Massage Therapy is probably one of the most underestimated natural healing methods of our modern times. While ancient cultures, such as those of Egypt and Mesopotamia, knew and applied the healing potential of deliberate touch to the human body, we are only slowly rediscovering the benefits of this simple yet effective technique whose goal is to improve circulation and promote relaxation through the manual manipulation of the body’s tissue.

Although modern science is still in the process of trying to understand the why’s and how’s of its specific benefits, Massage Therapy has clearly proven to have a positive impact on a person’s physical, emotional, and mental health. The American Massage Therapy Association has found that a therapeutic massage not only brings relief to back pain and muscle tension, it can also reduce headaches and migraines, boost the immune system, and alleviate the perception of pain in cancer patients.

One of the more obvious effects of a therapeutic massage is that it reduces emotional stress, which is known to aggravate most every health condition. Negative emotions such as fear and emotional trauma literally make a person “sour” in that they increase the production of acid, which is then stored in the body’s tissue. Through manually stimulating the latter, the body is aided in the release of such toxins and their removal through the blood stream.

Aside from the benefits on a person’s physical and emotional health, there resides a great potential for healing and self-discovery in massage therapy. In the undivided attention received within the safe space of a soothing and supportive environment, we are allowed to be fully ourselves. Removed from the pressures that come with a busy schedule and daily activities, the mind can unwind and calm, the heart can open again, and the spirit is given the time and space to reconnect with our essence – the place where we truly are.

The positive effects of a therapeutic massage can be enhanced through the use of essential oils, which have restorative properties to body, mind, and spirit. Granite City Counseling exclusively uses Young Living therapeutic-grade essential oils. We consider these 100% natural, high-quality oils to be gifts from the plant kingdom and worthy of our respect for their life enhancing and balancing effects on our psyche.

Originating in Japan, Reiki is a therapeutic method that works with the life force energy with the goal to stimulate the natural healing processes of the body. When our life force can flow freely through our system, we are less likely to feel stressed or become sick, and we are more in balance and harmony with ourselves – and life.

The word Reiki is composed of two Japanese terms: rei, meaning “the Higher Power;” and ki, meaning “life force energy.” Thus, Reiki is the work with life force energy guided by the Higher Powers or a higher intelligence. It is a natural and safe form of energy work that treats the entire person – body, emotions, mind, and spirit – and creates a variety of benefits for the patient. Besides improving the general physical condition of a person, it also promotes feelings of inner peace, security, confidence, and overall wellbeing.

In a Reiki treatment, the practitioner uses his hands by either placing them directly on the clothed body of a client or holding them at a certain distance from the body in order to redirect the flow of life force or remove blockages along the channels, which transport the body’s energy. The treatment takes place in a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, where the client can relax and safely leave the pressures and worries of daily life behind them.

Regular treatments of Reiki have shown to bring improvement to people’s general state of health and overall wellbeing. However, Reiki has also shown benefits in complimenting the healing process of recent injuries and speeding up the body’s healing after an operation or surgery.

Integrated energy therapy is a powerful energy system that gets “issues out of your tissues” for good.

It is a safe and gentle means of releasing limiting energy patterns of your past. These may be suppressed emotions such as guilt, distrust, shame, threat, heartache, betrayal, anger, resentment, stress, and fear.

The released emotions are replaced with positive energies such as innocence, trust, pride, support, freedom, love, forgiveness, ease, and safety.

IET opens the flow of energy within the cellular memory, cleaning blockages, balancing and re-energizing the energy held by the body. It empowers and balances your life enabling you to reach your full potential. The recipient remains fully clothed throughout the session.

Young Living therapeutic grade essential oils are used within massage treatments. The oils help to release many emotional and physical concerns and promote overall health and well-being. Essential oils are available for purchase.

All therapeutic treatments offered through Granite City Counseling are meant to aid our clients in their journeys of healing and growing. They do not replace diagnosis and treatment by a medical practitioner in the case of serious, persisting conditions.