If you are new to the spa concept, or have never been to a day spa, you may find yourself a little confused with terminology. For example, things like reflexology and microdermabrasion may sound like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. If you do not understand these terms, it can be hard to decide on spa packages or spa treatment options. As such, you may find the following definitions of common spa terminology helpful before you start shopping for a spa package.

• Microdermabrasion. This is a process by which light abrasion is used to remove the outer most layer of dead skin. It is most often used on the face, neck, and chest – areas that are commonly exposed to the most toxins and harmful UV rays. The result is smoother, younger, more radiant skin. Not all day spa centers offer this procedure.

• Reflexology. Many scientists and medical professionals believe that the bottom of the feet provide an access point to the rest of the body. Through careful application of pressure on certain points in the feet, tension is alleviated, circulation improves, and as a result, organs function more effectively. This provides relief from all types of pain and tension, as well as encouraging your body to expel toxins.

• Infrared Sauna. Several day spa centers offer this specialized form of sauna session. By using infrared technology, the body is warmed in a sauna safely and effectively. Far infrared saunas provide all the benefit of sitting in a sauna to sweat out toxins and rejuvenate skin, but without the risks associated with steam baths.

• Ear Candling. This procedure may sound strange, but it is actually pretty basic. By removing excess ear wax and other build ups in the ear, those who suffer from chronic headaches, sinus problems, hay fever allergies, and other discomforts associated with the ear often find relief. As an all-natural option, there is no medication involved and no trips to the doctor or pharmacy to find relief.

When pursuing information or options available at various day spa facilities, be sure to ask spa employees to explain any procedures or treatments with which you are unfamiliar. These folks are accustomed to explaining not only what each treatment is, but what benefits it can offer you. If you do not know what a particular treatment is called, simply explain what discomforts you feel or what experience you would like to try. They can then highlight what they offer without the fancy terminology.

There is nothing like getting a massage. You walk in with tight muscles, pain in your back and stress up the Wazoo but when you come out all your troubles are kneaded away by the very capable hands of the therapist administering the massage. Imagine if you can provide the same feeling for the people that you love, like your spouse or girlfriend. The rewards may not come in monetary remunerations but you can definitely see it in the way she looks at you and the perks you will be getting afterwards.

To be able to provide the best possible massage you must begin with the proper setting. For an intimate therapeutic session to be successful the venue has to have the right conditions. To set the mood right, make sure that the lights are dimmed. If the room you are planning to use does not have a dimmer, then one can turn off the lights and light up some candles. Make sure that your area is also quiet because you need that silence in order to avoid distractions.

Aside from the venue, you also need to provide some paraphernalia that will make the massage itself pleasurable. The first thing you will need is some aromatic oils. One can buy specialized oils that have aroma therapeutic benefits. If you do not have access to massage oils, you can also make use of various lotions. If that still does not appeal to you, consider using vegetable oil because it has the right viscosity to help your hand glide through the body.

Aside from Massage oils, you also need some way to cover the areas that you have finished massaging. After a rubdown, heat is generally generated. This heat can be healing to the muscles but it can also easily dissipate if left exposed. A simple towel should suffice as an effective cover for those aching muscles.

Now that we have all the preparation covered it is now time to get to the massage itself. Before you begin, have her lie face down on a soft but firm surface. A firm mattress or a futon should be excellent options. Straddle her while being mindful of your weight. Start with soft and slow strokes using the palm of your hand. This will get her used to your touch. Once she grows accustomed to your touch, you can start focusing on larger muscle groups. Start with the back with some soft kneading. With a soft relaxing voice, speak to her to ensure that your pressure is not too hard or too soft.
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To conclude you massage, wipe off any excess oils. This will signify that the session is over. Make sure to spend some time with your partner and talk about the whole experience. Also, make sure that there is something to drink available, like tea or juice, because people are usually thirsty after a good rubdown.

As a massage therapist, I work hard to earn repeat customers by way of offering a great service at a price that reflects value for money.

Getting to know a customer and their likes and dislikes over time makes the massage much more easier. Massaging is a highly personal service so any familiarity built over time, helps both the massage therapist and the client relax into what is a very enjoyable experience.

Where there is no ‘standard’ rate of frequency for being massaged, most Massage Therapists would suggest one massage per month is a standard rate of frequency for a repeat customer. More sessions may be required depending on whether an injury or health concern is being treated.

So what happens when a customer starts booking massages weekly, or twice per week, for no reason other than they just ‘like being massaged and massaged by you in particular. In any other profession, accelerated frequency of a customer is a welcome event. In the world of massage, it may actually cause concern to the Massage Therapist.

Could this customer be addicted to massage? If they are, is this a negative thing?

One often associates addition to what are regarded as negative habits – smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, excessive gambling, etc. Or, addiction is often associated to events that give people a ‘rush’ of sorts. High impact sports, bungee jumping, sky diving, etc. But massage? The act of being pampered into slumber!

If we break it down, my belief is that our society has become one where ‘touching’ others is at the very least, avoided – think about the discomfort of standing close to others in an elevator, or how one says ‘sorry’ when they accidentally touch by someone in the street (well most of the time). Consider how we bustle for our own patch of turf on public transport. How we act in the workplace is highly regulated and ‘touching’ of any type may point toward sexual harassment. I don’t disagree with the need to protect all in a workplace against any form of discrimination.

Human beings are programmed to be social – we seek community and we seek the company of others.

Now think about a person, who is either single or in a non affectionate ‘non touching’ relationship. They wake up and go to work and in every instance where they have ‘touched’ someone albeit accidentally, they apologise.

It is actually possible that some people in our society today go through whole days, or even months and never get ‘purposely touched’ in a positive, healing, way by someone.

Could some be using massage as a way of simply being touched? Where does someone go who yearns being touched in a non sexual, healing, pampering way go?

In a society where touching is avoided, discouraged or legislated against, one can see how easily some may become addicted to what in its essence, is a basic human need – being touched.

It is wonderful to achieve relaxation and stress relief by learning these simple massage techniques. A masseur can also vary certain elements, depending on whether the subject wants an intense or calming experience.

Increasing the speed and/or pressure will instantly transform a gentle, relaxing session into a deep tissue experience. The quantity of oil used will depend upon the amount of pressure desired. The more oil, the lighter the pressure.

Most sessions begin with a greeting to the subject’s body. A resting stroke is used, which is exactly what its name implies. One places the hands (usually on the back) for several moments. In addition to establishing a comfortable subject relationship, this stroke also tells the nerves that the masseur is friend, not foe. One can return to the resting stroke as many times as desired.

The actual session usually begins and/or ends with light effleurage of the surface only. The practitioner will skim the surface of the skin with four fingers, as though he is brushing away crumbs. The stroke can move in any direction on the body.

It is easy to transition into whole hand effleurage, which uses a moderate amount of pressure to stroke with the whole hand. Effleurage can also be applied with the heel of the hand and the forearms.

Next, the masseur moves on to a deeper technique, slowly compressing and releasing the large muscles of your thighs, with a slight upward pressure at the end of the stroke. This stroke tends to start out slowly and build in intensity, to condition the muscles. Sometimes the pressure is increased with each stroke.

The fourth stroke is kneading, which feels really good on the shoulders. This stroke involves pulling and rolling, just like working dough. It can be performed in a circular motion. The next technique, ischemic compression, is all about applying pressure with the thumb or the fist to the balls of the feet, both sides of the spine, the palms or anywhere the subject needs relief.

The main stroke of Swedish massage involves simultaneously pressing and rolling on the body. The practitioner may use the elbows for extra intensity. Pressure should only be applied to the client’s comfort level, and not beyond.

When an energizing effect is desired, the masseur will finish up the session with tapotement. This stroke is performed by rhythmically rapping with the sides of the hands. For a more relaxing conclusion, have the masseur complete the massage by slowly repeating the effleurage stroke.

The subject should feel substantially refreshed after this experience.

Massage Techniques For Quick Relaxation

Sitting back, relaxing and just letting go of stress is a benefit of becoming proficient with a few easy massage moves. A masseuse can add variety by tailoring the experience to be either deep or grounding.

Maximizing the rapidity or pressure can quickly change a mild, calming experience into a more intense type of bodywork. The amount of lubricant can change according to the end result that the client wants. Additional lubricant yields a milder session.

The masseuse should first introduce touch gradually, by resting the hands on the client’s back. It only takes an instant for the client to become familiar with a stranger’s presence. The resting stroke also informs the subject’s nerve endings that it is safe to relax. A masseuse can repeat this technique throughout the massage.

The main part of the rub can start and finish with smooth rhythmic stroking exclusively on the skin. The masseuse may brush the body with all fingers except the thumb, just like removing lint from a suit. This technique can progress across the body in a multitude of ways.

Next, the masseuse changes the tempo by rhythmically stroking with the entire hand. This technique employs more force than four-finger effleurage. The masseuse may also use the palms and the arms to perform this stroke.

A professional masseuse can intensify the therapy by deepening her strokes, languidly pressing and letting go of the broad muscle groups in the upper leg. She finishes this portion of the therapy by pushing up on the muscle, which is stretched and relaxed. Another approach is to press harder each time she performs the motion.

A fourth technique is compressing and turning the muscles, and works especially well on the upper arms. Just check out a kitten trying to get its mothers milk, and it is easy to understand what this motion entails. One can also press on a particular spot with one finger or a tightened hand to the bottoms of the feet, muscles near the mid-back, the insides of the hands or on any sore spot.

If the masseuse is performing Esalen style techniques, she may do a stroke that compresses and rotates. She may apply her fists to increase the pressure.

To increase circulation, a masseuse will apply percussive strokes on the larger muscle groups. She does this by tapping on them. If the client wants to end on a calmer note, the masseuse can perform some additional effleurage.

If all of the techniques were employed properly, the client will feel ready to resume their day with greater energy after a massage.

Seven Massage Strokes For Instant Stress Relief

It is easy to master these seven strokes that can reduce stress and facilitate the patron’s well-being. Massage therapists are capable of fine tuning their approach for either deeper therapeutic or more nurturing results.

Speeding up or slowing down and/or using extra compression can measurably transform the recipient’s perception of the session, from one of feeling that their needs are ignored, to feeling that they derived significant benefits. Most practitioners can provide exactly the experience that an individual might seek. Add more lotion for a softer, gentler rub.

First the therapist will gently touch the back, just to say to the patron’s body: “hi, I’m about to start the session.” This immediately calms and reassures the recipient both somatically and mentally. Use of the resting stroke can occur numerous times during the session.

Now comes the main event. Just the skin’s surface is rubbed with an open and relaxed hand. This technique is performed lightly and fluidly on as much of the body surface as desired.

The therapist varies the rhythm by transitioning into a regularly cadenced rubbing motion. Generally, a practitioner will press harder as the session progresses, unless the recipient indicates otherwise. Therapists use an open hand or the forearms to execute this maneuver.

Next, stronger strokes are applied, unhurriedly applying pressure to major tendons in the legs. This movement draws to a close with an upstroke applied to the tissues, alternately extending and allowing the muscles to rest. Gradually intensifying the stroke also works well.

Pressing down and rotating the fibrous tissue comes next in the sequence, which is a good move to use on the appendages. This method of working the body is similar to milking a cow. Alternatively, the therapist will compress a specific area (such as the foot, the spine or the hands) with a single digit or fist. Any aches and pains will respond well to this type of attention.

Swedish manipulation involves squeezing and turning the body’s fibrous tissue. Using a clenched hand will allow the practitioner to apply more force to the desired area.

Drumming energizes and enhances the flow of blood to any part of the body, especially extensive muscle masses. Drumming is performed with the edges of the hands. For a more restful end to the session, more light and fluid strokes can be used.

Chronic headaches are becoming an epidemic in the United States. Headaches occur to all people at some point in their lives and although sometimes they are related to physical illness such as a cold or flu, often they can be traced to tension, poor posture, jaw problems, constriction in blood vessels or just stress. The average headache can usually be easily remedied with a basic over the counter head medication but what about those suffering from chronic head aches? What options are available to not just relieve their head pain but perhaps prevent it from reoccurring?

Before understanding the benefits that can be provided by massage therapy, it is important to understand types of headaches and why they are occurring. Understanding the source of your pain is the first step towards making changes in your life to end your suffering. Although not all problems can be easily gotten rid of, there are several techniques you can try to not let outside influences leave you suffering in their wake.

What Kinds of Headaches Are There?

Tension Headaches: This is an extremely common type of headache that most people will encounter at some point in their lives. It is usually a dull pressure or ache on both sides of the head and sometimes the neck. This type of headache can range in duration from half an hour to up to a week! Imagine trying to take OTC medication for that long without suffering some ill effects!

The Migraine: Perhaps the most unpleasant to encounter because of the sharp, throbbing sensations sometimes located on just one side or the head or spread across both sides. Most migraines last between 4 to 72 hours and are usually accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and increased sensitivity to light and smell. A migraine, especially frequent migraines, can be very interruptive to a person’s life and ability to function.

The Cluster: This could also be referred to as a sinus headache as well because it is a sharp, throbbing pain that is typically isolated around or behind the eye. It can come on very quickly and be very intense for the entire duration (15 minutes to three hours). Other symptoms can include runny nose, watering eye(s), redness in the eyes and agitation.

Now as was previously stated, there are many reasons for chronic head pain and they should not be taken lightly. If you suffer from severe headaches on a regular basis, consult with your doctor to make sure there are no underlying conditions. Frequent headaches can be the first indication of some very serious health problems.

Once you have established that there are no other medical conditions causing your headaches, it is time to seek treatments that will reduce or prevent your headaches from coming back. There is nothing harder than trying to work, play or rest when a throbbing or dull pain is running through your head. Although medications can work to a point, they are merely blocking the pain until it subsides, not offering a cure.

Massage therapy is a field that can provide a variety of health benefits beyond the traditional pampering experience it has become associated with over the past few decades. Treating oneself to a massage may seem to be a self-indulgent practice but just imagine not feeling sore and tired every day. Picture a life without headaches and then try and tell yourself it’s not at least worth a shot.

What Kind of Massage Therapy Should I Try?

Once you have identified the source of your headaches, it is time to seek the appropriate therapy for that problem. Not all massages are the same and if you are seeking specific relief for an existing condition it is important to let your massage therapist know this in advance. They are trained to help you in choosing the correct massage that will provide the greatest benefit and meet the goals you are setting.

Deep Tissue Therapy is an intense massage designed to free connective tissue that has built up in the muscles because of stress. It may surprise you to learn that although we may clear up a tense moment or problem in our daily lives, the stress it created in our muscles remains long after. Your muscles tighten and this incredible tension can lead to frequent head and body pain. Deep tissue massage will help to alleviate that built up stress.

Integrative Bodywork this is a specific combination of techniques designed to improve posture and alignment. Poor posture leads to the head and spine not distributing weight correctly across the muscles and can build up tension in the neck, shoulder and back muscles. This type of therapy will target soft tissue to and work to remove stress and strain of those areas of the body.

Swedish Massage is perhaps the best known type of massage available. If you suffer from chronic tension headaches, this type of massage specifically designed to release tension and promote a feeling a relaxation may go a long way towards helping you reduce or prevent their occurrence entirely.

Final Thoughts

Headaches may be a daily part of your life but they don’t have to be. Don’t resolve yourself to a life of pain when there options available that can promote relief and bring you the relaxation you are looking for. Remember to seek out those influences in your life that may be the source of tension or stress and try to avoid them if possible. If not, learn new ways to approach these stresses so that the build up will not end up in your muscles and head.