Back Massage: Learn How

Just imagine being able to offer a back massage to someone who is stressed or suffering from discomfort in their back? Not only can it achieve total relaxation for the patient but also offers the desirable effect of feeling of calmness, both physical and mental. Yet many think that in order to be able to give a back massage they need extensive training. That need not be the case.


By utilising very simple steps, anyone can offer a back massage. It is about understanding the theory and process of massage and then utilising the latent power in the hands to heal, relieve and relax with confidence. The first stage of how to give a back massage can be started by simply placing pressure using both hands on the patient's spine. The technique used here is to gently slide the hands from the bottom of the pelvis following the line of the spine all the way up to the neck. As an addition whilst this is being undertaken, you can introduce a circular motion using your thumbs as this will assist in the massage of the sides of the spine. The process should be continued for several minutes to enusre the muscles around the spine are sufficiently loosened and the blood flow stimulated.


Once this area has been well massaged, it is simply a process of continuing the movement from the bottom of the spine up to the neck but gradually working outwards from the centre, all the time identifying areas of muscle resistance that require additional work. Ensure that the shoulders are also included within this exercise and don't forget to work into the therapy circular movements of the hands to compliment the sliding and thumb movements.


Where stubborn muscle tension is located, utilise the therapeutic capabilities of your fingers and gently place pressure on the muscle and kneed with your fingers in both a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction, manipulating the muscle with stretching movements to encourage enhanced blood flow and unlock the discomfort. Remember, massage does not have to be grand sliding movements up and down the body to achieve the desired results.


A successful back massage will create a sense of deep relaxation and calmness in the patient. The areas of discomfort will have been identified, worked upon and subsequently reduced. Don't forget that it is essential to use good quality massage oils and lotions when undertaking a massage. This allows for the ease of flow of the hands over the skin by reducing friction and hence giving the ability to work deeper into the affected muscles.


Once your understand and have knowledge of the basics of how to give a back massage, you will have a valuable skill that will be in demand. It is not difficult to learn the basic therapy techniques and the rewards for that little effort will not only be felt by the patient but also by you with a sense of real satisfaction in being able to reduce discomfort and enhance wellbeing.


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Massage Therapy Information

Massage therapy is the scientific manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, for the purpose of normalizing those tissues. It is one of the oldest health care practices known to history. It consists of a group of manual techniques that include applying fixed or movable pressure, holding, and/or causing movement of or to the body.

We use massage for a variety of health-related purposes, to relieve pain, rehabilitate sports injuries, reduce stress, increase relaxation, address anxiety and depression, and aid general wellness.

Massage therapy works on several fronts to help eases activity-induced aches, shortens recovery time. It work wonders for people with back pain and is rapidly becoming one of the fastest growing professions in the world. Most light massage addresses the whole body at one session, by applying touch with some degree of pressure and movement; touch with sensitivity allows the massage therapist to receive useful information via his or her hands about the client's body, such as locating areas of muscle tension and other soft tissue problems. The Practice of Massage therapists work in a variety of settings, including private offices, hospitals, nursing homes, studios, and sport and fitness facilities.

In Fact, Massage has been advocated in Western health care practices at least, since the time of Hippocrates, the "Father of Medicine" In the fourth century B C. And it is a fast-growing career field that's an important part of overall good health in today's stressful world.

The techniques used may seem a little mysterious to many. As people lack the proper information on what exactly constitutes a good massage? And many used it as a substitute for regular medical care?

One should always be careful that massage should not be done in any area of the body with blood clots, fractures, open or healing wounds, skin infections, or weakened bones such as from osteoporosis or cancer, or where there has been a recent surgery. And Deep tissue massage is usually used to release chronic patterns of muscular tension by using slow strokes, direct pressure, or friction directed across the grain of the muscles.

Massage Therapy has been very useful in reducing tension; increases blood circulation, and enables the body to relax deeply. It also helps with chronic muscular pain and injury rehabilitation, and reduces inflammation-related pain caused by arthritis and tendonitis.

Tag : massage,massage therapy,oil massage,foot massage

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Making Massage Enjoyable - What To Do To Prepare For a Massage

Whether you are new to massage or an experienced spa-goer, there are things you can do get the most from your massage. Being prepared will make your massage experience much more enjoyable and rewarding. So what do really need to do to be prepared for your massage?


Check For Licenses, Schooling and References
Finding a good massage therapist is a lot like finding any other professional. The first step is to check out any local or state requirements that a true massage therapist is required to have. Then only go to those that meet the requirements. It is worth the extra effort to find the right massage therapist.


Eating or drinking before massage
Yes, but it is best to refrain from eating for 1-2 hours before massage, to prevent discomfort. Eating light or not at all is highly recommended, due to the toxins that are being flushed out of the body. The body digesting at the same time may cause discomfort.


To shower or not
The best way to prepare for a body work session is to take a hot shower. This not only helps with being clean, but the pores of the skin open up to absorb whichever quality oil or lotion the therapist chooses to use for the session.


What to wear
Most massage takes place in the nude, but you are fully draped at all times. If you do not want to remove all your clothing, wear clothing that you will be comfortable wearing during the massage and will allow the massage therapist to touch the areas of your body you need to be worked on.


When to arrive
Be on time or early. If you arrive in a frenzied, rushed state, it will take longer to relax and you will miss the best part of the massage. If there is time, take advantage of the sauna, steam bath or hot tub. It will warm your muscles and make it easier for the therapist to achieve results. If the hot tub has chlorinated water, be sure to shower before your massage.


Info needed
Before the session, give accurate health information and let the massage therapist know what you expect from the massage. Before the session, tell your massage therapist what your needs are and do not be afraid to discuss any apprehensions or concerns. Your massage therapist is a professional dedicated to do his or her best to make you feel at ease.


Allow time
Schedule enough time to get checked in, have the massage and take advantage of the recovery time after your massage. This down time can be so relaxing. It takes a few minutes to recover from a great massage before you can go back into the real world again.


Tag : massage,oil massage,massage therapy,body massage


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Aromatherapy Massage - A Natural Combination

Aromatherapy massage is a popular form of natural healing work that involves using aromatic essential oils to promote health and well being. The essential oils are usually combined with the massage oil and applied to the skin during the massage. Also a therapist might add the oils to a oil diffuser, that allows the natural fragrance to dissipate throughout the room. Using both techniques, the client gets the double effect of breathing the fragrance as well as absorbing the oils through the skin.


Other ways to receive the benefits of aromatherapy would be adding some drops of oil to a warm bath. A small bowl of hot water could also be used as a steam for inhaling. A few drops could be added to a tissue and held close to your nose and breathed in.Essential oils can also be used in hot or cold compresses and soaks to treat muscle aches and pains (e.g., lavender and ginger) Because of their potency, essential oils are diluted in a carrier oil or lotion before being applied to the skin. Any vegetable oil or olive oil can be used. A popular oil for massage therapists is almond oil, because of its pleasant texture and scent. Standard dilutions of essential oils in carrier oils range from 2 to10%


In aromatherapy massage, essential oils are individually selected for their medicinal properties.These properties can be both physical and psychological. Some essential oils have a relaxing effect, other a more uplifting and energizing effect.Some are anti- inflammatory, while others increase the circulation. Following is a list of the more common essential oils used in aromatherapy and their health benefits.


Peppermint (Mentha piperita). Relaxes and soothes the stomach muscles and gastrointestinal tract. Peppermint's actions as an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antimicrobial also make it an effective skin treatment, and useful in fighting cold and flu symptoms.


Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobilis). An anti-inflammatory and analgesic. Useful in treating otitis media (earache), skin conditions, menstrual pains, and depression.


Lavender (Lavandula officinalis). A popular aromatherapy oil which mixes well with most essential oils, lavender has a wide range of medicinal and cosmetic applications, including treatment of insect bites, burns, respiratory infections, intestinal discomfort, nausea, migraine, insomnia, depression, and stress.


Clary sage (Salvia sclarea). This natural astringent is not only used to treat oily hair and skin, but is also said to be useful in regulating the menstrual cycle, improving mood, and controlling high blood pressure. Clary sage should not be used by pregnant women.


Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia). Has bactericidal, virucidal, fungicidal, and anti-inflammatory properties that make it a good choice for fighting infection. Recommended for treating sore throat and respiratory infections, vaginal and bladder infections, wounds, and a variety of skin conditions.


Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). Stimulating essential oil used to treat muscular and rheumatic complaints, as well as low blood pressure, gastrointestinal problems, and headaches.


Ylang ylang (Cananga odorata). A sedative essential oil sometimes used to treat hypertension and tachycardia. It is also valuable in stressful situations in helping to deal with irritation, impatience or anxiety. It has a calming and nurturing effect on the heart. A sedative essential oil sometimes used to treat hypertension and tachycardia.


These are just a few of the many popular essential oils used in aromatherapy massage. Combined with massage, aromatherapy provides still another dimension of emotional and physical healing to the treatment. A simple and subtle,yet profound addition to any massage therapy session.


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A Simple Foot Massage Will Do, Try It

You Don't Need to have a Foot Fetish to Enjoy a Foot Massage!

You don't need to have a foot fetish to enjoy giving or getting a great foot massage! You'll be surprised how incredibly relaxing it can be.

Many people are concerned they'll be too ticklish to enjoy a foot massage. You use a firmer pressure than you would when being tickled, so that you don't have that same sensation.

You have over 5,000 nerve endings in your feet!

If you're going to a spa or massage therapist the proper name for a foot massage is "Reflexology". You can even buy Reflexology Socks for use at home, which will help you see where each point connects with!

Reflexology is more about pressure points, where as a foot massage will be more about stroking the foot and kneading it with your hands.

Start by having your partner soak their feet in a warm water bath. Both of you will feel more comfortable if the other person's feet are fresh and clean.

I find that having a person sit in a chair, while I'm seated on the floor or a pillow, puts me at a comfortable position.

Take the foot into your hands, applying enough pressure that the person isn't ticklish.

You can stroke the foot from the base of the ankle across the top of the foot, while supporting the foot with your other hand.

I like to hold the heel in the cup of my hand for support. If the foot is resting, you can use both hands in a sliding, kneading and stroking motion on the top of the foot.

I like to place my hands then underneath the foot, with my thumbs upon the top of the foot, and slide my thumbs down the top with enough pressure.I will also use circular motions with my thumbs on top of the foot.

If the foot is cupped in your hand at the heel, turn your hand around, and massage the heel as well.

Take each toe and gently pull on it, and stroke around and between each toe. I like to also extend the massage up onto the calf area as well. A nice firm pressure will be soothing to your partner.

If your partner has high blood pressure or Diabetes, check with your doctor first before doing a foot massage. This foot massage is not medical advice, and if you have any concerns or questions, you should also seek the advice of a professional.

Tag : massage,massage spa,foot massage,oil massage,massage therapy

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Massage – A Perfect Medication without Any Side-effect

Massage is a perfect medication for good health. As a healing tool it has a prominent place in medical treatment. The term is supposed to derive from the French massage "friction of kneading," or from Arabic ‘massa’ meaning "to touch, feel or handle" or from Latin ‘massa’ meaning "mass, dough".


This is popular for around thousands of years in many cultures. It refers to carry out of soft tissue treatment with bodily, useful, and in some cases psychological purposes and goals. There are so many healers who have autonomously built up an ample variety of therapeutic techniques using touch. We still use them today. This is benevolent for people for variety of disease starting from treating chronic diseases and injuries to lessening the mounting anxieties of our modern lifestyles. It contributes more than just relax your body and mind. There are explicit physiological and mental changes which take place, even more so when it is utilized as a defensive, frequent therapy and not simply mere luxury. It not only feels good, but it can cure what makes you sick.


Advantages of Massage

It is a helpful medicine without any side effects. It offers a drug-free, non-invasive and humanistic approach based on the body's natural ability to heal itself. We can briefly summarize the benefits of receiving regular massage and/or bodywork treatments in the following way.


 Massage offers exercise and stretching for cadaverous muscles and shrinks limitation of the muscles for those with restricted range of motion.


 It contributes to diminish recovery time, helps organize for strenuous workouts and abolishes successive pains of the athlete at any level.


 It adds to circulation; letting the body to propel more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs.


 It helps to stir up the flow of lymph, the body's natural defense system, against toxic invaders. In case of breast cancer patients, it has been revealed to enhance the cancer fighting cells.


 It amplifies circulation of blood and lymph systems improve the condition of the body's largest organ - the skin. It relaxes and softens injured and overused muscles. Reduces spasms and cramping.


 Assists with shorter labor for expectant mothers, as well as less need for medication, less depression and anxiety, and shorter hospital stays.


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Panasonic Massage Chairs

Panasonic provides a full line of massage chairs. There are two basic levels of massage chairs offered by Panasonic. On the high end of the line, they offer the Real Pro Ultra line. This consists of their model numbers EP-30003 to EP-30007. They also offer on the entry level side the new Urban Collection. This consists of a variety of more contemporary style massage chairs. These two lines are offered by Panasonic.

The Swede-Atsu New Urban Collection is the newest introduction from the company. They have redesigned these loungers to be much more stylish and contemporary. They offer sleeker designs with curved armrest and different accents in the chair. These loungers come in leather and some models have a separate leg ottoman.

The EP-1082 offers an air compression massage with eight airbags. It comes with the separate leg ottoman and has the Swede-Atsu massage roller mechanism. There are eight basic massage modes included in this lounger. This chair also offers the new chiropractic style massage techniques. This is to help with better muscle relaxation in helps promote better posture.

Another model in the new Urban Collection is the EP-1285. This model is similar to the EP 1082, with the exception of the attached leg rest. This massage chair has the built-in leg ottoman. The number of airbags and the EP 1285 is 14. This provides better coverage for compression massage for your legs.

Both the EP 1082 and the EP 1285 have Swede-Atsu floating massage mechanism. This is interesting new technology from Panasonic. This floating massage mechanism performs various massage actions. It stimulates the movements of the wrist. It is able to rotate to replicate a lifelike massage.

The air ottoman system which is separate for the EP1082 is the first and a separate unit. This separate unit contains eight airbags. It provides a compression massage for the legs and feet. He airbags are specially designed to provide a kneading in loosening of the shins and calf muscles. This helps to promote better circulation and provides a more contoured massage for the lower body.

The high end line for Panasonic is the Real Pro Ultra. The Real Pro Ultra line is the successor to the real Pro elite line. This line starts with the model EP 30003. This model has all the main features of the ones above it. As you progress up the line to the EP 30007, slight changes are made to the massage chair.

The Real Pro Ultra EP 30003 comes with a new quad style roller mechanism. This specially designed roller follows the contour of your spine. These massage heads will actually open and close which allows for some additional massage movements. It has the grasping and just motions for additional soothing relief.

The Real Pro Ultra line comes with three the body scan technology. The roller mechanism will scan up and down your back. It then creates a three-dimensional virtual map of your back. It locates the top of your shoulders and will adjust the program to follow the curve of your spine. This provides a much more tailored massage.

The model EP 30004 comes with an arm massage. This is an air compression type massage utilizing airbags. The armrest has a cover which can be opened. The arm and hand is placed inside. This enables the airbags to provide a gentle squeezing and compression massage to the hands and arms.

The Real Pro Ultra line also consists of models 30005, 30006 and 30007. These models come with a more penetrating roller mechanism called ultra deep. The shoulder and hip airbags for the EP -- 30005 have been removed compared to the 30006 and 30007. The only difference between the EP 30006 and the EP 30007 is that the 30007 is made in Japan. This is the lineup for Panasonic's high in massage chair line the Real Pro Ultra.

Looking for a Panasonic Massage Chair? We have a full selection of massage recliners to choose from. Panasonic Massage Chairs are known for their advanced technology and many manual massage techniques. Panasonic has been building massage chairs for over 25 years.

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Orthopedic Massage Therapy - What Are the Benefits

Orthopedic massage therapy can be referred to as a type of massage therapy that mixes various types of massages techniques; both sports and medical forms. Orthopedic massage therapy is usually given to a patient with pain in soft tissue or injuries. This therapy ensures relief of pain during injury. It also works towards promoting fast healing.

The Orthopedic massage therapy consists of three primary elements, irrespective of the medical treatment or injury involved. The elements include the following:
a) Assessing of injury
b) Matching the injury treatment
c) Adapting the treatment as required

All the three above mentioned points are very important as the therapy is different from other types of massage therapies in the way that it focuses basically on understanding the injury and the treatment it requires to heal up the injury.

Here are some of the primary benefits you can enjoy via going in for a Orthopedic massage therapy:

a) Benefit one - Enhanced blood circulation:
The therapy helps in increasing blood circulation and this is a great way to heal an injury.
b) Benefit two - Minimizes pain:
The massage can work wonders when it comes to reducing pain from the injury.
c) Benefit three - Provide relax:
The therapy is powerful enough to provide you immense relaxation to the muscles adjacent to the injured area.
d) Benefit four - Strength:
The therapy is very helpful in providing good amount of strength to the body muscles that have been weakened due to the injury.
e) Benefit five - Realignment of tissues:
The therapy is known to be really powerful when it comes to realigning damaged and dislocated tissues. This helps in preventing further damage or injury.
f) Benefit six - Releases adhesions:
This is known to be a scar tissue that can form due to an injury and tend to stick itself to adjacent muscles or other tissues.
g) Benefit seven - Minimizes tension:
The therapy is extremely beneficial when it comes to minimizing tension in case of sprains and other injuries.
h) Benefit eight - Performance enhancement:
The therapy is the top choice for athletes to enhance overall sports performance.
i) Benefit nine - Stress reduction:
We experience a lot of stress in our daily lives. The massage therapy is a boon to all those who want to get rid of daily life stress in body.
j) Benefit ten - Rejuvenates body:
Our body needs to get rejuvenated once in a while after all the stress, tension, hard work and other problems we face in our daily life. Hence, this therapy is recommended even if there is no injury in the body.

These days, several spas offer these services for a reasonable price. You can easily find an orthopedic massage therapy center near your area online or offline. All you require to do is to make some research and take time to analyze the services provided at a specific center.

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A Massage Chair For Every Pain, Stress Or Tension

A massage chair comes in various shapes and sizes. And while each may be designed to perform the same basic function, to assist in making our bodies more relaxed and free from tension, they actually help to get this done by quite different means. If you are like most people with tension or tightness in your muscles, it doesn't matter what the means are, you just want relief. A massage chair can help. Lets take a closer look at three types of chairs.

The first type of massage chair is used by a massage therapist when a full table isn't needed or practical. They look like you have to be a contortionist to get into them. They actually remind me of a praying mantis the way the cushions are designed to be minimal but adequate, as they perch on a sprawled out leggy-looking frame. The design of this type of massage chair is actually pretty ingenious. It allows the therapist to position their client in the way best needed to get at those tight spots. The body is an amazing work of art, a mechanical wonder really. With a chair like this, the therapist can position the body just right for the most effective massage. There is a cushion for nearly every part of the body. Arms, knees, face, seat and chest. If you are lucky enough to have a therapist work you over while in one of these chairs you'll see just how nifty they really are.

The second type of massage chair is what I think of as a 'wanna be', or at least certainly a cheap version of a more deluxe chair. This chair is relatively inexpensive and doesn't have all the bells and whistles that the more deluxe models have. However, for the money they can still be pretty effective for general purpose massages. They can be found at most home supply stores, and in big box discount stores. These have kneading mechanisms that try to replicate the human touch. Some do it well enough to feel okay, but aren't really all that great. They usually just don't apply enough pressure to do the job. Still, they are relaxing and can be easily moved to whatever location in your home or office that works best. They typically recline and have options for massage speeds and vibration patterns.

The third massage chair type is the real thing. These can cost hundreds, even thousands of dollars and provide the maximum satisfaction and benefit to the user. Think luxury and relaxation. With these high end chairs you position the body into the chair so that the feet, legs, buttocks, back, arms, nape of your neck all receive the much needed attention they require. Life is full of stress and pains, and these chairs can be set to vibrate, kneed, roll, and even grip and release the different parts of the body. All of this attention to the muscles helps improve blood circulation and helps the body heal itself by enlivening the natural immune system. I can't give you the chemical processes involved, but I can tell you that whenever I've experienced a few moments of bliss in this sorts of massage chair I feel like I've died and gone to heaven.

A massage chair can be simple, complex or just functional. If you have tension, pain or stress in your body, a massage chair, of any sort, can help in delightful ways.

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