Archive for September, 2010

Massage Therapy Courses

Almost everyone knows what a massage is don’t they? You may imagine a large, possibly rough, person working your body over in a way that feels slightly good but hurts even more. That is certainly not what a good rub down should be all about!

A Little History

Modern massage therapy was perfected in Egypt in the time of the pyramids and passed down from generation to generation to the present. It’s true all the cultures have utilized massage therapy for both therapeutic healing and for sensual pleasure. Massaging techniques were also used throughout the middle and far east civilizations. Ancients in India, Japan and China made this technique a key part of their healing and medicine routines.

Definition Of Massage Therapy

A clinical definition is an organized form of touch. The therapy will use the hands and arms to knead, rub and glide over the skin which will apply pressure to the muscles in a system of practiced movements. Most often the movements consist of stroking, pressing, kneading and rubbing. Massage will not cure everything but maintain normal body functions and repair the effects of tension, stress and muscle injury.

Why Does A Massage Feel So Good?

As the body responds to the variety of touch techniques the benefits of massage become apparent. Normal function of the affected area return as the techniques are performed. The rubdown imitates natural stimuli for the body which then responds in a number of different yet positive ways. A good massage also can provide a boost to your mental health by giving you a general sense of well being, managing your body’s waste products and toxins, and reducing stress.

So who doesn’t love a good massage?

The power of touch is absolutely amazing. It can heal aches, cure ailments, and just make a person feel great! Many people will happily pay big money to experience a professional massage. Getting a massage is an amazing journey into total relaxation and new sense of health. You may be one of those people who not only enjoy getting one but would like to learn how to give a professional massaging experience.

If you are interested in learning massage therapy courses are available on the internet at various outlets like this one…

Swedish Massage For Stress

Read the news lately or watch last night’s news on TV? The world is hurting right now and everyone is stressed about it. Even if your own life is going well, the stress of worrying and protecting that life is there. What is a person to do? Chronic stress is bad for your health and could cause future medical problems that cost money, which causes more stress!

One solution is a relaxing, Swedish massage.

The best massage for stress is the Swedish massage, not deep tissue or therapeutic massage. Why? Because this is the massage that makes you float and drift, soothes and comforts. Deep tissue and therapeutic massages are all about digging in and getting rid of knots and pain. Yes, they are also great stress relievers, but they can be mighty uncomfortable massages!

A great Swedish massage has the following elements:

  • Gentle, soothing rhythm
  • Long, slow massage strokes
  • No discomfort at any time
  • The mind should be able to drift, not focusing on any particular thing.
  • Best environment for Swedish massage:

  • Gentle, relaxing music
  • No strong, disturbing scents – light aromatherapy is good, but only if it blends with the environment and doesn’t overpower. Ever get a whiff of too strong incense or essential oil? Ewww.
  • Dim lighting. Candles are optional.
  • Oil as the massage lubrication so the massage therapist’s hands can glide without any pulling on the skin.
  • Best type of massage therapist for Swedish massage:

  • A calm and centered massage therapist who generates a tranquil appearance.
  • A quiet therapist. (Note: if you get a chatty massage therapist, it’s within your right to politely ask them to shut up. Unless you like to chat during your massage as well.)
  • Now that I have you convinced that you need a Swedish massage and what makes a great Swedish massage, the next problem is money. Many people don’t realize you can still get a great Swedish massage inexpensively.

    How to find an inexpensive Swedish massage:

  • Table massage at a spa; consider having a half-hour massage instead of an hour. Ask the therapist to focus on back, shoulders and neck. This will still greatly reduce your stress levels and cut the cost of massage in half.
  • Find a massage membership club and sign-up for their discount massages. One word of warning; make sure you’re going to commit to getting a massage once a month or you’ll lose money on this. Their sales contracts are as tight as gym memberships and almost impossible to break.
  • Massage at your home; this is considered the ultimate in pampering. To make this affordable, consider splitting a hour massage with a house member and have half-hour massages each. Have the therapist give each of you back, shoulder and neck massages. Note: Usually massage therapists will only go to your home or hotel when there is a 1 hour commitment, thus you will need 2 half-hour massages scheduled.
  • Chair massage is a very inexpensive option and yet still very effective. At the local malls there are chair massage stations. They can be found in kiosks or in hair salons. The price for this can be as low as $1.00/per minute. A 20 minute back, shoulder and neck massage will do wonders.
  • Lastly, consider massage schools. The students need people to practice their Swedish massage techniques on and the price is very inexpensive. To find your local massage schools, look them up in the yellow pages. The downside to this is if you are used to experienced massage therapists, you might be really disappointed because these are students and they are still learning.
  • There you have it. Now you have no excuses for not taking care of yourself and getting rid of your stress with a relaxing, inexpensive Swedish massage. Enjoy!

    Massage Therapy – A Relaxing Cure

    Massage therapy is an age old cure used to soothe aching tired muscles. One will need to do some research to choose a massage therapist. It is important to know the basics of the art before deciding to get a massage.

    Before choosing a drug to cure your sore and aching muscles, look into a more natural way. Massages are a great way to relieve sore muscles while at the same time invoking a feeling of relaxation on the body. Massage therapy is an art that has been practiced for centuries. As one of the earliest forms of relaxation, it dates back to medieval times. It is one of the oldest ways people have used to loosen up.

    There are many different types of massage therapy. There is the traditional back massage, but also one can choose a hand, feet or even head massages. It can be a very relaxing and even enjoyable experience.

    During a massage, a trained therapist will rub sore muscles and put pressure on certain points of the body. This provides relief to muscles that can ache due to everyday activities or even strain and stress.

    Most people use their hands to give a massage; however, it can be done using forearms, elbows and sometimes even feet. It is not uncommon to use other objects such as rocks, rollers or other tools to do the massage. Some people are massaged on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. It is important to make sure that you feel comfortable with the person who is your masseuse.

    Massage therapy requires that the masseuse have a variety of different tools on hand. These include, oils used to lubricate the skin as well as provide a relaxing aroma. There are many different types of oil that the masseuse can use. It depends on the situation and the client’s preferences. The therapist will also need a chair or a table for the client to sit in or lay on.

    You have a variety of options on where and how you want to get massaged. Massage therapists can work in a variety of different locations including salons, spas and some will even come to your house. It depends on where you feel most comfortable. There are some stores are devoted to doing nothing but massages. It is important to do research on places that have a good reputation for giving massages.

    In order to create a relaxing environment, a masseuse will often light candles, play soft music which helps the body loosen up. Massages will have the best effect when a person’s body is not as tense.

    In order to be a massage therapist, you must first go to school and get certified. Recently, it has become a popular course of study. Many schools across the country have developed their own massage therapy programs. It is important to go through training to make sure that one knows how to soothe muscles and not hurt his or her clients. Schooling often takes about a year and it is a relatively inexpensive. It is a good career and one can make good money as a masseuse.

    Overall, getting massaged can be an enjoyable experience. It is a great way to enjoy a relaxing day or soothe an aching back.

    Massage Therapy – The Real Health Benefits

    Massage therapy has been found to have numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. No longer is it just a luxury, it is a necessary part of living a healthy lifestyle!

    What do you think of when you hear the words “massage therapy?” For many of us, the term is associated with an extravagant vacation or a relaxing spa day. While many think of it only as a luxury, there are actually a number of health benefits associated with getting regular massages. Few people are familiar with the many benefits of massage, but once you learn about them you may find that a bi-weekly or monthly massage is essential to your well-being as eating well and exercise! Schedule your appointment today, both for your relaxation and your health!

    One of the most obvious health benefits of massage therapy is its effectiveness in stress reduction. This is not to be underestimated as stress can have significant effects on the body, both mentally and physically. Other, less well-known benefits of getting regular massages include improved circulation, increased flexibility, reduction in stretch marks, reduction in post-surgical swelling, and migraine relief. Massage can actually enhance the body’s immune system by stimulating lymph flow.

    It can also affect mental health, with some individuals finding it decreases depressive symptoms as well as anxiety. Finally, for anyone who considers themselves an athlete, whether just a weekend cyclist or training for a marathon, massage is an essential part of your training. This type of therapy can help to both prepare the body for a strenuous workout and to aid in recovery. If all this is not enough evidence, many individuals report enhanced sleep quality and less fatigue with regular massages.

    The medical community has recently begun to embrace massage therapy as a valid treatment and it has become increasingly popular as a valid form of medical treatment for many populations, from newborns to the elderly. The amazing thing about this treatment is that it can be effective for everyone and has virtually no side effects!

    Massage therapy was once thought to be a luxury but with recent research touting its many health benefits, massage should no longer be reserved as just a splurge. Getting a 60-90 minute massage regularly can improve your health and overall well-being in a multitude of ways. Schedule your appointment today and start feeling the benefits immediately!

    Top Factors Why People Go to A Therapist

    Therapeutic massage therapy is a light, soothing and relaxing way to relieve system pains and aches. It is a profound strategy that restores organic balance of the physique, makes us feel superior and assists us to perform our every day actions effectively. A professional restorative massage therapist gives hand-on-strategies and soft human body actions that raise blood circulation and relieves muscle rigidity. In this post I will talk about a couple of good reasons as to why individuals need to go to restorative massage therapist and how rubdown remedy will increase a variety of physique functions and encourage wellness.

    1. Massage Remedy Offers Deep Relaxation

    Rubdown therapy is a rest approach that delivers a sense of well-becoming and promotes wellness. A rub therapist gives delicate human body actions with his skilled hands which induce activation of the all-natural therapeutic course of action of the physique. It will produce you a wonderful encounter of deep rest, normalize body rhythms and aid regain well-being.

    2. Combat Entire body Aches & Discomfort with Restorative massage Treatment

    Delicate body massages not only stimulate the normal healing course of action of the system but it is also helpful for decreasing physique discomfort together with back again, shoulder, neck, joint and headaches. An actual physical therapist will present you different integrative manual therapies that are intended for the whole physique system and will assist reduce ache, muscle tension and assists you in achieving optimum wellness.

    3. Strain & Anxiety Management

    An additional featured advantage of heading to a Centennial massage therapist is that he/she will present you a successful treatment of stress and anxiousness. Massages enhance mental clarity, enhance performance, enhance alertness, and rejuvenate your mind. An actual physical therapist offers you a psychotherapeutic therapy which is a type of actual physical treatment that is also helpful in strain management.

    4. Joint Mobility & Flexibility

    Rub therapists provide light touch therapies and certain physique movements that are specifically intended for increasing joint mobility and versatility. A therapeutic massage therapist supplies different passive entire body actions that help release muscle stress and make your joints far more flexible and movable.

    5. Very good For Sports Injuries

    An actual physical therapist supplies unique remedies for sports activities accidents which include strains, sprains, fractures, back again and neck accidents. An actual physical therapist will recommend manual therapies that aid promote muscle recovery, muscle rest, soreness, stiffness, muscle stress and therapeutic of injured physique tissues. It is also a wholesome strategy for athletes since they suffer a range of sports accidents on a normal basis.

    How to Give a Great Back Massage

    Most people hold much of their tension in their back, neck and shoulders. Back pain is one of the most common forms of chronic pain suffered by people today. Massage therapy can help relieve the pain and stress in the back. Once that pain and stress is eliminated, you’ll feel much better and more relaxed.

    Massage helps loosen tightened muscles relieving muscle tension. It helps break up adhesions in muscle fibers and helps relax knots. It pushes wastes out of the tissue and helps move nutrients into it.

    Besides the effect massage can have on your muscles, it can also help decrease stress hormones and increase your body’s production of feel-good hormones like dopamine. It slows your heart rate and decreases blood pressure. It helps calm the nervous system and relaxes the mind.

    You can use lotion or an all natural oil to give the therapy. Almond oil, grape seed oil, jojoba oil, and coconut oil are all good choices. You can also use olive oil. Natural oils will nourish the skin and won’t clog pores.

    When you give a back massage make sure you’re relaxed during the therapy. The person you’re working on will be able to feel any tension you have in your hands.

    During the therapy don’t work over the spine. Doing so could cause pain and injury to the spinal area.

    Always communicate with the person you’re working on to make sure you are using pressure that is appropriate for them.

    Let’s look at two basic massage techniques you can use the next time someone you know complains of an aching back.

    Effleurage is the foundation stroke for many massages. This long, gliding stroke can be done with your open hand. It is used to spread lotion or oil and warm up muscle tissue. Starting from the low back simply place your open relaxed hands on either side of the spine and glide them upward toward the shoulders. This stroke is slow and gentle. Repeat this stroke several times during the beginning of the massage to cover all areas of the back. As you use this stroke notice the areas of the back that feel tighter than others. During the massage return to effleurage between other strokes.

    Petrissage is a kneading stroke that is used to increase the blood flow deep within the belly of the muscle. It’s done with alternating hands. Just find an area on the back that feels particularly tight to you. Start with both hands flat on the area you want to work on with the thumbs and index fingers touching each other to form a triangle. Start with the right hand and grasp and lift the flesh. As the right hand releases perform the same action with the left hand. Repeat this action several times to loosen the muscle.

    Armed with these two basic strokes you can give a great back massage.

    Lily Spa Review

    My lover had chosen the Lily Spa. It was unlike other day spas we had visited in Chinatown in the past. Lily Spa was located in Roscoe Village, on the beaten path in one of Chicago’s more interesting neighborhood; interesting for the fact it had more business like doggy day- cares and bars. Over Easy, my favorite restaurant which is just up the street was discovered while watching a restaurant reviews show – “Check Please”. I would suggest we go for a bite to eat after.

    Previously, we’d gone to day spas in Chicago’s Chinatown. They were quaint but always held an air of mystery, an ambiguity. I never knew the outcome of my visits. Would they end with just a massage?

    We were met by an Asian woman at the front door. She watched through the store front window as we parked on Belmont Avenue. We were 15 minutes late but were warmly greeted at the door by the woman, who wore a lilac Polo shirt. She led my lover to the cashier behind the register to pay $130 which was the cost for the both of us – a couple’s massage. The cashier also wore a lilac polo shirt and black pants.

    I looked around the spa; it was very clean and modern; inside a glass case near the register were massage lotions, gels and creams for sale in sleek glass bottles. “Please follow me,” our greeter said and then led us to a room that was dimly lit. Inside the room were two hardwood massage tables, and on the left of the room near the bed I had chosen were white towels rolled neatly side-by-side and massage lotions on a wooden shelf.

    She instructed us to remove are clothing, grab towels, and to climb on top of the tables that were lined with towels and a thin paper, the kind found in a doctor’s exam rooms. She left the room and closed the door behind her.

    We lie face down, with heads on face rests, while listening to what I perceived was an Asian classical music. Two women entered the room, I could hear them. I stare at the hard wood floor through the opening on my face rest unable to see them both.

    My masseuse immediately began to apply pressure to my shoulders and began to manipulate the membrane that outlined my muscles, bypassing with her fingers the Latissimus Dorsi muscles, she went deeper reaching my ribs capturing each between her thumb and index fingers.

    I lie between pleasure and pain. The painful action caused a pleasurable release of pressure. I could hear the release of air, with each of her movements came a light popping sound. She then moved to my lower back her touch more delicate, she apply pressure using both palms, she mounted the table, straddled my hips and apply more pressure leaning in with the force of her weight. I remembered to inhale and exhale. I had stopped breathing for a moment. I began to breathe again.

    She dismounted the table and pushed my foot in the direction of my backside, I felt tightness in my thigh and then she released it and moved to the other leg repeating the movement. I breathed.

    I could hear him snoring beside me. His masseuse asked him if she was applying too much pressure, he didn’t answer it was just silence except for the music that played.

    I was asked to roll over on my back, she assemble my towel so that it cover my torso and resume her effort. I got a glimpse of her before I close my eyes. She was petite and pretty with long black hair shiny black ponytail. I also got a glimpse of the other half, apart of the couple’s massage as he continue to sleep, now face up.

    I am Monica Staton owner of Body Language’s Personal Training. My philosophy involves being emotionally excited about fitness and fashion.

    I help to minimize figure flaws, conceal them, or both. I am a skilled personal trainer, and style consultant; I bring a high level of enthusiasm to both disciplines. I have studied fashion design at Columbia College Chicago, and I am an Ace Certified Personal Trainer specializing in strength training. I currently write a monthly news-letter “Form follows Fashion,” which specifically relates to physical fitness, and fashion well-being.

    I am flexible, fashionable, open, receptive, intuitive about my client’s physical needs, and personal tastes.

    Smart Tips to Maximize the Benefits of Your Massage

    A massage is getting more popular since it is offered through spa or resort. There are a lot of benefits that you can obtain from massage. By making some preparations, you will be able to get maximum benefits from your massage. At this time, this article is going to give you some smart tips that will guide you to maximize the benefits of your massage. So, just check out the following tips.

    Firstly, if this is the first time for you to visit a spa, it is better for you to make appointment with the open mind. It is important for you to trust in professionalism of therapist. Besides, you also need to avoid consuming heavy meals just before your massage session. You should arrive on time at the spa in order to avoid rushing that can possibly steal the experience of your enjoyment and relaxation. If the spa also offers sauna, hot tub services, or steam bath, you should arrive there early so that you can take maximum advantage from them. They can work well to warm the muscles and it makes your therapist easier in achieving the desired.

    Secondly, you have to be prepared since most massages take place in the nude, and the clients are fully draped for all times. It is known that most massages also use mineral essential oils that will hydrate and smooth your skin so that you can consider using loose clothing. For the licensed massage therapists, they should keep their clients properly covered by towel or a sheet throughout the session.

    Prior to your massage session is the third thing that you have to do for getting maximum the benefits from your massage. You also need to try making communication with your therapist about any concerns that you may have. You do not have to hesitate for making discussion about any apprehensions that you may have.

    Fourthly, you can feel free in providing the therapist with your feedback of the experience during your massage. If you feel painful during the massage, you can report to your therapist immediately. As a client, you should feel free to tell any discomfort that may be caused by music, lighting, or temperature.

    Lastly, after the massage has completed, you can take your time to get up, especially if you feel lightheaded or dizzy. It is also important for you to drink extra water after the massage because it cab help your body to flush out the impurities. In addition, you can take some time for relaxing in the spa lounge afterward that will help your body to absorb the results of your massage.

    Aromatherapy Massage – A Treatment for Mind Body and Soul

    Aromatherapy is a magical fusion of aromatherapy and massage. As the name suggests, aromatherapy is the art of relaxing and healing using different healing aromas. These aromas and scents are derived from essential oils obtained from plants and herbs. These pleasant scents haven been noted to induce relaxation, and provides respite from stress and tiredness.

    As for massage, the magical power of touch is known to improve circulation, eliminate toxins, and calm tense and tired muscles. Massage has been a regular part of most traditional and alternative medicine practices. Special massage techniques are found in Native American, Chinese, Ayurvedic and other oriental healing arts.

    The combination of these two powerful techniques gives an intensely relaxing and energizing experience, as it combines the special strengths of these two arts.

    Aromatherapy massage is offered in many spas in and around Brisbane, in addition to the traditional day spa massage. To pick a spa that would guarantee a good aromatherapy treatment it is important to look for a day spa Brisbane women prefer, as they are the ones most knowledgeable about the quality and services offered at a facility.

    A popular aromatherapy massage method involves massaging essential oils into the skin. This special kind of massage has great therapeutic properties and you will immediately feel the relieving effects of the treatment. Also, the experience only gets better if it’s the first time you are getting a massage!

    Choosing the right professional to perform the massage for you is incredibly important as having an inexperienced hand for a masseur will take away greatly from your experience. A competent masseur knows which oils are good for which condition and will make the right choice to give you the most worth out of the massage.

    For example, lavender and apricot oils are excellent for relaxing. On the other hand peppermint is known as an excellent soother for muscles.

    The environment where the massage is performed also needs to be absolutely right for the correct effect. The room should be quiet and peaceful, with soft natural sounds meant to enhance the soothing atmosphere. Overpowering scents and bright lights are a big no-no as it will just go on to ruin your experience.

    In addition to pure essential oils, carrier oils and hydrosols are also used to amplify and strengthen the effect of the essential oils. Carrier oils like almond, grape seed and others are excellent and work well to transfer the benefits of the essential oils to your body. Carrier oils also act as diluters as most essential oils are too expensive to be used undiluted, and the expense makes it necessary to dilute them with carriers before applying to the body. Some essential oils are also too strong and powerful to be used directly on the body, and they need to be toned down with carriers to make sure they perform their intended task, rather than actually being harmful to the skin.