Wednesday, 13 August 2008

Your Massage Presentation Professional For Massage Business Success

For those of you who are planning on going into the field of massage therapy, or if you are already in the field, you should make sure that you present yourself in the best possible light. Brush up on your people skills and learn how to make a conversation open and pleasant. Learn how to listen instead of talking and learn when, not to say anything. One of the secrets to being an excellent massage therapist is by learning the importance of communication skills in your massage business.


But the biggest impact that you can make in your massage therapy business is learning how to present yourself, in a professional and business-like manner. I know that this may sound like common-sense but more likely, either you forget about the importance of it or you forget that your massage business, even though it is a very nurturing, holistic and relaxed atmosphere, is still a business.


Your business still must pay the bills, support yourself and your family and most of all, meet the need, to have a steady stream of clients, both old and new. In my 10 plus years of working for myself and various spas, I contribute most of my success just purely on my presentation alone.


Here are some questions to consider.

•How do you speak? Are you speaking in terms that your potential clients understand?

•Are presenting yourself in a professional and clean manner?

•Are dressed professionally?

•Is your hygiene where it should be?

•Where are you conducting your business, do you have a clean and professional facility?


These are just some of things that you need to consider, the other thing is, how do you want to brand yourself?


The branding aspects are so important here, it is the very thing that will make you a successful bodyworker or massage therapist or it will drive you out of this business. Most massage therapist, do not consider the branding aspects and fail they miserably. The most successful corporations are successful because of this element of branding alone, their branding value, in many cases will be much higher than their market value. Think about this way, what if you walked into a McDonald’s, one of the best known brands in existence today and it was dirty and not kept up, would you go back? This is precisely my point.


When I first started my career as a massage therapist, I was working at corporations doing chair massages. One day while working at Yahoo, this was one of my biggest accounts, I all of sudden realized that the whole time I am doing a chair massage, the customers, only view were my shoes. They were good shoes, not dirty, a little worn and had some signs of aging. But here I am working on Managers, Supervisors, Dept heads and regular staff members, and I had some Rockports from Mervyn’s, not quite the professional, I am successful look that I wanted to put out there

.

That very next day I went out and broke down on a pair of $175.00 pair of ECCO’s, it was a very steep cost at that time, but instantly when I returned to my corporate sites, I was getting compliments after compliments on my shoes, which directly increased my leads for massage services outside of the corporation. I also went out and got manicures every other week, my hands were my money makers and I treated them as such. Presentation to success; is what I would tell every massage therapist out there in the field.


Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=219881&ca=Wellness%2C+Fitness+and+Diet

Tuesday, 12 August 2008

Massage Oil Is A Must For The Ultimate Full Body Massage

If you’ve ever had a full body massage, you will know that masseuses usually use massage oil to perform the various techniques they use to relax you and to perform a great body massage. Using massage oil is a must if the masseuse hopes to dig deep into the muscle and ligament without causing undue discomfort. This is because using massage oil makes the hands slippery, which reduces the friction and chances of getting skin burn as the masseuse works his or her magic on your tired body.


Various Massage Oil Scents Are Available


Massage oil comes in a variety of scents, some scents are tailored towards a totally relaxing experience, which makes for a great full body massage. If you’ve never had a massage before using one of the scented oils, ask your masseuse to use it on you the enxt time you get a body massage. You will love the way the various scents as it relaxes all your muscles and, essentially, take you to another place.


However, the massage oil does not need to be scented in order for it to work. All you have to do is to feel the masseuses well oiled hands on your skin and tired muscles to tell how effective using massage oil truly is. There is no discomfort as the masseuse slides his or her hands over your muscles, digging in deep to get out any tight knots that may have formed from stress.


Stress can cause all sorts of problems if leaves untreated. There are many ways to relieve stress, but a good body massage is still one of the best. It’s relaxing, for one, and it’s almost as if you are king or queen for a day, or an hour at the very least. There’s nothing else like having a great body massage. So, if you feel stressed, go schedule an appointment with a masseuse today. Most charge by the hour and the rates vary so make sure you shop around for a good deal. The best way to find a reliable masseuse is to ask your friends or coworkers to recommend one.


Let’s face it, we live in a very stressful times. Everyone experiences stress at some point in their lives and a massage with massage oil is the perfect way to relieve that body and mental stress. If you’ve never had a massage before, you should schedule one today. When you’re in the room with the masseuse, ask them if you can have scented massage oil for the body treatment. If not, ask them if they offer various massage oils. They will explain what each oil does and, when they finally get to work, you’ll have a chance to finally relax your tired body and you’ll never want another massage unless they are using your favorite massage oil.


Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=147863&ca=Medicines+and+Remedies

Monday, 11 August 2008

11 Super Steps to Give the Perfect Massage With Massage Stone

Can something constructive come from something destructive? In short, yes. Consider that the Hawaiian Islands, which many have called “paradise on earth,” originated from volcanic activity. It is ironic, when you think about it. The temperature of lava from the Hawaiian Islands’ volcanoes can reach temperatures of 1,250 degrees Celsius (2,282 degrees Fahrenheit), destroying anything in its path. Yet that very lava can create some of the world’s most gorgeous landscapes. In addition, massage hot stones often originate from volcanoes. That includes the type of rock known as Basalt. But what exactly makes these stones ideal for therapeutic massages?


Why basalt is best


Basalt rocks are frequently used as massage stones. These smooth, black volcanic rocks become perfect for massage regimens, when heated. Why is that? Basalt rocks can easily absorb heat, making them a perfect tool for professional therapists, when creating a balanced regimen of heat and cold. The tiny grains in Basalt rock are responsible for their smooth appearance.


Due to their originating from hot magma, Basalt rocks are classified as igneous rocks. These massage stones contain a very high amount of magnesium and iron. When volcanoes erupt, Basalt comprises 90% of the material that escapes from the volcano. In its lava form, Basalt is often fragile and soft. Amazingly, flows of Basalt blanket nearly three-fourths of the Earth’s total surface!


After the eruption of a volcano, super hot Basalt spreads quickly, to create a layer of lava that is frequently hundreds of kilometers wide. Besides being prevalent on earth, Basalt is also the most common rock that makes up the seabed. These rocks are also related to the gaps between the Earth’s plates, which form its surface.


One in a million


Considering how commonplace Basalt stones are throughout Earth, it should be a piece of cake to find an ideal one for massage, along a shoreline by a volcano, right? Well, not exactly. You should consider various factors when searching for massage stones to use as part of your massage regimen:


• An important characteristic of a massage stone is its capability to retain heat, and retain it for a long time.

• Massage stone kits are ideal for finding the perfect stones. These kits include stones that have been buffed and treated, creating the perfect stones for massage sessions.

• It is important to use stones of various sizes and shapes. The massage therapist must position the stones on various body parts, so the variety of stones will make the process easier.

• The stones’ weight and density are the most important factors when shopping for your massage hot stones.


Ready to roll


Like a brand new car, a massage stone must be properly cleaned and maintained, to increase its effectiveness. After each session, make sure to sanitize the rocks by completely cleaning them. This process is particularly important when you use oils during the massage, as they could eat away at the stones. You will just need a brush and a soft antibacterial soap used for washing dishes, to clean the stones. Make sure that they are dried completely, to avoid them becoming tarnished. If you used oil during the session, it is also advisable to clean and then air out the basin of the heating machine.


When heating your stones for massage, place a wet towel at the base of the heating machine’s basin, to previous your precious stones from becoming burnt.


While conventional wisdom says that it is wise to avoid volcanoes while they are erupting, what they produce can be truly amazing. Look at Hawaii! In addition, as Basalt lava transforms into Basalt rocks, the vital element for a massage with hot stones, is formed. We can thank Mother Nature for transforming such a destructive event, into a truly magical stone!


Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=272781&ca=Medicines+and+Remedies

Review Of Omega Massage’s New 5000 Deluxe Massage Chair

There are so many features and spoiled rotten bonuses in the Omega M-5000 Deluxe Massage Chair, which you might have a hard time getting out of this chair. Starting with the overall appearance of this handsome chair, down to the technology and ‘extras’, there are enough treats to spoil just about any person who wants to be spoiled.


Genuine premium Ox hide leather covers this chair beautifully to allow the softest, most comfortable seat in the house. In addition, an ergonomically designed dual headrest pillow accommodates for people with different body types, thus making the massage session more effective for that individual.


When you sit down in this chair, the technology will scan your body shape and weight against the chair to customize the massage track length and roller width according to your own body type. With a massage track that strokes a 28 inch length, which is a few inches longer than the average human spine, you will get your body worked from your neck down to your pelvis. An issue I have with a lot of other massage chair recliners is that they don’t massage the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of your spine and between your pelvic bones, in the back), which is a common area of complaint for low back pain sufferers.


Because this chair scans your specific body type, you cannot specify a lower or higher shoulder height if your determined height does not suit your preferences of the area that needs the massage most.


In addition to the basic massage feature of working up and down your back, the Omega M-5000 Deluxe will also work your neck and shoulders, relieving common fatigue and pain most commonly found in people that do computer work or stationary work. The auto feature of this massage technique allows for a precise pinpoint treatment to those common ailments.


And as the massage works its way down your back, it also works your waist and low back more effectively. Many massage chairs tend to miss this area, or cannot effectively work this region. But low back pain is the most common reason people see a Doctor for back pain, and is estimated that 4 out of 5 people will deal with low back pain at some point in their life. That’s practically every person. The targeted pressure points from this feature are effectively relieved, allowing stress and tension to dissipate from that region of the back, leaving you feeling improved and relieved of this most common low back symptom.


You can also recline this chair from 115 to 175 degrees to really sink into the chair. The seat of the chair is not considered ‘oversized’ so as the chair reclines, the seat space is minimized. This chairs design overall is not accommodating to larger people, with the measurements and technology only suiting a person 200 lbs or less.


With a total of 6 rollers and 5 pre-set sessions to work your back, neck, shoulders, and waist/low back- it seems enough of a chair at that. But that’s not all. The Omega M-5000 Deluxe also works your thighs, buttocks, calves, and feet.


3D Air Pressure for the lower body is customizable for your tolerance, as well as 2 pre-set programs for the calves and feet to effectively use reflexology and pressure points to relieve common symptoms of fatigue and stress in the lower body. Nodules in the feet are utilized when the air bags are activated, stimulating acupressure points. No other massage chair uses both air and nodules in this area as effectively together.


Omega chairs boast the use of Japanese-made parts, which are assembled in China, instead of Chinese or Taiwanese parts that have a reputation of wearing out quicker. The ratio breakdown using cheaper components is the primary reason that chairs need repair or maintenance work.


With extra features like a pop-up tray on the side of the c hair for convenience, a holder for the remote to keep it still accessible, an MP3 player that is compatible with windows 2000/XP and headsets, all of these features are added for the same reason: To increase your ability to relax, therefore maximizing the benefit of a massage for overall health and a stress free life.


The only “knock” against the Omega 5000 DLX, if you can call it that, is that it is a relatively new chair, not as well known as the Interactive Health or Panasonic massage recliners. But, to put your mind at ease, Omega offers a whopping 5-year warranty, unparalleled in the massage chair industry. By the way, the warranty also includes a 90-day in-home service warranty the minute your chair is up and running in your home or office.


Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=129300&ca=Wellness%2C+Fitness+and+Diet

Sunday, 10 August 2008

Demand For Massage Therapists Increases As Interest In Benefits Of Massage Creates More Converts

Projections by the U.S. Department of Labor forecast employment opportunities for massage therapists to grow by 18 to 26 percent from 2004-2014.


According to the 2006-2007 Edition of the Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, the outlook for employment for massage therapists will “increase faster than average” during the period from 2004-2014. The Bureau defines “faster than average” as “increase 18 to 26 percent.”


Among the reasons for the growing demand for massage therapists, the publication cites “massage therapy’s growing acceptance as a medical tool.” Apparently, younger Americans appreciate the effectiveness of massage at reducing stress through relaxation and the growing segment of older Americans are experiencing specific therapeutic benefits. The willingness of the “medical provider and insurance industries” to recommend and cover the costs of massage therapy is another growth factor cited by the Bureau.


There are roughly 1,300 massage therapy postsecondary schools, college programs, and training programs throughout the country. After enrolling in a training program, massage therapy students study anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and other subjects covering the structure and function of the human body. Students must understand how the body works and moves and how the various systems relate and interact.


Students also train in the various massage types, or “modalities,” and learn the techniques associated with each form of massage offered by the training institution. There are dozens of unique approaches to massage ranging from techniques that focus on a specific area of the body to techniques that approach the body holistically and consider both physical and mental aspects of health and relaxation.


The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that massage therapists held about 97,000 jobs in 2004. Most massage therapists are self-employed and own their own business. The balance are independent contractors or are employed by businesses that offer massage services. These include spas, health clubs, medical offices and sports organizations.


An aging population and broader acceptance of alternative medical practices will only increase the demand for massage therapists. Baby-boomers will carry their appreciation for message into their senior years and the elderly, in general, are recognizing the benefits of massage as a support for a more active lifestyle. Businesses have begun offering on-site massage to employees to help deal with on-the-job stress and help improve productivity. Health insurance companies are recognizing the contribution of massage to overall health and many are including massage in their coverage.


The outlook is bright for existing and potential massage therapists. The occupation offers a great deal of flexibility and an opportunity to operate independently. Income levels are fair and growing and the social aspects are quite attractive to those who enjoy helping and interacting with many different people. Enrollment in massage schools is on the rise and good schools, ambitious students and increased demand bode well for future massage therapists.


Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=31864&ca=Career

Pain Management Through Massage

Pain is experienced by everyone at some point in their lives. It is the human body's way of telling you something is wrong. Pain is a very individual experience and depends on ones own tolerance to pain. The levels of pain can range from mild to extreme.


The focus of this article will be on chronic pain and how to find relief.


Types Of Pain

There are two basic types of pain, they are acute and chronic.

  • Acute pain is the sudden onset of pain. This type of pain is usually a sharp pain and an indication that something is wrong. Acute pain is associated with the body's response to disease, broken bones, burns, cuts, sprains/strains of ligaments and muscles, and other various injuries. Mild acute pain can last a few moments, while extreme acute pain may last for weeks. Acute pain will disappear once the symptoms have been treated and healed. If acute pain is left untreated, it can lead to chronic pain.
  • Chronic pain is persistent. It remains regardless of the fact that the original injury has healed. The nervous system retains these pain signals and they can last indefinitely if left untreated. Chronic pain can also be the result of serious illness or disease.

  • Effects Of Chronic Pain

    Chronic pain has many effects on the body; both physical and mental.


    The physical effects typically have symptoms like: muscle tension, lack of joint mobility, loss of or changes in appetite.


    The mental effects of chronic pain symptoms include: depression, anxiety, anger (why me?), and the fear of re-injury. This fear may limit a persons willingness to return to work if the original injury was work related. It may also limit the individuals leisure activities if the original injury occurred during such an event.


    Diagnosing Chronic Pain

    If you believe you are suffering from chronic pain you should consult with your family physician to have the pain properly diagnosed. This will ensure there are no underlying problems that if left untreated could result in a more serious condition.


    Chronic Pain Relief

    There are many forms of relief for chronic pain. Every individual can achieve different results with each type of treatment. Relief from chronic pain depends on individual beliefs, what they're accustomed to, and how willing they are to take an active part in managing their pain. Relief from chronic pain can be achieved from (but not limited to):


    • Massage Therapy: The many benefits of massage can bring lasting relief from chronic pain. Massage will help with muscle tension and joint mobility. Massage can reduce stress, help with depression and anxiety.
    • Reflexology: Is a form of acupressure. Reflexology can help chronic pain resulting from surgery, stress, and headaches. It also helps relieve some of the unpleasant side-effects of cancer treatment.
    • Stress Management: Managing ones stress can be an intensive treatment in itself. A good stress management program can be found through your doctor. Massage therapy should be a part of your stress management program.
    • Diet and Exercise: These go hand in hand. Chronic pain can be a result of obesity. With proper diet and exercise you can achieve lasting relief from chronic pain.
    • Drug Therapy: Prescription and nonprescription drugs are a form of relief from chronic pain. These can have lasting side-effects because they are not natural. Sometimes the side-effects of using these drugs can be worse than living with the chronic pain.
    • Physical Therapy: Physical therapists teach patients self-management skills according to the American Physical Therapy Association.
    • Acupuncture: Has been around for thousands of years. Its origins are in Asia. Western medicine believes that acupuncture facilitates the release of endorphins. These are the body's natural pain killers. Massage therapy and Reflexology also release these same endorphins.


    Take Charge Of Your Chronic Pain

    Although chronic pain can be debilitating you can overcome it's effects. You need to take charge of your life, set goals and stick to them. There are many forms of relief for chronic pain; some of the best (in my opinion) are the holistic forms of treatment. They have no ill side-effects, they are all natural, and most have been around for thousands of years. This fact alone proves they must be effective.


    Daniel J. Brownell, LMT
    Full Throttle Massage, Inc.
    Chattanooga, TN
    http://www.fullthrottlemassage.com


    Do you need a massage? Are you looking for someone to come to your sporting event to provide massage? Visit our website for details on how we can help you.

    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Brownell

    Saturday, 9 August 2008

    When You're Tired, Tense and With a Humdinger of a Headache What Do You Do?

    Reach for the nearest bottle of painkillers? Down an espresso? Or treat yourself to a guilty bar of chocolate?


    Ever thought about massage?


    You may be surprised to learn that time spent massaging the head can help alleviate the following conditions:


    • stress,
    • anxiety,
    • mental tension
    • mental and physical strain
    • eye strain,
    • headaches,
    • sinusitis,
    • congestion,
    • insomnia


    Indian Head Massage or, to give it its proper name, Champissage, is based on alternative medicine principles. Don't let the world "alternative" put you off - this type of massage has been used for thousands of years in Asia, and the skill has been passed down from generation to generation. Head massage is a weekly ritual in most families in the Indian sub-continent with mothers massaging their children's scalps and simultaneously nurturing the bonds between parent and child. It's an ancient technique that Ayurvedic healers have been using for thousands of years, and it's becoming more and more popular in the Western world.


    To put it simply, Indian head massage therapists believe that when the energy does not flow around the body properly, negative energy builds up causing conditions such as stress, pain, baldness or hair loss. The massaging of the head corrects the energy flow and in doing so, helps to treat the conditions listed above. It is such a safe treatment that in India newly delivered mothers and their babies are routinely treated with Indian head massage for the 40 days after delivery!


    Many benefits of massage therapy derive from its function of restoring normal circulation to the area being manipulated. However, other benefits have been observed which have to do with another very important function of massage therapy, and that is relaxation. The stroking and kneading stimulate nerves in the skin and muscles which in turn stimulate sites in the brain which produce "feel good" chemicals, triggering a relaxation response. And in a state of relaxation, the body begins to rebuild, restore, and replenish itself.


    The benefits of Indian head massage are now becoming more widely known in the West, with the therapy even being offered in high street beauty salons. However, if you have a little time to invest, you may consider learning this ancient therapy at home. Use it to treat stressed partners or anxious children worrying about exams, and you should notice an increased sense of calm about them.


    Then, like those Indian mothers, teach the therapy to your children and pass the skill down the family line!


    Interested in learning Indian head massage? Visit: http://www.learnmassageathome.co.uk


    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Teresa_Seaton

    Massage Therapy For Everyone

    Taking some time to find a talented massage therapist is well worth the effort. With a wide selection of massages to choose from it is possible to find the perfect massage for your needs no matter what they are. Many people think that there are only two types of massage. A standard massage that is done solely with the hands and the second variety is done by incorporating hot stones to providing a relaxing heated feeling.


    For the majority of people, staying to just these two varieties of massages is wonderful. However, there are occasions when just a standard massage is not good enough. In order to ensure you are getting the biggest benefit for your body you need to do a bit of research and actually look around. You might actually be highly surprised by the options that are available to you when you take the time to search for your best massage.


    There are massages that range from the simple therapeutic massages that most people think of to the more advanced massages that are typically only used for specific purposes. Examples of special massages can include the pregnancy massages, sports massages, hot stone massages and even massages that utilize relaxing aromatherapy techniques. With a huge selection of massages available to choose from, it is possible to have a different massage every day of the week and notice different results after each.


    For the price range that you will find in massages, you simply cannot beat the relaxation that is offered. A huge selection of price ranges that are offered in addition to the different techniques that are offered ensure that everyone really is able to find the massage that works best for them. There is no reason to hold off getting a relaxing massage. For all of the benefits that are provided you are certain to truly enjoy a great massage.


    Looking for a great massage therapist to get a relaxing massage is certainly an indulgence that everyone deserves at one time or another in their life. By enjoying a great massage there are plenty of opportunities for you to truly enjoy the stress in your life so you have ample reasons to call and schedule the next massage that you are looking forward to. With a great outlook on the stresses of your normal everyday life, you are sure to find that getting to your massage appointments will quickly become your favorite time of day.


    Whenever you are in Portland Oregon get a great Portland Massage at Nirvana Day Spa in the Pearl District of downtown Portland.