The O-town Scene

Nancy Okker, Licensed Massage Therapist PRACTICE: “Healthful gift for everyone.” _ Okker BACKGROUND: Entering her 13th year of practice, Okker trained at the Healing Hands Institute for Massage Therapy in Westwood, N.J. LOCATION: Oneonta Laser- derm, 41-45 Dietz St. Laserderm offers a “medi-spa” environment where cosmetic and dermatologic medical procedures (like botox and varicose vein removal) are offered within the same practice as mani- cures, waxing, mud wraps, facials and massage. Okker shares mas- sage duties with LMT Charity Swift. 431-2525 or www.oneontalaserd- erm.com. Chanda Misevis, Licensed Massage Therapist PRACTICE: “Unique. Thorough. Experienced. Theraputic. Hurts-So- Good Bliss.” _ Misevis BACKGROUND: Misevis has an associate degree from the New York College Wholistic Health, Education and Research in Syosett. She spent 13 years giving in-home massage appointments by referral only, but added a dedicated space two years ago. She now offers both. Photo by Karen Miritello COST: Expect to spend $30-$120, depending on the length, type of massage and number of add-on services. A 60-minute Swedish massage is $70. A one hour body buff with massage is $95. For Nancy Okker, providing a therapeutic massage is a good way of alleviating discomfort and pain. Through the benefits of lowered blood pressure, improved circulation and an increased cellular exchange, a good massage can offer a sense of rejuvenation. “I like to work with issues _ sciatic pain, headaches, migraines and lower back pain _ we can get good results,” she said. Picking up where a traditional doctor’s office visit may leave off, mas- sage is meant to compliment medical care. “Overcoming stress is the highlight,” said Okker, who describes her massage as being “very traditional.” She relies mostly on Swedish mas- sage technique, but also incorporates elements of deep tissue, trigger point and sports massage into her work. “You learn to gear your massage to the person you are working on,” she said. Okker emphasized the importance of prioritizing the needs of the body. “A person might go out all done up and looking great, but might feel terrible on the inside. What good is that?” she said. “Massage helps you feel good and show that from the inside.” In the win- Okker offers her massage. salt, tertime, skin benefits from extra attention, and a “body buff ” exfoliation treatment along with Custom- ers can expect a rub down with sug- LOCATION: One Sweet Swedish Massage, at 10 Market St., Suite 9. Misevis shares the space with Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) Laura Delberta. One Sweet Swedish Massage is also a retail outlet for the locally produced artisinal skin-care products of Living Tree Botanicals, which Misevus uses in massages. Contact: 437-0423. COST: $45/30-minute massage, $80/60-minute massage. The basics of massage are often drawn from the Swedish tradition, so a great place to begin is with a primer from an actual Swede. Chanda Misevis is an Oneonta massage therapist who makes regular trips to Stockholm, where the maternal side of her family lives. She said Swedish massage utilizes oils to manipulate the body’s soft tissue. She described the five strokes she uses as follows: 1. Effleurage or gliding is the primary stroke, which may be deep or superficial. It encourages circulation of blood and lymph. 2. Petrissage or kneading is when the muscles are “picked up,” lifted from the bones, and rolled, squeezed or wrung. This move is very stimulating and releases toxins. 3. Friction, a circular rolling movement, is deep in character and is useful in the treatment of joints and bony prominences. It helps to break down adhesions. 4. Tapotement is like drumming. Cupping, beating, hacking, tapping are all ways to sedate a nervous system or stimulate a sluggish system by affecting the superficial nerve supply. 5. Vibration is a trembling movement of the tissues preformed by the hand, fingers or a mechanical tool. It directly and reflexively acts on the nerves. That said, Misevis likes to expand her repertoire of massage technique by learning ar or ground sesame seeds (depending on their skin needs), wiped off with steamy towels and followed by a massage with moisturizing oils or shea butter. Goodbye chillblains. Hello, beautiful, balmy you! from other therapists. She regularly trades massage with other LMTs, and has been inspired by Thai and Hawaiian traditions. Misevis is known to incorporate these techniques into a massage where she may use her elbows, forearms or even her knees to achieve results that the “hands only” approach might miss. Wintertime considerations highlight the ever-important need to keep warm dur- ing a massage. “I like to use flannel sheets and really plush soft blankets,” Misevis said about her draping technique. She adds in some candlelight to create a cozy warm ambiance, and keeps the cold at bay. Jan. 6, 2011 O-Town Scene 19 Photo by Tiffany Doris

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