Tips For Enjoying Your Massage

By Anitra Brown

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.

Hot Stone Therapy

Hot Stone Therapy - throughout history various cultures of the world have used hot and cold rocks for healing.

The European cultures used hot rocks to heat their saunas, and applied hot stones to tired and sore muscles to alleviate tension and muscle pain. Native Americans also used hot rocks in their traditional sweat lodge ceremony, large rocks were used to heat the sweat lodge while smaller hot rocks were passed around to place on specific areas of tension.

Various cultures also used cold rocks to slow bleeding after labour, women also held the stones during labour believing it would add to their strength and endurance.

The Chinese history dating back four thousand years to the Shang Dynasty also shows the use of hot stones to relieve stress, tension and pain. In Oriental Medicine hot stones are used in conjunction with the Meridian channels to promote a better flow of energy around the body.

In Ayurvedic medicine in India, the hot stones were used in conjunction with their knowledge of the Marma points.

The Japanese used hot stones in Anma, the oldest form of East Asian Massage. The Japanese hot stone therapy techniques create similar effects to moxibustion, in that heat penetrates and stimulates the tsubo, or acupoints.

The Hawaiians also used lava rocks in their Lomi-Lomi. Rough stones were used to exfoliate after a massage, while smooth lava rocks were either placed on the body in ti-leaves or used to massage. At times two stones were tapped together against the body to allow deep tissue vibrational healing. The lava stone was used as a symbol for healing and protection.

Hot rocks have also been used in Ancient Egypt, Africa and South America playing an important part in the healing rituals of these ancient cultures.

The healers and bodyworkers used tools to assist the healing process, including crystals, essences, flowers and stones. The hot stone therapy evolved as stones from river beds were warmed in the hot sun, in hot coals or hot water, they were then laid directly on the body, on a cloth on the body or used to massage with (depending on the temperature of the stone).

This tradition continues today as the knowledge of the ancient stones is rediscovered and used more and more. People are once again realising the benefits of this special and unique healing therapy.

We can see this by the growing popularity of hot stone therapy treatments in spas and clinics around the world.

In fact, in Australia hot stone therapy/hot stone massage is fast becoming one of the most requested treatments with many establishments listing it on their menus as their 'signature' treatment.

So what is it that makes hot stone therapy so popular?

Well, a common response from those who have experienced this specialized treatment is how deeply relaxing it is and how it feels like they've had a really deep, thorough massage, without the discomfort often experienced with deep tissue massage.

This effect is due to the fact that, 'heat is healing' and when you have a hot stone therapy treatment the eminating heat from the stones is gently, yet continually penetrating into your muscle fibres and literally melting away layers of tension.

As tension is the root cause of illness, when tension is alleviated, the body quickly returns to it's natural state of wellbeing, promoting a sense of inner peace in the recipient.

Keeping this in mind, it should come as no surprise why more and more people are turning to the healing power of hot stones to relieve the stresses of their modern day lifestyles.

This growing popularity has lead to an increase in demand for skilled hot stone therapy practitioners and presents an excellent opportunity to existing massage therapists to add an amazing treatment and invaluable asset to their massage and healing repetoire.

CHOOSING A TYPE OF MASSAGE

By American Massage Theraphy Association

There are many types of massage and sometimes massage techniques become fashionable. Though some consumers may know a specific massage modality or technique they want, it is generally best to ask your massage therapist what massage modality will give you the results you want. Most massage therapists use a variety of massage modalities or types in a massage session to best achieve desired results.

The four most common types of massage are:

• Swedish: The most common type of massage, to relax and energize you.
• Deep tissue: For muscle damage from an injury, such as whiplash or back strain.
• Sports: To help prevent athletic injury, keep the body flexible and heal the body should injury occur.
• Chair: Massage of the upper body, while fully clothed and seated in a special portable chair.

Massage Therapy Styles and Health Benefits

Massage has been practiced for thousands of years. Today, if you need or want a massage, you can choose from among 80 massage therapy styles with a wide variety of pressures, movements, and techniques. These all involve pressing, rubbing, or manipulating muscles and other soft tissues with hands and fingers. Sometimes even forearms, elbows, or feet are used.

According to a 2007 American Massage Therapy Association survey, almost a quarter of all adult Americans had at least one massage in the previous year. And, they have a wide range of reasons for doing so. More and more people -- especially baby boomers -- recognize the health benefits of massage. They choose from among many massage styles to get relief from symptoms or to heal injuries, to help with certain health conditions, and to promote overall wellness.

Here is information you can use to help you decide what types of massage will work best for you.

Which massage styles are best?

You may have noticed that different massage styles are popular at different times. And you may have wondered whether each was just part of a passing fad or the latest, greatest massage technique? Even more important is how can you tell whether the latest style will actually help you?

Styles used in massage therapy range from long, smooth strokes to short, percussive strokes. Some massage therapists use oils and lotions; others do not. Most massage therapists have clients unclothe for a massage, but some do not. A massage can last anywhere from 5 minutes to 2 hours.

Before you can decide which massage style is best for you, you need to ask yourself a question. Do you simply want a massage for relaxation and stress control? Or do you need symptom relief or help with a certain health condition? Before booking a massage, let the therapist know what you're looking for and ask which style the therapist uses. Many use more than one style. Or the therapist may customize your massage, depending on your age, condition, or any special needs or goals you have.

What follows is a list of some of the more popular massage therapy styles. The first four are especially popular.

Massage therapy styles: Swedish

The most common type of massage is Swedish massage therapy. It involves soft, long,

kneading strokes, as well as light, rhythmic, tapping strokes, on topmost layers of muscles. This is also combined with movement of the joints. By relieving muscle tension, Swedish therapy can be both relaxing and energizing. And it may even help after an injury.

The four common strokes of Swedish massage are:

• Effleurage: a smooth, gliding stroke used to relax soft tissue
• Petrissage: the squeezing, rolling, or kneading that follows effleurage
• Friction: deep, circular movements that cause layers of tissue to rub against each other, helping to increase blood flow and break down scar tissue
• Tapotement: a short, alternating tap done with cupped hands, fingers, or the edge of the hand.

Massage therapy styles: Deep tissue

Deep tissue massage is best for giving attention to certain painful, stiff "trouble spots" in your body. The massage therapist uses slow, deliberate strokes that focus pressure on layers of muscles, tendons, or other tissues deep under your skin. Though less rhythmic than other types of massage, deep tissue massage can be quite therapeutic -- relieving chronic patterns of tension and helping with muscle injuries, such as back sprain.

Massage therapy styles: Sports

Developed to help with muscle systems used for a particular sport, sports massage uses a variety of approaches to help athletes in training -- before, during, or after sports events. You might use it to promote flexibility and help prevent injuries. Or, it may help muscle strains, aiding healing after a sports injury.

Massage therapy styles: Chair

Ever gone to a county fair, music festival, or conference and envied other people getting chair massages? Or, maybe you're lucky enough to work at a company that offers 15- to 20-minute massages as a regular benefit. Onsite, chair massages are done while you're seated fully clothed in a portable, specially designed chair. They usually involve a massage of your neck, shoulders, back, arms, and hands.

Massage therapy styles: Shiatsu massage

In Japanese, shiatsu means "finger pressure." For shiatsu massage the therapist uses varied, rhythmic pressure on certain precise points of the body. These points are called acupressure points, and they are believed to be important for the flow of the body's vital energy, called chi. Proponents say shiatsu massage can help relieve blockages at these acupressure points.

Massage therapy styles: Thai massage

During a Thai massage, the therapist uses his or her body to move the client into a variety of positions. This type of massage includes compression of muscles, mobilization of joints, and acupressure.

Massage therapy styles: Hot stones

For this kind of massage, the therapist places warmed stones on certain areas of the body, such as acupressure points. The stones may be used as massage tools or be temporarily left in place. Used along with other massage techniques, hot stones can be quite soothing and relaxing as they transmit heat deep into the body.

Massage therapy styles: Reflexology

Reflexology uses hand, thumb, and finger techniques to stimulate certain areas of the feet. These areas are believed to correspond to different parts of the body. The massage

, then, is expected to promote health and well-being.

Massage therapy styles: Pregnancy massage

During pregnancy your body goes through major changes. Pregnancy massage can help with these changes by reducing stress, decreasing arm and leg swelling, and relieving muscle and joint pain. Massage may be particularly helpful during a time when medication and other medical options may be more limited. Using specially designed massage pillows, the massage therapist will help get you into a comfortable position for this type of massage.

Are there health benefits associated with massage?

Many types of massage offer benefits beyond simple relaxation. Here are just a few of the health problems that may benefit from massage. Ask your doctor before using massage for any

health condition, though.

• Back pain. More than one study has shown the effectiveness of massage therapy for back pain. In fact, one 2003 study showed it worked better than acupuncture o r spina l modification for persistent low back pain -- reducing the need for painkillers by 36%.
• Headache. Another type of pain -- headache -- also responds to massage therapy, as shown by more than one study. Massage therapy can reduce the number of migraines a person has and also improve sleep.

  

• Osteoarthritis. In the first clinical trial looking at the effectiveness of Swedish massage for knee osteoarthritis, participants who received a one-hour massage either one or two times a week had improvements in pain, stiffness, and function. The control group ha d no such change.
• Cancer. Used as a complement to traditional, Western medicine, massage can promote relaxation and reduce cancer symptoms or side effects of treatment. It may help reduce pain, swelling, fatigue, nausea, or depression for example, or improve the function of your immune system.
• Anxiety. A review of more than 12 studies shows that massage helps relieve depression and anxiety. It lowered levels of cortisol by up to 50%. And massage increased levels of neurotransmitters that help reduce depression.

LEARN FOOT MASSAGE AND REFLEXOLOGY

How often are you aware of your feet?
Maybe in the shower you notice how your feet look - the nails need trimming, the cuticles need cleaning, the heel skin is cracking, the corns are growing, the bunions are getting larger. Or do you only notice them when they hurt after a long day of wearing poorly fitting shoes?

Perhaps you notice them upon awakening in the morning when taking that first step out of bed.
Whrever you notice your feet, they are always "talking to you". When you sustain an injury to the foot the brain gets a message that says "OUCH". But if your feet hurt without an injury, they are reflecting or talking to you about your body's health.

Foot Reflexology is a type of massage and bodywork that focuses on the reflex zones of the feet. More than just a relaxing foot massage, Foot Reflexology offers health benefits to the whole body. You see, everyone has reflex zones in their body. All organs and body parts are reflected along one or more of these zones or meridians. These zones or meridians run the entire length of the body ending in each toe and the tips of the fingers. When these zones become blocked or congested, pain ensues along the zone lines and manifests at the end points in the hands and feet. The application of pressure to the reflex-zones, in the foot, provokes a healing response for the body.
Reflexology is a healing method that uses unique therapeutic foot trigger points to specific reflex zones found on the surface area of feet and ankles. There are 7,200 nerve endings in each foot.
Benefits of a foot reflexology session are many - calmness and serenity, improved circulation, improved lymph flow, increased energy, balanced emotions, detoxification, relaxation, homeostasis, a safe modality, and emotional release among many others.

Reflexology relieves stress, aches & pain, and lowers the chance of back pain & back injury.

A foot massage invigorates tired, aching, and sore feet - leaving your feet fresh, attractive and tingling and you feeling better all over.

Massage Yourself / Self-Massage (Self-Help)

Note: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes and is not medical advice.

Massage and self-massage are especially helpful for people who are bracing (full-body muscular tension), people who have any kind of tension, stress, or mental-emotional distress, and those who engage in lots of exercise (for injury prevention and recovery). Massage can also enhance self-awareness of your body, giving you clues about how to focus your healing efforts.

There are two basic or common types of self-massage discussed in this article.

1. Full body relaxation massage is for overall stress relief, calming the nervous system, nurturing touch, and self-awareness.
2. Focused massage is for resolving or easing pain, soreness, stiffness, or tension in a particularly troublesome muscle or area of the body. Below are some instructions for doing each kind of massage.

Self-Massage: Full Body Relaxation Massage

Self-massage can be used for giving yourself a full-body relaxation massage. Although it is not quite as enjoyable as being massaged by someone else, you will find that it can still soothe your tension and be very beneficial for your wellness! To do relaxation massage for yourself, some basic instructions are below, but I recommend that you consult books on self-massage or any book about massage that includes a section about self-massage. Search Amazon.com for self-massage books. The more you know about what to do, the better your self-massage will be.

How to Give Yourself a Relaxation Massage

• Plan to be undisturbed for an hour or longer. Choose a convenient time when you won't be disturbed, such as before sleeping.
• Play some soft music to help you relax or stop thinking.
• Use lotion or vegetable oil.
• Massage the entire body, or just do part if you don't have time to massage everywhere. Massaging your feet can help relax your entire body or help induce sleep. Face and scalp massage can also be very relaxing.
• Do the massage on the floor or in bed. Adjust your position to be able to reach and work on areas without getting tired. For example, I recline (leaning against the headboard or wall) when I massage my feet. I sit up to focus on my legs, then I lay down on my side to massage my hips. I sit up again to do my arms, and lay down on my back to massage my neck and face. The back is hard to reach so just do the best you can. Whatever area you are working with, position yourself in a way that is comfortable for you.
• For full body massage, you might start with your feet and progress upward, or start with your head and progress downward.
• Use easy, non-tiring massage strokes. Slow gliding strokes are for relaxation and calming. Strokes include gliding, rubbing, grabbing, pulling, and application of pressure. Even applying simple pressure on a sore place can help release tight spots.

Self-Massage: Focused Massage for Specific Areas of Pain or Tension

If you have chronic sore areas, such as shoulders or neck, it is often helpful to gently rub and massage them several different times during the day. Good times include whenever muscles start to feel tight or hurt (and also when they don't hurt, for prevention!), waiting for freight trains, sitting at stop lights, or watching TV. Also take frequent breaks from your work to massage sore areas.

If you want to use deeper self-massage to heal or open up an area of the body with chronic pain, soreness, tight muscles, or restricted tissues, it's a good idea to first see a professional massage therapist to ask about your specific condition and receive advice for what to do. A few

health conditions can be worsened by deep massage, and your therapist will know if there are any precautions. Some conditions where receiving deep massage could be damaging or dangerous include inflammatory conditions, skin conditions, varicose veins, tumors or cysts, abnormal sensitivity to touch, bruises, bacterial or viral infections, fever, cardiovascular/circulatory conditions, thrombosis (blood clots), diabetes, cancer, taking certain kinds of medications. After you consult a professional, you will have the knowledge that deeper self-massage is safe for you, and you can then proceed confidently and effectively to help yourself. Your massage therapist can give you specific instruction.

After you have verified with your massage therapist that deep self-massage is safe for you, if you are working on a specific part of the body, a good picture anatomy book can be of great assistance. The more you know about the area of the body you are massaging, the more quickly and accurately you can help yourself. In addition, you'll be able to communicate more effectively about that problem area with your therapist or other health care providers. Search Amazon.com for anatomy books.

How to do Focused Massage

• Work directly on the skin or use a little lotion or vegetable oil.
• Work the area slowly. Start with gentle, broad strokes to warm up the area. Then work a little deeper.
• Going slowly is usually a good idea.
• Note that normal muscle tone feels firm yet soft, and is not painful. If you contact areas of tenderness, it is usually a signal that the muscles or tissues are distressed.
• For knotted areas and specific regions of tenderness, apply pressure using a thumb or finger and hold the pressure for a minute or so, then release. Repeat.
• Alternate between broad strokes, pressure points, and kneading.
• It is okay to experience a little discomfort, but you don't need to have a lot of pain to be making progress.
• For very tender areas, do a little each day.
• If tenderness or pain does not decrease, consult a massage therapist or other health care practitioner.

The Benefits Of Tantric Massage For Men

Most people are unclear what a Tantric massage really is and what it can do for you. The most common view of tantric massage in general is that it has some relationship with ancient Eastern religion, with uninhibited sex and “happy endings”. To some it’s a lifestyle; to others, it’s a way of empowering spiritual masculine and feminine energies. None of these views are wrong, however, none really explain the tantric massage.

One such new treatment is a full quota of massage therapies specifically for men. Designed to relieve stress and anxiety, teach healthy sexuality, help overcome sexual dysfunctions and to teach better control of arousal and orgasm.

Goddess Anastasia, certified in Shiatsu, Taoist, Tantra, Indian Head Massage, NLP says: “People often over look the extensive health benefits you receive from a Tantric Massage, including increased blood flow, better sleep and pain relief, but can also help to enhance and prolong passion and pleasure.”

“A tantric massage is extremely relaxing yet very stimulating, In tantra we believe you can connect with your higher powers through the gift of orgasm so I work with your orgasmic energy. Your body is designed to works this way so we celebrate that gift. I end the massage with either a lingam (penis) massage or ejaculation control, also going through some different breathing techniques to intensify the quality of orgasm. If ejaculation control is a problem, you can learn to ride the orgasmic wave a couple of times to build into a more powerful orgasmic release.”

Tantra was first discovered about 5000 years ago and is based on creating harmony between the Cosmic Male and Female energy. Tantra recognizes and acknowledges that this union between the male and female is the most important fundamental law of the universe. Tantric massage really utilizes the body's sexual energy and erotic synergy to bring ones consciousness to a higher plateau, it can transform sexual energy into spiritual ecstasy.

The masseur/ practitioners of tantra, teaches the search of harmony and union, restoring the equilibrium between the polar masculine and feminine forces which govern the whole of existence, and the micro-cosmic enactment of the fundamental law which rules the whole universe.

Goddess Anastasia can also accommodate sessions for couples so they can work together on each other. Couples with problems communicating or where one partner feels they have lost a connection with their mate, find it can be a fabulous way to get the magic back into their relationship.

Tantra is about living for the moment to enjoy that very second, but in this day and age life can become very stressful, couples get swept away with financial worries and the more mundane aspects of life. By creating a sacred space, entering into and following a Tantric Ritual a couple can close off the rest of the world for a period of time and give one another the love and nurturing each require. These sessions can follow male-specific treatments.

What is Tantric Massage?

Tantric Massage is one small part of the wide ranging Tantric Arts. Some of the other disciplines include Tantric Yoga, Tantric Meditation, Tantric Breathing, and of course, Tantric Sex.

Tantric Massage is a relatively new phenomenon. It has been steadily gaining in popularity on the east and west coasts. You should have no problem finding Tantric therapists in such places such in USA, UK, Europe and in Asia as I understand. But beyond those locations, it can be difficult to find a Tantric Massage Therapist.

It is also difficult to define Tantric Massage. Since there are no real standards, every therapist may do something different. So you can never quite be sure what you are getting when you hear the term "Tantric Massage". Often it is used as a "buzz-word" for a simple sensual or sexual massage. That is not the case here.

One of the primary purposes of Tantra (and Tantric Massage) is to awaken the Kundalini. The Kundalini is a very powerful, intense and healing form of energy that (for most people) is lying dormant at the base of the spine (the sacrum). To fully awaken this powerful energy can take years of devoted practice in the various disciplines of the Tantric Arts.

Once awakened, the Kundalini will rise from its resting-place under the sacrum and move up the spine, energizing and healing, eventually re-circulating throughout the entire body. The Kundalini is known to infuse a tremendous amount of energy into a person, and has an incredible ability to heal almost any affliction, be it physical, emotional or spiritual.

The reason that the Tantric Arts are gaining such popularity in our culture recently is due to one of the more pleasurable side affects. When the Kundalini is awakened, or drawn out, it also awakens the sexual energy in the body. The Kundalini is different and distinct from the sexual energy, but the two are connected & intertwined. So as the Kundalini is awakened and drawn out of hibernation, so also is the sexual energy in the body. Along with the Kundalini, it is channeled and circulated throughout the entire body. Needless to say, this can be very pleasurable, but it is important to keep in mind that this is only a side effect, secondary to the healing power of the Kundalini.(Click here for more info but some other countries, this might be blocked & I apologized).

WHAT IS TANTRA?

Thousands of years ago, people had achieved a high degree of awareness and an alchemical formula for converting what we know as sex energy -- called by many names, such as Vital Force, Elan Vital, Soul, Chi, etc. -- into a state of divinity.

Their spiritual philosophy held sexuality as a divine rite and an expression of union. Through an awakened consciousness, they practiced Tantra with an artistic and cultural lifestyle of pure bliss and harmony. However, according to Tantric experts, as our planet moved out of the Taurian Age (4300-1700 B.C.) and became masculine and aggressive, it also lost the deep spiritual connection to this vital sexual energy. While sexuality touches every part of lives, it's sad that this most pleasurable, life affirming phenomenon -- the act of creating our birth itself -- is today tainted with fear, abuse and general negativity.

Now, like the spring flower freeing itself from the frozen snow, Tantra is again respected, offering the Aquarian Age a way to reverse the negative energy on the planet and a way to release ourselves and reach transcendence.

MASSAGE CHAIR HAS TWO TYPES

Traditional massage chairs

Ergonomically designed chairs for positioning a person who will be receiving a massage, similar in function to a massage table. Chairs may be either stationary or portable models.
Massage chairs are easier for the therapist to maneuver than massage tables, and clients do not need to disrobe to receive a chair massage. Due to these two factors, chair massage is often performed in settings such as corporate offices, outdoor festivals, shopping malls, and other public locations.

Robotic massage chairs

A robotic massage chair is a chair that contains internal electronic motors and gears designed to massage the person sitting in them. Most robotic massage chairs have some form of controller to vary the type, location, or intensity of massage.
Massaging chairs most frequently resemble recliners. There are many different types and brands, including office-style chairs that operate from internal batteries. A less expensive option is a separate massaging pad that may be used with an existing chair. Some popular brands are Takemi Select, Human Touch, Panasonic, SHSS, OSIM, OTO, VGO, OGAWA.

Massaging chairs vary tremendously in price, style and intensity cheap vibrate only chairs to full intensity Shiatsu models for people who require as close to a real invigorating massage as possible. Some prefer more soothing relaxing massage for them there are some models which even go as far as having TV and music players.
Some people find may a full Shiatsu massage chair is a bit painful at first as they are based on and follow the healing method quite closely, they normally find that it pays dividends if they stick at it.