While almost everyone has experienced a massage at some point in their life, a workshop Saturday at the Community Center of Ames will focus on teaching people professional techniques.

Tanya-Hargrave Klein, the coordinator at the Ames Parks and Recreation Center, said the workshop will teach partners effective massage techniques for the head, neck and shoulders.

Joan Bishop, a licensed massage therapist and registered nurse, will conduct the workshop.

Bishop said she will incorporate a variety of techniques into the workshop, notably acupressure and the Swedish massage.

Bishop said that a massage can be beneficial to a person because it helps you increase your circulation.

Bishop said when a person experiences a muscle strain, the muscles are congested or knotted up.

During a muscle strain, the body sends fluid to the muscle that causes the muscle fibers to glue together. Massage therapy breaks up the congested muscle tissue. As a result, oxygenated blood flows into the muscle tissue, nourishing and healing the muscle.

“Massage therapy has been tested to reduce blood pressure in addition to strengthening the immune system,” Bishop said.

She said that massage therapy has been proven to increase the T-cell (white blood cells that are destroyed by HIV) count of those suffering from AIDS.

Other physical benefits are an increase in energy, reduction of stress and relief of pain.

Bishop said that a massage induces a calm state of mind and increases the ability to monitor stress.

She also said that massage therapy increases the capacity for clearer thinking. During massage therapy, circulation increases which causes an increase in blood flow to the brain.

Joan Bishop will instruct the massage workshop held by the Ames Parks and Recreation Department on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 1 to 4 p.m.

The cost is $22 per pair. Klein said that it would be a great gift to a spouse or friend.