Lauren Curtis, CMT is a New Jersey State Certified massage therapist. She trained for massage therapy through a 620-hour program at the Institute for Therapeutic Massage, where she graduated with high honors. She returned to ITM for an additional 360-hour Oncology Massage Certification, the first COMTA* accredited program of its kind in the U.S.<br /><br />Lauren specializes in various forms of massage, including Oncology, Lymphatic Drainage, Pregnancy, Swedish, Deep Tissue, Medical, Aromatherapy, and Chair massage. She is also trained in Foot Reflexology and Reiki.<br /><br />Prior to attending school for massage therapy, Lauren earned a BA at University of Delaware in International Relations and an MA in History at Rutgers University. She worked for 20 years in the corporate world as a market researcher, and realizes the mental and physical stresses and strains that many people experience in their daily lives.<br /><br />Her philosophy is to help people take care of themselves, supporting their bodies in wellness by reducing stress and anxiety, relieving muscular tension and soreness and promoting relaxation.<br /><br />*The Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA) accredits both educational institutions and programs offering instruction in massage therapy and bodywork.<br /><br />Swedish Massage:<br />Treatment for general relaxation and stress reduction. Helps relieve tired, sore muscles and works on the nervous system to reduce stress and encourage relaxation.<br /><br />Medical/Deep Tissue Massage:<br />Massage that uses many of the same techniques as classic Swedish Massage, usually with a deeper or more intense pressure. A system of manual therapy that addresses dysfunction or pain within the musculoskeletal system, and is designed to alleviate pain, normalize muscle tone and restore range of motion.<br /><br />Oncology Massage:<br />Cancer treatments are challenging to the body and those undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, and/or surgery will have special needs and precautions when it comes to receiving massage. In general, massage given to a person going through cancer treatment will be slower, lighter, and possibly of a shorter duration than that given to a person without cancer. Evidence has shown that massage for those undergoing cancer treatment has been an effective complimentary treatment particularly in areas of pain management and decreasing anxiety levels.<br /><br /><br />. Reflexology:<br />Foot Reflexology is based on the theory that there are reflex points on the feet that correspond to all the organs and systems of the body. Stimulating these reflexes on the foot helps to break up tension and blockages in other parts of the body and restore the body to balance. A typical reflexology session involves massage and stretch of the feet,followed by pressure applied to reflex points with the thumb and fingers.<br /><br /><br />Reiki:<br />A holistic energy balancing treatment that promotes deep relaxation and helps to restore balance to the body's chakras (energy centers).<br /><br /><br /><br />Massage has many physical and mental/emotional benefits.<br />Below are just of few of the many!<br /><br /><br />* Massage is a wonderful way to combat stress and anxiety often caused by our fast paced lifestyle. Massage helps a body combat stress by working on the parasympathetic nervous system this is the rest and relax state. Under this state,the heart rate slows,breathing slows and deepens,blood pressure decreases,circulation and digestion improve. Studies have shown that those who received massage during clinical trials had lessened symptoms and lower levels of anxiety,as well as lower levels of cortisol (a stress hormone).<br /><br /><br />* Massage is a great compliment to an active lifestyle. Many of us are focused on making time to get our exercise in,but don't often take the time to help our body recover and work optimally. Massage can help improve muscle recovery,circulate body fluids to bring nutrients to the muscles,and help's to relax and stretch sore muscles.<br /><br /><br />* Massage can bring relief from chronic pain due to repetitive use,old injuries,or postural issues such as: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome,Scoliosis,Frozen Shoulder and Sciatica among others.<br /><br /><br />* Modified Massage for those living with cancer and cancer treatment has been shown to be beneficial. Massage can be used as a supportive treatment for addressing many of the physical and emotional needs of those undergoing cancer treatments. Research shows that the most effective use of massage is in easing patient anxiety,reducing pain,and improving sleep. Massage for the cancer patient involves adjustments such as lighter pressure or shorter sessions.