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Shiatsu - A Timeless and Effective Massage Therapy Technique
In a massage school in Maui , Hawaii , a group of students are gathered around their teacher as he performs the steps in shiatsu massage. The teacher executes several movements that are basic in a shiatsu massage. These include pressing, tapping, squeezing, and rubbing some of the patient's body parts. To the untrained eye, it would seem that the teacher just randomly touches or squeezes here and there, when in truth, these actions were planned beforehand. As he is doing this, he is also telling his students the history of shiatsu massage and how it became one of the most effective and popular massage therapy styles or techniques known today.
The technique being taught in a massage school in Maui, Hawaii actually originated in oriental Japan . Shiatsu is a Japanese traditional hands-on technique of therapy. The accepted founder is said to be Tokujiro Namikoshi. When Namikoshi was but a boy, he found out that by applying pressure on his mother's joints and then rubbing them, he was able to alleviate the pain she felt caused by arthritis.
This encouraged Namikoshi to pursue the study of the technique he discovered. He called it "Shiatsu" because in the Japanese language, "shi" means "finger" while "atsu" means pressure. Because of his perseverance, he was able to build the Shiatsu Institute of Therapy in Hokkaido in 1925, and later on, the Japan Shiatsu School after the technique became accepted and licensed. In Japan, shiatsu is widely promoted and supported by the government. Because of this, many people were encouraged to study shiatsu.
The graduates of the Japan Shiatsu School are responsible for the spread of the technique all over the world. Not only that, shiatsu gained popularity when Namikoshi himself treated important or famous personages such as Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Yoshida, Hollywood actress Marilyn Monroe, and champion boxer Muhammad Ali.
Shiatsu, as a technique, is one that needs careful and dedicated studying. Shiatsu is done by using one's fingers, palms, and especially the thumbs, to find irregularities in the patient's body and heal or correct them. The benefits that shiatsu has been known to induce include the relaxation of muscles, the reduction of stress, and the improvement of blood circulation, among others. Aside from these, shiatsu has also been known to heal specific illnesses such as arthritis.
The effectiveness of the shiatsu technique coupled with its illustrious and much documented history has gained it many followers until today. It is no wonder that shiatsu is taught not only in a massage school in Maui , Hawaii , but also in other massage schools in the world.
Once you learn shiatsu massage, it would mean that you now have the skills to make people around you feel better. You can even give use your knowledge as a source of income. Many people have healed family members and friends, or started booming massage therapy businesses just because they had knowledge in shiatsu. This might work for you as well. Study shiatsu now and enjoy the benefits that this time-tested massage therapy technique can give you.
Aloha Massage School of Massage Therapy serving Haiku, Makawao, Kahului, Kihei, in Maui, HI. We offer a professional 600 hour training in massage therapy. You will learn Lomi Lomi, Shiatsu, Swedish Massage Techniques , reflexology and so much more. We can be reached at (808) 871-9966
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12.03 | 1 Comments
3 Tips to Get the Best Massage Therapy Clinics
Massage therapy is becoming so popular that is seems everybody has at least tried it at some point. Even celebrities are scheduling weekly, even daily, appointments. The masses of America are getting with the program. Are there results? Massage clinics seem to be sprouting up on every block.
With all the massage therapy clinics to choose from it may be hard to decide which one you should go to. Many of the clinics are only running to be complacent with the current fad and do not really have trained and qualified massage therapists. Therefore, a consumer must be shrewd and separate the real clinics from the fakes. If you are looking into massage therapy, you may find the three tips below to be helpful in making your decision.
1. Go for the Tried and Tested
The first clinics to consider should be those that others have tried and who have received positive reviews. You may find that these are a little expensive; but you will be getting a safe and effective massage. Massage that is done correctly will alleviate symptoms and greatly aid in relaxation. An improperly performed massage will cause many health problems and may cause skin bruising, bone injuries, blood clots, blood pressure problems, and even sprains or tissue damage.
This doesn't mean that you have to use the high priced clinics and private therapists which celebrities use. Simply ask for referrals from friends and family of yours and of who you know that use massage therapy. People who receive massage therapy on a weekly basis will definitely be able to provide you with some recommendations.
2. Join Internet Forums
Your greatest resource for nearly anything is the internet. You can easily find advice and opinions from forums and review pages about massage therapy clinics. You should be able to decipher from all the commentary, which clinics really give good service. Feel free to join in on these forums and ask questions.
You might also do a quick search and find blogs and websites about the topic. Often these may provide you with good recommendations for massage therapy clinics. If you need to travel or find a clinic away from your community, this would be a great way to check out businesses where you intend to be staying.
3. Try It Out
If you are truly adventurous and have the funds to spare, you could sample services yourself. You may come across a few not-so-great clinics before you find the really good ones. Even if you receive terrible service from one location, at least you have tried the services out and know what to expect from them. Don't be afraid to continue your quest with other clinics until you find the one that is right for you.
Of course you should expect to research a little about the clinics you try before hand. This way you will avoid the fake ones and only give your business to the real ones. Be discriminate about the services of clinics and private practitioners in your area before trying them out. Be sure to check the place out, ask about their different techniques, and even see of you can have a demonstration. You may decide to research the different oils and products they use on their clients. The more you learn about the massage therapy clinic the better assured you will at get the best out of it.
Joseph Nyamache is the founder and owner of ecommerce hosting website that provides tips and deals about the top web hosting sites that will save you a whole deal in web hosting costs for your website or blogs.
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12.01 | 0 Comments
How to Do Self Massage to Relax Yourself
Massage is a simple and natural way to attain and maintain good health and well being. It helps to ease headache, insomnia, aches and pains, tension and stress. It improves circulation, aids digestion, relaxes muscles and speeds up the elimination of waste products.
You can easily learn to massage yourself. You can use self massage to energize yourself after a heavy work schedule or an outdoor journey. Use massage oil if you are massaging on bare skin to decrease the friction created on the skin and to prevent the pulling of hair.
Self massage - Face
1. Stroke all over your face and forehead.
2. Massage your temples with the fingertips of both hands.
3. Gently smooth over your eyelids from the inner to outer corners with your thumbs.
4. Press with your thumbs just below the inner eyebrow corner. Release then repeats. Do this three or four time.
5. Stroke down the side of your face to the jawline.
6. Pinch all along your jawline from ear to ear.
7. Finish face by repeating step 1.
Self massage - Chest
1. Still lying down massage up from between your ribs across to your shoulders.
2. Gently press along your collarbone with your fingertips.
3. Stroke down between your breasts and out to the sides across the rib cage.
Self massage - Tummy
1. Stroke down from the solar plexus hand behind hand to your navel.
2. Stroke down from the solar plexus tracing your rib cage to your waistline with both hands.
3. With hands reinforced 'iron' in circle all over the abdomen with even pressure.
4. Squeeze up each side from your hipbones past your waist.
5. Rub backwards and forwards across your lower abdomen.
6. Repeat step 1.
Self massage - Shoulders and neck
1. Lying down massage across your upper chest and across and round your shoulders.
2. Turn your head to one side and work up your neck with your hand cupped. Repeat several times on both sides.
3. Work up between your shoulder blades to the base of your skull. Repeat several times.
Self massage - Legs
Sit on the floor with your legs out stretched. Bend your right leg at the knee.
1. Effleurage the front, then back, of your lower leg several times.
2. Friction rubs briskly up and down all over the front and back of the lower leg. You'll soon feel the warmth this produces as it really whips up your circulation.
3. Work on the knee as in the step-by-step massage.
4. Lower your leg then effleurage the thigh.
5. Quickly rake up the thigh with your fingertips using both hands. This increases the circulation.
6. Squeeze and release along the inner thigh then the outer thigh.
7. Do diagonal stroking as in the step-by-step massage.
8. Finish with effleurage. Repeat on the other leg.
Self massage - Hips and buttocks
Lie on one side with your knees bent.
1. Stroke round from your hipbone to your coccyx (sitting bone) then down and round the buttock before finishing at the hip.
2. Squeeze and release on the buttock to improve circulation and tone muscle.
3. Gently pinch all over buttocks.
4. Finish by stroking the whole area.
Self massage - Back
You will need to sit upright for this one!
1. Reach around with both hands and starting below the waist work up as far as you can.
2. Try thumb pressures on your spine, if you can reach having your fingers pointing forwards. Pressing the lower back and sacrum (top of buttocks) area really relieves backache.
3. Alternatively try using a wooden back massage roller or wriggle around with your back against a rolling pin.
Self massage - Scalp
1. Massage your scalp as if shampooing your hair.
2. Lock your fingers on to your scalp and move it over your skull. These movements increase the blood circulation and done regularly will improve the condition of your hair.
3. Gently tug sections of your hair all over your head. Finish your self massage by lying down completely relaxing hands open at your sides and breathing deeply for a minute or two. Depending on which oil you have chosen you will feel deeply relaxed may be a little sleepy or invigorated and energized.
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04.55 | 0 Comments
Lymphatic Massage For Beauty Inside As Well As Out!
When a family member of mine was diagnosed with lymphoma, a large marble sized rock hard lump in the neck, it was such a shock! The difficult part after that was trying to figure out the best course of action. We have always leaned towards natural remedies and we were thankfully steered towards a naturopath that did lymphatic massage, ionic foot baths and pure vitamins, minerals and herbs.
Here is what I learned about the lymphatic system:
The lymphatic system is closely related to the circulatory system. You could consider that you have red blood and white blood, the white being the lymphatic system. It works like this;
Red blood cells carry oxygen and nutrients to all the cells of the body. The blood picks up impurities as well. These impurities must go somewhere. This is where the lymphatic system comes in. These impurities, such as, proteins, viruses, bacteria, cancer cells etc., get absorbed into the plasma, (the white blood I mentioned earlier, which is the lymphatic liquid) and are filter by the lymph nodes throughout the body. The job of the lymphatic system is to safely eliminate these impurities.
If the lymphatic system gets damaged or blocked then your immune system cannot function at its optimum. As an example, a free flowing river moves unobstructed and reaches the desired destination, but if you have obstruction and the water pools and is slow moving picking up more and more debris, it may or may not get to where it needs to go and gets more and more clogged. Your lymphatic system can get this way if you do not take care of it.
There are things you can do to prevent or unclog blocked lymph nodes. You can go to a licensed massage therapist that is trained in lymph massage. *Note, lymphatic system is very close to the surface of the skin so massage is a very light pressure, almost no indentation under the skin. Too much pressure can damage the lymph system. Proper massage can increase circulation and increase blood flow and oxygen to the body increasing the bodies own defenses.
Lymphatic massage machines can penetrate under the skin, and oxygenate the system, increasing circulation, unclog blockages, help to regenerate cells and assist in smoothing out skin from wrinkles and blemishes. For a body to be in balance the lymphatic system must flow freely.
When my family member received lymph massage it was incredible. As soon as the massager was placed around the infected area, she would immediately start to drain. Her eyes would water and her nose would run and you could hear gurgling sounds in her neck. Eventually the large blockage was gone and she has had a clean bill of health now for the past 4 years.
I also saw before and after pictures of a women who had lymphedema (severe swelling in her legs). Lymph massage treatments cleared the obstruction and all the swelling in her legs went down over time to almost normal. The before and after pictures were incredible! I would have loved to meet this women but she was done long before we arrived for treatment. I still think about her sometimes.
I know lymphatic massage works because I have seen it with my own eyes. Also, a wonderful byproduct of using a lymph massage is that it can help clear up the complexion because it thoroughly oxygenates the skin and is used in salons and day spas around the county.
Whether you need assistance with a sluggish lymphatic system or you want to improve a skin condition, consider lymphatic massage.
Beauty is best if it is both inside and out!
Willie is a researcher and freelance writer whose own health problems prompted her to gain information on health and wellness and share that knowledge with others. She is co-owner of http://www.cleanbodydetox.com a site that focuses on detox through foot baths and lymph massager.
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04.52 | 0 Comments
10 Tips For Giving a Relaxing Massage to Your Partner
A relaxation massage can help create a loving, healing bond between partners, whether it is between parent and child, husband and wife, or lovers. Before you begin, be sure you have a quiet space in a darkened room where you will be undisturbed.
Most people enjoy soothing relaxation music playing in the background. Some like scented oils or candles, and some enjoy warm rocks placed on the back in between massage of different areas of the body.
1. You need an appropriate surface for your partner to lie on. This will not be a relaxing massage if your partner is nervous about the sturdiness of the table or if you need to move around a lot from one side to the other because the surface is too big. A narrow table is perfect.
2. Make sure your partner is comfortable, with enough cushioning underneath, a small pillow or rolled up towel if the head needs support, and a sheet or towels to cover whatever parts of the body are not being massaged at the current time. This will insure that sufficient warmth and security are maintained. Insecurity about being undressed is not conducive to relaxation either - this may be the case if you are massaging a baby.
3. Most of us carry a lot of tension in our necks and shoulders. These will be focus points for the relaxation massage. However, ask your partner if there are other places s/he would like you to pay particular attention to. Some people carry tension in their hands, others in their legs.
It is appropriate to ask for feedback as you proceed. You can, however, learn a lot by paying attention to body language as you massage different areas. Your baby may fall asleep or smile, your partner may give out a big sigh. Watch for these and other signs of deep relaxation and know that you may have "touched a chord".
4. A relaxing massage is not a deep massage. Mostly you will be stroking, gently pressing and squeezing, and gently manipulating. Even when you are walking from one side of the table to the other, always keep one hand on your partner's body. It is more relaxing for your partner, who probably will have her eyes closed, to always feel your touch than to be startled by your touch suddenly seeming to "come out of nowhere".
5. Stand beside your partner, who should be lying chest down on the table. Begin by placing one hand lightly on the back of the head and gently massaging one side of the head with the other hand, moving your hand in a circular motion.
Stroke the forehead, cheek, nose, mouth and chin. Gently squeeze the ear and press all over the head, including behind the ear.
6. Use the same circular motion to massage the neck and apply gentle pressure around the base of the skull.
7. With both hands, massage the shoulders as if you were kneading bread. Apply pressure with the heels of both hands, gently moving from the lower shoulders towards the neck, then giving a gentle squeeze at the tops of the shoulders.
8. Again using the circular motion, begin at the lower back and massage up towards the shoulder blades. Gently hold one of your partners hands in your left hand (if you are right-handed) and place your partner's hand just above her waist. While holding her hand there, press gently under the shoulder blade with your fingers of your right hand.
If you are holding your partner's left hand, apply the pressure under her left shoulder blade.
9. Now apply these same techniques to the arms and legs. Circular motions, gentle squeezing, and simply holding each finger and toe separately and gently squeezing are extremely relaxing. Your partner may be ticklish, or may ask for more pressure, so be aware and don't be afraid to ask.
Always start your massage at the extremities and work towards the heart - this stimulates circulation and helps increase lymphatic flow. Towards the heart ensures that no pressure of blood is being pushed against closed valves, which could cause damage to blood vessels. There is little or no danger of this in a light relaxation massage, but it is wise to mention it anyways.
10. Finish the massage by lightly brushing over your partner's skin with your fingertips, away from the heart and towards the extremities, as if you were collecting and brushing lightly away any and all negative energies. End each long movement away from the heart by gently shaking your hands free of all these energies.
That's it. Your partner may be asleep, having received perhaps the most wonderful relaxation massage of his or her life! Gently place a light blanket over your partner, and you're done.
Daniel Kobialka held the seat as Principle Second Violin with the San Francisco Symphony for decades. He now produces recorded music under his own label, Li-Sem Enterprises, and his music has been used by researchers, doctors and seminar leaders worldwide in support of various research and therapies including massage. Learn more about relaxation massage and massage music from a man who is sought after worldwide as a speaker, composer and performer.
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04.50 | 0 Comments
Reflexology Massage
Reflexology therapy is a type of relaxation massage technique that is applied on the feet to release the stress and keep them healthy. Reflexology treatment is basically one kind of complementary therapy as it often heals the congestion if any in various parts of the body. This is quite gentle and aids in restoring the natural balance of the entire body. Acupressure massage and hand reflexology are also types of Reflexology therapy. Reflexology treatment is not at all an alternative to conventional treatment which is offered when there is life threatening medical problems. This is by no means capable of diagnosing the problem or prescribing any treatment for these. Still this is extremely popular among people who like the idea of getting complementary treatments. How does it work? The commonest forms of reflexology treatment are hand Reflexology and foot Reflexology. Here the hands and the feet are stimulated with the application of pressure movements and it aids in increasing the blood circulation and also increases the muscular functions at times. In fact most of the people do not understand the fact that feet and hand are equally sensitive like the other parts of the body.
Hence they ac can also get stressed. The professional reflexologists are capable of identifying the delicate changes that occur in particular points of the feet as well as the hands while performing the hand reflexology and foot massage. This also creates some changes to the other organs that are linked to these parts of the body. It can also have positive effect in improving the self-esteem and confidence of an individual as they maintain the physical as well as emotional balance of the body.
The nerves that connect different areas of the body run through the soles of the feet. As the pressure is mainly applied on the feet these nerves experience relaxation. If there is any blockage in any part of the body, that also gets released through the Reflexology therapy. The reflexologists often use their fingers to create this pressure. But they can also use simple tools like wooden sticks. In acupressure massage technique small pins are used to stimulate the reflex points as a part of reflexology treatment.
Sometimes creams or lotions are also used while the foot massage. The gloves, shoes and socks need to be removed during the massage session. Benefits of Reflexology therapy The best part of this method is that this can be applied on anybody irrespective of the physical conditions there are no adverse side effects of this method. The people who are suffering from problems related to extra stress can be treated with this massage technique. You will surely get sound sleep after few sessions of this massage. Severe back ache, migraine headaches can be treated with this therapy. The digestive disorders can be treated was effectively as the hormonal unbalances. Often it is said that the problems like infertility can also be treated in this process. Hence you can try this out as an alternative way to comfort yourself.
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04.47 | 0 Comments
The Fundamentals of Massage As Therapy
When we talk about the therapeutic benefits of massage, you often hear about different massage styles and techniques. Deep Tissue, Thai, and Sports are some examples.
However, massage is therapeutic on a more basic level. This is often overlooked.
The perfect massage for your ails. As a therapist, I am always trying to match the right technique with each client's needs. I have advanced certifications in several different styles, so I easily pick and choose what the client's body cues me to do.
However, sessions didn't always follow this pattern of technique-matching. When I first began practicing massage therapy, I was keener to the deeply therapeutic effects of basic human touch. I saw this basic need and its healing effects. I practiced it, first and foremost.
As I become increasingly skilled, it requires more effort to continually go back to the fundamentals. Probably the most therapeutic feature of a good massage is the touch itself. A caring, conscientious touch from a therapist is more important than any skill they have learned from any instructor.
Back to basics. Some clients avoid telling therapists that they want a Swedish massage. They don't understand that Swedish strokes are the foundation of most other massage, and that Swedish can be performed lightly or firmly. You can barely leave Swedish effleurage or petrissage out of any massage session, and the pressure is not the same as the technique.
When humans practice very basic, instinctive, types of human touch, it often resembles Swedish-style effleurage.
A fundamental massage, consisting of basic strokes, is common in massage research. Health practitioners know the links between child development and touch. They have also revealed how stress relief prevents disease, and how massage can contribute to health improvements.
In conclusion, it is tempting (as a client or therapist) to figure out which type of massage you want. But don't forget to include a good ole-fashioned basic massage in your health practices.
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04.25 | 0 Comments