Ștefan - Ionuț Petrea
What was, at first, a hobby, gradually transformed into an opportunity with multiple aspects worthy of research and into a sure path of personal development.
For me, massage represents a way of life focused on mental and physical well-being.
I am happy to think that, through my activity, I can help people.
Currently, I have the pleasure of working within the Therapeutic Fasting Association, as a therapist.
I believe that there is always room for improvement, which is what drives me to continue my professional training.
Education and training:
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Russian Medicine
Massage Therapist Qualification
Work experience:
– 2021 – present: therapist, Therapeutic Fasting Association of Iași.
Mădălin Boca
I have always tried to be in harmony with myself and with all the changes I encounter, both within myself and in what surrounds me. Therefore, because health, like the individual, is strengthened through study, attention and inner research, I directed my steps towards a continuous educational process, oriented towards evolution and at the same time preserving the basic principles of the profession, some unalterable landmarks otherwise. I became, in turn, a general practitioner assistant, and then a masseur. Later, thanks to a professional reconversion in medical recovery, I managed to materialize my first dream, that of working in kinetobalneotherapy, following a specialization in osteopathy. I have always combined the theoretical side of my professional training with the practice, which I acquired both at hospitals in Suceava County and at the Elias University Emergency Hospital in Bucharest. Also, during these years, I worked at two medical rehabilitation offices, as an assistant and a masseur, and later at a physical medicine office, as a masseur, physiotherapist and osteopath. Currently, I continue to work both at the aforementioned physical medicine office and within the Post Therapeutic Association, a dear project, which by combining spirituality with health presents us with a panorama of it, in its physical and spiritual dimensions alike. I remain grateful for the chance to work in such a field, to do good, contributing to the improvement of the health of so many patients.
Mihai Iacoviță
In a time when daily stress and the fast pace of life increasingly leave their mark on our health, massage, initially considered a therapeutic alternative, is now becoming a life-saving solution, since its precondition is precisely the extraction from the environment that causes diseases, whether physical or mental, an extraction that the dedicated team of the Therapeutic Fasting Association proposes through the very format of organized camps. Each person who crosses the threshold of my recovery office will be helped by various methods, such as reflexology massage, lymphatic drainage or ionizing baths, procedures that I have studied and practiced within professional training courses in the country, but especially together with other therapists in the field who had the advantage of practical experience. Often, theory is overshadowed by the particularities of patients, and my approach focuses precisely on this aspect – a necessary spontaneity and, implicitly, increased attention to the person in front of us. Therapies thus become adapted to the needs of each fasting person, and the results are a joint effort between them and us.
Visceral Massage
The Russian physician Alexander Ogulov is regarded as the first specialist in modern medicine to systematise a method of abdominal massage aimed at normalising the functions of internal organs. He began developing this method in 1985, drawing on the principles of traditional Russian healing.
Following the results achieved in practice, the system developed by Alexander Ogulov has become known not only in Russia but also in numerous other countries.
The technique of visceral massage is considered distinctive, as it does not belong directly to either Western manual practices or Eastern traditions. It is based on the principles of traditional Russian healing, which aim to restore the functional balance of the body.
Visceral therapy seeks to correct functional and structural imbalances within the body, contributing to the improvement of dysfunctions affecting:
- the musculoskeletal system
- the vascular system
- the nervous system
- the urogenital system
- the respiratory system
- the digestive system
- the lymphatic system
In other words, visceral massage supports the body in overcoming functional blockages, improving the activity of internal organs, reducing discomfort, and identifying underlying causes of certain conditions, thereby restoring the body’s natural capacity for self-healing.
Reflexology
Benefits of the Method
Reflexology is a therapeutic method that may be used for preventive purposes or to support overall wellbeing. Its advantages include:
- it may be used by individuals seeking to prevent illness;
- it does not require specialised equipment;
- it can be applied in various settings, provided correct technique is observed;
- it is a gentle and safe method;
- it does not involve toxic substances;
- it acts subtly yet effectively on the body;
- it aims to address the underlying causes of conditions, not only their symptoms;
- it does not interfere with medication-based treatments;
- it reduces nervous tension;
- it improves circulation and supports the elimination of metabolic waste;
- it supports the functioning of all body systems, including the immune system;
- it enhances the body’s resistance to bacterial and viral infections;
- it presents no risk of aggravating health conditions;
- it contributes to metabolic balance.
Limitations of Reflexology
There are, however, situations in which reflexology should be avoided or applied with caution:
- infectious diseases;
- acute conditions requiring surgical intervention (acute abdomen, intestinal obstruction, acute appendicitis);
- local conditions affecting reflex zones (injuries, eczema, malformations);
- high-risk pregnancies or advanced stages of pregnancy;
- malignant tumours with metastases;
- inadequate condition of the practitioner (fatigue, nervous tension, irritability).
In certain categories of individuals, reduced pressure is recommended:
- very elderly individuals;
- very young individuals;
- severely ill individuals;
- patients in pre- or post-operative periods;
- cardiac or diabetic patients.
Signs of Energy Excess or Deficiency
Observation and palpation of the foot may provide indications regarding the body’s energetic state.
Observation – signs of excess:
- rough, dry skin
- warts and calluses
- darkened skin tone
- irregular bone growth
- nail hypertrophy
Palpation – signs of excess:
- presence of crystal-like granules resembling grains of sand
- nodules or muscular masses
- hypertonic muscles
- highly sensitive or painful areas
- rigid tendons and ligaments
- reduced joint mobility
- very warm areas
- rapid return of blood after deep palpation
Reflexology consists of massaging sensitive or painful reflex points.
Massage is performed using the thumb or the interphalangeal joints, without the use of metal objects or intermediary tools.
Through repeated stimulation of affected reflex zones, toxin crystals are fragmented, and the bloodstream transports them to elimination organs, thereby contributing to an improvement in overall health.
Lymphatic Drainage
Lymphoid Organs
Lymphoid organs are structures that store and produce lymphocytes and antibodies. These include:
- the digestive tract
- the thymus
- the tonsils
- the spleen
The spleen has numerous important roles:
- produces monocytes and macrophage-type lymphocytes;
- filters the blood of foreign particles, such as bacteria;
- participates in iron metabolism;
- stores blood cells;
- contributes to their production and destruction;
- destroys aged red blood cells and platelets;
- participates in immune defence through phagocytosis;
- functions as a blood reservoir (300 – 500 g).
In situations such as haemorrhage or intense physical exertion, splenic blood may be released into circulation. Contraction of the splenic capsule may sometimes cause discomfort.
Functions of the Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system has several essential roles:
- immune function – collects and destroys toxins, bacteria, and abnormal cells;
- circulatory function – transports immune cells between lymph nodes;
- removes interstitial fluid from tissues;
- transports long-chain fatty acids and cholesterol absorbed from the intestine;
- transports enzymes and hormones from interstitial fluid;
- drains proteins extravasated from capillaries;
- prevents the formation of oedema;
- contributes to the elimination of metabolic waste.
Duration of Lymphatic Drainage Sessions
The duration of a session depends on the treated area:
- general: 90 – 120 minutes
- face: approximately 25 minutes
- limbs: 20 – 40 minutes
The treatment is repeated 1 – 2 times per week, and in certain conditions it may be applied daily for approximately 10 days.
Massage is performed from proximal to distal, with lymph nodes being stimulated first, followed by lymphatic vessels.
Indications
Lymphatic drainage is used in numerous situations, including:
- cellulite
- Obesity
- detox programmes
- chronic fatigue
- stress, migraines, and insomnia
- oedema
- post-operative swelling
- recovery after aesthetic surgical procedures
- massage during pregnancy
- post-traumatic recovery (dislocations, sprains, fractures, contusions)
- peripheral circulatory disorders
- lymphatic insufficiency
- respiratory conditions (asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis)
- facial cosmetic treatments
- scars and stretch marks
- facial paralysis
- rheumatic conditions
Contraindications
Absolute contraindications:
- malignant conditions or those with potential for malignancy aggravated by massage;
- severe psychiatric disorders;
- haemorrhagic diseases;
- cerebral haemorrhage.
Relative contraindications:
In these cases, the affected area should not be massaged:
- skin conditions (eczema, infections, wounds, abscesses, boils);
- inflammatory osteoarticular conditions;
- muscle tears or haematomas;
- thrombophlebitis.
Temporary contraindications:
- acute febrile conditions;
- acute cardiac conditions (angina pectoris, myocardial infarction);
- cardiac rhythm disorders;
- untreated hypertension;
- embolism;
- acute pulmonary conditions (pneumonia, pleurisy, active tuberculosis);
- acute digestive conditions (pancreatitis, appendicitis, cholecystitis);
- severe inflammatory processes.
Massage should be avoided in any acute inflammation caused by bacteria, viruses, or allergens, due to the risk of spreading the inflammatory process throughout the body.
Effects of Lymphatic Drainage
Lymphatic drainage contributes to:
- improved blood and lymph circulation;
- elimination of toxins from the body;
- strengthening of the immune system;
- regulation of body temperature;
- improved concentration;
- maintenance of skin elasticity and vitality;
- stimulation of metabolism;
- improved digestion and prevention of constipation;
- activation of the nervous system and reduction of stress;
- support of excretory systems (integumentary, intestinal, urinary, and respiratory).
Adequate hydration is also essential following massage sessions, as water facilitates the elimination of metabolic waste mobilised during the therapy.
Water functions as a solvent and transport mechanism within the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues and contributing to communication between cells.