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Secret Asian Sore Feet Remedies That Really Work!

Sore, aching feet plagues nearly everyone at one time or another. In this article I will introduce you to three “secret” Asian sore feet remedies that are highly effective in treating discomforting sore feet, and I will map out a strategy using these three remedies that is assured to leave you free of foot pain once and for all!

Acupuncture

Originating in China more than 2,000 years ago, acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used medical procedures in the world. This technique involves the use of small, slender needles that are gently inserted into specific areas along the body’s meridians, or energy channels, in order to correct energetic imbalances.

Studies have shown acupuncture to be effective in relieving certain types of foot pain. Many acupuncture practitioners utilize acupuncture techniques to treat pain associated with the ankles, heels, and balls of the feet.

Bear in mind, however, that while successful in many cases, whether acupuncture is ultimately effective in treating foot pain depends on the nature of the pain. Acupuncture therapy can also be pricey, sometimes requires multiple treatment sessions, and in many cases is not covered by insurance. For these reasons, I suggest using acupuncture as a last resort while exploring one of the following Asian foot pain relief techniques describes below.

Reflexology

Reflexology is the practice of stimulating specific “pressure points” of the feet which, according to the practice of Oriental medicine, are thought to correspond to the various organs of the body.

According to reflexology, when certain areas of the body are out of balance, this causes flare up, or pain, in the bottom of the feet. Additionally, because the bottoms of the feet are the collection area for the pressure points of the body’s organs, the bottoms of the feet are, themselves, highly sensitive, so even if you aren’t convinced about the validity of reflexology, anyone who has experienced a reflexology massage can attest to the fact that afterwards, your feet, if not your entire body, will feel renewed and refreshed and released of pain!

Particularly for those who are active on their feet and experience chronic foot pain, an occasional professional reflexology massage, if available nearby, is highly recommended!

The only real drawback to a reflexology massage is the ongoing cost. At a cost of about $25 per massage or more, most sore feet sufferers likely cannot afford to get a reflexology massage more than once a month or so.

Japanese Foot Massage Tools

The Japanese, who enjoy the world’s highest life expectancy, are not coincidentally highly aware of and attentive to the importance of daily foot care.

Although acupuncture and reflexology originated in China, the Japanese were early adopters of these practices, and probably more than any other culture, diligently apply these principles specifically to foot care.

One likely reason for the Japanese attention to foot care is entirely practical: the Japanese are notorious walkers! Required to walk during the medieval period due to a prohibition on horseback travel, today, the Japanese continue to walk much more than most cultures due to the impractical nature of cars in Japan’s large cities, where most of its population is concentrated.

As a result, the Japanese have invented a plethora of creative foot massage tools to combat sore foot pain. While Japan is well known for its highly advanced technical innovation, I believe that the most effective Japanese foot massage tool is also the country’s oldest and most primitive.

Japanese Bamboo Foot Massager

The Japanese bamboo foot massager is just that, a piece of bamboo, naturally shaped to stimulate the arches of the feet, that is simply placed on the floor and stepped on for a soothing, gentle yet effective massage that provides instant foot pain relief.

This bamboo foot massager is said to have been invented when a wandering samurai chopped a piece of bamboo in half with his sword and stepped on the arched surface to soothe his aching feet.

From this lone samurai, the popularity of this foot massage tool exploded. Although little known outside of Japan, today in Japan you can find one of these in just about every Japanese household.

This Japanese foot massager is my favorite Asian remedy for sore feet because it is inexpensive, lightweight, easily portable, highly durable, easy to use, and most importantly, because it provides a great foot massage that provides daily relief from sore, aching feet just by using for a couple minutes per day.

Putting it All Together

Therefore, in utilizing my “secret” Asian sore feet remedies, I would suggest the strategy that I myself employ to keep your feet pain free: use a Japanese foot massage tool for daily maintenance; get a professional reflexology massage every month or two or as needed for a more intense and concentrated foot therapy session; and finally, consider acupuncture treatment as a last resort if you continue to experience chronic foot pain.

Follow the above strategy and I’m confident that you’ll soon be free at last of unpleasant sore foot pain!

Massage Techniques for Beginners

Everyone wants more attention from their partner. As the saying goes, you have to give a little to get a little. A massage is a great way for partners to connect. It improves blood and lymphatic circulation, loosens tight muscles and releases endorphins and serotonin, helping your partner to feel happy and relaxed.

Not everyone knows how to give a good massage. There are a few tricks to know to make it a little bit better. If you want your partner to really enjoy the experience you should put some thought into setting the mood. It sounds cheesy but turn off the phone, shut the curtains, put on some quiet music and dim the lights. You want to create a comfortable setting where you won’t have to worry about being interrupted.

Find a good massage oil to reduce friction on the skin. Do not just pull something out of the bathroom cupboard. Moisturizers and hand creams absorb too quickly so you need to keep reapplying which can be disruptive. Vaseline is too thick and sticky. There is a huge range of cheap nice smelling massage oils available.

Be careful not to get massage oil on your partners clothing. Either have them remove their clothing or be sure to wipe up excess oils. The most important thing is your partner should be comfortable. Get women to tie up their hair so it won’t get oily.

There are a number of techniques but the key is moderate pressure. A massage it to relax the muscles not the skin. In order to avoid irritating the skin or tickling apply these methods below:

Soft and fluid strokes should be used to start. It helps to relax your partner. Use the palm of your hand and gently apply pressure to the muscles across the shoulders, upper and lower back. It is good on the tissue and feels pleasant.

Heart strokes: Using slightly increased pressure, place your hands flat on either side of your partner’s spine. Slide your hands upwards, maintaining pressure. At the shoulder blades move your hand to the side and slide them down the rib cage, making a rough heart shape.

Circle strokes: This stroke is very relaxing and usually a favorite with women. Place your hand flat on your partner’s back, apply pressure with one hand moving clockwise and the other hand moving anti-clockwise. Movements should be firm but slow. This stroke often leaves recipients feeling sleepy.

Kneading strokes: This is a little more complicated and there is room to end up simply pinching your partner, which is unpleasant. The idea is to squeeze the muscles in a gentle and rhythmic way. If done properly it can be very relaxing and is generally the preferred stroke for men. Do not use this stroke for too long as it may lead to discomfort.

The most important part of a massage is allowing your partner to enjoy it. When you finish give them time to relax and enjoy what you have just done. Do not just expect them to jump up return the favor immediately or you ruin the whole gesture.

Foot Massage Techniques For Everyone – 4 Ways To Give A To Die For Foot Massage

With the many benefits getting a good foot rub brings, it is good for you to know how to give one too. You do not have to be an expert, but after mastering some of the foot massage techniques provided below, you pretty much could be.

Start up with a warm up

Sweeping and rubbing are good ways to get the blood in the feet circulating before any tougher techniques are tried. With the foot in you hand, start to stroke the surface. Grasp the foot and pull that hand towards the ankle with medium pressure. Go back and forth to keep the flow continuous. Pressure should lessen as you approach the toes and can increase again when moving away. This should be repeated several times until a rhythm is made and the foot is warm. It is called warm up after all.

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Thumb walking on what real walking is done with

Simple yet effective, all you have to do is take turns using your thumbs to apply firm pressure along the side of a foot. By alternating your thumbs and applying pressure, if this is done correctly, you should be able to feel the tendons running along the edges. Usually tense, this will make them more lax.

The need for kneading

First you have to clutch your hands into a tight fist. When this is done, use the knuckles to knead on the sole of the foot moving back and forth just like rolling dough, hence the term knead. The knuckles will also be used to press on the sole from heel to toe and back again.

It’s all in the toes

There are a few ways to loosen up your toes and get them nice and relaxed- rotating each toe in opposite directions, individually pulling at them in an upward motion, or even simply giving them a good squeeze as a bunch. Just remember not to apply too much pressure. The toes are rather sensitive.

Cupping

This is the perfect way to end a good foot massage. Simply cup each foot with your hand and give it a squeeze with just the right amount of pressure. If sweeping and rubbing are good ways to warm up, cupping is a good way to warm down.

With these foot massage techniques you are sure to bring any aching foot back to life. Just remember that practice makes perfect. Just keep on trying and you will be just as good as an expert.

Massage Therapy For The Head

Massage Therapy For The Head – Origins

Massage is perhaps one of the oldest therapies known to man, and has been practised in the East for at least the past 5000 years.

Head massage originated in India over a thousand years ago. The origin of the word shampoo comes from a Hindi word ‘champi’. Originally it meant having your head massaged and began as a way for mothers to help their daughters keep their long hair in great condition.

The majority of mothers in India still practise head massage as an everyday part of family life and mothers would normally perform this service on family members at least once per week.

Benefits of Indian Head Massage

The benefits have been acknowledged for generations, and massage is commonly part of everyday activities, carried out within the family from an early age.

In the 1970′s Narendra Mehta brought Indian head massage to the west and the therapy has since been extended to include the shoulders, upper arms,face, ears and neck, and is available in good beauty salons.

Indian Head Massage is very relaxing, calming the mind, body and emotions.

Working with a firm and gentle rhythm it aids relaxation and helps to relieve muscular discomfort and tension. It also is reputed to improve circulation in the head, thereby enhancing the senses and promoting clear thinking.

Application

The massage often begins with the upper back, where the application of deep massage technique helps to relax the muscles and to loosen and melt away knotted areas.

Working through the upper arms and shoulders further releases the common areas for holding tension, and then working deeply into the neck to melt away tension where it often accumulates.

Moving up to the head itself, methods are employed which relax, stimulate and revive the whole of the head, increasing circulation and promoting healthy hair.

Finally the treatment may include a gentle face massage which improves circulation, enhances skin tone, and may assist with sinus and headache issues.

Massage therapy for the head can be performed with or without oils with the client sitting and fully clothed, so it can conveniently be performed anywhere without the need for a massage table. As such it is also particularly good for people who are wheelchair bound or are partially immobile.

Indian Head Massage In Beauty Salons

Typically upon arrival your therapist will take you through a free consultation and you will be asked to get comfortable so the massage can commence.

Size of establishment is not the main criteria in selecting a salon. Look for establishments, whether large or small, that offer a highly professional standard and where their therapists are fully qualified and insured giving you peace of mind that your treatments will be carried out safely and competently.

After receiving a relaxing massage therapy for the head it is best to take things and to take on board plenty of water during the rest of the day.

Benefits of Orthobionomy

Massage therapy in all ages has been used as a form of alternative therapeutic care which involves no drugs, needles and any kind of artificial enhancement technology. Orthobionomy is one of the many different types of therapeutic massaged used to treat various conditions. It is a gentle type of massage capable of putting the body in a relaxed state during the massage therapy session. It is also known as a corrective form of massage therapy used in improving the posture of the human body to prevent acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions.

If the body is in poor posture, the tendency is that the other parts of the body begin to carry the burden of the other parts that were designed to be in correct position. This is where the problem settles in. Muscles begin to tighten and stiffen while the joints restrict their movement and flexibility.

The developer of the massage therapy had his own perception when it comes to natural healing. Dr. Arthur Lincoln Pauls went through the therapy and focused his goal in achieving a connection with the emotion and pain in letting it pass by going with the flow of the pain. The meaning of his observation was simple. He devised proper positioning of the body that could not affect the condition; instead the therapeutic postures ease the pain.

In an orthobionomy massage session, all of the preparations conducted with the other massage therapy types are also practiced and considered essential for a successful and effective therapy. Preparations such as the type of meal taken before the therapy, the time of arrival as a preparation for the actual session, detoxification through drinking lots of water, and many other considerations prior to a therapy session.

During the massage therapy, the client is laid comfortably down a massage table. His or her comfort during the whole duration of the therapy session is checked and updated as a part of the principles and techniques.

It improves blood and oxygen circulation – due to the stimulation of the nerves during the therapy with the gentle massage strokes and techniques, the circulation is significantly improved which helps the client achieve a healthy constitution.

It helps relaxes tight muscles – the therapy is effective in relaxing any tensed muscle in all the affected muscle areas. Tight muscles usually cause muscle spasms that triggers pain. Relaxed muscles are essential if you are after flexibility, strength and mobility.

It relieves stress – orthobionomy also works as a luxurious relaxing method if you are after reliving stress, fatigue and body tension. This type of therapy due to its gentle methods of treatment is a good type of massage if you are after total body relaxation. Relief from stress helps the body properly in accepting the effects and benefits of a therapy.

It increases flexibility and mobility – in conditions such as injuries, muscle tightening, adhesion buildups and many more problems that affects the mobility and flexibility, the body becomes restricted due to the pain which hinders the optimum movement of the afflicted part.

Benefits of Russian Massage

Russian massage is a therapeutic massage which focuses on using the basic elements such as effleurage, petrissage, friction and vibration to treat various problems of the body. Most of these are injuries that affect the mobility, flexibility, growth, and health of any specific parts of the body.

In Russia, massage therapy was not used as a common medical care among the people not until the Second World War. Since then, the importance of this alternative treatment in healing, repairing and conditioning the body was regarded as helpful especially to doctors and medical practitioners. Russian doctors usually write prescription of Russian massage therapy to their patients to help the healing process and recovery rate to speed up.

Although massage therapy became associated with the treatment of doctors in Russia, the type of therapy never made mark in the other countries in terms of popularity. However, the therapy is somehow compared with Swedish massage due to the manipulation of the basic strokes and techniques used in the therapy. Both uses the four abovementioned hand strokes used in massage sessions. They also share the same pressure used which is gentle and slow to promote a relaxing experience for the client during the therapy.

In a Russian massage therapy, you can expect a calming sensation from the slow movement of the hands and their light pressure while you comfortably rest on a massage table. The slow movement of the hands stimulates the muscles which in return aids in the relaxing of any stiff muscle. However, the therapy involves firm touch from the therapist which is as an aggressive form of therapy.

After the gentle massage techniques, the body is opened up, conditioned and ready for the deep therapy on the muscles. The therapist then begins to manually manipulate the muscles and work on the repairing damaged tissues that were injured. Slight pain can be experienced by the patient for a short period of time due to the treatment of injuries in their specific spot. However, there’s no need to worry as the pain will soon settle down.

Russian massage was developed mainly for treating and correcting injuries. That is why most of the patients are athletes or at least active individuals who are always on the go. Most of them take the therapy as a healing therapy, while others are enrolling in Russian massage therapy sessions as preventive measures against injuries. Although some sessions last only for 15 minutes, the result is still the same as with the other types of massage therapies.

The therapy is very good in treating specific areas of the body that have conditions such as cardiovascular and neurological disorders, gynecological problems, gastrointestinal problems, musculoskeletal issues and many more. Regular session of this massage therapy provides significant improvements in the recovery and healing of a patient. Like all other types of treatment, it would be best if the patient stick to the prescribed therapy program for his or her benefits. Unlike other types of therapeutic massage, a consultation with the doctor or physician is not needed as the doctors themselves are recommending every patient to undergo in this type of treatment, especially in Russia.

How to Perform Indian Head Massage

Champissage or Indian head massage is the art of lightly massaging the head, shoulders, face, neck and upper arms of a patient to give the body a relaxing experience. This type of therapy uses basic massage techniques that are effective and powerful in giving quick results and benefits to the client’s physical and emotional condition.

This type of therapy can be performed by anyone even without a formal education on head massage therapy. However, therapeutic massages like this have risks and contradictions which should be researched to avoid having problems instead of benefiting from the therapy. Infants are never qualified as clients for this type of massage as their head is fragile and not totally closed. People who suffered from head injuries should also avoid or seek professional advice regarding the use of this therapy.

When performing Indian head massage, you will need a quiet room that is free from distractions of any sort. Find a place that is comfortable for you and for the patient. You can use scented candles during the therapy session as this can add up in creating a soothing environment. Soft music can also be added in the therapeutic session as it can relieve stress. You can use any ordinary chair as your massage chair as long as it can fully support the weight of your client. Choose a chair that is comfortable and sturdy. Pick a spot on the room where you will set up the chair and the scented candles.

Begin the therapy by asking the client to sit comfortably on the chair. When he or she is ready, ask the client to follow you as you perform a deep breathing exercise for a few repetitions. This can make the client feel more comfortable and relaxed as you start working with the massage therapy. Indian head massage can begin from the shoulder by placing both hands softly and gently massage the back part of the shoulder. Do this in several repetitions. With each repetition, the pressure applied should be increased or set to a level tolerable by the client. Ask the patient to tell you if the pressure you use is too much or is creating discomfort. Gently do circular massage strokes at the back of the neck. This allows the body to release tension and remove neck pain. You can go back to the shoulder and work the top of the shoulders by rolling your hands outward in a gentle motion. Go back to the neck by softly gliding the hand from the top of the shoulder going to the top of the neck. Avoid applying pressure as you slide your hands on the neck to avoid damaging the vascular system. You can add techniques such as tilting the head forward and backward without adding effort to the process. This releases tension and stress on the neck and head area. Massage the scalp with the fingers and heel of the hands. Gently slide the hands to massage the forehead to treat headache and to calm the mind. Finish the therapy by slowly gliding your hands and fingers on the head down to the neck.

Is Balinese Massage Effective Against Muscle Pains?

Balinese massage therapy is regarded as a traditional form of Ayurvedic medical care that is popular today due to its effectiveness and comfort. This specialized therapeutic massage was developed for easing and relieving muscle pain, treatment of anxiety and depression, improvement in blood and oxygen flow, relief from mental and physical stress and many more.

During the early years, this traditional Indonesian massage therapy was considered as one of the most capable alternative and natural medical care. This therapy combines the effective application of pressure on the meridian through acupressure, correct manipulation of body parts with reflexology, stimulation of the nerves and the development of heightened senses of wellness through Swedish massage and the calm state of the body and mind with aromatherapy massage. Basically, it brings the best out of the several alternative medical practices in massage therapy.

This type of therapy has branched to various types of therapy that were derived from its traditional form and shares the same goal in improving the mental and physical condition of the patient.

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Balinese massage is popular in bringing the whole body and mind in a state of ultimate relaxation. Aromatherapy massage is considered as a form of natural treatment that uses the aid of essential oils to manipulate the senses and mood of the client. The scented oils as well as the scented candles contribute greatly in creating a wonderful working environment for the therapist and a good mood for the patient. Sandalwood, rose, jasmine, lavender, and chamomile are some of the essential oils used on the skin of the client during the massage session. Each of the scented oil contains vitamins and minerals that helps in soothing muscle pain, relaxing the senses, and enhances the skin.

During the therapy session where the patient is set lying on a conventional massage table or on soft and firm matting on the floor, the therapist conducts the various massage techniques on the different parts of the body. Essential oils are applied on the treated area to enhance the effects and benefits acquired with every stroke of the therapy.

Deep tissues all over the body are targeted during the therapy to remove muscle pain. Patients who are suffering from neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, and other muscular parts of the body can greatly benefit from the amazing result after a Balinese session. Ginger, lemongrass, or cloves are also applied on a mixture of essential oils to help rejuvenate the body from all types of muscle pain.

Although this type of therapy is proven to be effective against muscle pain, knowing your current condition and medical history should be part of your considerations before taking this therapy. It would be best for you or your baby if you know whether you are pregnant or not. Limb or joint problems should be noted and discussed with the therapist prior to any therapy to avoid worsening the current condition. Although Balinese massage contributes in improving the circulation within the body, patients with low or high blood pressure should inform their massage therapist during the evaluation procedure.

What Are the Features to Look for in a Hand Held Back Massager?

If back pains are a regular occurrence for you, it will help to invest money in a back massager. Having a hand held back massager around your home allows you to soothe your back pains instantly, allowing you to jump back to whatever you were doing.

There are, however, several features to look for to ensure that you get your money’s worth. First though, you should know the numerous perks before concentrating on these features. This way, you’ll be able to identify which features to look for in a hand held back massager are the most important. If you are unfamiliar with the new massage settings, try all the features and see how they work. Try massage programs to get an idea of the different force levels. If the gadget has removable parts, try those out, too.

There are lots of things to consider when buying an efficient massager since the market now offers a number of choices. Be critical of the products on display and don’t be influenced by persuasive advertising. For those who are first time buyers, you will be safe in choosing among the more popular brands, the ones with positive customer feedback. Online shoppers will find it easier to look for customer feedback and comments since these are usually posted in the same selling page.

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After having weighed the above, it’s time for you to focus on the type of motor the back massager is built with. Make sure it is of high quality and that it is specifically designed to target the main problem you have with your back. Various types of back massagers are mostly designed to ease a particular type of back pain. It would be better to buy one that has the widest target areas.

After all that has been said, there are two more important features left: heat and intensity settings. Although, it really depends on your own preference, massagers that employ heat tend to be more efficient in easing back pains. One word of advice, choose a massager with user-friendly programming and settings to spare you from a lot of hassles. Programmable ones allow you to customize the duration of the massage.

These pointers are the most important things to think about if you’re hoping to buy an effective hand held back massager. There are lots of brands and models to choose from in various online shops. Just make sure you also pay attention to the additional fees and shipping charges so you won’t end up shelling more than what you’re willing to after you’ve made the purchase.

Shiatsu Massage: A Popular Massage Therapy Technique

If you are among those people who consider massage therapy as the best way to relax and loosen up, then you are probably aware that there are a lot of massage techniques/styles that a therapist can perform. These techniques differ on the stroke, the application of pressure or in other words, it is how they are performed that makes the techniques different from one another. One of the most popular technique at present and even before is the Shiatsu massage. This particular technique actually originated from Japan and this is when a therapist applies pressure to certain points of your body which are also known as acupressure points. During a Shiatsu massage, the therapist only use his/her fingers, palms and elbows to perform the massage and it may take up to an hour or more. If you get this type of massage technique even two times a week, it may eliminate arthritis pain, stiffness or the muscles, tension and joint pains. In other words, blood circulation in your body will be improved as well as your overall health condition. But how is a Shiatsu massage really being performed?

Unlike other massage techniques that are best performed on a massage bed or chair, Shiatsu is best performed when you are lying on the floor and you’re faced up. Then you’ll be required by the therapist to take a deep breath for approximately ten minutes so that oxygen can get inside your body and penetrate in your muscles. In this way, you will get a more comfortable massage. For about fifteen minutes, using his/her fingers and palms, the therapist will gently massage your head and your face to improve the blood circulation in such areas. By doing this, your face will be relaxed and will have a healthier glow.

After the head and face, the therapist will then move on to massaging your neck and shoulder area down to the arms and chest area. And this time, he/she will be using her/his palms and thumbs to apply light pressure in a circular and clockwise motion to open up your energy channels. Then down to the part where the kidneys are located for the purpose of helping the kidneys release the toxins from the body.

When the therapist is already done with those areas, next in line would be the legs and feet area. Massaging these parts may take up to about fifteen minutes and most of the time; the therapist’s elbows are going to be used. You will then be asked to rack back and forth or stretch your feet upwards together with your hand because this can also improve the blood circulation. After this, you can take a deep breath again for a couple of minutes before you slowly sit up. It would be better if you take a glass of water to help remove or flush the toxins out the body.

On the other hand, aside from massage therapists, Shiatsu massage can also be provided by massage chairs. If you try to shop around, you will be able to find a lot of massage chairs that are designed to also perform different massage techniques and styles. So if you are not able to visit a therapist, you can consider a massage chair as a good alternative.