Ancient Technique Meets Modern Practice for NW Suburban Massage Therapist
An ancient form of Hawaiian massage is taking Chicago's northern suburbs by storm, due to a unique combination of techniques that draw from ancient times while incorporating modern science.
PalmLeaf Massage was founded by Ramon Mascarenas in 2013. His practice is strongly inspired by 'Lomi Lomi Ka', a ninth generation Hawaiian manual medicine. He also applies Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy, a contemporary medical technique that identifies the source of pain through various trigger points in the body. The therapy was founded by Dr. Janet Travell, who was the personal physician to former President John F. Kennedy.
"My focus is on the whole body system; the body, mind and spirit are treated as one through therapeutic massage," Mascarenas said. "I intuitively release pain from the body while relieving stress and tension based on the client's unique needs."
Mascarenas works closely with doctors and practitioners who in many cases, refer their patients to him for pain relief. He is able to locate the source of all types of body pain, and other ailments, including stress and tension, limited joint movement and even melancholy and sadness, for example.
Through his practice, he developed a massage called Lomi Lomi Fusion™, which is based in traditional Hawaiian-style massage. It also includes guided meditation and techniques that are unique to each patient, and could include Cupping Therapy, Hydrotherapy (hot and cold), Myofascial Trigger Point Release and/or breathing exercises.
"I customize my treatments based on the specific needs of my clients," Mascarenas said. "No two treatments are ever the same."
Another creation of Mascarenas' is called PalmLeaf Style Massage™, which is a two-part session.
In the first 45 minutes, Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy is utilized as the client is wearing workout clothes and completing active and passive body movements. This helps to release muscle tightness and knots and other 'referral pain' through trigger points. The second half includes Lomi Lomi Ka, a therapeutic massage that consists of circular motions that mirror the 'mortar and pestle' and allow the body to relax and restore after the Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy.
"I am able to help people overcome ailments in a holistic way; what I do brings me great satisfaction in knowing I have impacted the quality of life of others," Mascarenas said.
PalmLeaf Massage has two locations, one in Buffalo Grove (847-990-1170) at Touch of Health, 355 W. Dundee Road (behind 5/3 Bank) and a second location at HealthSmart, 2565 Shermer Road in Northbrook (847-272-1000). For more information, visit http://palmleafmassage.com/, where you can also view client testimonials.
Mention this article and 1st time clients receive $20 off Lomi Lomi Fusion™ or PalmLeaf Style Massage™ services. Offer expires June 30, 2015.
Ramon Mascarenas is a licensed massage therapist, a member of the American Massage Therapy Association and the Lomi Lomi Association. He received his instruction, training and certification from Daniel Moore, LMT, NCBTMB, a Lomi Lomi Ka Master Instructor, and has attended workshops with Lomi Lomi Ka creator, Kaipo Kaneakua, who is affectionately known as Uncle Kaipo.