Friday, 12 September 2008

Human Touch Robotic Massage Chairs - Bringing the Luxury of Massages to More People

Getting home massages from a licensed massage therapist is not for everyone. Because of the costs and the time involved, it seems more of a luxury than a necessity for people. Although, with the kind of benefits one can get from massages, one can say that getting a massage is the kind of pampering that the body truly needs. Professional athletes know the importance of massages so they include the massage in their fitness regimens.


Massage has so many health benefits including the stimulation of blood flow which in turn results in many more health benefits. Improved blood circulation means more oxygen and therefore nutrients are pumped into the body's organs. This includes the skin which results in a healthy glow. Massage also stimulates lymph flow which increases the body's natural immunity to diseases.


Massage also relaxes the muscles relieving tension and allowing muscles to recover from a strenuous activity. This is the reason massage in included in the training regimen of athletes. Muscles need to recover first before they are exposed to another round of tedious tasks. When the muscles are exhausted they do not respond to training as well as when they are fully-recovered.


Massages not only provide physical benefits but mental as well. The time spent getting a massage is a time when one can clear one's head and not worry about anything. Massages allow a person to go into a Zen state when nothing seems to matter. Massage helps the body and the mind relax. This is also why massages lead to an invigorated feeling. A good massage can help one get better sleep, breathe easier and even think better. A massage can be the perfect compliment to a healthy diet and a good exercise routine.


While getting daily home massages may seem impossible, with the model Human Touch Robotic Massage Chair, it is now possible. There is a substantial initial investment in buying a Health Massage Chair but that amount, spread out into the years that you will be using the massage chair makes that initial cost worth it.


Even if you are stressed out and have no time to get professional massages, you can enjoy the benefits of professional massages with a massage chair. Modern massage chairs are designed to mimic real human massage techniques. They don't feel like machines at all. But the best advantage of having a human touch massage chair is how one can enjoy a relaxing massage any time of the day. It is really the best solution for a stressful life because it feels like you can get away from the stress anytime by plopping on the chair and letting it do its work.


With massage chairs there is no awkwardness, no time wasted, no appointment settings, and no prep work. You just get a good massage with no frills in the comforts of your own home. The chair can also be shared by the whole family bringing the luxury of home massages to more people.


Thursday, 11 September 2008

Starting Salary For Massage Therapy

As holistic and complementary medicine is becoming more and more popular, there is a need for more therapists to undertake the necessary training and start working in the market to cover the demand. Patients who have tried the holistic approach are now finding that they are easing their aches and pains without having to resort to medication and long term pain killers. Because of this expansion in the market, the starting salaries for massage therapy practitioners is ever increasing.


If you are a fully qualified therapist who is just starting out as a professional, there are several different routes to take, each of which will vary your earning power considerably. The starting salaries for massage therapy carried out for an employer, such as a spa or health club, may be from as little as $9 per hour up to around $18 per hour. It really does depend on your employer. Some employers pay on a commission basis, which can really add up if you become popular. Also, you must never forget that you should be receiving quite a lot of tips.


Although this may not sound as high as you had thought when you initially considered the starting salaries for massage therapy, there are many ways in which you can vastly increase this figure. If you have the facilities, you can start your own, small scale therapy centre either at home, or possibly in small, suitable, rented accommodation. Being your own boss can be very rewarding, both personally and financially and it is very convenient to be able to choose your own working hours, especially if you have a family to consider. Admittedly you will need some capital for the property, equipment, advertising etc. but if you are able to put together an economic starting package for your business you will soon start to reap the rewards.


Starting your own small business does not necessarily involve the renting of premises. If you have access to a vehicle, you can start working as a mobile therapist. The starting salaries for massage therapy can easily be eaten into if you have to pay for a workplace. If, however, you opt for a mobile practice, you will get to keep a good deal more of your income. Once again, you will probably have to spend money on advertising and some equipment, but you will probably find that even these outgoings are less than if you were trying to start a spa style venture. You will have no water or fuel bills for example. One obvious expense you will have will be your vehicle and insurance. Domestic vehicle insurance will not cover you if you are using your car for work purposes.


These are just a few guidelines as to how you can try to increase the starting salaries for massage therapy. As you become more experienced and build up a client base, you will soon find that you have become a part of a very lucrative and highly respected profession. Your salary will keep going from strength to strength and you will, I am sure, be well rewarded for your expertise.


Gary Pearson is an accomplished niche website developer and author.


To learn more about massage therapy visit New Massage Therapy for current articles and discussions.


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

How Longitudinal Arches Affect Thigh, Back, and Neck Tension

As an experienced massage therapist the first thing I think of when a client presents with neck pain is to look at the whole body.


How can longitudinal arches in the feet cause neck tension and pain?


My first meeting with the client was during an emergency home visit wherein the client complained of being unable to move her neck. She did present as sidebended in the lumbar spine.


The usual visual assessment may or may not reveal a spinal sidebendedness or a tight ilio-psoas, or a tight ITB(iliotibialband) or quadriceps. However, upon further inspection, the next day, in my clinic, what I noticed was tenderness and tension in one or both of the longitudinal arches of the feet. Something I didn't assess or notice during my emergency home visit. During that stay, I focused on the neck, and back with my massage chair. Did I look at the feet or legs No! Common error in home emergency visits. I failed to complete a thorough assessment and let the client's pain guide me. I did not make that mistake when the client visited me the next day in my clinic.


How important it is to do a complete assessment of the client even when doing an emergency home visit and treatment. The tendency is to attempt shortcuts to shorten the duration of the visit yet to provide some temporary relief. And that's perhaps appropriate, however mistakes can lead to faulty or incomplete treatment and failing to relieve the client's pain and miss the main causes of the pain.


The fact which one learns, in the field, is that ninety percent of clients are right-dominant. And approx. 50-80% of them have some imbalance in the left pectoral and trapezius. Another approx. 30-50% have tensions in the ilio-psoas, and/or ITB-Quadriceps. Many of these cases emanate from falling or depressed arches, or improperly supported high longitudinal arches due to anatomical structures.


I also have observed in assessing clients, over nine years of practice, that foot dysfunction often, but not always, occurs on one foot causing an imbalance all the way up the chain to the neck. It depends on how quickly the arch dysfunction is detected and corrected.


The fact of having a dominant side muscularly means that there will be a resulting imbalance in strength, usage, and strain to the opposite weaker non-dominant side. The severity of the imbalance will depend on the extent of strain, physical fitness, and lifestyle.


Today I examined a client who had a severe cervical lateral strain on the left scalenes, anterior, lateral, and posterior, left and right trapezius, right upper thoracics, lower left thoracics where the cross-over happened, the left ITB(iliotibialband) and quadriceps, and cause of this dysfunction: an unsupported high longitudinal arch of the left foot with resulting plantar hypertonicity and pain.
So when the client told me that she had neck pain, the initial tendency of the new therapist is to treat the neck. It's only after having spent part or most of the one-hour appointment that upon examination the therapist may or may not discover all the other related tensions leading down to the longitudinal arch.


The novice therapist will unlikely be able to put each separate muscle tension taken together and see the big picture.


So, based on my experience, the first place to start treating the client is the quadriceps and ITB releasing that tension. My reason for starting the treatment there is because this is the core of the body where the tension focuses its energy.


Then proceeding with the opposite adductors which will be stressed because of compensation. I did observe hypertonic right adductors longus, brevis, and pectinius.


Next I treated the dominant right ilio-psoas which was the least tight, then the left ilio-psoas which was the most strained. This brought me to the pectorals which were strained on the left non-dominant side, and the rib heads at ribs 5-6-7 on the left side had been strained in response to the left tight pectoral major. The scalenes on the left side were all hypertonic, anterior, lateral, and posterior. Using some isometric techniques on all three muscles assisted in relieving the reduced mobility in sidebending . All of this therapy is done in the supine position.


The feet are treated with the client in prone position as I find it easier for the body mechanics of the therapist to bend the leg and and have the foot at a height which is easier to treat the plantar surface.


Then the client is placed in the prone position with face down and the posterior neck, and trapezius are treated. The serratus and rhomboids can also be released. There will be more tension observed in the levator scapulae and rhomboid minor on the right side as compensation.


The upper right thoracics and lower left thoracics result in the cross-over tension from left foot/leg into the back to the right neck.


So it's important for the novice therapist not to jump to conclusions when being presented with a sore neck. The problem may reside down in the arches.


Prescribed rehab for the client included purchasing a set of full sole orthotic insoles.
Sidebends for the thoracics, quad stretches for the left leg, and adductor stretches for the right leg, trapezius stretch for both sides, and regular monthly maintenance preventative massage treatments to detect or prevent further imbalances.


That's how to spend a productive hour.


In my clinic I also use pranic healing techniques on clients which understand the benefits of holistic healing. (Treating the total person- physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual)
On the Pranic Energy level, the healing always begins with an invocation for the assistance and Divine Guidance and Divine Protection of the Supreme Being, Spiritual Helpers and Teachers, Masters and Mentors, Angels and Saints for blessings and healings, with thanks, in full faith.


The aura was cleansed with some general sweeping, removing the depleted energy into a salt-water bowl. I also used a thorough chakra and organ cleanse of depleted prana(chi) with brilliant living water. This is a meditation-visualization learnt by Master Choa Kok Sui. The meditation and visualization consists of a thorough cleanse of organs and chakras descending from the crown to the feet, covering all organs and chakras. This is the advanced equivalent of Brilliant white light waterfall which is used in a general waterfall cleanse from the crown chakra down through the body to the sole minor chakras and disposed into the ground. Other waterfalls which can be used are the Brilliant emerald green waterfall or the Brilliant amethyst violet waterfall visualizations from crown chakra to sole minor chakras. These meditations were taught by Master Stephen Co through his online Tuesday evening meditations on pranatalk.com.


The chakras were then assessed for activity level and or congestion. They were found to be normal as the client has her aura and chakras previously treated and normalized months before.
The aura can be sealed with a protective seal of electric violet light with a program of divine protection being willed into the seal for a duration until the next appointment, allowing depleted prana out of the body.


The energy which has been communicated is then stabilized and the energy released to the client.
The client is advised not to bathe or shower for 12-24 hours to assist in the pranic healing absorption and efficiency.


The healing ends with a giving of thanks to the Divine Supreme Being, to the Spiritual Helpers and Great Ones for their healings and blessings. So be it, so be it, so be it.


Contact information:

Shapes Fitness Centre, 12-1150 Nairn Avenue, Winnipeg R2L0Y5
204-799-3663
www.healingmassage.ca


Roger Fontaine is a registered massage therapist who is operating a massage clinic offering therapeutic, rehabilitative, and stress-reduction table massage services and mobile service for chair massage in the workplace for special events, fundraisers, tournaments, celebrations, and any other function which requires a unique special feature. I have been operating at Shapes Fitness Centre at 12-1150 Nairn Avenue in Elmwood Winnipeg since 2004, previously having operated a home residential clinic since 1999.


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

Massage Etiquette For Clients

Websters Dictionary (August 1995) defines etiquette as: (n.) the conventional requirements of polite behavior; proprieties of conduct; good manners.


How does etiquette apply to massage and the clients? There are many factors to consider when you schedule an appointment with a professional massage therapist.


Keeping Your Appointment

First, be on time or early for your appointment. If you are late arriving for a massage appointment, you may not get the full amount of time allotted for your massage. The therapist may have another appointment scheduled after yours. It is not polite to make the next client wait because you were late arriving for your appointment.


Most massage therapists are paid on a commission basis. They receive a portion of the fee you are charged for your massage. When you fail to show up for your appointment, the massage therapist does not get paid. He/she will have to sit around waiting for the next appointment. That time is lost and no money is made.


If you must cancel your appointment, please do so with as much advance notice as possible. Most massage offices ask for at least 24 hours notice. If you can give more notice that you have to cancel, please do so. It allows more time for that appointment slot to be filled.


Some massage offices require pre-payment for new client appointments. This is done because 70% of "no-shows, no-calls" are new clients. While other offices will not take an appointment from someone who has previously had a "no-show, no-call". I believe every case needs to be evaluated on an individual basis. I realize that sometimes an emergency arises and the massage appointment is not on a persons mind.


At Full Throttle Massage, Inc. we only require pre-payment if a person is a "no-show, no-call" two times. This is done to prevent our therapists from losing money.


Listening To Your Therapist

When your therapist does the initial interview before the start of your session try to focus on what is being said. I know this may seem difficult to understand, but many clients are in such a hurry to get the massage started they do not hear what the massage therapist is saying. I have had people start undressing at the beginning of the interview; forcing me to leave the room without the information I would like to have from the client.


There are certain things that must be covered by law, along with the therapist needing some history as to the clients complaints. If you are just wanting a general relaxation massage, this is OK. But if you have some pain that you are wanting relieved, your therapist must know some important information. You must listen and answer all the questions the therapist asks, to the best of your ability. The outcome of your massage depends on this.


Another common problem from clients not listening before the massage is the way the client lays on the table. Depending on what the client is in need of, may determine how the therapist wants to start the massage. All therapists can start a massage whether the client is face down or face up on the massage table. But the specific treatments the therapist has planned may require the client to be in a certain position at the beginning of the massage. Your time is wasted if the therapist has to request that you turn over to begin the massage.


Tipping Your Therapist

Most therapists can and will accept tips. Even though you are paying for your massage service, your therapist will only get a portion of that fee. If you are happy with the massage you received then offer a gratuity. Your therapist will appreciate the tip you leave for him/her. Unlike restaurants, there is no set customary gratuity fee for massage. Generally tips are left in $5.00 increments.


Sexual Conduct

Your professional massage therapist takes great pride in his/her chosen profession. They are there to offer help, try to make you feel better, and give you the relief from pain, stress, and anxiety. Any sexual misconduct by the client is a huge insult to the therapist. This means offering or asking for sexual favors. It is not only against the law, it is very offensive towards your therapist.


Sometimes a male client may get an erection during a massage. This happens when the client is in a very relaxed state; not because he is sexually excited. Although this may be embarrassing for the client, it is not considered sexual misconduct. A good therapist will go on with the massage and make no mention of the erection. If the client makes any gestures or references about the erection, then this becomes sexual misconduct and the session will be immediately terminated.


The next time you make an appointment remember to follow good massage etiquette. Arrive early for your appointment. If you must cancel, give as much notice as possible. Listen to your therapist. Leave your therapist a gratuity if you feel they deserve one. Do not insult your therapist with any sexual misconduct.


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

Wednesday, 10 September 2008

What is Thai Massage in Massage Therapy?

In the holistic community, the term Thai massage is referenced by many names. Some of those names include Ancient Thai massage and Yoga massage. In Thailand, Thai massage is referred to as Nuad Phaen Boran.


The focus of a Thai massage is to align the misaligned energies of the body. Contrary to European style massage, Thai massage stresses circulation and pressure points thus enhancing internal health as well as muscular flexibility. The main difference between Thai and Western massage is that Thai massage involves peripheral stimulation; i.e. it acts as an external source of stimulation to create specific internal effects inside the body.


In a traditional Thai massage, the massage therapist will make use of their hands, elbows, knees, and feet to apply different pressures to the energy lines, also known as sen, along the body. These energy lines are considered the keys to a happy and healthy lifestyle. If an energy line becomes occluded, or blocked, the client can suffer a range of sicknesses that include chronic pain, disease, and potentially death.


In Thai massage, there are about 72,000 energy lines inside the human body. However, there are ten (10) that take priority over the rest. Perfect harmony and health within the body can only be achieved by the freedom of energy that flows through all the energy lines.


Thai massage is practiced on a firm mat on the floor in place of a massage table. The massage therapist will only use her body weight to apply various pressures to the energy lines. In this particular kind of massage, the client normally remains clothed with the exception of their feet.


The pressure applied in a Thai massage varies with each massage therapist. Compared to the pressure used in Western massages, Thai massage may be harder on people than what they are accustomed to. Thai massage can be too strenuous on the client. The last thing a client would want to do is tense up in order to guard himself against the pressure of the therapist's strokes. This can damage the client's muscles and cause unnecessary strain. For a Thai massage to be effective, the client must fully relax and let the therapist freely manipulate the client's extremities to promote blood and lymph flow and promote the removal of blocked energy lines.


Micaela Romualdez is a freelance article writer for DFWChiroMassage. She enjoys writing on topics such as chiropractic, rolfing, massage therapy benefits, homeopathy, Ayurvedic medicine, nutrition, and other types of alternative health care.


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

Monday, 8 September 2008

Anti-Cellulite Massage

A sad fact of life for a large number of women is that their thighs, hips, and stomachs are particularly susceptible to fat storage. Fat deposited just below the skin in these areas often takes on an unsightly "orange-peel" or dimpled appearance and is known as cellulite - the bane of many a woman's existence. Daily self-massage can improve the overall appearance of these areas of cellulite making the skin look firmer and smoother, and even give the illusion of weight loss. If your cellulite is solid and hard, you should use firm movements to soften the area and simulate circulation. If the cellulite feels soft and watery, your movements should be more gentle to encourage lymphatic drainage.


Use an oil blend that meets your needs. Marjoram and peppermint are noted for soothing the abdomen; rosemary and geranium for their invigorating effect; and juniper helps reduce fluid retention.


Abdomen and hips


Sit comfortably and rest your left hand on your diaphragm while your right hand applies about a teaspoonful of oil with clockwise strokes around the navel. Now introduce your left hand so that both hands are circling the navel.


Knead your hips, waist, and abdomen by squeezing and lifting your flesh with one hand and releasing it into the other. Knead all over this area, wherever you can pick up enough flesh.


With your left hand on top of your right hand, use your fingertips to apply gentle circular pressure all around your navel.


Finish by gently stroking all over your abdomen and hips. This is very soothing and stimulates lymph drainage.


Avoid using counterclockwise moves when you massage your abdomen as this opposes the natural working of the intestines.


Thighs


Apply more massage oil if necessary so that your hands move smoothly over your skin.


Gently stroke up from your left knee, directing your movements toward your inner thigh. Then stroke from the back of your knee up to your buttocks.


Knead your thigh from your knee up to the top of the leg. Use deep strokes to squeeze and lift the flesh. This stimulates the circulation and helps reabsorb excess fluid and wastes into the lymphatic system. Repeat on the back of your thigh.


Applying firm pressures, rotate the knuckles of both your hands all over the front and back of your thigh.


Place your left hand on the back of your outer thigh, and your right hand on the back of your inner thigh. Pull the flesh up to the top of your thigh, release, and cross your hands down the other side. Repeat this criss-cross movement several times.


Stroke very gently and smoothly from above your knee to the top of your thigh, and from the back of your knee to your buttock. This repetitive stroking encourages lymph drainage.


Repeat steps 1-5 on your right thigh.


Further tips to help in the fight against cellulite include: drinking at least eight glasses of water a day; eating a balanced, healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, and avoiding salt, sugar, and processed food; and rubbing the affected skin regularly, during a bath or shower, with a loofah sponge or glove.


Free beauty tips and makeup tips and secrets along with tips how to apply makeup and reviews of the latest cosmetics products visit http://www.bestincosmetics.com


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

Massage For Dieting

Because massage makes you feel better and take more pride in your body, you are more likely to stick to a diet. Knowing that the person giving you a massage is going to notice any weight loss is another incentive. Added to this are other benefits to your appearance. By stimulating the circulation, massage tones the skin and smoothes the body This improvement builds a positive self­image, which produces more energy, making exercising easier. This is the beginning of the upward spiral, and weight will come off more easily.


Any massage is helpful for dieters, so follow the basic sequences outlined throughout this book. However, you should spend more time on the fleshiest areas, particularly the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks; use plenty of deep stimulating movements, such as kneading and pummeling. You can easily massage your abdomen and thighs yourself and should try a few minutes of vigorous massage every day.


A dieting self-massage


Try these stimulating moves on yourself every day.


Lie on your back and knead your abdomen thoroughly, doing several rows of kneading across it to cover the whole area


Roll onto one side, then knead and pummel your hip. Repeat on the other side


Sit up and knead your thighs from the knee up to the top. Work vigorously on the front and outside, but more gently on the inside


Pummel very fast all over the front and outside of your thighs, then work more gently on the inside.


Massage those figures


While massage to any part of the body helps to firm and tone the flesh, there are specific sequences that can help with particular problem areas. Cynics might say that massage can't help you lose weight or look slimmer, but this is not entirely true. Although massage does not break down fat, it can improve your self-image and appearance, which in turn will help you to diet. Massage gives you a positive image of your body, which encourages you to carry yourself with more confidence. Many dieters have a distorted image of their bodies and often imagine themselves to be larger and fatter than they really are. Massage can help to give you an indication of your true size.


Free beauty tips and makeup tips and secrets along with tips how to apply makeup and how to get rid of blackheads


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

Sunday, 7 September 2008

Give Yourself a Relaxing Face Massage and Get Beautiful, Younger Looking Skin

Can't Afford A Trip To Spa?
Give Yourself a Relaxing Face Massage and Get Younger Looking Skin


One of the best techniques and Free techniques for youthful, beautiful skin is a face massage. But who can afford to weekly or even monthly trip to the Spa?


Many people are afraid to touch or rub the skin on their face, yet have no problems getting a massage on their whole body. The truth is lines, wrinkles happen faster when skin cells lack resiliency and lose their vitality - that's when facial expressions set in!


So a face massage can help prevented this from happening in the first place. Have you ever noticed how beautiful the skin looks on those who get massages on a regular basis?


The benefits are endless!

  • It encourages blood circulation which floods the skin cells and tissues with life nourishing oxygen. This helps to carry away waste products and carbon dioxide -- cleansing the skin.
  • Regular massaging also helps to de-puff the face and eye area because it encourages lymphatic draining and eliminates excess fluids.
  • A face massage is great for oily or dry skin because it increases skin moisture by distributing sebum production and balances out either condition.
  • A good vigorus massage will help remove dead skin cells -- exposing healthier skin underneath.


Before Beginning A Face Massage

Make sure your face and hands are clean. If you skin is very dry, you can add a little massaging oil, like Emu Oil to the palm of your hands and rub them together - spreading the oil and warming it.


The pressure you would exert during a face massage is a gentle light friction - like you're polishing a pair of shoes. Don't be afraid to lightly rub the skin.


The truth is lines, wrinkles are caused when skin cells lack resiliency and lose their vitality - that's when facial expressions set in! A good face massage would have prevented this from happening in the first place.


Ok Ready? Click here to Watch This Free Video on How To Give Yourself a Face Massage.


My Story...


As a health advisor with over 20 years experience, I was always on the look-out for new and emerging research in areas of health and nutrition, but now I've turned my attention towards researching anti-aging skin therapies - to keep me looking as good on the outside as I felt on the inside.


I've investigated and tried a combination of skin care products, tips, techniques, and yes, even a little cosmetic plastic surgery to help me look as young on the outside as I feel on the inside and would like to share them with you on my web site.


For more information, please visit http://www.wrinkle-free-skin-tips.com

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