Elizabeth Murphy

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Elizabeth Murphy Massage Therapist

2363 Gruene Lake Drive, Suite B

New Braunfels, Texas 78130

Mobile: 512.415.8790

Murphyelizabeth7@gmail.com

Member of the Chikly Health Institute 2001-current

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LYMPHATIC & MASSAGE, LLC

Elizabeth Murphy has over 30 years of experience in bodywork and specializes in gentle lymphatic techniques as well as many modalities experienced in muscular practice. Chikly trained and provides manual lymphatic drainage sessions to help the body before and after surgery and general maintenance. Elizabeth Murphy, Licensed Massage Therapist, currently self-employed, establishing a private practice of massage therapy located in New Braunfels. Previously practiced in Austin Texas and located to New Braunfels, in September of 2020 to work with a prominent Chiropractor for two years. Membership with Associated Body Work and Massage Professionals since 1999. Licensed in Texas in 1995. After basic training Elizabeth continues education at The Lauterstein-Conway Massage School and Clinic and Chikly Health Institute. Has promoted her small business mostly by referrals. Patients range from high profile, geriatrics, handicap and just about each member of the family including the dog.

Modalities used in sessions are focused primarily on Manual Lymphatic Drainage for Pre and Post Op as well as detoxing and general wellness. In addition to the advanced training, she provides basic massage sessions of integrated, intuitive style massage using a variety of modalities of Muscular, Deep Tissue, Swedish, Myofascial Release, Craniosacral, Brain therapy, Reflexology, Hot Stone, Prenatal, Chair Massages.

TAKE TIME FOR HEALTH

Enjoy the health benefits of a professional therapeutic massage. A skilled massage therapist relieves body tension by stretching and loosening muscle and connective tissue while at the same time improving blood flow to the heart and movement of lymph fluid through the body.

Therapeutic massage can speed the removal of metabolic waste products resulting from exercise or inactivity, allowing more oxygen and nutrients to each the cells and tissue.

Lymphatic Drainage Therapy has been practiced throughout Europe for decades, lymphatic drainage is a well-documented method of stimulating the lymph system to activate fluid circulation, detoxify, rejuvenate and strengthen the body’s natural defenses.

Elizabeth continues to attend workshops developed by French physician Bruno Chikly, M.D., who has taught the technique internationally. She is currently continuing her studies for her certification in Lymphatics. The therapy has been successfully used to alleviate conditions such as swelling (edemas) of many origins and chronic pain, as well as to detoxify and regenerate body tissues. It also has been effective for stimulating the immune system to improve chronic infections an inflammation such as sinusitis, acne and allergies, and cosmetic applications to minimize scars and wrinkles.

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a type of manual manipulation of the skin, not to be confused with massage, based on the hypothesis that it will encourage the natural drainage of the lymph, which carries waste products away from the tissues back toward the heart. The lymph system depends on intrinsic contractions of the smooth muscle cells in the walls of lymph vessels (peristalsis) and the movement of skeletal muscles to propel lymph through the vessels to lymph nodes and then to the lymph ducts, which return lymph to the cardiovascular system. Manual lymph drainage uses a specific amount of pressure (less than 9 oz per square inch and rhythmic movements to stimulate lymph flow.

BENEFITS OF MASSAGE AND HISTORY OF MLDT

Manual lymphatic drainage was pioneered by the Danish doctors Emil Vodder and Estrid Vodder in the 1930s for the treatment of chronic sinusitis and other immune disorders. While working on the French Riviera treating patients with chronic colds, the Vodders noticed these patients had swollen lymph nodes. In 1932, at a time when the lymphatic system was poorly understood, they began to develop light rhythmic hand movements hoping to promote lymph movement. In 1936, they introduced this technique in Paris; following World War II, they returned to Copenhagen to teach other practitioners to use this therapy.

Lymph is formed from the fluid that filters out of blood and contains proteins, cellular debris, bacteria, etc. This fluid is collected by the initial lymph collectors that are blind-ended endothelial-lined vessels with fenestrated openings that allow fluids and particles as large as cells to enter. Once inside the lumen of the lymphatic vessels, the fluid is guided along increasingly larger vessels, first with rudimentary valves to prevent backflow, later with complete valves similar to the venous valve. Once the lymph enters the fully valved lymphatic vessels, it is pumped by a rhythmic peristaltic-like action by smooth muscle cells within the lymphatic vessel walls. This peristaltic action is the primary driving force moving lymph within its vessel walls. The sympathetic nervous system regulates of the frequency and power of the contractions. Lymph movement can be influenced by the pressure of nearby muscle contraction, arterial pulse pressure and the vacuum created in the chest cavity during respiration, but these passive forces contribute only a minor percentage of lymph transport. The fluids collected are pumped into continually larger vessels and through lymph nodes, which remove debris and police the fluid for dangerous microbes. The lymph ends its journey in the thoracic duct or right lymphatic duct, which drain into the blood circulation.

Lymphedema, also known as Lymphoedema and lymphatic edema, is a condition of localized swelling caused by a compromised lymphatic system. The lymphatic system functions as a critical portion of the body's immune system and returns interstitial fluid to the bloodstream.

(wikipedia)

FREQENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort.

Must I be completely undressed?
Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear. You should undress to your level of comfort. You will be properly draped during the entire session.

Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
The practitioner will leave the room while you undress completely or to your specific comfort level, then relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet and blanket.

Will I be covered during the session?
You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed during basic massages. However, for advanced modalities of MLDT the practitioner may use part of the sheet for sensitive areas such as the armpits and groin.

What parts of my body will be massaged?
A typical full-body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders. For MLDT typically all the work is done supine, face up, occasionally work is done prone.

What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
A relaxing Swedish massage is often a baseline for clients. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. Often, a light oil or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. The lotion also helps hydrate your skin. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting. Oils and lotions are not used with the MLDT, only 5 to 9 grams of pressure is used on the skin.

Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
There are numerous types of massage and bodywork; various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, posture and movement re-education, application of pressure to specific points, and more. We can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for you.

What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
Prior to the massage, feel free to ask the practitioner any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. The practitioner will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax, communicating if/when they need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else relevant to the session. If you have any questions regarding the session or about the particular technique you are receiving, feel free to ask.

How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage.

What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Massage and bodywork can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage and bodywork is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being.

Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
Yes. That's why it's imperative that, before you begin your session, the practitioner asks general health questions. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork prior to any session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.

Please advise therapist of any illness or change in your health history prior to each treatment to ensure your safety.