Jessica Tona, Massage Therapist

Jessica obtained her B Sc. in Information Science and Technology from UCLA, Venezuela. She then came to the USA in pursuit of her graduate degree but her passion for natural healing started her on a different path. She graduated from the 775 hour Massage Therapy program at Mt. Nittany Institute of Natural Health in State College, PA. In her love for natural healing modalities, she started working at the Center for Natural Healing as the Patient Care Coordinator. There, she has a massage therapy practice that is held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays by appointment. She is an active professional member of AMBP (Associated Massage and Bodywork Professionals) and holds a National Certification for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCTMB).

Can Massage Benefit Me?
Massage provides relief to people from all walks of life – the weekend or competitive athlete, the home gardener, and the overstressed executive struggling to keep pace in today’s economy. Secretaries, laborers, waitresses – anyone can feel a need for a massage at some point in time. The older population, as well, will benefit from massage, as it enhances flexibility and circulation. The bedridden can also be helped
in this regard. There are some conditions where massage is not recommended, however. Your practitioner should ask for information regarding any specific health conditions from which you may be suffering in order to determine if massage or bodywork are contraindicated. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. In some cases, the practitioner may need your doctor’s permission before providing services.

Caring for your body
Care of your body should be at the top of your priority list. You will feel and look better if you take the necessary steps regarding health and nutrition in this age of increased longevity. Stress relief alone can improve your vitality and state of mind. Massage and bodywork therapies can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, improve posture and reduce blood pressure. Massage and bodywork are also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety, and create an overall sense of well-being.

Massage for Pain and Emotional Problems
With many chronic ailments, massage can relieve the pain and help heal. As with physical problems, emotional problems may also be stimulated into self-healing with massage. In many cases, this helps eliminate the need to take harmful chemical drugs, which will unnecessarily burden the liver, kidneys, and other vital organs.

Answers to frequently asked questions
The average full body massage or bodywork session lasts approximately one hour. Many people prefer a 60 to 90 minute session for optimal relaxation. Always allow relaxation time prior to and after the session. Hot tubs, steam baths, and saunas can assist in the relaxation process.

Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity, which can last for days. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water afterward.

Terminology
Swedish Massage: The most common form of massage, Swedish mainly relaxes the muscles and eases aches and pains.

Deep Fascia Release: Deep broad strokes intended to release fascial (connective tissue) restrictions, known to produce pain and decrease flexibility.

NeuroMuscular Therapy: Also called trigger point myotherapy, consists of alternating levels of concentrated pressure on the areas of muscle spasm. It is an effective treatment for pain caused by soft tissue injury (such as a muscle strain).

Holistic Aromatherapy: Restoration of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health through the application of essential oils.

Quantum Touch: Method of hands-on healing that employs a very light touch known to profoundly accelerate the body’s own healing response.

Other available therapies offered include Foot Reflexology, Shiatsu, Polarity Therapy, Maternity Massage, Sports Massage, Geriatric Massage, and Cancer Massage.