Posts Tagged ‘ massage

Hot Stone Therapy: A Treatment for Infertility?

We all think that once we are happily married and ready to have a baby we will simple get pregnant and voila! There’s a happy, healthy baby. However many couples find to their dismay and heartache that’s not always the case. When couples have trouble conceiving, they may consider going to a fertility clinic after they’ve tried other options. However, did you know that in some cases infertility could be addressed by a professional massage therapist? That is right…it is possible to increase your chances for reproduction through a massage therapy session. Why? Well, medically, massages help increase blood flow to the uterine region… blood flow that could help the uterus function better. And it also helps the women to relax and all of the system in our body respond better when we are in a relaxed state of mind.

Yet, what if a woman loves hot stone therapy… the type of massage where heated stones are used instead of a therapist’s hands? Can that offer similar benefits? It depends on who you ask. Holistic doctors would probably encourage Chinese fertility massage. With this type of massage, the principles of acupressure are addressed, which helps free up the body’s energy.

However, some massage therapists are very sensitive to metaphysical philosophies when performing their massages. In fact, one of the propagators of hot stone therapy, Mary Nelson, even based her special “LaStone Therapy” training on these belief systems.

In addition, a hot stone massage adds heat to the affected area. When this happens, circulation improves. This is vital for good health, especially in the reproductive region. Combine this with the concepts of acupressure, and a woman could substantially increase her chances that such therapy could help get her body revved up for conception.

But there is one factor that should also be considered. If a woman does become pregnant, it may be dangerous for her temperature to rise. This is why women are often told not to take long hot baths or go to saunas in their latter stages of pregnancy. Yet, that’s the ultimate keyword here… ‘later.’ Hot stone therapy probably wouldn’t have an effect in an early pregnancy, since there are many massage therapists that will do the procedure during this time. Then there are others that won’t do it at all, just to be on the safe side.

Either way, you will want to keep a close eye on your body during the time you get hot stone therapy. If you miss your period, get a pregnancy test as soon as possible. Don’t undergo any more hot stone therapy until you get the approval from your gynecologist. And, if they feel uncomfortable with you doing that type of massage, simply tell the masseuse to give you a more ‘traditional’ treatment. Save the hot stone until after the baby is born. Sure, you won’t get some of the additional health benefits, but your child’s development is much more important.

Why Choose The Swedish Modality Therapy

If you are considering making an appointment to visit a Las Vegas massage therapy center, before doing so you should familiarize yourself with the different modalities or techniques that may be offered. One of the most popular options is the Swedish modality. This was designed by Henri Peter Ling at the University of Stockholm way back in 1812.

Originally it was prescribed as a treatment for gymnasts after they had pulled or strained a muscle. Fast forward to today and we see that it is an option that has never waned in popularity. In fact the Swedish modality is perhaps the most common form of massage now available and it also is used as the basis for many other techniques.

Swedish massage therapy is often described as being a soft touch massage and one that helps to promote relaxation in both physical and mental form. We all are aware that stress can have a very real toll on our well being. By undergoing massage therapy it is possible to drastically decrease the amount of anxiety that is felt.

The Swedish modality utilizes a number of different strokes that provide healing and rejuvenation for tired, sore, or damaged muscles. It is known to enhance oxygen absorption which in turn improves blood circulation as well as minimizing the time required for any injured muscles to recover in full. Also it is believed to accelerate the speed at which the body detoxifies itself. Do not think that it is an option only for people who suffer from real physical pain, it is also worth considering if you want to acquire immediate relaxation and stress relief.

The actual techniques that make up the Swedish form of massage are varied. Your therapist may include gliding, kneading, tapping, and vibrations to bring about the results that you desire. Each stroke would have a number of variations for different effect. One of the most well known is referred to as effleurage, this is a stroke that requires the use of the thumbs or entire hand to massage in one encompassing motion all the way from the neck to the base of the spine. Often effleurage would be given at the outset of a sitting so that the therapist can become familiar with the condition of the recipient’s body.

Another interesting component of this modality is tapotement. This stroke can be described as a drumming like motion on the body. Percussive taps are given which help to remove muscle tension. Tapotement is usually carried out with the edge of the palm or fingertips.

Friction strokes are used where deep healing and relaxation are a priority. They would generally involve circular strokes with the tips of the fingers. It is the best option for removing muscle knots.

Other concepts that make up the Swedish modality include petrissage strokes. This is given to help improve blood flow. If you suffer from any lower back pain then ask the Las Vegas massage therapy professional whether vibration techniques can be used as these are known to help release contracted muscles.

Massage Therapy As Stress Buster

Massage therapy has survived the modernization of medical equipment in providing relief from stress. Since ancient civilizations, touch therapy have been regarded highly for encouraging healing and relaxation. This therapy involves the use of the hands, feet, or other tools like heated rocks and glass tumblers to knead soft tissues of any part of the body subjected to stress or in chronic pain. This is effective as pressured is being pressed into these soft tissues to make them tender and more pliant improving circulation and easing tensed tissues to a more relaxed state.

Stress in everyday living is no surprise for people always on the go or beating the clock. The demands of daily activities at work and home can really be a work load to modern life. Stress can have many forms. The most common type is the physical stress that the body is being subjected to when it accepts the physical activities and strains when you are performing a job. At the end of the day, you can feel the heaviness upon your shoulder and the persistent pain at your lower back. These areas of the body are the most common stress points that manifest pain when they have been overworked or used improperly. Poor posture and bad body mechanics also contributes to the stress levels of your back and shoulders.

Another typical form of stress is the psycho-emotional stress that you are going through when you feel depressed, agitated, or simply feeling low. The stress hormones can get activated when your mindset is also negative or you are feeling sad emotions for unexpected events. Even people who are physically ill can also be subject to emotional stress as they feel more inactive and secretes lesser endorphins due to prolonged periods of rest. Happy hormones gets activated by being active and being in a hospital or your own bed for far too long does not help in releasing these happy hormones into the bloodstream.

Not enough sleep or rest can also contribute to stress levels. The time to sleep is the only period when the body can replenish, repair, and rejuvenate itself from the daily battles of stress. Lessen the sleeping or resting period can only increase the stress hormones inside the system.

The gradual accumulation of stress brought about emotional, physical, psychological or conditional factors can get worse if not treated properly and on a periodic basis. You might be surprised to find out that spas and massaging salons are constantly packed with individuals who schedule their weekly or monthly Massage sessions to ease their stress levels. Having Massage therapies have greatly improved the threshold of stress levels of these individuals. They also claim to have better performance in their daily demands than ever before without feeling pressured too much. They have more restful sleep and lesser slip ups at work.

These people know the great healing and relaxing powers of touch therapy and are living much healthier and balanced lives. Stress busting has never been easier to do with Massage therapy.

Pain Relief – Understanding Your Body

Many Denver massage clinics have assisted people throughout the years in their pain relief, not only by working on them but also through self care education. Lets take a close look at one way each of us can help our own personal battle with muscle pain.

Often times when we are in pain all we can think of is getting out of it, but also many times with this comes a sense of helplessness. You will discover that a high number of Denver massage therapists recognize that several people have a hard time with owning their pain, believing they have any control over making it better. This is where things must change, in order for someone to truly break that pain cycle they must start to take ownership over the pain. This is not an easy task but none the less must be accomplished to live the quality of life that is desired.

It’s similar to an overweight individual wanting to lose weight. We all know that this weight loss never happens until the person takes responsibility for their actions and starts making better choices. Yes, there are others that can help in the process like a personal trainer, much like a Denver massage therapist can help in the pain relief for their clients, but these clients must be making better choices day to day. So this is where the ever feared word of change comes into play, and the best road to permanent change is awareness and acceptance of what it is that needs to be changed in the first place.
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So what is this step? This answer – deep breathing! Yes that’s right, you may be thinking to yourself how is this going to help me with my neck pain, back pain, hip pain, or whatever pain it may be. Take a moment to understand what deep “diaphragmatic” breathing will do. This type of breathing is an action of the diaphragm which is a muscle deep within the abdomen.

As children we all come into the world using our diaphragm to breath, one way you can see this is taking notice of a child’s belly, and how it comes outward each and every time they breath in. Think of it like a glass that is being filled up with water, the air being the water, as the air fills the diaphragm it expands causing the stomach to do the same and then flattening back out while breathing out. Most people do not use this muscle hardly at all while breathing which than causes them to stress breath, tightening up in their neck, upper back, and upper trapezius which now leads into headaches and other muscle tightness.

One of the Denver massage locations had a client who’s life was completely changed by this one action. It made her realize that she did have some control over the pain. The combination of deep diaphragmatic breathing techniques and massage gave her the quality of life back that she had not had for many years.

What we do know, is that this is a very powerful technique that will work to different levels depending upon each individual and how serious they take it into consideration, other action steps they may be incorporating along with it, and being truly committed to taking themselves out of the prison of pain.

Understanding that there are always alternatives to self pain relief and taking full ownership of what is going on with your body has given many Denver massage clients the ability to use these techniques to improve their overall health.

Body Massage: Rubbing Technique

Did you know rubbing is one of the many techniques of massaging? If you are a massage therapist, you would also know about rolling, pressing, kneading, rubbing and much more. This article will discuss the rubbing method used in massages. A rubbing massage is also known as friction massage.

The question is how do you perform a good rubbing? You must make the pressure from your fingers or palms strong enough to stay stationary on the surface of the skin and moving the layers below. Perhaps the best explanation for you is a hair wash at the salon. You will notice that the hair assistant rubs your head without moving her fingers much. This is exactly the same movement produced when performing a rubbing massage.

There are 3 types of rubbing massages.

Miser’s rub

This massage is best suited for the client’s toes and fingers.

Circular

This is done by planting your hands securely. Then you move the skin over the tissues in small circles. You can also perform this by doing a longer oval shape type of circular motion on longer limbs like the hands and legs.

Cross fiber

You must first understand that muscle fibers are set up in one direction. For example, your bicep muscles runs from your shoulder to your elbow, up and down. During the cross fiber massage, you rub in a cross-wise direction, against the muscle fiber direction. Who can benefit most from the cross fiber massage? People who are have just suffered a muscle injury. The massage promotes healing of the scar tissue.

The Best Massage in the World

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.

Massage Addiction – Are You at Risk?

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.

Tricks to Try During a Sensual Massage

Giving a massage is a great experience. It is even better when you are giving someone you love a sensual massage. Sensual Massage excites all of the sense for a one of a kind experience. It is a great way to reconnect with your special someone in both an emotional and physical level. The both of you will be closer after sharing an experience like this and you and your relationship will be better because of this.

To start your sensual massage, you must first set the tone. The best way to do that is to create an environment of peace and tranquility. One can achieve this by setting up a place that has dimmed lights and relatively no distractions. You can create a sound proof area but both the breaths of the therapist and the subject can prove to be distracting. Instead you can use calming music that both you and your partner would enjoy.

By removing the light, you are able to enhance the experience of all the other senses. However, you cannot have absolutely zero visibility in the room because people would be falling all over themselves. Instead use scented candles to add to the experience with nice aromas while giving the practical benefit of dim lighting.

One of the most important things you need during a sensual massage is the proper oils for truly a smooth session. Massage oils can be expensive but it does offer the best viscosity so that your partner can experience that one of a kind experience. If you do not have massage oils and you really need to start, look for lotion and apply generously. If you do not even have that, the best option that you may have lying around the house, believe it or not, is vegetable oil. Vegetable oil is smooth enough and it isn’t as easily absorbed by the skin as water based lubricants.

When giving a sensual massage the biggest difference is in the stroke. With a sensual massage you are not trying to relieve pain and loosen up muscles but instead you are aiming to give a sensual experience that focuses on touch. Hence, you would like to prolong the strokes and limit the pressure. You want your partner to feel your touch constantly. If your partner likes, you can even have your hands explore every inch of her body.

A true sensual massage is all about exploration of one’s feelings and senses. Therefore, the most important thing you can bring to this experience is an open mind. You are here to explore each other’s boundaries and feelings and the best way you can achieve this by being true to yourself and trusting your partner as much as you can.

Massage Relaxation Techniques

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.

Different Massage Essentials

Massage is always good to have if you want to relax, release your stress and tension or relieve you from your body pains. What makes a massage complete, aside from the strong and at the same time gentle hands of the therapists are the massage essentials that are used to make the massage experience even better.

Have you ever tried asking someone to rub your arms or your back on bare skin without any form of lubricant? If you have then you can admit that the experience was neither totally relaxing nor helpful because your skin felt hot or irritated after wards. Lubricants like lotions, creams and oils are essential in any massage because it helps the healing hands of the therapist to glide his or her hands smoothly onto your skin.

In spas, parlors or clinics where massage treatments are offered, therapists are required to use lotions, oils or creams especially when providing full body massage. In fact, some massage parlors or spas have their own formulation and brand of these lubricants that you may also buy and use at home.

Oils applied onto the skin before any kneading stroke is done helps lessen the amount of skin to skin friction. This then provides you with a more comfortable and relaxing massage experience. If the skin is non-lubricated, the massage strokes may just cause redness or irritation on your skin. Therefore oils can really make the massage more valuable. Oils help rejuvenate and moisturize the skin too.

If you feel that oils are much greasy on your skin, then you may ask the therapist if massage lotions can be used instead. Oils or lotions applied onto the skin and used during the massage will make your skin feel smoother and pampered as your body stress and tension are released through the applied pressure in each massage stroke.

In addition, lotions are definitely a requirement in some massage forms. Deep tissue massage for instance entails the application and use of lotions in order for the therapist to perform the stimulating techniques. The lotion, since it is not too greasy will prevent the skillful hands of the therapist to slip. Lotions are perfect for kneading strokes involving medium glide and maximum friction. Skin applied with lotion allows the therapist to have total control but not necessarily dragging the skin, thus the best possible relief from pain, tension and stress is provided to you.

Like oil, lotion can help condition the skin. Lotions are made from different oil blends that create its desired texture. This blend is balanced enough so hands can glide smoothly on the skin without the feeling of stickiness. Lotions can also be used in other forms of massage utilizing softer and lighter strokes.
There are also the massage creams that you can choose to be used in the treatment. Like lotions, creams are also used for styles of massage that involves maximum friction and pressure. Creams have thicker texture than lotions and thus are ideal to provide the right resistance so the therapist can penetrate the deep tissues efficiently.