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About

Warning- Good Bodywork can become Addicting!

 

My Creative / Healing Journey:

I began my creative journey as a child when my mother… a classical pianist and teacher, began trying to teach me piano. But the keyboard was not for me and the piano did not come naturally for me.  That lead me to my mom encouraging me to study the trumpet, baritone and even the flute in junior high school, but those instruments did not work out either.  I stuck with the trumpet the longest because I had a good teacher at the time. My mother tried really hard to turn me into a musician. Maybe if I had been set down in front of a drum set I might have been a professional drummer now but that didn’t happen. One of these days I still might take up the drums. Then my mother got me into classical ballet / modern ballet and I really liked that because it was very physical and I liked sports.  I was usually the only guy in the classes. After studying ballet for five years I finally stopped because my friends in junior high school teased me a lot while I was carrying my ballet shoes at school. I did take an art class in junior high school and a drafting class but I guess I was never really inspired. As far as art classes in high school I tried a printing and ceramics class but I really didn’t take to them either. As I remember the teachers were very mediocre. In fact most but not all of my teachers in public schools were mediocre.

I recall as a child I had a dream that I can still remember to this day which I can picture in my mind.  My mind works in pictures. I was at my grandparent’s house and  was sleeping in my grandfather’s big wood framed bed and in the middle of the night I woke up…at least I thought I was awake and on the white wall in front of the bed was a big rectangle of bright blinking colors…like Pointillism (distinct dots of pure color). There was no image in the dots just beautiful colored dots in a rectangle on the wall. I guess this was some kind of clue as to where I should go with my life but at the time I didn’t understand the dream.

After High School, I moved up to Santa Barbara to go to college but I was having too much fun surfing and partying and did not study very hard at that time. So I got a job cooking fish at a local restaurant in Santa Barbara. I really liked cooking, the restaurant was very busy and I got a lot of satisfaction making hundreds of perfectly cooked meals every day. Eventually I became a kitchen manager at a very large seafood restaurant and decided to open up a restaurant of my own which I did with a friend who became my business partner. We owned that restaurant and nightclub for four and half years in Santa Barbara, Ca. It was a tough time in my life because I worked 100 hours a week and did not have time for anything else. After having problems with my partner the restaurant closed and I decided to go back to school and study fine art of all things.  I did not know how to draw and knew very little about art. After working hard at drawing and painting I ended up at the Art Institute of Chicago on a scholarship and finished a BFA in painting and drawing degree and then when on to study in a graduate program in Computer Arts in San Francisco. To help pay for my rent and school I started taking on small graphic design jobs and eventually became a full time freelance graphic designer for many years. During this period of time in my life when I was working full time, switching jobs, had relationships and did my sports  and I did not have much time for making fine art.

During these years I had been keeping up some sports to stay healthy and sane, mainly handball, surfing, yoga, running, biking and skiing. All these different sports led to injuries, mainly low back and hip issues for me. After seeing many physical therapists, chiropractors, and doctors and not getting any lasting results, I turned to massage. After going through a few therapists I finally found a guy who did Deep Tissue and Neuromuscular Reeducation. I’d call him “Dr. Pain.” Well after three or four treatments, my low back issues improved quite a bit. So I started reading some books on massage and practicing on my girlfriends and my athletic friends. I got to really know my body and what it really needed from massage to keep it healthy and active.

In 2009 I had had enough of freelance graphic design which I had started to do again and after some soul searching I enrolled full time at BTI (Body Therapy Institute) of massage in Santa Barbara. I now have over 550 hours of certified massage training hours and am a licensed massage therapist (LMT) in Santa Barbara, Ca. My massage modalities include Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports Massage, Barefoot, Reflexology, Trigger Point, Chi Nei Tsang Lymphatic Drainage, Chair Massage, Tui Na and healing massage for depression and anxiety. As soon as I have over 1000 hours of certified massage training I plan to get my national massage license. I now work evenings at a spa and have my own massage practice during the day as a LMT.

I work with a wide variety of massage clients with many different ailments, athletes who want their muscles to perform better with better range of motion and clients who simply need relief from their stressful lives.I am personally committed to the care of each of my clients and in each case develop specialized treatments that best meet their needs. I specialize in Sports Therapy, Injury Rehabilitation, Deep Tissue and the relief of chronic pain patterns. I blend a yoga background with a number of therapeutic techniques from various modalities. My bodywork is often described as “very deep therapeutic massage with a aggressive / gentle approach to the body.”

 

I have also started making fine art again and have completed 4 of 20 large mixed media paintings on the theme of water. When I complete 15 or 20 large paintings I plan to have my first real art show at a fine art gallery in Los Angeles, Ca.

Nicola is available for massage appointments Monday – Friday and, and by request, weekends. Please contact me with your preferred appointment times and please look over my web site for more information.

© by Nicola Bandak 10/2011 updated

My SPECIALTY is “On the Edge” Deep Tissue Massage. I work on a scale of 1 – 10, where 7 is on the edge and 10 is very excruciating pain. Some discomfort is necessary when receiving deep tissue massage to get results.   A lot of my clients handle the deep tissue pain or even like the deep tissue pain in order to get the quickest results for their body type. My style of Deep Tissue Massage releases the body’s natural painkillers whereby it stimulates the release of endorphins, the morphine-like substances that the body manufactures, into the brain and nervous system….kind of like a “Runners High” or a parasympathetic state “rest and digest” of mind.

I also do Barefoot, Sports, Swedish, Reflexology, Trigger Point, my special Surf Massage for surf gals and guys, Chair Massage, Tui Na and Chi Nei Tsang Lymphatic drainage bodywork; including Healing Massage for Depression and Anxiety.

Thomas C. says “This is no fru-fru spa experience-not for the weak of heart. ‘Riktr: A truly powerful experience (Highly Recommended)”

What is Deep Tissue Massage and what to expect?

Deep tissue massage is massage that is designed to get into the connective tissue of the body, rather than just the surface muscles. As a massage therapist when I perform deep tissue I use a variety of techniques to deeply penetrate the muscles and fascia, loosening them and releasing tension. Most clients have a more intense experience with a deep tissue massage, but also feel that it is more beneficial, because it addresses deep-seated muscle pains. Deep tissue is beneficial when undertaken on a regular basis, so that I can work together with the client to correct long term problems, relax the body, and prevent injury.

To get a truly good deep tissue massage you need to find someone who specializes in deep tissue, like Nicola.  Most spas have several massage therapists who can offer a basic deep tissue massage integrating a number of techniques and styles customized for your body for maximum impact. Experiment by trying several deep tissue massage therapists to find the one that is right fit for you and your body.

One of the defining differences between deep tissue and regular massage is the use of tools. A standard massage usually only involves the hands and lower arms of the therapist. During a deep tissue, however,  I use elbows and fingers for deep, penetrating work in the muscle. A deep tissue massage also tends to be very slow, and I will use long, flowing strokes to ease in and out of the muscle. Going in too quickly can cause the muscle to tense up, which is not a desired reaction. I also maintain firm pressure at trouble spots for several minutes to achieve muscle release before moving on to the next area of the body.

When you go to get a deep tissue massage, they should talk with the therapist about any  issues you might have and like to see addressed during your massage. I am happy   to concentrate on a single body part for an entire massage to achieve lasting results and in fact half of my clients want just that! It is also important to communicate with me about pain; The massage may be intense, but if a client starts to feel pain, he or she should communicate that immediately. I work on a scale of 1 – 10, where 7 is on the edge and 10 is very painful. A lot of my clients take the deep tissue pain or even like the pain in order to get the quickest results for their body type.  At the end of the session, lots of water should be consumed to help the body express the toxins released during the massage. You will probably be sore for a few days after the intense deep tissue treatment but that’s normal. Remember that ice is your friend.

Deep tissue massage is designed to relieve severe tension in the muscle and the connective tissue or fascia. This type of massage focuses on the muscles located below the surface of the top muscles. Deep tissue massage is often recommended for individuals who experience consistent pain, are involved in heavy physical activity, such as athletes, and patients who have sustained physical injury. It is also not uncommon for receivers of Deep Tissue Massage to have their pain replaced with a new muscle ache for a day or two. Deep tissue work varies greatly. What one calls deep tissue another will call light. When receiving deep tissue work it is important to communicate what you are feeling.

Credits: (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) Check out these great links for on-line interactive muscle anatomy:
http://www.getbodysmart.com/ap/muscularsystem/menu/menu.html

http://www.gwc.maricopa.edu/class/bio201/muscle/mustut.htm

http://www.innerbody.com/htm/body.html

http://academic.pgcc.edu/~aimholtz/AandP/AandPLinks/ANPlinks.html

http://www.classbrain.com/artteensb/publish/article_34.shtml

http://nhscience.lonestar.edu/biol/ap1int.htm#muscle
 http://www.brookscole.com/chemistry_d/templates/student_resources/shared_resources/animations/muscles/muscles.html

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/tutorials/muscles/htm/index.htm

http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/body/

http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/M/Muscles.html#Anatomy_of_Skeletal_Muscle

http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-213X/8/83

What is Barefoot Deep Tissue ?

I offer barefoot deep tissue massage techniques. Ancient barefoot massage have been around in different cultures (Thailand, Japan and Australia) for hundreds of years, an organic form of touch, barefoot is rich in history and tradition, and now is available in Santa Barbara. Barefoot is not something you typically see at local spas or massage places. I’ve used Barefoot Massage on athletes to the elderly and my clients are loving the long lasting effects of prolonged ischemic (Restriction of blood due to factors in the blood vessels with damage to the tissue) pressure.

What is Sports Massage?

Sports Massage – Sports massage is designed to enhance athletic performance and recovery. There are three contexts in which sports massage can be useful to an athlete: pre-event, post-event, and injury treatment. It’s more vigorous than a Swedish Massage.

The purpose of sports massage therapy is to help alleviate the stress and tension which builds up in the body’s soft tissues during physical activity. Where minor injuries and lesions occur, due to overexertion and/or overuse, massage can break them down quickly and effectively. Above all, it can help prevent those bothersome injuries that so often get in the way of performance and your athletic goals, whether one is an athlete,  or a once a week jogger.

This treatment is not just for the sports person: anyone can benefit from sports massage, including people in physically demanding jobs and those not quite so obvious (occupational, emotional and postural stress may produce many similar characteristics to sports injuries).

Sports massage tends to be deeper and more intense. It is based on the various elements of Swedish massage and often incorporates a combination of other techniques involving stretching, compression, friction, toning, and trigger point response techniques similar to Acupressure and Shiatsu. A skilled therapist brings together this blend of techniques, knowledge and advice during treatment, to work effectively with the client to bring about optimum performance and to provide injury-free training and minimize post event injuries.

Sport Massage is best administered 1 /1/2 hours before your event or 1 1/2 hours after your event.

What is Swedish Massage?

Swedish Massage works the muscles by various techniques: effleurage, kneading, friction, long strokes, kneading, tapping, vibration, shaking and percussion or tapotement... Swedish massage stimulates the whole body system thus makes it possible for the body to be rebalanced (by supporting a venous return, a better blood and lymphatic circulation, the elimination of toxins and better management of stress) and works on the level of the osseous frame.

1. Effleurage: Gliding strokes with the palms, thumbs and/or fingertips
2. Petrissage: Kneading movements with the hands, thumbs and/or fingers
3. Friction: Circular pressures with the palms of hands, thumbs and/or fingers
4. Vibration: Oscillatory movements that shake or vibrate the body
5. Percussion: Brisk hacking or tapping
6. Passive and active movements: Bending and stretching

Benefits of Swedish Massage

Swedish massage feels good, is relaxing and invigorating. It affects the nerves, muscles, glands, and circulation, while promoting health and well being.

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is a gentle and effective form of therapeutic treatment applied to the feet (click on feet link and see interactive foot map) hands (click on hand link and see interactive hand map)  and ears.  Reflexology is considered to be a holistic healing technique that aims to treat the individual as a whole, in order to induce a state of balance and harmony in the body, mind and spirit. Reflexology is based on the belief that there are reflex areas on the feet, hands and ears corresponding to all the parts of the body including major organs. The therapist stimulates and works these organs and systems through the reflexes, applying pressure to the feet with thumb and fingers. A treatment lasts between 40 minutes and 1 hour. Most people can benefit from Reflexology because it can bring relief to a wide variety of acute and chronic conditions and is suitable for all ages, including children. Once the body has been rebalanced, regular treatments can help to maintain health and general well-being.

History of Reflexology

The origins of Reflexology evidently reach back to ancient Egypt as evidenced by inscriptions found in the physician’s tomb at Saqqara in Egypt. The translation of the hieroglyphics are as follows: “Don’t hurt me.” The practitioner’s reply:- ” I shall act so you praise me. “

We cannot determine the exact relationship between the ancient art as practiced by the early Egyptians and Reflexology as we know it today. Different forms of working the feet to effect health have been used all over the ancient world. Dr. Riley maintained that this form of healing spread from Egypt via the Roman Empire.

Credits: http://www.reflexology-usa.net/history.htm

For a lot more information on the history of reflexology please visit this link

What is Tui Na?

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Tui na is a hands-on body treatment that uses Chinese taoist and martial art principles to bring the body to balance. The principles being balanced are the eight principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (qv because TCM was codified by the PRC out of many ancient traditions.) The practitioner may brush, knead, roll/press and rub the areas between each of the joints (known as the eight gates) to open the body’s defensive (wei) chi and get the energy moving in both the meridians and the muscles. The practitioner can then use range of motion, traction,massage, with the stimulation of acupressure points and to treat both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, as well as many non-musculoskeletal conditions. Tui na is an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is taught in TCM schools as part of formal training in Oriental medicine. Many East Asian martial arts schools also teach tui na to their advanced students for the treatment and management of injury and pain due to training. As with many other traditional Chinese medical practices, there are several different schools with greater or lesser differences in their approach to the discipline. It is related also to Chinese massage or anma

What is Chi Nei Tsang Lymphatic drainage bodywork.

Chi Nei Tsang  is a holistic approach to the healing touch modality of old Taoist Chinese origin. It integrates the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of our being. CNT goes to the very origin of health problems, including psychosomatic responses.

Chi Nei Tsang literally means “working the energy of the internal organs” or “internal organs chi transformation.” CNT uses all the principles of Kung-Fu and Tai Chi Chuan known as Chi-Kung; therefore, CNT is a form of “applied Chi Kung.”

CNT works mainly on the abdomen with deep, soft and gentle touches, to train internal organs to work more efficiently. Unprocessed emotional charges are also addressed in this manner, as well as all of the body systems: digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular, lymphatic, nervous, endocrine, urinary, reproductive, muscular-skeletal, and the acupuncture meridian system (Chi).

CNT came into being millennia ago in the mountain ranges of Taoist China. It was used by monks in monasteries to help detoxify, strengthen and refine their bodies in order to maintain the high energy required to perform the highest levels of spiritual practices.

Today CNT is Mainly Used for Four Different Reasons

1 – CNT detoxifies: CNT manipulations help relieve the body of excess stagnation, improving elimination and stimulating the lymphatic and the circulatory systems. CNT also strengthens the immune system and resistance to diseases. In doing so, CNT augments other health care modalities with optimal results.

2 – CNT helps to restructure and strengthen the body: because it addresses the visceral structures and positioning of internal organs, CNT stimulates them to work better and also helps correct the postural problems resulting from visceral imbalances. It releases deep-seated tensions and restores vitality. CNT has been helpful with chronic pains such as back, neck and shoulder pains and problems related to misalignment of the feet, legs and pelvis.

3 – CNT helps practitioners to deal better with their emotional life: all of our unprocessed emotional life is stored in our digestive system waiting to be addressed. Poor emotional digestion is also one of the main reasons for ill health. CNT facilitates the unfolding of emotions and the clarification of our emotional life. This makes it possible for us to evolve and grow in the direction of our better self. CNT has also been successfully used in combination with psychotherapy.

4 – CNT teaches clients to know themselves better: we are all responsible for our own health and that healing comes from within.  You learn techniques to improve your breathing as well as fundamental self-help techniques.

REFERENCES

1. From Healing from Within, by Gilles Marin

2. Chi Nei Tsang- Chi Massage for the Vital Organs- Mantak  Chia, 2007

Here’s an interesting link about…Mastering Chi& the Male Multiple Orgasm by Rob Sidon which was originally written by Mantak Chia.

What is Healing Massage for Depression and Anxiety?

“Riktr will help bring the “Balance” back into your life with the natural healing benefits of a healing touch massage. When one is balanced we are at our best.  By making healing massage a part of your wellness program you are on our way to achieving wholeness.”

What we know: Researchers at the University of Miami followed 37 breast cancer patients who received massage therapy or practiced progressive muscle relaxation for 5 weeks. Women in the massage group reported feeling less depressed and angry, and they had more energy. In a University of South Florida study of high blood pressure patients, those who got 10-minute massages three times a week for 3 weeks lowered their higher number by 11 points.

What new research shows: A recent review of more than a dozen massage studies conducted by the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine concludes that massage therapy relieves depression and anxiety by affecting the body’s biochemistry. In a series of studies including about 500 men, women, and children with depression or stress problems, researchers measured the stress hormone cortisol in participants before and immediately after massage and found that the therapy lowered levels by up to 53%. (Cortisol can drive up blood pressure and blood sugar levels and suppress the immune system.)

Massage also increased serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters that help reduce depression.

MASSAGE AND ANXIETY

Regular massage can help to reduce our anxiety levels. Research by Tiffany Fields, at the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine in the USA looked into the therapeutic value of massage in reducing anxiety and depression. The data from this study indicated that massage produced marked reductions in anxiety and depression in people who were massaged, but not in a control group who were not massaged. Mood and sleep patterns also improved they slept more soundly and for longer periods of time. The subjects massaged were found to have lower levels of cortisol stress hormone in their saliva and depressed people also had lower levels of urinary cortisol and noradrenaline which increase in times of stress.

Other studies have confirmed this research. Adults with chronic anxiety problems, people with muscle tension, aches and pains etc, who did not improve after being given anti-anxiety medication/antidepressants, muscle relaxants and relaxation training, were given a course of massage. Afterwards most reported less tension, pain and need for medication.

MASSAGE AND DEPRESSION

Andrew Vickers, a researcher formerly with the Research Council for Complementary Medicine who carried out research into the value of complementary medicine’s in psychological health problems which was published in the journal “Psychiatry in Practise”, said it’s far too simplistic to say massage can cure depression or other diseases, but it can help us to cope better and improve the quality of life.

REFERENCES

1. Bentley Eilean (2000) Head, Neck & Shoulders Massage: a Step-By-Step Guide, St Martins Press.

2. Fields T. (2000) Touch Therapy,Churchill Livingstone.

3. Fritz S. (1995) Therapeutic Massage, Mosby Lifeline.

4. Jackson A. (1993) Massage Therapy, Optima.

5. Wallcraft J. (1998) Healing Minds, Mental Health Foundation.

*Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended as diagnosis, treatment, or prescription of any kind. The decision to use, or not to use, any information is the sole responsibility of the reader.

Other good related links:

Link 1- http://ezinearticles.com/?Using-Massage-To-Treat-Depression—A-Powerful-Anti-Depressant&id=911140

Link 2-  http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Massage_helps_depression.html

 

 

 

Copyright Riktr Pro Deep Tissue Massage, Swedish Massage, Best Sports Massage, Barefoot Massage, Trigger Point Massage, Reflexology Massage, Professional Bodywork, Santa Barbara Massage, Massage Santa Barbara, Massage Ventura, Montecito, Carpinteria, Summerland, Goleta, Tri Counties Massage: Nicola Bandak, LMT. Licensed Massage Therapist. 805- 637-7482 | Theme by DailyBlogTips