Everybody are turning to massage therapy or reflexology for relief from injuries and certain chronic and acute conditions, to help them deal with the stresses of daily life, and to maintain good health.
Massage is the manipulating of superficial and deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue using various techniques, to enhance function, aid in the healing process, and promote relaxation and well-being. The word comes from the Frenchmassage "friction of kneading", or from Arabic massa meaning "to touch, feel or handle" or from Latin massa meaning "mass, dough", cf. Greek verb μάσσω (massō) "to handle, touch, to work with the hands, to knead dough". In distinction the ancient Greek word for massage was anatripsis,and the Latin was frictio.
Massage involves working and acting on the body with pressure – structured, unstructured, stationary, or moving – tension, motion, or vibration, done manually or with mechanical aids. Target tissues may include muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, skin, joints, or other connective tissue, as well aslymphatic vessels, or organs of the gastrointestinal system. Massage can be applied with the hands, fingers, elbows, knees, forearm, and feet. There are over eighty different recognized massage modalities. The most cited reasons for introducing massage as therapy have been client demand and perceived clinical effectiveness.
In professional settings massage involves the client being treated while lying on a massage table, sitting in a massage chair, or lying on a mat on the floor. The massage subject may be fully clothed or unclothed. In the case of the latter, the parts of the body that are not being massaged are usually covered with towels or sheets, but this can depend on the preference of the therapists and the type of work being performed.
Ashiatsu
is unlike any deep tissue massage you have ever experienced! The root word 'ashi' means 'foot' and 'atsu' means
'pressure' so together they symbolize 'foot pressure' in a technique that
delivers a consistent, deep, luxurious massage. Correct application
provides deep relaxation and stimulates the lymphatic system of the body. Bars
are used overhead for support and balance.
I
have found no other technique that melts the tensions away from a muscle the
way Ashi does. The slow, consistent pressure relax the nervous system while the
long, fluid strokes stretch and elongate even the tightest muscles, without
'muscling' them into submission. All deep tissue work should feel this
relaxing. This is a truly amazing technique!.
Key
Benefit
* Gravitational force creates a structural
change in soft tissue damage
* Lower back pain sufferers report significant
pain reduction three visits
* Improves posture and movement while relieving
pin.
Who
can Improve
* Anyone suffering from low back and leg and hip
pin that is muscular in nature.
* Athletes: runners, bike riders, horseback
riders, etc.
* Clients who desire a deep, muscular massage.
Beware of therapists practicing forms of barefoot massage
without the proper training. This
endangers you and puts you at risk for injury.
Holistic therapy treats the body as a "whole", which means that not only will a massage treatment pamper your physical body but it will also establish internal and external problems and provide an effective method of rebalancing. Holistic massage is a therapeutic application of touch that is also a supportive, relaxing treatment that encourages the mind to slow down whilst energy is increased. This treatment also lifts the spirit on an emotional level.
How Holistic Massage Can Help You:
Holistic massage benefits the mind, body and spirit. Massage relaxes taut muscles, aids lympathic drainage, releases toxins and benefits the "whole" in many other positive ways. Physical and emotional stress can be reduced through therapeutic touch and a myriad of other restrictive problems can also be alleviated.
Daily life impacts on our body in many ways. Although we can easily become tired, stressed, anxious and exhausted we seldom create the space to explore the therapeutic form of beneficial relaxation. Holistic massage can create instant improvement in the quality of sleep and concentration, improve circulation and waste removal and encourage deeper, more relaxed breathing, and is an accessible treatment for all ages.
What is Holistic Massage? One of the first questions I get asked about holistic massage is "What does holistic mean?" Holistic means 'whole' (it has Greek roots for those interested in the Etymology!). So this form of massage deals with you as a 'whole'. Like other therapies, it is not just looking to treat the symptoms, but to establish the cause, whether it be internal or external. The aim is to rebalance the body so it achieves homeostasis or balance. The training for the therapist is quite extensive, as it not only covers massage, but also anatomy and physiology, nutrition and general health.
What Happens When I Go For A Holistic Massage At the first consultation with your therapist, you will be asked to complete a detailed health questionnaire. This will take about 45 minutes as it goes over every aspect of your health, family history and lifestyle, what goes in your body and yes, what comes out the other end! From this information the therapist can put together a profile for you and tailor the massage to suit. The therapist keeps a note of each treatment, which for you means that after a few visits you can come in, 'flop' down on the couch and the therapist knows what you need.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Holistic Massage Therapy Massage benefits are both mind and body. It is rare that we take an hour to lie down, close our eyes and just 'be'. An hour's peace and quiet away from ringing phones and demanding children has a definite restorative effect.
For the body, the massage helps taut muscles learn to relax and this, combined with strokes to aid lymphatic drainage, helps to release toxins. The benefits can be felt by all ages, backgrounds and lifestyles. According to the Massage Association, research has verified that office workers massaged regularly were more alert, performed better and were less stressed than those who weren't massaged. It is not just office workers who benefit. Stress affects different people in a myriad of ways, physically and emotionally. Stiffness and soreness in muscles can be due to a wide range of physical factors from an overly energetic session in the gym or carrying too much shopping home, to poor posture through being seated at a desk all day or excessive time behind the steering wheel. The causes are not always physical however. Emotional tension and the day to day stresses that life throws at us can manifest in headaches caused by a stiff neck and shoulders and the body generally tensing up in response to stress, especially if there is not the opportunity to release. Massage can help people to deal with emotional problems such as grief and depression. Some massage therapists specialise in pregnant women ('doula' massage), attending the birth to enable a drug free delivery. Young babies and children benefit from massage – stroking and touch are a great way for parent and child to bond. Children with autism have been shown to respond well to cranial massage.
Older people benefit too. For the elderly it can be difficult to get around, resulting in lack of exercise and muscle atrophy. Massage will stimulate blood flow and help the release of those feel-good endorphins that make us feel smiley inside.
Are There Any Reasons I Would Not Be Able To Have A Massage There are a number of factors which preclude massage, for example if the you are ill and/or has a fever. You are also advised not to drink alcohol or take drugs (unless by prescription!) in the 24 hours before and after the massage. This could affect the liver and kidneys as in addition to the toxins released by the massage they will also be trying to cope with toxins from the drug. People with some conditions (such as cancer) may be treated only with consent from their GP. Your therapist will advise you, as the list is quite extensive.
What Happens At The End Of The Massage And Between Treatments At the end of the session the therapist may give you advice about what you can do in between treatments to maintain or improve your body's equilibrium. This may be through gentle yoga or chi kung based exercises or dietary changes. For example, if you had the complaint of frequent headaches, it may be tension but one of the contributory factors may be too many caffeinated drinks (fizzy drinks, cups of tea, coffee, hot chocolate, for example) and a need to up their water intake. This is empowering as you are able to take responsibility for helping yourself 'get better' and this in turn really helps to boost self-esteem.
The medical benefits are very well documented with hundreds of books and websites devoted to the health benefits. You don't need a medical reason to enjoy massage though. A regular massage – weekly if you can manage it, will keep the body tuned. People groom daily, looking after their external appearance. Massage is like grooming for the inside, and if the inside is in good shape, it will shine through the outside too!
Massage therapists often gush about the therapeutic properties of massage therapy, saying it can lower levels of anxiety and stress, improve wellness, and even reduce pain. And for the most part, they’re right.
Indeed, many academic studies have demonstrated the therapeutic properties of massage therapy, but these studies are usually small in their number of participants, and often massage therapy is indicated as a complementary treatment, for example, as a non-invasive pain reliever for cancer patients. A study in the July 5 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine is therefore a breakthrough for massage therapists as it concludes that massage therapy isn’t just a good complementary therapy, rather, it is the best choice for treating lower back pain.
The study, titled A Comparison of the Effects of 2 Types of Massage and Usual Care on Chronic Low Back Pain, is so newsworthy because it concludes that general massage therapy is more effective than standard medical treatment when dealing with back pain. This means that a weekly massage can do more to ease chronic back pain than painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs (think Advil) and physical therapy.
According to The USA Today, the study monitored 410 women with chronic lower back pain. The women were randomly assigned to three groups, with one group receiving standard medical care as outlined above, one receiving an hour-long, weekly structural massage therapy session, and the final group receiving a standard, hour-long Swedish massage.
The results showed that women who received either form of massage therapy were two times as likely to have spent less time in bed due to pain, used less pain medication, and generally were more active than the women who did not receive massage therapy. Stunningly, more than one-third of the women who received massage therapy reported their back pain as much improved or completely gone, while only four percent of women who received standard medical care could say the same thing.
What does this mean for massage therapy and its practitioners? First and foremost, it is thorough proof that massage therapy can do what therapists have been saying it can do all along: Provide effective pain management and improve people’s quality of life. Second, this claim can be made by all massage therapists – from the highest trained to the recently graduated – as almost all therapists are well versed in Swedish massage. Finally, this should motivate therapists to continue to promote massage therapy as an effective, non-invasive therapy to people in areas where lower back pain is common, providing therapists with another reason to market, for example, chair massage therapy to office employees.
More than an indulgent splurge, a good massage can help treat everything from anxiety and arthritis to insomnia and injury rehabilitation.
Booking a massage may seem decadent, but there are real health benefits to be gained beneath the hands of an experienced professional.
1. Massage can reduce anxiety, depression and stress Massage therapy is a wonderful way to reduce anxiety and stress. "It stimulates the body's natural endorphins, which help to relieve nervous tension," says Whynacht.
And if stress has given way to a more serious case of the blues, seeing a massage therapist -- in addition to consulting with your medical doctor --could make a positive difference.
"Massage can help the body raise neurochemicals such as serotonin and dopamine, which aid in reducing depression," Whynacht explains.
2. Massage can help you sleep better Raising serotonin levels via massage therapy can also help people who suffer from sleep disorders, although the more immediate effects may be even simpler.
"Massage relaxes your body and your mind, which [is something] many people with insomnia need help with," says Whynacht. She goes on to explain that many clients report improved sleep after a massage, while many also find themselves involuntarily dozing off during their treatment.
3. Massage can weaken pain and frequency of headaches and migraines "Many headaches, even migraines, are often the results of muscle tension," explains Whynacht.
However, while you might assume that the tension is in your head because that's where you feel pain, it can actually be caused by soreness somewhere else in your body. The terms you'll hear a therapist use are "referral pain," which is where you're feeling it, and "trigger point," which is the area that's causing the pain.
"Massage therapy can improve circulation to stiff, sore muscles, relaxing them and stopping the referral of muscle pain to the head," says Whynacht.
4. Massage can boost your immune system In addition to getting plenty of fluid and rest when you're under the weather, clear a little time in your calendar for a massage.
"Massage therapy promotes the movement of lymphatic fluid in our bodies," says Whynacht. "This fluid removes toxins and waste, which is quite helpful when trying to fight an infection."
The benefits can last beyond a speedy recovery, too. "This is a natural way to help strengthen your immune system."
5. Massage can ease joint pain Whynacht says that massage therapy can help ease most joint pains by increasing the range of motion and relieving compensating muscle pain.
"[It can] make a huge difference," she says. "Whether the joint pain is chronic or if you are recovering from an injury."
6. Massage can speed healing after surgery or injuries "Massage therapy can stimulate weak muscles that have been affected by an injury," explains Whynacht. "It increases range of motion, improves blood circulation and reduces pain."
She also says that massage can decrease inflammation, promote lymphatic drainage and help reduce scar tissue formation -- all things that do your body good post trauma or injury. Whynacht goes on to note that massage therapy is especially helpful for carpal tunnel syndrome and both muscle and tendon sprains.
7. Massage helps with asthma and emphysema Respiratory problems can decrease mobility in your rib cage, overtax your breathing muscles and strain neck muscles, all of which can be helped by massage.
Whynacht also cites diaphragmatic breathing, which is promoted by therapists, as beneficial. "[It] can improve lung function," she explains.
8. Massage provides arthritis relief In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, in which joints become swollen, massage can help decrease inflammation. And with osteoarthritis, where the cartilage on the ends of bones wears away, massage therapy can help promote better overall posture. That, in turn, can prevent excessive or uneven pressure on your joints.
Whynacht adds, however, that massage therapy may not be a good idea for anyone suffering from severe osteoporosis. If that is the case, you should consult your doctor before receiving treatment.
9. Massage can relieve pregnancy aches and pains Looking for a gift for a friend who is expecting? Give her the gift of a little relief.
"Massage therapy during pregnancy can help reduce low back pain and decrease fluid retention," says Whynacht. And if you're going to be heading into the delivery room yourself, bring a massage therapist along. According to Whynacht, massage during labour can help eliminate muscle spasms.
Effleurage:
Stroking movement in which the hands glide with long even strokes over the body surfaces. Strokes are in the direction of the heart which helps push along the flow of blood and lymph.
Friction:
Compression movement performed with the thumb, fingertips, or the palm of the hand and in circular motion. Helpful in limbering joints.tendons and muscles.
Petrissage:
A compression movement using kneading, pressing, twisting, and squeezing muscle tissue creating a pumping action that forces the veneous blood and lymph onward and brings a fresh supply of blood to the muscle.
Tapotement:
Types of percussion movement that include quick strikes made with the hands or fingertips:
HACKING:
Using the heel or ulnar border of the hand, it is used on muscles around nerve centers.
TAPPING:
Using fingertips, with light to brisk movements.
CLAPPING:
Slapping, cupping performed with the palms or the flat surfaces of the hands and fingers.
BEATING:
Performed with a clenched hand, generally used on the buttocks and lower extremities.
Vibration:
A continuous trembling, pressing movement made with the hands or fingers.
Other Movements:
The following are variations in therapeutic movement:
ROLLING:
Tissue and muscles are compressed and twisted firmly against the bone.
CHUCKING:
Flesh is moved firmly up and down along the bone while the other hand steadies the limb.
WRINGING:
Flesh is twisted in opposite directions.
STRETCHES: Basic stretching methods to improve range of motion. Basic stretching methods to improve range of motion.
The most familiar with clients. Swedish Massage often called Classic European Massage is generally done with the aid of oils and incorporates long, smooth, slow strokes creating a very relaxing experience. Kneading, friction, compression, percussion, vibration, and stroking are all used in Swedish Massage. Muscles are worked until totally relaxed.
Swedish Massage is one of the most well-known and widely practiced massage / bodywork techniques. This vigorous system of treatment provides generalized relaxation, increased cell nutrition and improved circulation, which may reduce swelling and speed healing from injury, lower blood pressure, reduce stress and enhance the client's overall state of health.
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Article: A Beginner's Guide to Sensual Male Massage - by James Newman
The words "sensual massage" can conjure all sorts of images -- some more steamy than others.
It's a loaded phrase, certainly, but not necessarily in a negative sense, according to a FindAMasseur.com masseur.
I like the site is open to self expression of sensual massage. Everyone has his own definition, so it is left open to the masseur," said a F.A.M. masseur.
It's important to do so, he said, because communication between the client and the masseur is vital.
In other words, the clients can communicate what they desire from a massage, and the masseur can relay back what kind of massages they do, so the client knows exactly to expect from the massage. If the client goes into the massage blindly, they could be disappointed, which neither party would want.
Sensual massage is, by definition, an extremely intimate act. Particularly when both the client and the masseur are gay, the massage can easily have sexual undertones. But a massage can also just be a massage.
"It can be arousing, either emotionally or physically, but there is more to sensual massage than just genital touching," the F.A.M. masseur said. "It's more of a caress, a caring touch -- a soft touch to the face or the body.
"I've had a lot of clients who have come to me expecting genital touching, and they left with a sense of release, even without a sexual component,"
the masseur continued. "Sexual massage is quick and easy, but clients come back because they enjoyed the caress so much."
Despite the feelings of some masseurs, those kinds of requests will happen. Many massage therapists who don't advertise a sensual component to their services still get inundated with requests for sexual release.
“It comes with being in an online business – masseurs are going to get requests for many different kinds of massages, and they have to handle each case individually and professionally,” the F.A.M. masseur said.
Some masseurs have stopped advertising because they got unwelcome requests for massages with sexual components, but the F.A.M. masseur said that’s an overreaction.
“You just have to filter out the ones you’re not interested in and focus on the ones you do want to work with,” the masseur said.
Clients can best find what they are looking for by looking at reviews on FindAMasseur.com. These F.A.M. Approved reviews can help bring the right clients and therapists together by offering detailed accounts of therapists' services.
Now, just because the phrase "sensual massage" can evoke sexual connotations, not all gay clients are looking for anything more than a strong rubdown.
"Plenty of guys don't seek a sexual massage," the masseur said. "A lot of gay guys just want a massage."
James Newman is a freelance writer in Texas and currently a staff writer for Findamasseur.com - http://www.findamasseur.com
To start, we must state this: a sensual massage is not always a prelude to sex. In fact, this is often a form of intimacy that does not ever require sexual contact afterwards.
The point of a sensual massage is to relax you partner and indulge in some quiet moments. Assuming this is just another form of foreplay pretty much strips the romance behind it. We say this because too many people confuse the real purpose of a sensual massage as something they have to do, rather than something they should want to do. That misses the point entirely and robs what can be a highly pleasurable act of its benefits. You need to understand that.You also need to understand how to actually give a sensual massage. There are specific techniques and positions to use to make this have a full impact. A simple shoulder rub, while nice, is not the same thing. This is about relaxation and, if you choose to take it to that level, arousal. Doing what you would for a neck pain will not work. Instead, you need to have the right accessories and the basic knowledge of how to go about this.For a sensual massage, use these items:Oil: massage oil can add much to the proceedings. Its scents can evoke certain emotions and it will add more to the massage than just using your hands. The purpose of a good massage is to have a purifying effect on the skin, so the oil must ease the movement of massage without any friction on the skin. We can recommend Syence™ Sensual Massage oil. The content of the oil is compatible with the skins natural sebum and will completely disperse upon application of water. The oil contains sesame, jojoba, lavendarand other natural calming oils.Blindfold: often, your partner is blindfolded so that they can more clearly focus on the sensations. When eyes are closed, senses tend to be stronger and that helps here.When you set out to give a sensual massage, it will greatly depend on your partner's preferences. This is usually a full-body treatment (1 Hour ) but, if he or she has certain areas that respond best, you can focus on those. While we can't chart all the techniques for a sensual massage here, we can recommend that you do some simple research. Finding text on this subject is an easy matter and you will have no problem learning the techniques.Of course, you do not necessarily have to learn how to give a sensual massage. You can simply learn from your partner: what do they like? What do they need? Since this is, in most cases, a working of the full body, you should learn how to give everything the same attention. From the temple to the toes, this is about giving comfort.And, yes, we know that may seem strange but it really isn't. Too many people believe a sensual massage is just another road to sex. And it shouldn't be. This is an art form, to put it simply, and it is designed to allow you to shower attention and affection on your partner. The motivation should not just be sex; it should be because your partner needs it. That's the real point and that's what you need to remember.
As we age our bodies change and begin to reveal the ill affects of stress and any less than healthy living habits we may have developed. We lose flexibility both physically and mentally and we may find we are less responsive to pleasure of all kinds. Our bodies no longer respond the way they did when we were younger and/or physical ailments and restrictions may make engaging in physical activity, sexual or otherwise, uncomfortable or embarrassing.
assage can be the perfect therapy for aging men and women. It can greatly improve and enhance the quality of intimacy and sexual activity between couples. Mature men and women in the 20th century can learn from the teachings and practices used for centuries, such as the Kama Sutra and Tantra massage. Using these techniques and teachings can open doors that many couples may have thought were closed.
By engaging in erotic sensual massage, rather than pursuing goal oriented sexual activity sought in youth, aging men and women are rewarded ten fold. Erotic massage is a far more meaningful experience than traditional sexual endeavors allowing the development of heightened spiritual and emotional intimacy.
Sensual erotic massage is relaxing, invigorating and life enhancing. It need not culminate in orgasm but should be approached as an experience of intimacy that goes far beyond the usual sexual climax. Taking all the time you need and want to pleasure each other through massage of all types will enrich you physically and emotionally. By relaxing together quietly and participating in the sharing of full body massage, you can begin to rekindle the trust and bond that may have grown weak through years of neglect.
Set aside the expectations you may be carrying from the past and let yourselves be nurtured and loved in the present through sensual massage without expectation. You may find your sexual energy returning but if you do not you will still experience a far greater pleasure of intimacy and union with your partner.
The sexual act including orgasm has always been viewed as the path to intimacy and yet, more often than not, it is actually the opposite. It becomes instead the focal point at the expense of all that goes before. Erotic foreplay and massage can improve a relationship to a far greater degree than the single act of orgasm. As we age we are gifted with a greater understanding of this deeper level of intimacy and pleasure. We can drop the expectations and indulge each other in spiritual touch.
Erotic massage is a far more gentle approach to physical intimacy and therefore can be engaged in regardless of physical health and flexibility. It is not demanding or strenuous and often leaves both giver and receiver feeling more whole and invigorated. It actually improves circulation and blood flow which can improve flexibility.
Erotic massage has healing properties both emotional and physical. You will feel invigorated, restored and renewed and your relationship with your partner deepened. For more information on Sensual Massage Tips and Techniques for great health, relaxation, pleasure, sensuality and well being visit : www.erotic-massage-guide.com
Throughout history different forms of massage treatment have been used in all medical cultures to alleviate a wide range ofsymptoms. This article focuses on the most common form, classicmuscular (Swedish) massage, as a symptomatic treatment for backpain. It will define the therapeutic modality, review theevidence for or against effectiveness and safety, and discusspossible mechanisms of action as well as the problems of conductingresearch in thisarea.
Swedish massage is a touch therapy that uses a range of techniques to manipulate the soft tissues of the body: effleurage(slow rhythmic stroking), kneading (circular compression), petrissage(forceful skin rolling), friction (penetrating pressure from thefingertips with circular or transverse movement), tapotement (percussivemovements), vibration (trembling movement of both hands).In most English speaking countries, massage is seen as an alternativeor complementary treatment, whereas on the European continentit is considered a conventional treatment.
You might think of a massage only as a luxury in exotic spas and upscale health clubs. But did you know that massage therapy, when combined with traditional medical treatments, is used to reduce stress and pain and promote healing in people with certain health conditions?
What is massage therapy?
During a massage, a therapist manipulates your body's soft tissues — your muscles, skin and tendons — using his or her fingertips, hands and fists. Massage can be performed by several types of health care professionals, such as a physical therapist, occupational therapist or massage therapist. Several versions of massage exist, and they're performed in a variety of settings.
A massage may make you feel relaxed, but it isn't likely to cure everything that ails you. And, if performed incorrectly, it could hurt you. Learning about massage before you try one can help ensure that the experience is safe and enjoyable.
Why it's done
Massage can relieve tension in your muscles, and most people use it for relaxation, relief of stress and anxiety, or to reduce muscle soreness. Massage can also cause your body to release natural painkillers, and it may boost your immune system.
While more research is needed to confirm the benefits of massage, some studies have found it helpful for:
Anxiety. Massage reduced anxiety in depressed children and anorexic women. It also reduced anxiety and withdrawal symptoms in adults trying to quit smoking.
Pain. Pain was decreased in people with fibromyalgia, migraines and recent surgery. Back pain also might be relieved by massage. However, back pain study results have been contradictory, and more research is required.
Labor pain. Massage during labor appears to lessen stress and anxiety, relax muscles and reduce pain.
Infant growth. Massage encouraged weight gain in premature babies and reduced the number of days they stayed in the hospital.
Children with diabetes. Children who were massaged every day by their parents were more likely to stick to their medication and diet regimens, which helped reduce their blood glucose levels.
Sports-related soreness. Some athletes receive massages after exercise, especially to the muscles they use most in their sport or activity. A massage might help increase blood flow to your muscles and may reduce muscle soreness after you exercise.
Alcohol withdrawal. Massage during withdrawal from alcohol has shown benefits when combined with traditional medical treatment by increasing feelings of support, safety and engagement in the therapy.
Immune system. People with HIV who participated in massage studies showed an increased number of natural killer cells, which are thought to defend the body from viral and cancer cells.
Cancer treatment. People with cancer who received regularly scheduled massage therapy during treatment reported less anxiety, pain and fatigue.
Self-esteem. Because massage involves direct contact with another person through touch, it can make you feel cared for. That special attention can improve self-image in people with physical disabilities and terminal illnesses. And using touch to convey caring can help children with severe physical disabilities.
Risks of massage
Massage is generally safe as long as it's done by a trained therapist. But massage isn't for everyone. And for some people it can even be dangerous. Discuss massage with your doctor before making an appointment if you have:
Burns or open wounds on the area to be massaged
Had a recent heart attack
Cancer — you'll want to avoid direct pressure on the tumor area
Deep vein thrombosis
Unhealed fractures
Rheumatoid arthritis in the area to be massaged
Severe osteoporosis
In addition, talk to your doctor before getting a massage if you're pregnant.
Massage done properly rarely leads to severe injuries. Ask your massage therapist about his or her training and qualifications — some states require licensing. And if any part of your massage doesn't feel right or is painful, speak up right away. Most serious problems come from too much pressure during massage. In rare circumstances, massage can cause:
Internal bleeding
Nerve damage
Temporary paralysis
Talk to your doctor and your massage therapist if you have any concerns about your risk of injury. Asking questions can help you feel more at ease.
What you can expect during a massage
No matter what kind of massage you choose, you should feel calm and relaxed during and after your massage. When you go for a massage, you can expect to:
Answer a few questions. Your massage therapist will ask what you want from your massage. Are you looking for help with a pulled muscle? Massage therapists will also want to know about any medical conditions you may have, so they can decide if massage is safe for you or how to make it safer.
Disrobe. You'll be asked to remove your clothes, or at least most of them. Your massage therapist should give you privacy while you take your clothes off and provide a robe or a towel to cover yourself. A good massage therapist will protect your modesty and keep you covered as much as possible throughout the massage. If taking your clothes off doesn't sound relaxing or if you're pressed for time, try a chair massage. These massages are conducted while you sit in a special chair that slopes forward so the therapist can massage your back. You keep your clothes on for this massage — it's often done in the open, rather than in a private room.
Be asked to lie down. Most massages will require you to lie on a padded table. Pillows or bolsters might be used to position you during the massage. This allows you to relax completely during the massage. Music usually plays softly while you're massaged.
Have oils and lotions used on your skin. Some massage therapists use oils or lotions to reduce friction while massaging your body. If you're allergic to any ingredients commonly found in body oils and lotions, tell your massage therapist. He or she might have products without that ingredient. You may opt not to use oils and lotions.
Never feel significant pain. Pain that's more significant than momentary discomfort could indicate that something is wrong. If a massage therapist is pushing too hard, tell him or her to lighten the pressure. Your massage therapist should receive feedback from you to determine how best to massage you. Occasionally you may have a sensitive spot in a muscle that feels like a knot. It's likely to be uncomfortable while your massage therapist works it out. But if it becomes painful, speak up.
Spend about an hour. Most table massages take about an hour, though some can be up to 90 minutes long. It's your preference.
A health care tool
For many conditions and injuries, massage may be a means to help you feel more relaxed and less anxious and to reduce pain. It's one of several useful tools for managing your health, but it doesn't take the place of standard medical treatment and exercise.
Before we can intelligently discuss headaches, it is imperative that we understand what type of headache we are addressing. There are three types of headaches. First, there are tension headaches, which account for over fifty percent of all primary health care providers' visits. Second, there are sinus headaches, which are attributed to allergies and the flu. Third, and the most serious of all headaches, migraine headaches.
There are as many reasons to experience tension headaches as there are personalities and lifestyles. Whether the cause is emotional or physical the result is the same, throbbing temples and mental discomfort. We are certainly not at our creative best when our head hurts. Massage addresses tension headaches by relaxing the neck and shoulders. As we relax, we soften our muscles and headaches disappear. These are the easiest headaches for us to address.
Sinus headaches are best addressed by face massage. As the sinus cavities become relaxed, the fluids that are trapped in these spaces release and begin to flow, allowing us to drain and cleanse the sinuses. This is a slow process and usually takes a few massage sessions. There are simple techniques that any experienced massage professional can teach you to allow you to release these cavities yourself. Between massages, you will find relief with a few minutes of self-massage done on a regular basis.
Migraine headaches can be caused by either impingement of the nerves in the neck or by chemical imbalances. Massage can address the impinged nerve problem by releasing the Levator Scapula Muscles. It is often necessary to address either the left or right Levator muscle for several hours to achieve complete relief. Be sure to ask your massage professional if they have had experience eliminating migraine headaches. You will probably need to shop around a bit to find a massage professional who is willing to work just one muscle for two hours at a time.
Headaches cripple our ability to function optimally and are probably the most common form of what could be called discomfort. Now is a good time to allow a massage professional the opportunity to rid you of your headache discomfort naturally.
Pain is caused by lack of oxygen. Lack of oxygen can be caused by a myriad of possibilities. Some of the causes are a blow, a cut or a strain. One of the obvious causes of pain is the flu, as we go through this period of discomfort, we ache all over. As our body becomes hot with fever, our muscle fibers begin to stick together, inhibiting circulation, which causes lack of oxygen. When we recover from the flu it is necessary to address these muscle fibers or they will remain stuck together. Dehydration is the catalyst that accelerates the aging process. When muscle fibers are stuck together, fluid is no longer able to pass between these fibers, causing lack of circulation. Lack of circulation causes lack of oxygen and in turn lack of oxygen causes pain. There is a secret to creating an environment within your body that makes pain less likely. This is a secret that you have probably had passed down to you by your grandparents and your parents too. This secret is to drink eight to ten 8 ounce glasses of water every day.
Our bodies are comprised of seventy percent water and when this level of liquid drops we enter a state of dehydration. Without water it is impossible to enjoy adequate circulation and we live in a constant state of pain. For those of you who have never experienced a professional massage, we would recommend that now is a good time for your first session. Drink lots of water, get lots of massage and live a pain free life.
Stress has a way of changing posture. As stress begins to tighten one's body, shoulders begin to roll forward, the chin lifts and the neck moves forward. This happens to all of us as the everyday pressures of life close in around us. In the world of psychology the term for this posture is armoring.
Think of a person sitting at a typing station. This person is not sitting erect, but leaning slightly forward. Her elbows are not hanging by her side but are just forward of her body. As her fingers dance across the keyboard she not only has to hold her forearms up, but has to hold her elbows forward. This puts a tremendous amount of pressure on the muscles of her upper back as well as her lower back.
There are two muscles that are punished the most by stress. We call these muscles the stress muscles. However, their medical name is Levator Scapula. These two muscles connect at the upper bones of the neck called the Cervical Vertebrae and connect to the shoulder blade, known as the Scapula. When we are stressed our shoulders lift putting pressure on our neck. This pressure creates headaches and neck and shoulder pain. The final result of this posturing is pressure on the Medial Nerve which eventually becomes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
This condition is easily addressed by massage and three or four visits usually alleviate this stress.How often should you get a massage? Probably once a week, if you have never had a massage before.
As the shoulders lift, the vertebrae of the spine are pulled close together, which puts pressure on the disk between the vertebrae. As the disk is crushed by this pressure it widens and puts pressure on the nerves that exit the Central Nervous System at these openings. As the nerves are impinged, everything in the body begins to shut down and we enjoy a lower level of energy. Life becomes harder.
From our point of view, stress is the fundamental cause of most illness. The Ancient Chinese said that disease was caused by congestion and wellness was the result of circulation. This was written six thousand years ago and it seems they were correct.
For those of you who have never experienced a professional massage, perhaps now is the time to give one a try. All you have to lose is stress and discomfort.
A massage is supposed to be a soothing, relaxing experience. So why do so many people arrive at 1:30 for a 1:30 massage? You should be in your robe already! And if you arrive late, in a frenzied state, you might as well have not come. Get there early is the most important tip for enjoying your massage. But there are plenty more. (Hint -- don't eat a big sausage sub right before you get there, and be sure to speak up if you don't like the pressure.
Here are some tips adapted from the American Massage Therapy Association to help you enjoy your massage.
* Be receptive. Don't eat just before a massage session.
* Be on time. If you arrive in a frenzied, rushed state, it will take longer to relax. * If you don't want to remove all your clothing, discuss it with the therapist. Wear what you will be comfortable in that will allow the therapist to work on the areas of your body that need it. * Good communication is very important. Before the session, give accurate health information and let the massage therapist know what you want from the massage. During the massage session, Speak up if you have any feedback on the amount of pressure, speed of movement, room temperature, music volume, or lighting. * Some people like to talk during a massage session, while others remain silent. In general you should do whatever you feel like, and the massage therapist will follow your lead. * Breathing helps to facilitate relaxation. People often stop breathing when they feel anxious or a sensitive area is massaged. If you realize this is happening, remind yourself to breath. * Try not to tighten up during the massage. Let your massage therapist know if this is happening. They may need to adjust the massage technique being used. They may also be able to help you relax the affected area. * If you find your thoughts are racing during the massage, one way to be more "body-centered" and to quiet the mind is to follow the hands of the massage therapist and focus on how the touch feels. * If anything happens during the massage that you dislike or seems improper, you have the right to ask the massage therapist to stop. If necessary, you also have the right to end the session. * If you are dizzy or light headed after the massage, do not get off the table too fast. * Drink extra water after a massage. * Allow for some open, quiet time after your massage session if possible.
Sometimes one needs a little time to integrate or absorb the results of the massage session or needs some "re-entry" time.
Remember, massage has its greatest benefits over time. The therapeutic effects of massage are cumulative, so the more often a person gets a massage, the better he or she will feel and the more quickly one’s body will respond. If you are getting massage to address chronic muscular tension or recovery from a soft tissue injury, more than one session is usually needed, so be prepared to schedule several sessions.
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Massage is the manipulating of superficial and deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue using various techniques, to enhance function, aid in the healing process, and promote relaxation and well-being. The word comes from the French massage "friction of kneading", or from Arabic massa meaning "to touch, feel or handle" or from Latin massa meaning "mass, dough", cf. Greek verb μάσσω (massō) "to handle, touch, to work with the hands, to knead dough". In distinction the ancient Greek word for massage was anatripsis, and the Latin was frictio.
