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Swedish Massage and Its Elements
Massage has been around since the beginning of time. Massage and healing has a long and interesting history. There are currently over 75 different types of massage healing work and body work. What is very interesting about massage is that it is instinctive. It is natural to rub out our aches and pains. Massage has a long list of benefits. Some of those are any where from preventing injury to slowing the progress of an illness to rehabilitation and as simple as relaxation.
The most popular massage in the western world is Swedish massage. Swedish massage is a systematic and scientific manipulation of the soft tissues of the body. The purpose of this massage is for maintaining good health. Swedish massage is often described as organized and intentional touch. The movements of the therapist are intentional and require knowing how the body responses to the scientific application of massage.
Massage therapy is not only a science but an art and a two way conversation. The person giving the massage will 'read' the body, find the spots that deserve attention. Meanwhile to person getting a massage can direct the massage therapist to specific spots. The best way to get proficient at giving a massage is to practice. Several factors must be considered for each massage; intention, touch, pressure and depth, direction, speed, and sequence. Each will be discussed further below.
Intention - The intention of the session is one of the most important questions. Does the person deserve to relax, wake up, sooth an injury, or relieve stress. Touch - Touch before and after a massage can provide a moment of connection between both parties. Pressure and Depth - Pressure is the amount of force applied to the body while depth is how far you push into the body. Pressure and depth will vary or every person. Direction - Down and forward, inward and up, back and forth; each direction will provide different pressure, depth, and sensations. Speed - Rapid movements will stimulate, while slow movements will relax. Sequence - The order of strokes and speed to cater to each specific clients desires.
Exactly how safe is massage therapy? Massage has become popular in the past years because it is one of the safest types of complementing medicine and especially physical therapy. It is very unlikely that a well-trained therapist will harm a client. The majority of claims of injury are bruising and other minor injuries to the soft tissues of the body.
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02.05 | 0 Comments
Discover the Different Massage Types
The standard massage treatment has flourished recently to include much more specific treatments concentrating on various areas of the body. You may not be aware that there is most probably a massage treatment for your particular ailment.
Swedish massage therapy: This is the most common type to be offered by masseurs because it is very gentle and relaxing. The masseuse will use long strokes, kneading and circular movements on superficial layers of muscle using massage lotion or oil. The result is a refreshed, calm and renewed feeling for the body.
Aromatherapy: The reason why it is called such is because one or more scented plant oils are used during the session. During the session, you will select the oil you want to use. In fact, the most popular one is lavender as it is well suited for stress related conditions together with an emotional component.
Hot stone massage: Heated smooth stones are placed on certain parts of the body to help loosen those tight muscles and balance energy points in the body. At times, the masseuse may also apply gentle pressure especially for those who have muscle tension.
Deep tissue massage: The massage technique is specifically designed to target the deep layers of body muscle and connective tissue. Here, the masseuse will use slow strokes better known as friction techniques across the grain of the muscle. The distinctive feature of deep tissue massage is that it is used on those that have chronically tight or painful muscles, repetitive strain, postural problems and recovery from injury. You will often feel sore for the next day or two.
Shiatsu: This massage therapy originated from Japan. Here, the masseuse will use localised finger pressure in a rhythmic sequence on acupuncture meridians. Each point is held for 2 to 8 second designed to improve the flow of energy and help the body regain balance. Those who have tried it say that it is relaxing yet firm. The best part is that there is no soreness afterwards.
Thai: This is similar to Shiatsu because it aligns the energies of the body using gentle pressure on specific points. Part of the session also includes compressions and stretches as you are moved in a variety of postures just like yoga but in this case, you don't do anything except go with the flow.
Pregnancy: For women that are expecting, they can opt for a specialist pregnancy massage. The benefits it was designed for are the relief of aches and pains, reduce swelling, relieve stress and reduce the ailments of anxiety and depression.
Reflexology: The can also be known as foot massage as the procedure involves applying pressure to parts of the foot. It is believed that the foot in fact corresponds to certain body organs and systems so if this is worked on therefore the whole body will benefit.
Sports: This is designed for people involved in sports activities. This type is designed not only for professional athletes but anyone involved in sport since it helps prevent and treat physical injuries.
Back & Neck: Unlike reflexology that focuses on the feet because it represents special points in the body, this one simply relieves tension in the back and neck caused by lifting heavy objects or driving for long periods of time.
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02.00 | 0 Comments
Losing Fat With Massages
You've lost dozens of pounds dieting and exercising. Yet, when you look at yourself in the mirror, you wonder why you still appear 'fat.' What else needs to be done to get you the firm body you deserve? Perhaps the answer to this question can be found at the massage parlor.
That's right... you can actually use massages to help lose fat. Why? Well, when a person gets a massage, everything in that area gets loosened up. As a result, oxygen can flow better through the body's cells. And, when the oxygen reaches adipose tissue, fat breaks up, making their metabolism much easier.
Now, you might be wondering what type of massages people need to get to lose fat. The best ones are those that are vigorous. Slower massages won't work as well, because they won't stimulate the blood flow fast enough.
You can also consider hot stone therapy. What is hot stone therapy? Basically, it is a type of massage where heated stones are used instead of a person's hands. The results are phenomenal because it applies massaging action as well as heat to a person's skin and muscles. This intensifies blood flow, allowing even more oxygen to get to the fat.
However, be aware that in the United States, hot stone therapy is relatively new. So, not all massage therapists will be able to do it. That's why you should probably ask ahead of time if a spa or parlor offers that type of service. If they don't, you can find a plethora of others online or in your local phone book.
Of course, don't think that hot stone therapy or any other type of massage is going to work miracles. Yes, massages do make it easier to lose fat, but if you don't continue to diet and exercise nothing will happen. Ultimately, it's important to view massages as an aid to weight loss, not a cure.
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01.58 | 0 Comments
Massaging Oils - The Smooth Secret to Better Massage
So you read a book on Massage and you're ready to try it out tonight on your girlfriend. The techniques are fresh in your mind and you want to do a good job to help your partner relax a little. Well, there is something else you should do first. You should get a selection of Massaging oils ready to use. If you haven't used them before, don't worry, it's not that hard to find them. If you are lucky, and live in a large metropolitan area, go to the large retail stores like Wal-Mart or K-Mart perhaps. Sometimes they have pre-mixed oils for massage. If not, they have a selection of fragrances and essential oils in the Women's Department. Try something you like. You can make your own massage oils by using an essential oil to add scent to your base massaging oil. There are two kinds of oils commonly used in Massage.
The first kind is a mineral oil. These oils are readily available at large Drug Stores. The other kind, my personal favorite, is a regular vegetable oil. Take your pick of olive oil, safflower oil, whichever you feel the most comfortable with. My favorite is safflower oil. To give it a scent, I get oil of clove from my local CVS drug store. But you can use any scent that you like . Some suggestions are Patchouli oil, Cinnamon oil or a delightful one from India, I think. It's called Frangipani. Go to the Cosmetics area of the big Drug Stores and get a few plastic squeeze bottles with a narrow hole on top. Use these to dispense the oil into your hands. You should never, as a rule, squirt the oil directly on your partner. Always put it in your palm, first. Then rub your hands together a few times to spread the oil and to warm it up. You want this to be a sensory experience to remember, not a shock.
Now that you have your oils prepared. There are a few tips to mention here. If you are doing a whole body massage and will use a lot of oil, then it's a good idea to prepare two bottles of oil for each of the scents you have chosen. The reason? well, think about it. If you are moving back and forth over a large area, as you do with a whole body massage, you will save unneccesary going back and forth trying to get the bottle that somehow is always at the other end of your partner. When you start a massage, you should try to maintain contact with your partner all the way through the massage. If you have to stop to get the bottle, it can be awkward and sometimes unsettling. So use two of each to prevent that. Also, don't use too much oil at once. A teaspoon at a time should be enough for a fairly large spot to massage. If you need more, like for example, massaging a hairy back or chest, apply more in small amounts. There should not be any pooling of oil on the one being massaged. Don't pour the oil into your palm over your partner, do it by their side. You can still maintain contact with your partner with the under part of your forearm or maybe an elbow.
When you are done, and you can hear the smile of your partner, ask him or her to give you a massage, also. First, you will love it. Second, you will be able to feel what works best and how light or heavy to rub. It will give you insight into your next venture into the world of massage.
I want to take the time, here, to point out that I am not a licensed masseuse. I am not a professional. I do, however, consider myself a gifted amateur and someone who loves to be massaged, too. So, be cautious at first, until you learn a little about what your partner likes and how hard to rub. It's not that hard and it feels great. In some cases, it's even a health benefit to the object of your massage. And one other thing, your pets love to be massaged, too!
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01.55 | 0 Comments
Massage Therapists - Tips For Mobile Massage Safety
For many clients the idea of having a massage therapist come to them is appealing. They do not have to drive or deal with parking on their way to or from their appointment and they are able to relax immediately after the appointment. As a massage therapist, providing services to these clients can be lucrative. However, concern for your safety may limit you from offering these services. We employ many therapists across the country to meet the demand of mobile massage services and recommend the following tips to help ensure their safety.
Your company image is important to ensure both you and the clients are comfortable with your business relationship. Professionalism in your advertisements, phone consultations, and marketing materials will project the services you provide.
Have a safety person you contact to provide names, addresses, and phone numbers of the client you will be visiting. Explain to them you'll call them when you arrive and when you leave so they will know where you are.
Once you have a client's name, research them on the internet. Conduct a search on their name and go to sites like peoplefinders.com to determine if they reside at the address provided or your local sexual predator lists to determine if there are any areas of concern.
Consider processing payments by credit card over the phone in advance so that you are not carrying cash with you on appointments.
Personally, I have found visiting clients in their homes provides another level of interest to client relationships. I have the opportunity to meet family members, see their environment and lifestyle which assists in assessments and recommendations, and reduce my overhead costs not having to maintain an office.
As a mobile massage therapist, you have a great service to provide and keeping your safety as a priority is critical.
Lisa Meloche, President and Massage Therapist, Bodywork Alternatives Massage Therapy. http://www.bodyworkalternativesmt.com/
Bodywork Alternatives Massage Therapy offers mobile massage therapy services and corporate chair massage services across the country. Massage therapy services provided reduce pain and stress in the comfort of client's homes and offices. Corporate chair massage allows companies to help employees reduce stress and pain associated with common problems such as headaches, carpal tunnel symptoms, and low back pain. All therapists are trained and licensed or certified in their area of expertise.
Lisa first became interested in massage therapy when she was able to reduce her Fibromyalgia symptoms by receiving regular massages. She has combined her massage therapy training and personal experience to develop massage therapy techniques to help reduce Fibromyalgia symptoms. Massage therapists on her team are trained on these techniques to help bring relief to Fibromyalgia clients across the country. She is in the process of writing an eBook on self-massage techniques to help others reduce their symptoms.
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01.52 | 0 Comments
Unique Form of Massage Therapy - Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is unique form of message therapy because it utilizes unique essential and aromatic oils during the therapy session. During any single session the therapist may choose one or more from a selection of over 90 aromatherapy essential oils. These essential oils have been used for centuries to promote psychological and physical benefits to the body.
Many of the bases used during the aroma therapy sessions include natural ingredients such as dried herbs, milk powders, hydrosols, sea salts, sugars, clays, and even mud baths. Using synthetic ingredients is generally frowned upon.
Aroma therapy techniques are widely practiced in both the United States and across Europe. Normally they are integrated right into other holistic treatments. In addition to the application of essential oil products, aromatherapy can also include candles, bath salts, massage oils, and even rubs which can all be used in your home.
Home treatment kits can be purchased or you can make your own. These usually include massage oils, essential oils, bath salts, lotion bases, candles, and diffusers. Most of the products come in very small bottles or jars and can be easily stored in a small sealed box. The bottles should all be labeled and it would be a great idea to purchase a book to go with your kit. If you are not familiar with a particular product you can always research it. Reference guides are kept near essential oil display shelves and can easily be found online. Most stores have tester bottles left out for customers to smell or try.
You do not need to use very much of the oils to achieve great results. Essential oils are extremely concentrated forms and they do need to be diluted before using them. You will only need to add between 2 to 10 drops of the oils to your application methods, massage oils, lotions, candles, diffusers, bath water, etc. You may even hold your head over a steaming bowl of water or create a tent effect with a towel. Simply inhale the fumes. Oils can also be added to baths, your favorite lotion, compresses, room diffusers, or diluted with light olive oil and misted onto or applied to the skin.
Aromatherapy is not designed to cure any type of illness it is only designed to alleviate symptoms and promote relaxation. It has been known to aid in the relief of minor problems. Before you try aroma therapy you should consult with your doctor.
If you do decide to utilize the services of a massage therapist, talk to the practitioner before you begin your session and discuss your medical history and any current conditions. This vital information will help hem select the best essential oils to be used in your treatments session.
Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use aromatherapy as a treatment. Many of the essential oils may be harmful to the fetal development or nursing baby and many more have unknown side effect to infants.
If you wish to learn more about aroma therapy, there are many websites which provide valuable information. If you would like a deeper understanding, simply purchase a reference guide and study materials or take some classes at your local adult Ed or community college. There are some online courses available.
Aromatherapy is thought to aid people psychologically and physically because the scents can alter brain chemistry to produce desired effects. These effects may bring therapeutic relief according to the oils used and the person's body and brain chemistry. One example is eucalyptus oil, which helps to alleviate congestion in some people. Lavender also aids others to relax and helps to detoxify.
The oils can be inhaled or applied to the skin. When they are applied to the skin they are instantly absorbed into the blood stream and become an aid in certain health and beauty applications.
If you take classes to learn more about aroma therapy you can expect them to be a little pricey. Single day classes which give a good basic overview can usually cost about $75 to $125. To become certified in aromatherapy you can expect initial introductory classes to start at about $500. These classes include books and tuition, but sometimes not the oils. These classes teach more about mixing oils and creating different products as well as applications for ailments.
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01.49 | 0 Comments
The Benefits of Massage
We massage ourselves nearly every day. The natural reaction to reach out and touch a painful part of the body forms the basis of massage. As long ago as 3000 BC massage was used as a therapy in the Far East, making it one of the oldest treatments used by humans. In 5 BC in ancient Greece, Hippocrates recommended that to maintain health, a massage using oils should be taken daily after a perfumed bath. Greek physicians were well used to treating people who suffered from pain and stiffness in the joints. The relaxation and healing powers of massage have been well documented over the past 5000 years.
The therapeutic value of applying oils and rubbing parts of the body to lessen pain and prevent illness was recognised amongst the ancient Mediterranean civilisations. In ancient times scented oils were almost always used when giving massages, creating an early form of aromatherapy massage.
Massage increased in popularity when, in the 19th century, Per Henrik Ling, a Swedish fencing master and academic, created the basis for what is now known as Swedish massage. Swedish massage deals with the soft tissues of the body. It is a combination of relaxing effects and exercises that work on the joints and muscles but it is still based on the form that was practised in ancient times. More recently, a work was published in the 1970's called The Massage Book by George Downing and this introduced a new concept in the overall technique of massage, that the whole person's state should be assessed by the therapist and not solely the physical side. The emotional and mental states should be part of the overall picture. Also combined in his form of massage were the methods used in reflexology and shiatsu and this was known as therapeutic massage. The aim of this is to use relaxation, stimulation and invigoration to promote good health.
Massage is commonly used to induce general relaxation, so that any tension or strain experienced in the rush of daily life can be eased and eliminated. It is found to be very effective, working on the mind as well as the body. It can be used to treat people with hypertension, sinusitis, headaches, insomnia and hyperactivity, including people who suffer from heart ailments or circulatory disorders. At the physical level, massage is intended to help the body make use of food and to eliminate the waste materials, as well as stimulating the nervous and muscular system and the circulation of blood. Neck and back pain are conditions from which many people suffer, particularly if they have not been sitting correctly, such as in a slightly stooped position with their shoulders rounded. People whose day to day work involves a great deal of physical activity, such as dancers and athletes, can also derive a great deal of benefit from the use of massage. Stiffness can be a problem that they have after training or working and this is relieved by encouraging the toxins that gather in the muscles to disappear. Massage promotes a feeling of calmness and serenity and this is particularly beneficial to people who frequently suffer from bouts of depression or anxiety. Once the worry and depression have been dispelled, people are able to deal with their problems much more effectively and being able to do so will boost their self confidence.
In hospitals, massage has been used to ease pain and discomfort as well as being of benefit to people who are bedridden, since the flow of blood to the muscles is stimulated. It has also been used for those who have suffered from a heart attack and has assisted in their recovery. A more recent development has been the use of massage for cancer patients who are suffering from the after effects of treatment, such as chemotherapy, as well as the discomfort the disease itself causes. Indeed, there are few conditions when it is not recommended. It should not be used when people are suffering from inflammation of the veins, varicose veins, thrombosis or if they have a raised temperature such as occurs during a fever. It is then advisable to contact a doctor before using massage. Doctors may be able to recommend a qualified therapist, a health centre may be able to help or contact can be made with the relevant professional body.
Along with the diagnosis elements of massage there are great psychological benefits. During a massage the patient is coaxed from emotional and occupational stresses into the intense arena of the here and now. The importance of this kind of one on one non verbal communication can never be underestimated in our increasingly impersonal and detached society.
Massage has a wide range of uses for a variety of disorders. Its strengths lie in the easing of strain and tension and inducing relaxation and serenity, plus the physical contact of the therapist. Although doctors make use of this therapy in conjunction with orthodox medicine, it is not to be regarded as a cure for diseases in itself and serious problems could occur if this were the case.
Massage affects the whole body through rhythmically applied pressure. Gentle pulling and stroking movements increase the circulation of the blood and cause the blood vessels to dilate. The stimulation of nerves and blood will also affect the internal organs. Lymph is a milky white liquid that carries waste substances and toxins away from the tissues via the lymphatic system. Inactivity can cause an unhealthy build up of this substance and as the circulation of the lymph is largely dependent on muscle contractions, so massage will help speed the lymph's progress through the system. Active people can also benefit from massage as strenuous activity burns up the muscle, producing an increase of waste products in the muscle tissue. Massage will help to balance the system in both cases and can increase oxygen capacity by 10-15 per cent.
By realigning our bodies, massage can go a long way to repairing our generally damaged postures. Inactive lifestyles and sedentary occupations have created a society of people with cramped, stooped and neglected postures. Not only does massage help to coax the spine and corresponding physiology back into position, it also makes us more aware of our bodies. Relieved of muscle tension, the body feels lighter and therefore can be borne more naturally and with more poise. Used in conjunction with postural therapies such as Pilates or the Alexander technique, massage can help achieve a relaxed yet controlled posture.
Women in labour have found that the pain experienced during childbirth can be eased if massage is performed on the buttocks and back. The massage eases the build up of tension in the muscles, encouraging relaxation and easing of labour pains. It is said to be more effective on women who had previously experienced the benefits and reassurance of massage.
Many of the benefits of massage come through the healer/patient contact. Our hands are one of the most sensitive parts of the body and we experience much of our sense and touch through our hands. An experienced masseur is able is able to use his or her hands to communicate feelings of harmony and relaxation. A practised masseur will also be able to diagnose the patient through touch. He or she can 'listen' to tension and stress through the texture of the skin, knotted muscle and stiff joints. Old and current sprains, congestion and swelling should all be obvious to a good masseur. The actions of massage - the stroking, kneading and pulling - detoxify the body, improving circulation and lymphatic drainage. After tension and weakness in the body have been pinpointed and relieved, the patient is feeling relaxed and energised.
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01.45 | 0 Comments