hard not to soft to 'hook up' and activate the Parasympathetic nervous system. I must say I really enjoyed it. Kind of a cross between Lymphatic drainage and Sweedish.

Anyways Cheers

Jason

 

[Bella <3 Jandro.]

Thanks for clearing that up.

Although, it really is redundant to call a massage parasympathetic when all forms of massage activate the parasympathetic system.