Dr. Jeff Dougal D.C., L.M.T. (who likes to just be called “Jeff”), has come from Salishan Resort and Hollywood California, to join Nirvana Apothecary & Day Spa.
I spoke with Jeff about the many benefits of massage. In the past, massage has been seen as a spa treatment to pamper clients and relieve stress. However, Jeff explained that daily stress in causes our body to experience fight or flight. Now, our prehistoric ancestors needed this biological defense mechanism to survive. Today, our body still responds the same way. Our sympathetic nervous system activates our stress response which takes a toll on both our bodies and our minds causing depression, sleep disorders, stomach problems, anxiety, and can contribute to diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
Massage activates the parasympathetic nervous system, allowing your body to rejuvenate and restore its balance. One of the many health benefits you receive through massage is the elimination of toxins. This occurs through the movement of blood and lymph during the massage. Although the blood flow to the muscles slows during a massage, while the therapist is working on a specific muscle, blood flow is increased in the area of contact, and ultimately circulation does increase in the body after a massage. When blood circulation increases, it increases the oxygen to the cells and thus increases elimination of toxins. Massage therapy benefits the entire body including muscles, skin, cardiovascular, lymphatic, digestive, pain relief, and general well being.
ABOUT JEFF
Of course, there is no such thing as a Doctorate in Massage, but if there was, Jeff would have one. Jeff is the former head of the pharmacological research department of a large pharmaceutical company. During this time he was also a research associate in the University of California, Irvine medical school and was involved in the creation of a new drug called Cyclosporin A, an immunosuppresent drug which allowed organs and limbs to be transplanted from formerly unsuitable donors.
He became disenchanted with pharmaceutical drugs and their effects after realizing that most drugs treat the symptoms, and not the disease. He also came to realize that the human body has amazing self-healing systems, but that sometimes those systems need a little outside help.
Jeff started studying natural healing techniques while teaching neuro-anatomy and neuro-physiology at Cal State University, Fullerton. Jeff decided to become a doctor of Chiropractic. While an intern in Chiropractic college, Jeff (who learned massage from his grandmother when he was a child) started Massaging his patients. He started seeing miracle results.
Jeff started training in Massage and soon teacher and director of a massage college in West Los Angeles. Jeff’s own Massage practice started building by word of mouth only. Soon, famous people came to see him including: Patrick Stewart, Don Johnson, Marly Matlin, Rosanna Arquette, Liz Phair, Greg Louganis, Steve Kmetko, and more.
Jeff combines his knowledge of Chiropractic, Anatomy, Physiology, and Medicine, into his work. Jeff specializes in Deep Tissue and Sports Massage. But he is also trained in Stone Massage, Pregnancy Massage, Aromatherapy, and Body Scrubs.
He uses his strong hands to help the body to heal itself quickly and relieve pain, while providing an amazingly enjoyable massage.
You can find Jeff's magical hands at Nirvana Apothecary & Day Spa call (503) 546-8155.
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