The Healing Touch

By Aslynn Roe

NEW YORK,NY: One of life's simplest treasures is a relaxing massage. Close your eyes and imagine the warm hands as they gently knead the tired muscles. A calmness ensues as the hands slowly move up and down the long leg, exercising the tissue while relaxing the mind. The slow, steady massage brings a self awareness and energizes the stiff muscles from head to hoof of the patient.

Secor at Smith Massage Therapy's Jonathan Rudinger, Licensed Massage Therapist, specializes in equine massage. The self proclaimed "Dr. Dolittle" realized he could use the therapeutic techniques of massage on his horse. Now his business includes stable calls.

Rudinger explains that communication with the animal is essential. He gives the horse permission to be calm and then observes the animal for subtle feedback. Rudinger says, "Somehow the horse senses what I am doing. All I know is that it works, and it happens time and time again."

He offers pet massage for all mammals, but why do pets need a massage? Rudinger explains that massage is part of an ongoing health care program for pets. In older pets, massage is an excellent solution for joint afflictions and decreased range of muscle motion. When animals are in pain or agitated, the healing effect of massage can be an alternative to surgery. It can also be used to increase blood flow and decrease healing time in post operative situations. Rudinger instructs pet owners in the proper way to massage the animal, thus increasing the bond between owner and pet. Rudinger says, "It's something we can give back to them."

But there is a very human element in the services offered at Secor at Smith Massage Therapy. Anastasia Drabik, Certified Massage Therapist, has been providing massage therapy since 1988 and specializes in holistic health, conscious connected breathing techniques and aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is more than just nicely scented oils of plants and flowers and finding the essence of that plant." The natural oils work transdermally to stimulate the senses and provide inner healing.

Drabik also provides instruction in parent-infant massage techniques. Infant massage promotes development, communication and bonding with the parents. Drabik says, "It gives them a tremendous sense of relief and nurturing." Infant massage reduces colic and helps babies sleep more soundly.

Both Rudinger and Drabik believe that their professional, respectful massage is and important element in physical and mental health.. The partners move more than muscle, but attitude and emotions as well. Rudinger says that in massage, "You're allowing yourself to be vulnerable. You're giving yourself permision to be nurtured." Drabik adds, "Many people say "I'm feeling well, why do I need to receive a massage? Well, it's to maintain that wellness, to enhance your health, to feel even better. It's getting exercised by that physical massage, but then there is this calming that takes place."

So, if you need tranquility during this stressful holiday season, consider a massage for yourself or a furry friend.

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