Archive for January, 2011

Incorporate A Healthy Lifestyle With Regular Massage Therapies

Do you love getting a massage? Yes? Great! With so many health benefits attached, therapeutic massage is certainly capturing the attention of large chunk of the population. So keep on pampering yourself with a massage as often as possible!

Just the other day I visited a massage therapist as I was feeling tremendously worn out. Trust me, it felt so soothing that I forgot I was ever tired!

A massage feels as good as it sounds. It certainly has long term benefits, and is enjoyed by women and men as well. It is widely accepted that a great massage relaxes your muscles also enhances flexibility. A massage gets rid of various aches and pains, provides instant relaxation and creates a sense of well-being. Some people claim that regular massages have reduced a variety of their joint and muscle complaints. Whatever the reason may be, massage feels good, and certainly works better than a tranquilizer.

Yeah, we all get massages once in while, but what’s new about it?

* Promotes Sleep – Yes, that’s true! A nice, intense massage boosts restful sleep. This is great news for all those people suffering from insomnia, as one could now fall asleep without taking heavy doses of sleeping pills.

* Maintains Blood Pressure – Massage helps to reduce fluctuations in the blood pressure by providing healthful relaxation.

* Improves Blood Circulation – A massage improves the flow of blood ensuring you a healthy, radiant body.

* Support Muscle Health – It relieves muscle spasms, soreness and tensions, resulting in all over relaxation of the muscles. It also expels excess lactic acid from the body.

* Reduces Severe Body Aches – You will notice a significant reduction of headaches, back aches, shoulder, neck pain etc within just few sessions of massage therapy. It reduces fatigue and leaves you feel absolutely fresh and spirited.

* Revives Immune System – Your immune system boosts up, and becomes strong enough to fight a host of infections and diseases.

* Massages, a Medicine – Many people consider massage the best method to maintain personal health.

* Healing Effects – People suffering from mood swings and depression get significant benefit by massage therapy. This therapy makes you feel good physically and mentally. Say goodbye to those anti-depressant pills!

* Customize Your Massage Therapies – You can get your massage therapy customized and ask the therapist to focus on certain body parts in order to improve specific health conditions. A qualified massage therapist can provide you with all that. You can choose from many types of massage; Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, prenatal massage therapy, sports massage etc.

For those of you who have never had a massage, or want to experience the benefits of massage, call a well-trained, qualified, reliable and experienced massage therapist in Stockton California. Refresh Medspa has some of the best massage therapists. This therapy is provided in a calm, comfortable and private environment allowing you to relax and rejuvenate your mind and body.

Learn Massage Therapy For A Successful Career

The health care field is one of the fastest growing sectors in today’s economy; and as part of this industry, massage therapy is projected to experience faster than average growth. If you want to work in the field of health care, and enjoy helping patients, but you don’t want to spend years in medical or nursing school, you may want to learn about massage.

Massage therapists use the science and art of touch to manipulate the soft-tissues and muscles of the body. Massage improves circulation, muscle tone and promotes general overall health. Training in massage therapy focuses on its rehabilitative effects. Massage is used for variety of conditions, to treat painful ailments, overworked muscles, reduce stress, and to rehabilitate injuries. As a licensed massage therapist you can work in a wide variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, health care facilities, sports clinics and fitness studios. You also have the option to travel to your patient’s home or workplace. Doctors, physiotherapists and chiropractors often recommend massage therapy for specific health conditions; in addition, health insurance companies support the practice of it in many instances.You can typically complete training for massage within a few months. A quality therapy program will prepare you for a career as a licensed massage therapist.

If you choose to train in this field you have the option of learning more than 80 different types of massage, from Swedish massage, deep-tissue massage, reflexology, and acupressure, to sports massage, and neuromuscular massage. The type of massage you use will depend on your client’s health needs and physical condition. You may apply specific techniques for the elderly, and others for athletes. There are also forms of massage for pregnant mothers, new mothers and even infants. When you learn massage therapy you will also learn how to use aids such as oils, antiseptics, creams, salt glows, herbal preparations, and hot and cold packs to enhance the benefits of the massage.

Keep in mind that giving massages can be physically demanding; if you want to give massages you should be in good physical condition and health. It is important that you train to use proper techniques to avoid injury while at work. The repetitive movements you use and fatigue from standing long hours can be very taxing on your body. You can lessen your risk of injury by using proper massage techniques, spacing enough time between your massage sessions, and by staying in good shape. You should also consider getting a regular massages yourself from another licensed therapist.

Choosing Your Variety of Luxuries At a Spa With Massage Stones

A spa with massage is a place of luxury, and one where massage stones are used offers an even more relaxing experience. You may have seen ads where spa customers lie on massage tables with basalt stones on their backs as they are getting hot stone therapy. What you see in those ads is just the tip of the iceberg. There is so much more to getting a massage using stones.

The massage therapist uses either hot stone therapy, cold stone therapy, or a combination-style therapy where both kinds of stones are needed. Some spas only offer one of the choices. If your spa offers all three, it helps you if you understand the differences.

In hot stone massage, smooth basalt stones are placed in water and heated to a very warm, but safe temperature. The massage stones are placed on certain points of the body, particularly on the back. Some people like to have the hot stones placed in their palms or even between their toes.

One of the nice things about hot stone massage is that it can warm you up on a cold, winter day. Yet, it has other benefits as well. When the massage stones are rubbed lightly on the muscles, it produces a much deeper result. This is great for someone who does not like to be kneaded vigorously but wants the deep-down benefits of a strong general massage.

You can also get a world of help for various ailments with hot stone therapy. Your circulation will improve quickly. Your stress levels will go down rapidly as you relax. You can get pain relief from arthritis, and massage can even improve depression.

Cold stone massage is another choice at many spas. This type of massage is especially helpful if you have an injury with swelling and inflammation. The inflammation can be relieved to a large extent when the marble massage stones are placed on the areas of injury.

Cold stone massage also invigorates you, making you feel more energetic and alert. You will feel less anxiety, and your circulation will improve tremendously. This type of massage has a couple of very specialized uses; it helps with menstrual pain and sinus troubles. The cold stone massage session is one that you will enjoy and want to repeat.

The final type of stone massage is the combination therapy massage. Some spas offer a type of massage that combines using both the hot basalt stones and the cold marble stones. They are used in alternation, on various parts of the body, and in various ways to create an experience of completely luxurious and healthful relaxation and renewal.

Stone massage is based on ancient truths, but it is done with up to date techniques at your local spa. The massage stones, chosen especially for their smoothness, will relax you and improve your massage. Take advantage of this luxurious type of massage therapy next time you visit your local spa. Whether you go in for hot stone therapy, cold stone therapy or a combination, you will not regret your decision.

The Advantages of Doing Massage Therapy Courses

People might not know it but learning massage therapy courses has got so many advantages than you could possibly imagine. Some of us think that if a person includes this in his lifestyle he may belong to those who have good economic and social status in life. But that is not always the case because everyone can definitely enjoy massage therapy and if you become knowledgeable in this area you might wan to put up a business on your own, work as a therapist or help heal everyone around you with your hands that can bring magic.

Historically speaking, Egypt is known to have created the modern type of massage therapy being practiced now. The techniques have been handed down from one generation to the next and many cultures have adopted this and added more styles and methods of doing so. It is said that massage can be used for healing purposes as well as pleasure. Japan, China and India are among the other countries which have contributed to the different techniques of doing massage these days and now the entire world is practicing this.

Massage therapy uses touch as a form of healing. Different types of pressure are applied in certain areas of the body. Stroking, kneading, rubbing and pressing are among the common movements that comprise a massage. It is not supposed to cure but only to alleviate stress, tension and injury. The reason why getting a massage makes you feel good is that touch techniques have been known to offer some great benefits to our body. Our nerves automatically respond to the stimuli and if a good touch is perceived our body reacts by releasing hormones, relaxing the muscles and so many others. That is why getting yourself enrolled in a massage therapy course would be of great advantage to you as you would know the correct way to do it.

Almost everyone loves to pamper themselves once in a while and getting a massage therapy is one way to do so. Moreover, if you learn the massage therapy courses you will have an edge to others as you will become more knowledgeable on the proper way to perform it. Not everyone knows how to use the power of touch but you can definitely learn how to. Maybe it is time to promote wellness in today’s generation as almost everybody is so busy with their lives. It is definitely a good way for them to get away from stress and be taken away by the hands that heal.

Massage Benefits: Relax And Rejuvenate

What is it about a massage that just gives you a sense of peace and well-being? Even as you prepare for the treatment, you are usually set up in a dimly lit room with relaxing music and a calm ambiance. Because everyday life is so hectic, moments like these give a person the chance to step away from all of the concerns and problems.

Focus on Yourself

When you get a massage, you have the opportunity to focus on yourself. Some people take the time to clear their mind and meditate on positive ideas and feelings. Others look to come up with solutions or improvements that they can make to their life as a whole. Some people become so relaxed that they are even able to fall asleep.

One of the benefits of a massage is that there is nothing that you need to be doing. You don’t have to hold a conversation if you don’t want to. You don’t have to work, talk, manage, or even problem solve. In all honesty, you don’t even have to think. This quiet time is to be utilized as you would like.

The Physical Benefits

Do you feel the result of tension in your neck and back? Do you seem tied up in knots over what is going on in your personal or professional life? A massage is one way to work out the tension, remove some of the knots that are building and give you a sense of relief. As your skin, muscles and tissues are placed under pressure and then moved and manipulated, you begin to sense that your body is returning to a more natural state.

There are different types of massage that will address specific concerns or issues that you have. If you are experiencing severe tension, you may be looking for a harder treatment. In this case, more pressure is put on your body in order to work out the problem areas. In these cases, it is not uncommon to have some soreness immediately following and even into the next day. However, many people suggest that the temporary soreness is worth the overall effect that it has.

When you make an appointment at a day spa, you are taking the time to put yourself first. You can have the chance to regroup and come away feeling better than ever. In fact, you may feel that this is something that you want to incorporate into your routine. Going at least once a month gives you something to look forward to and lets you know that relief is just around the corner when you are having a bad day or going through something difficult.

Make the most of your visit by leaving your cell phone and any type of messaging or planning equipment off. If you want, bring comfy clothes to change into and make sure that you are going to be able to continue the relaxation once the treatment is over. You don’t want to head right back into meetings or difficult situations. Give yourself the rest of the day to enjoy your rejuvenating experience.

How to Become a Massage Therapist

One of the fastest growing fields in medicine right now is massage therapy. More and more doctors are recognizing the benefits of medical massage to provide pain relief for their patients. There are a number of large medical practices which now have a massage therapist on staff and a growing number of insurance companies are providing at least partial coverage for massage when it is medically merited. Professional sports teams are hiring massage therapists to work for them and so are the major college sports programs creating an abundance of opportunities.

To become a massage therapist, it is necessary to complete an educational program. There are schools across the country which specialize just in medical massage and there are programs at community colleges and universities which offer degrees in massage therapy. A minimum of 500 hours of training is required in most states to become a licensed massage therapist. One of the tests that is required for certification is administered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. You are required to know in detail anatomy, physiology and kinesiology. You also must be able to answer questions pertaining to Therapeutic massage assessment and application. Plus, there is a section on the test that covers professional standards, ethics, business and legal practices.

When you decide to enter the field, you also must decide what type of massage you want to specialize in. There are over 80 types of massage being practiced around the globe which are distinguished by the techniques which are used. Some employ the deep muscle kneading that most of us associate with massage while others use warm oils or even hot stones. There is one type of massage that does not use the hands of the therapists at all, the therapist uses their bare feet.

Whatever you decide to specialize in, one of the keys to becoming successful is professionalism. Unfortunately, massage has been misused by people who have used it as a front to provide sexual services. It is absolutely critical for the massage therapist to avoid any inappropriate contact with a patient. Make sure that the person is comfortable with what you are doing and always allow them to decide if they want to be clothed or covered up.

There are exciting opportunities for massage therapists to work in a variety of settings. You could choose to be employed in a doctors office, a chiropractic office or sports medicine clinic. There are a number of spas all across the country which offer massage services and you could even do a stint on a cruise ship where massages are routinely offered each day by the pool. Once you are a certified as a massage therapist you will have to go through additional training to maintain your certification. You are required to have 50 hours of continuing education every four years to keep your certificate up to date. It is also required that you document performing at least 200 hours of massage therapy over that time.

Couples Massage Therapy

Offered by many spas and massage centers, a couples’ massage is an excellent way for spouses, partners, lovers, and even friends to enjoy a massage at the same time. The massages can vary from traditional to sensual and erotic, but all of them have a few elements in common.

In most cases, the couples’ massages are performed in larger rooms, which have two massage beds and enough space for at least two therapists to move freely around them. The benefits of sharing a massage are many as partners can bond and feel much more comfortable when they are in each other’s presence. This is quite often the perfect way of introducing someone to the wonderful world of massaging and is also ideal for men, who are often more apprehensive about being nude during a massage or could feel vulnerable.

Various massage centers offer special couples’ massages, which aim at teaching the partners how to massage each other and introduce them to the basic techniques, strokes, and practices of erotic and sensual massage. These sessions are performed by experienced therapists or masseurs, who can show men and women or same-sex partners how to add new and beautiful element to their intimate life. The sessions could involve not only a hands-on approach, but also sharing of the deeper and philosophical aspects of tantric and sensual massages and teaching the partners how to channel their sexual energy, give each other great pleasure, and achieve even greater sexual satisfaction. Such lessons can also be part of complete massage courses, which are extremely beneficial for couples that wish to improve their lovemaking and can include various techniques of pleasuring and self-pleasuring, as well as Yoni and Lingam massaging.

In the stressful times that we live, the relationships could be easily harmed by financial problems, career concerns, and numerous other negative factors. Quite often, the physical aspect of these relationships is the one that suffers the most, but with the help of regular couples’ massages, this is the aspect, which can not only be rekindled, but also brought to new exciting levels.

In order to receive the full and long-term benefits from a couples’ massage, it should be done on a regular basis, with the full commitment from both partners, and approached with an open mind. For the Western couples, many of the practices and techniques could be seen as unusual or inappropriate, especially when it comes to sensual and erotic massages, but their aim is to improve the couples’ intimate life and strengthen their physical and spiritual relationship. If you are not a Tantric follower, you can still benefit from the spontaneous couples’ massage and use it as a wonderful form of relaxation and recreation. After all, what can be more rewarding than sharing this sensual experience with the partner that you love? Offered by many spas and massage centers, quite often you can design your own, custom, couples’ massage and ask the procedure to be performed in a way that you and your partner are completely comfortable with.

Tips for a Healthy Massage

A whole day of work can bring exhaust and health problems to our bodies. Why not have a massage rest in the evening or noon breaks? It is a good idea to do exchange massage between two partners, for massage can make whole body relaxed and reduce some illness risks. However, bad massage could cause serious body injury, so it’s necessary to know some tips for healthy massage.

Keep your hands in good conditions

You are not advised to make use of lotions or oils at the start of a massage. They can be helpful only if massage hand are in good conditions. Hands are considered as most important tools for good massage. It’s better to keep hands warm, clean and tender, which makes massage comfortable and healthy. Unclean hands may pass virus to the massage receivers. Fingernails should also be kept well not to leave skin injury on the one who take your massage.

Keep proper posture

Body relaxation plays a important role in massage. Good posture can help keep receivers’ body relaxed. Receivers are advised to lie down without benting parts. You can put something under the feet of the receiver, which help him keep balance of whole body and reduce pressure on the lower parts of his body.

Aware massage reactions

In massage process, you should be aware of the receiver’s body and feeling reactions. Make sure not to press too hard. Over-pressure on body parts may cause unexpected injuries. You can ask the receiver how he feel. Avoid some massage skills that are likely to cause pain. There are many skills that will not cause discomforts. Take a short break in the process and injury would be less likely to happen.

All in all, massage could release us from work tensions and it can be good for our overall health if we get good command of it.