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Massage:

Before booking a massage appointment it is best to determine the type of massage you are interested in experiencing. They are VERY different and can give VERY different results. Each type of massage has its own positive and negative aspects. In the following paragraphs we look at a variety of massage techniques and therapies, the relaxing, the metaphysic and the downright painful.

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Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses plant materials that have been reduced to liquid form. These materials are also called essential oils. Essential oils differ from other herbal lotions and products because of the distillation process that they undergo. In essential oils only the lighter phytomolecules are recovered and therefore they have a different chemical composition than other herbal treatments.

Aromatherapy massage incorporates essential oils into the massage technique. Essential oils are used to affect a person's mood or their health.

Aromatherapy is a generic term that implies the use of essential oils in alternative medical practices or massage techniques. Different aromatic compounds can affect different parts of the body and mind. Because specific essential oils can heal and calm, and others can burn the skin or make it very uncomfortable, it is important that an aromatherapy massage is done by someone trained in aromatherapy.

This a full body massage which is usually performed using medicated sesame oil. In Ayerveda, the word for oil is Taila, from the word tila meaning sesame.

The purpose of Ayurvedic massage is to achieve a harmonic balance of energies inside the body. It is an ancient Indian form of massage that is used to heal, relax and treat various disease. Special herbs may be infused into the oils and slowly warmed then massaged into the skin.

This type of massage is said to improve lymph flow and stimulate the immune system. It is designed to calm and strengthen the nervous system. It also may be used to rejuvenate, enhance sexual prowess, relate, and heal diseases of the joints, muscles and nervous system as well as disorders to the cardio vascular system and musecular-skeletal problems.

Ayurveda is a 5,000 year old holistic healing tradition originating in India. Each practitioner will evaluate a client on an individual basis and design treatments and changes in diet, herbal remedies, spiritual practices, etc to bring the person into balance. A Abhyangam massage may be suggested on a daily basis to rejuvenate the body and the mind.

The Ayurvedic massage is traditionally performed daily, preferably in the morning, before a shower using a comfortably warmed, cured, sesame oil. Applying the oil to the entire body lightly and letting it absorb into your skin for 4-5 minutes. Then the entire body is massaged using circular motions of the whole hand with light pressure in sensitive areas of the stomach and heart. Firmer pressure can be used on areas of great stress such as the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and other areas of concern. 10-15 minutes of relaxation is called for after the massage is complete, followed by a relaxing warm shower or bath. If time does not allow for a daily massage, 3-4 times weekly is usually recommended.

This technique originated in Australia. It is a detoxifying massage technique which incorporates light movements across the tendons and muscles throughout the body. The therapist primarily uses their thumbs and fingers with a medium to light pressure. It is designed to help the body to begin to heal itself.

It is said to ease the discomfort of tense muscles and prevent illness. This technique is considered one of the more safe massage techniques because it primarily uses light pressure. It has been used on babies, adults and animals.

The goal of the Bowen technique is to begin the body’s natural healing process and let the body heal itself. There are very few, illnesses or health issues that this massage therapy is deemed not to help, and the result is usually felt instantly.

This massage is done with the client lying down and can be performed through loose fitting clothing. The Bowen practitioner will concentrate his/her efforts on a specific group of muscles and then wait at least two minutes before moving to the next area. This is to allow the body to begin the healing process.

A drawback to the Bowen technique is that the detoxification of the boxy can cause select clients to experience uncomfortable symptoms of the detoxification for several days following treatment. These symptoms can include hot and cold flashes, headaches and nausea.

Since results are often noticed after just a few sessions, it can enable you to determine if it’s the right massage technique for you.

The usefulness of chair massage is just recently being introduced and understood by Corporate America. Generally, either stationary or portable ergonomically designed chairs are used. This enables the therapist to position the client in various positions functioning much the same as a massage table.

With chair massage the client does not need to disrobe and can be done at any time, including during the workday, in a mall, salon or outdoor and public locations.

Stick necks, aching wrists, symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can all be relieved during the work day as well as relieving fatique. Often office-related physical symptoms can be attributed to loss of circulation and the stress on muscles caused by the use of non-ergonomically designed chairs can impede blood and lymph flow in the body. The result can be mental fog, decreased energy and the possibility of repetitive stress injuries.

Chair massage can enhance circulation and provide a much needed break for employees. Simply sitting in a massage chair can spread the back muscles and relieve strain on the neck. It is extremely important to have a practitioner who is experienced in chair massage as injury can be caused by the use of a chair massage by an inexperienced person.

Tui na is a modality of Chinese medicine that involves the use of acupressure to the body in an effort to bring the body to a harmonious balance. In an effort to open the gates and have the energy of the body to start moving, so that it can be brought back into harmony, the areas between the joints are kneaded, rolled, pressed and rubbed then expanding to the muscles themselves. Acupressure points may be used to treat specific areas of tension and musculoskeletal conditions. Tui Na is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine and may be a part of the curriculum taught at martial arts schools to aid in the treatments and management of pain and injuries sustained during training.

Zhi Ya is also a form of Chinese massage which is very similar to Tui Na; but whereas Tui Na focuses on pushing, kneading and manipulating the muscle, Zhi Ya more often utilizes acupressure.

Cranio Sacral Massage

This is a gentle, hands-on, therapy that is aimed at aiding the physiology of the cranio-sacral systems. That is, the structure and functions of the brain, spinal cord, skull, scalp and surrounding membranes. It is a holistic therapy that can relieve pain and common headaches, neck pain, back pain, and stress. The soft tissue around the head, spine and pelvis are targeted with gentle, consistent massage and can be very effective for adults, children and the elderly.

Cranio-Sacral Massage is often used to alleviate the pain and discomfort of fibromyalgia, migraine’s and anxiety and can provide long lasting solutions to these problems. The cranio-sacral massage therapist will concentrate on massaging the scalp, neck and spine in an effort to relax the membranes and cerebrospinal fluids that surround and cushion the brain and spinal cord.

Deep tissue Massage is often referred to as a Sports Massage. These techniques are designed for focused work of specific joints, muscles and muscles groups. The massage therapist will work the muscles deeply and focus on the deeper layers of the soft tissue. This type of massage can be very beneficial for clients with tight and sore muscles and may help in extreme detoxification of the body. The intent of a deep tissue or deep muscle massage is to promote healing by increasing circulation and restore lymphatic flow. Deep tissue massage may be used to alleviate pain and help in healing of carpal tunnel syndrome, neck and back pain, headaches, poor circulation, and whiplash. Very little oils or lubricants are used and only when necessary.

Caution should be made however that this is NOT a relaxation-type massage. Each person feels pressure on muscles differently. Massages should never “hurt” and you should make your therapist aware if you experience discomfort or pain. Generally, the practitioner will start massaging the upper layers of the soft tissue and gradually increase the pressure while working the muscles more deeply. If direct pressure is applied too fast or too deeply, the muscle may naturally construct to protect that area and cause more injury rather than relieve it.

Why include a topic on erotic massage if our focus is on the Spa and Spa Treatments? Primarily to know the difference and be aware of it. Some massage techniques (see Watsu, Reiki, etc.) can be conducted while the client is nude and if you are having a basic Swedish massage in Europe, you are expected to be nude during the massage. But that is not to say that if you are naked during a massage that it is necessary an erotic massage.

Eroticism massage is an actual form of massage whose purpose is to lead to sexual arousal and sometimes orgasm. While it is primarily done by couples as part of lovemaking, it is also practiced commercially. It’s purpose is to induce intimacy and potentially incorporate extended or multiple orgasms as part of the massage.

The question sometimes comes up – How do I know if the therapist has gone too far? Here are some basic tips: During a non-erotic massage you may be nude during the massage, but you are always covered with sheets. Only the part being massaged is exposed. You can wear underwear if you want to. The genital and other private areas of the body are not massaged or manipulated.

Esalen massage is a variation of Swedish Massage. The strokes are similar but the philosophy is different. The goals of Swedish massage is to target specific joints, muscles and organs to relieve pain and increase a persons mobility. Esalen incorporates much of the same techniques but also seeks to integrate the body, mind and spirit. Esalen envelopes Gestalt psychotherapy practices as well as massage. In Esalen massage, often the giver of the massage becomes the receiver and vice versa. It was originated at the hot springs baths in California.

Esalen Massage utilizes traditional methods found in Swedish massage but more often it is given in a gentler manner. The purpose is to slow down the systems of the body. This enables the body to begin to heal itself and allows for increased circulation.

This type of massage quite literally uses hot, or more properly, well-warmed stones during a soft tissue massage. Usually the stones used are basalt, which is a rock that is iron-rich and retains heat. River rocks are used as they have been worn down over time by a river’s current and as such are extremely smooth.

The stones are placed in water and heated, normally in an electric device. The stones are placed in targeted points on the back, in each hand and can be incorporated into manicures and pedicures. The heat from the stones improves circulation, relaxes and warms the muscles, and calms the nervous system. It also allows the therapist to apply deeper pressure if that is the goal.

The stones are in varying shapes and sizes depending upon their use and location. The stones should be warm but not unbearably or uncomfortably hot. Be sure to notify your therapist if you are experiencing discomfort.

Hot Stone massage can aid clients with back pain, poor circulation, arthritis, stress, insomnia and depression.

Lomi lomi is a healing massage from Hawaii. The word Lomi Lomi itself means Massage an alternate meaning for Lomi Lomi is Loving Hands. It is based on the Hawaiian philosophy of Huna, in which everything searches for harmony and love. Lomi Lomi consists of a constant and continuous flow of strokes that are usually deeper than Swedish Massage but not as deep tissue as a Sports massage. It is designed to enable the recipient to relax, and float in that relaxation and energy. It also facilitates mental and emotional relaxation and direction. Lomi Lomi facilitates a stillness at the beginning of the session, with the practitioner resting their hands gently on the clients back. The massage consists of fluid, very rhythmic motions like waves on the ocean.

Lomi Lomi adheres to the thought that physical, mental or emotional pain is caused primarily by a lack of harmony and that illness is basically a form of tension. Lomi Lomi releases and relieves this stress and tension and allows blood to flow freely thereby eliminating the wastes, and toxins that have caused the pain or illness.

At times Lomi Lomi massage can be alternately slow and quick, and some may find it a more invigorating massage that can enliven and re-energize the body. This form of massage can be performed by one or two practioners at the same time.

This type of massage is designed to restore the health and vigor of the individual. It incorporates several different forms of massage and has been practiced in for nearly three thousand years and currently incorporates several forms of Asian and Japanese massage. It works with the energy patterns that are expressed in many traditional Asian belief structures for promote healthy flow of the Qi or energy of life.

While most western massages focus on relaxing the client one body part or muscle group at a time, Nihon Kaifuku Anma concentrates on several parts of the body all at once. Attention is paid to internal organs, so that the massage can help influence patients to recover from specific ailments.

Shiatsu massage, also known as pressure point massage is one of the steps of an Nihon Kaifuku Anma massage. However there are several aspects of the Anma massage that are unique and not found in any other different types of therapeutic massage. Kneading of specific muscles, shiatsu, percussion techniques are all used in this massage and no massage oil is applied.

Reiki comes from the Japanese words Rei and Ki which together means Universal Light Force Energy. Modern Reiki Massage holds its origin in Japan but with strong influence from Tibet and Chinese culture. It is a technique that is designed to heal the spirit and aura. Reiki and massage are two separate techniques, however, they are often combined for optimal results. Reiki begins at the head and works it’s way down through the 7 Chakras to the end of the spine. The chakras are the energy centers of the body. Reiki is used to manage pain and increase the quality of living in its proponents. While a massage therapist kneads and manipulates muscles and soft tissue on a client, the Reiki practitioner does not manipulate the muscles, but manipulates the flow of energy.

The Reiki therapist does not move their hands, and allows the healing energy to be sent between practitioner and patient. You are generally completely clothed as there is no need for skin to skin contact. One must be open to the ideas of chakras and spiritual energies, healing powers of meditation, etc. to fully accept the benefits of Reiki.

Reiki treatments are safe and there is no risk of side effects and injury, and each person may have a different reaction to Reiki. Some experience a balance of spirit, some relaxation, still others have said to have experiences warmth or tingling.

It is important, however, to seek a certified Reiki Master-Teacher when seeking treatments especially those that are to be used to aid in healing injury.

Reflexology concentrates its techniques on the hand and/or foot. It uses specific techniques of acupressure, effleurage and manipulation of the muscles of the hand and foot to relieve stress, and encourage healing of the entire body. The treatment is conducted without the use of oils or lotions.

It is based on a system of zones throughout the body wherein each system and reflex area (zone) is mirrored as a reflection in the hands and the feet. Reflexology concentrates its efforts on the various zones and organs of the body through pressure application and massage and manipulation techniques of the feet and hands in order to release trapped energies and encourage a more harmonious sense of well being.

Shantala is an ancient Indian massage technique that is administered to infants to help to keep them happy and healthy. Shantala was literally the name of the practioner who taught the technique to Dr. Frederick Leboyer, a French obstetrician who brought the art of baby massage to Europe. Prior to teaching Dr. Leboyer, “Shantala” or baby massage was passed down from mother to daughter.

Shantala can enhance a baby or child’s sense of security and incorporates simple, mesmerizing movements. It can relax their muscles, help their sleeping patterns and boost their immune systems. It is not a manipulation of muscles but a series of gentle, relaxing, rhythmic strokes. It is very easy to learn and can be taught to parents to help enhance the bonding process.

Shiatsu massage is also known by the name acupressure. Unlike Swedish massage which employs the entire hand, forearms and on occasion elbows, Shiatsu technique employs pressure from the fingers and fingertips.

Acupressure should not be confused with Acupuncture, which uses fine needles applied to the pressure points. Acupressure does these metal objects, but merely fingertips to the pressure points of the body.

Shiatsu are based on the principals of the Chinese meridian system, or a theory of the flow of energy around the body. When this flow becomes impeded in any way, there is a very negative result to the body. By applying pressure with the thumbs, fingers and palms to specific points on the body, the therapist can alleviate this blockage and aid in recovery, relaxation and better mental and physical health. Tapotement (tapping), rubbing techniques and pressure administered along the meridian lines can release energy and allow the Ki (energy) to flow freely.

Shiatsu is more related to deep tissue massage than a Swedish massage as it may involve pressure deeper into the muscle than a Swedish massage. Again, as with Swedish massage, some of the benefits can include relaxation, reduction of stress, increase in flexibility, improved blood flow and the releases of toxins from the body.

As with other forms of massage, you should have at least 6 oz of water following a massage in order to aid the toxins exit from the body.

The basis for most Western massage training is based on the movements developed in Sweden in the early 19th Century. Swedish massage is arguably the most well-known and most often requested of massages. It concentrates its focus on the soft-tissue of the body through the use of a variety of strokes.

Swedish massage therapists use their hands, elbows and forearms to manipulate the soft tissue of the muscles. The goal of which is to improve mental and physical health.

collection of techniques designed primarily to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. Swedish massage uses five main strokes to stimulate the circulation of blood through the body; petrissage (kneading), effleurage (stroking), friction, tapotement (tapping), and vibration.

Generally Swedish massage employs a series of 5 basic strokes, petrissage (kneading motion), friction, vibration, effleurage (back and forth strokes similar to a light “Indian burn” as when we were children), and tapotement (involving a tapping motion). Normally the massage encompasses rubbing and massaging of muscles in the same direction of the blood returning to the heart. The massage is generally delivered with some form of base oil to lessen the friction of the hands and prevent heat from building up.

Aside from the mental and physical relaxation that is a result of a Swedish massage, some other benefits would include increased blood circulation, better delivery of nutrients to the cells, quicker recovery from strains, pulls and soft tissue injury, improved range of motion and the removal of toxins of the body. This last benefit, is one reason that it is always recommended that following a Swedish massage, that you drink drink drink water immediately following a Swedish massage and over the course of an hour thereafter.

Medical research has shown that floating in warm water can be soothing and can aid in relief of acute and chronic pain. Watsu is a “water” massage and is usually performed in a specially designed pool which has been warmed to body temperature. Watsu involves gentle stretching movements and massages intended to relax the body. Watsu was originated by Harold Dull in 1980. Mr. Dull was a massage therapist who offered the treatments in a hot spring.

Watsu utilizes water (Wat) and shiatsu (Su) acupressure techniques to help release blocked energy. Watsu is not recommended for people who are not used to being massaged. The head and ears are kept above water by the massage therapist and that requires an incredible amount of trust.

You and the massage therapist both enter a pool of body temperature water. You are given floats for your ankles which aids in buoyancy. The therapist literally cradles your body, under the knees and behind your back. Then twists you through the water, putting your body through passive stretching exercises and twists. The idea behind watsu is that the healing benefit of free floating in warm water can be deeply relaxing. Also, the support of the water allows the spinal column to be moved in ways that are not possible on land.

To get true benefit from Watsu, you must be able to develop trust between yourself and the Watsu therapist