Aromatherapy Massage

Massages are not just for women anymore; men and teens alike are increasingly becoming regulars at local day spas as well as resorts around the world. A major reason for this increase has been due to the aromatic benefits an aromatherapy massage can have on your muscles, brain function and overall physique.

For centuries, herb, plant and flower extracts have been used to remedy wounds, heal the mind and soothe the soul, and continues to do so through various massage techniques. Only a small amount of aromatherapy essential oils needs to be used and many come in various scents to help you achieve something more than just a way to warm your muscles and fight fatigue.

If you are curious as to how aromatherapy oils can help you in a massage, it's really quite simple. As your massage therapist begins to use a few drops of pure essential oils, the oils will be absorbed through the pores in your skin and penetrate down to your capillaries and cell tissue, assisting to quickly travel to your blood stream. This stimulation of blood will instantly cause your overall state of mind, body and spirit to come together as one. Aromatherapy massages aid in decreasing depression and anxiety, even giving your body a burst of needed energy to get you through the rest of your busy day.

A very ancient form of massage which originated from Japan and taught world-wide today as a form of massage is the Reiki massage, which is used to treat the person as an entirety, through aromatherapy oils , relaxation and hand techniques known as the "laying of hands." The method is based on everyone having a "life force energy" which determines what our health, emotion and overall well-being is at the time. The massage helps to achieve the highest energy possible to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

Based on the scent of the aromatherapy essential oil you choose, whether it be a pleasant or musty smell, it will affect your mood differently. Since smell is our most sensitive sense, associating a certain smell with your massage can help you to achieve a much greater experience. You can even try it at home with aromatherapy candles and pure aromatherapy essential oils. Or try placing an aromatherapy diffuser to freshen up a few bedrooms and to provide a smell you love into your everyday lifestyle.

For more information visit: http://www.aromatherapyonline.net Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jhoselyn_Aleman

Massage Chair Review - Human Touch 1650 Massage Chair

We rank the Human Touch 1650 number three in our top category ($4,000 to $5,000), because it is a truly outstanding chair. Human Touch is a little bit more prone to customer service issues than some of the other top-level massage chair manufacturers, which slightly limits our enthusiasm for this chair, but feature for feature, the Human Touch 1650 matches or exceeds every other chair in this category, with very few exceptions.

Walk with me through this chair's numerous features. First, let's step back and look at the classic design of the chair. Some people prefer a futuristic-looking massage chair, since it is packed with cutting-edge technology, but Human Touch has chosen to package their advanced technology into a beautifully classic style. With just a quick glance, you may not even realize this is not a regular recliner.

But sit down in this chair, and your eyes will be opened. With the touch of a button, the fully retractable foot and calf massager presents itself. You may put your feet in the calf wells and wonder what massage to do first. Well, why don't you try the back stretch function for a start. The calf wells gently grip your calves, and the chair slowly reclines, gently massaging and arching your back for a truly refreshing stretch.

Next, the air bags begin massaging your feet and calves. We've discussed the pros and cons of air bags and mechanical rollers in our Omega Montage review, so we won't do that here, but we're definitely sold on air bags for the feet and calves. They give the massage function a great deal of flexibility for the feet and calves, where flexibility is crucial, even if the strength is not quite as good as the mechanical rollers.

The Human Touch 1650 has two massage programs and three speed settings to control massage of the feet and calves. Add to that the under-feet acupoints, and you have a great deal of control in the type of massage you want for your lower half. The foot and calf massager also has a vibrating function, which is said to enhance circulation. We aren't doctors, so we don't know whether circulation is improved, but we do know the vibration is a truly relaxing function.

Now to the seat. The seat delivers what Human Touch calls its Air Impulse massage. It is made up of 8 pods that deliver a two-stage pulsing air massage. In short, it massages your buns and the underside of your thighs with a gentle air technology massage, which Human Touch calls "analog pressure pointing with pulsing force." In layman terms, this means the massage moves and pulses, giving you a relaxing rub.

Pause with me for a moment to discuss how we describe these massage chairs. We often get questions about what these different terms mean, and it's difficult to describe them. Let's be honest about it--the only way to truly understand the massage delivered by these chairs is to sit in them, but the only way to help an individual wanting to purchase a chair online is to describe these chairs in a way that can be understood and almost "felt" by the reader.

So let's return to the Human Touch 1650. I left off with the seat. It is made of high-quality leather and a visco-elastic foam seat cushion. In other words, it provides gentle seating that spreads pressure over your entire back end, not just on a few pressure points. The massage is able to work through the padding without being irritating.

Moving up into the back, the first thing we noticed was the heating. The chair, like many other chairs, provides heating to your lower back to help relax your muscles. The chair also provides acupoint detection in the back to help customize your massage. This feature is not as advanced as the Sanyo system, but unless you are very very particular, your back massage will still be fully satisfying and therapeutic.

You can customize your massage intensity with a massage comfort number. Simply press a button on the remote control to either increase or decrease the intensity of your massage.

This brings us to the very convenient remote control. It allows you to control everything about the chair, and it is handier and more intuitive than some of the other controllers on the market. You can choose any of the 8 pre-programmed massage functions, change the intensity, and control any of the myriad other functions of this chair. While you may overlook the importance of the remote control, we feel it is really an important part of the massage chair experience, and Human Touch has done an excellent job making their control convenient and complete without turning it into a monster-sized control panel.

The pre-programmed massage functions are sore muscle relief, sports and back therapy, leg/foot/hip therapy, neck and should relief, after-work stretch, morning energize, night-time soothing, and auto demo. If you want to go beyond these programs, you can customize your own massage right from the remote control.

The massage length is 27 inches, which is shorter than the Omega and Sanyo chairs in this class, so you should look to one of those chairs if you are taller than average; it reclines up to 170 degrees, again less than some of the other chairs, but completely adequate; and the maximum weight for the chair occupant is 285.

As you can tell, we're very much sold on this chair. However, we're not as excited about the customer service Human Touch offers or their 90-day limited warranty. Human Touch's returns policy is also more restrictive than other manufacturers in this class. Problems can be corrected, with some time and effort. However, Human Touch is not as committed as some of our other manufacturers to keeping their customers happy after the sale. Don't get the wrong idea-almost every Human Touch customer is thrilled with his or her chair and would buy it again, but for that rare customer who has something go wrong, the most convenient, least expensive, and quickest fix is going to come from Sanyo or Omega, who each have much longer warranties and better returns policies.

Notwithstanding this issue, though, we're very pleased to rank the Human Touch 1650 as our number three chair in the $4,000 to $5,000 range. When you buy your HT 1650, you will be in good company, because the Human Technology is the preferred technology of the American College of Chiropractic Orthopedists. You won't be disappointed with its style, versatility, performance, and convenience.

This article was reviewed for http://www.massagechairs.com which sells most massage chair brands and attempts to provide unbiased reviews for its best massage chairs. Reviews of the rest of the MassageChairs.com Top 25 can also be found on the same site. More information on this specific product can be found at http://www.massagechairs.com/HT-1650-Massage-Chair.html

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

Massage Therapists Who Feel Like a Fraud

Getting past The Fraud Idea

One of the frequent hurdles new Massage Therapists bang their head against is the feeling that you're a Fraud - regardless of your training, despite your ability, deep down you have a nagging doubt that you have no right to be treating people.

The primary purpose of any practice is to give the best degree of service, value and result to every prospect that makes an inquiry, asks for help or does business with you. The growth of your practice depends on to what extent you impress the client. It’s all about them, it’s never about you.

Ask yourself right now – how can I deliver more value to my clients? What can I give them as a gift? How can I raise the professionalism? What would blow me away if I was in their shoes? How can I over-deliver? Diary in a monthly “Service improvement” meeting and brainstorm ideas.

How many clients do you need to treat to disprove this to yourself?

This is a typical issue and it's utter garbage!

Your mother thinks you're a flake.. Your friends don't know what to say and they really don't know how you feel. And there are dozens of conmen on the high street who did a 2 day course and now call themselves an expert. It says so right there on their cheap and nasty business card. And that makes you squirm, doesn't it?

One of the main reasons most Therapists and Coaches struggle is that they lack self belief.

A fraud is a fake, an imposter who's hiding in plain sight, making deceitful statements in order to fool people and con people out of money with no remorse. Are you truly saying that's what YOU are?

Told you.

This is a practice killer.

Probably not, so why does it often feel like you're not allowed to truly step into your position with total self-belief? Well, here's what my private clients sometimes reveal to me:

I don't really know what I'm doing yet - then specialise on what you DO know.

My own life isn't perfection yet - what matters most in Coaching or Therapy is THEIR circumstances, not yours.

I have few [if any] clients - think how many people you've treated over the years in one way or another

Action Step - dissolve that sucker right now

Write down the answer to the following question - "How do I know I feel like a fraud?" Then look for reference experiences to challenge that notion.

Most therapists need about 4 reference experiences to build a new belief. So scan your pastor quickly get 4 clients to work with and earn your right. Eventually even you will have to admit it's nonsense!

If you want to strengthen your confidence, raise your standards and reinvigorate your practice, ask your existing clients [assuming you're not brand new] "What do you get out of us working together?"

The massage therapist who has faith in massage has always been doing it, they just didn't know that was what to call it. Immense caring and fulfillment fuels their drive to innovate and create new products and services, and they radiate sparkle and health and subsequently attract more referrals.

Start educating your clients so they know exactly what it is that you provide. Write fact sheets.

Marketing is not seduction - trying to impress, flirt and painfully manipulate into "buying". Attraction-based Marketing is positioning yourself as the one to go to in full view of the clients who need you the most.

Jonathan teaches a complete step by step marketing strategy to help new and veteran Therapists build a full practice of paying clients. For more see http://www.fullpractices.com

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

Lymphatic Massage For Beauty Inside As Well As Out!

When a family member of mine was diagnosed with lymphoma, a large marble sized rock hard lump in the neck, it was such a shock! The difficult part after that was trying to figure out the best course of action. We have always leaned towards natural remedies and we were thankfully steered towards a naturopath that did lymphatic massage, ionic foot baths and pure vitamins, minerals and herbs.

Here is what I learned about the lymphatic system:

The lymphatic system is closely related to the circulatory system. You could consider that you have red blood and white blood, the white being the lymphatic system. It works like this;

Red blood cells carry oxygen and nutrients to all the cells of the body. The blood picks up impurities as well. These impurities must go somewhere. This is where the lymphatic system comes in. These impurities, such as, proteins, viruses, bacteria, cancer cells etc., get absorbed into the plasma, (the white blood I mentioned earlier, which is the lymphatic liquid) and are filter by the lymph nodes throughout the body. The job of the lymphatic system is to safely eliminate these impurities.

If the lymphatic system gets damaged or blocked then your immune system cannot function at its optimum. As an example, a free flowing river moves unobstructed and reaches the desired destination, but if you have obstruction and the water pools and is slow moving picking up more and more debris, it may or may not get to where it needs to go and gets more and more clogged. Your lymphatic system can get this way if you do not take care of it.

There are things you can do to prevent or unclog blocked lymph nodes. You can go to a licensed massage therapist that is trained in lymph massage. *Note, lymphatic system is very close to the surface of the skin so massage is a very light pressure, almost no indentation under the skin. Too much pressure can damage the lymph system. Proper massage can increase circulation and increase blood flow and oxygen to the body increasing the bodies own defenses.

Lymphatic massage machines can penetrate under the skin, and oxygenate the system, increasing circulation, unclog blockages, help to regenerate cells and assist in smoothing out skin from wrinkles and blemishes. For a body to be in balance the lymphatic system must flow freely.

When my family member received lymph massage it was incredible. As soon as the massager was placed around the infected area, she would immediately start to drain. Her eyes would water and her nose would run and you could hear gurgling sounds in her neck. Eventually the large blockage was gone and she has had a clean bill of health now for the past 4 years.

I also saw before and after pictures of a women who had lymphedema (severe swelling in her legs). Lymph massage treatments cleared the obstruction and all the swelling in her legs went down over time to almost normal. The before and after pictures were incredible! I would have loved to meet this women but she was done long before we arrived for treatment. I still think about her sometimes.

I know lymphatic massage works because I have seen it with my own eyes. Also, a wonderful byproduct of using a lymph massage is that it can help clear up the complexion because it thoroughly oxygenates the skin and is used in salons and day spas around the county.

Whether you need assistance with a sluggish lymphatic system or you want to improve a skin condition, consider lymphatic massage.

Beauty is best if it is both inside and out!

Willie is a researcher and freelance writer whose own health problems prompted her to gain information on health and wellness and share that knowledge with others. She is co-owner of http://www.cleanbodydetox.com a site that focuses on detox through foot baths and lymph massager.

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

Incredible Method - Massage Your Way to Increased Fertility

You and your partner have been trying to have a baby for quite some time now with little success. Did you know that you can use massage as a way to increase fertility? While massage is a great way to relieve the stresses of the day, it will also allow the natural energy in your body to flow freely, thereby increasing your chances of becoming pregnant.

Traditional Chinese philosophy adheres to the principle that there is an energy that flows through your body through meridians. When these meridians are blocked it can cause the organs in your body to lose proper function. To alleviate this dilemma, acupuncture is used to open up these meridians to allow for clear energy flow. Now do not get antsy and think of acupuncture as sticking a bunch of needles into your skin - though it is the traditional method of treatment - there are other forms of acupuncture that are just as beneficial.

The use of massage to increase fertility is a form of acupuncture that you can practice on yourself or you can ask your partner to assist you in performing the treatment. Speaking to a person knowledgeable about massage therapy may be the first step in improving fertility.

Acupressure will open up the penetrating and conception vessels; which are believed to be the key channels for hormones to communicate. This mode of massage will allow more energy and blood to flow and strengthen the digestive system that will in turn produce more energy to the uterus.

One of the concepts you must keep in mind for massage to increase fertility is that it does not just involve the uterus. Clearing the meridian that involves the spleen, stomach and colon must be clear to improve blood flow which will create uterine energy. To restore fertility to allow pregnancy to occur uterine energy must be restored.

In addition, using massage to increase fertility is also a great way to relieve the stress you may feel on a daily basis. Massage is a fantastic way of rubbing out sore muscles, relaxing the body and increase blood flow throughout your whole body. And massage is a great precursor to hot sex!

Studies have shown that when your body is relaxed and the idea of becoming pregnant has been pushed out of your mind, the likelihood of becoming pregnant is greater. One of the theories is that when you take the pressure off of yourself to become pregnant you relax your body enough to allow conception to occur.

So go for it, massage your way to increased fertility, relax your body into productive energy flow and maybe your sex life will improve too. You can achieve your ultimate goal of pregnancy when you allow your body the time it needs to heal and massage is a great way to increase fertility and relax.

Are you having problems getting pregnant? Are you looking for fertility treatment, have fertility questions, or looking for books on fertility? You might well have heard about IVF and yes, it's expensive and frequently requires several treatments. It's time to learn the truth about IVF and why IVF is often useless......or even worse.

Learn about the only true and complete way to view infertility and ways to ensure your body is totally ready to conceive and changes you can make right now, to increase your chances of pregnancy by 3,000% and much, much more! Visit IncreaseFertility.info now.

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

Great Massage - Learn to Massage Pain Away

A great massage releases tension from the body, mind, and soul. It can be done in pairs as a date, or you may want to practice massaging one another. Either way, a great massage goes the distance whereas a poor one leaves you aching for no more.

What is a therapeutic massage?

From a professional stand point, if you are paying for a massage, then you should get a well balanced massage. A well balanced massage has these ingredients: the massage therapist is balanced, centered, and grounded. The massager should be completely focused on your body. Not to mention, you should be made to feel safe, special, and nurtured as your body is being rejuvenated. If you are not paying for a massage, remember these elements for they will empower you to give a great massage.

The therapeutic massage has a long history, dating back to ancient times. It has been used in such cultures as India, China, Greece, Rome, and Egypt. Its purifying effects touch the following organs in the body:

Skin
Through stimulation the pores are opened and poisons are released through perspiration.

Muscle pain
Lactic acid collected in the muscles from a rigorous work out is reduced and the tension is dissolved.

Blood circulation
The blood in the area of the body being massaged is sped up providing more nutrients. It also reduces swelling and increase the capacity of oxygen carried through the blood.

Nerves
A gentle massage with light pressure will relieve tension in the nerves increasing their overall efficiency.

The Digestive System
Massaging the abdomen stimulates the digestive system by promoting the elimination of wastes.

Urinary System
An overall body massage eliminates toxic substances from the body through urine secretion.

As you can see, a massage truly aids in ridding the body or impurities. It is a highly effective treatment for many of the body's ailments.

How do you give a good massage?

You don't have to be an expert to make someone moan with delight from a great massage. Apart from your hands, your ears and mouth will be a great asset. Listen to the person who you are massaging. They will tell you what they want. Too hard or too soft is easily remedied by asking how you are doing. With that in mind, add some baby oil, Cocoa Butter, or lotion and we will talk about giving a great massage. Working our way down the body, let's start by talking about a head and neck massage.

For a head and neck massage, you will need a chair, soft music, scented candles or incense.

1. Start with the comfy chair in the middle of a room.
2. With someone seated in the chair, use the tips of your fingers. Starting with small circles, work up the back of the neck.
3. Once you reach the back of the skull, move one hand to the forehead and leave the other one on the back of the neck.
4. Take the hand resting on the neck and gently work the part between the base of the skull and the shoulders massaging gently with the tips of the fingers.
5. With the gentlest of ease, rock the head forward and then back 3 times.
6. From behind, run the fingers of both hands across the scalp. Think about it like your shampooing hair. You'll want to contract and extend your fingers throughout the scalp pressing into the scalp with your fingertips.
7. After a few minutes of fingertip massaging, move one hand to the back of the scull. Place the other on the top of the forehead for stability. Use the palm of your hand to rub vigorously around the back of the head. You can rub in a horizontal, vertical, or circular motion. Do this for about 5 minutes working your way around the scull.
8. Now take two fingers, and ever so lightly rotate them along the temples in a circular position. If you start in a counter clockwise position, do a few rotations and then switch to clockwise. Alternate between the two rotations for a few minutes.
9. Move you fingers down the face and along the jaw line. Once you reach the ears allow your fingers to slip behind the ears to the pressure point. Press gently on the pressure point allowing your fingers to hesitate momentarily before you slide down the neck and complete the head massage.

Massaging the shoulders and back is easier to do from a laying position; however, it is achievable from a sitting position.

1. Start with a comfortable position.
2. Allow your hands to rest on the trapezius muscle or shoulders.
3. Flex your hands into the muscle squeezing gently. Follow through with the thumbs in a clockwise position pushing into the muscle.
4. Work your way down the spine. Using the tips of your fingers, press in a circular motion. Soothe with your hands, palms, forearms, or elbows to work out the tension.
5. Continue with this motion until relaxation is achieved or until one of you has had enough.

Massaging hands and feet have a similar approach. The following steps you can use for either massage.

1. Place the hand or foot in a comfortable position.
2. With both of your hands, allow them to wrap around the object you are massaging.
3. Tighten your grasp while pressing into the soft spots. For example, use the tips of your fingers to press into the palm and allow your hands to wrap around the hand offering a gentle squeeze. Think about it like your giving the hand or foot a hug with your hands. With the foot you will do the same but you will concentrate on the arch.
4. Pressing toward the kinked area, you will attempt to work the pain out using the circular approach discussed earlier. On a side note, I have found that knuckles are very helpful in digging into soar arches. Feel free to use some imagination here. You have nothing to lose but soar feet.

One last thought, it is important to remember that a great massage is designed to relax and soothe. On occasion, a great massage has been known to lead to sex. This is an interesting contradiction. A great massage will relax the body lulling it into a slumber like state whereas sexual arousal will heighten the body's senses often leaving a feeling of euphoria. So was Vincent Vega, John Travolta's character in Pulp Fiction, right when he argued with Jules, Samuel L. Jackson, that a foot massage is just a foot massage?

Well, yes and no.

If you are massaging to relax, then you probably won't be doing so with chocolate sauce. Just like if you are massaging for nookie then you won't want to put the other person to sleep with relaxing music and deep tension twisting muscle rubs.

With that in mind, be aware of what you want to achieve and remember that a great massage is an investment in tomorrow's relationship, today.

Ian Lawrence Campbell is a college student in the Miami area. He is currently pursuing a degree in psychology. In his free time he operates a romance based website at http://www.tethered-passion.com

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

Get Daily Back Pain Relief - Massage Chair Performs Deep Tissue Massage

If you suffer from constant, dull pain, muscle tension or chronic pain, then many regular massage techniques are just not effective for these conditions. In these situations a deep tissue massage may be just what the doctor ordered. A deep tissue massage penetrates beyond the superficial layers of the muscles to get to the root of the pain or discomfort. Muscles have long flexible tendons, but can breakdown and become shorter and less flexible causing pain and discomfort. A deep tissue massage seeks to elongate these tendons to restore their inherent flexibility.

In daily life muscles get exercised or stressed by our activities and begin to breakdown through time. Add injury to the equation, and now scar tissue is introduced, which is again less flexible. Therefore, to get effective relief, the massage must penetrate deeply into the muscles to help break down scar tissue and crystallization. This deep penetration helps to restore the muscles and their flexibility.

Professional athletes receive deep tissue massages on a regular basis to restore their muscles, breakdown scar tissue and increase their mobility. This is especially critical after hard training and exercise. Professional athletes have regular access to obtain deep tissue massage therapy and thus can get the full benefit of the treatment. Those of us who are not professional athletes are at a significant disadvantage, since we may not have a massage therapist at our continuous disposal.

Studies show that deep tissue is effective for relieving muscle pain, tension and anxiety. Since the daily stress on our bodies is continuous, the treatments are only truly beneficial when received on a continuous, recurring basis. A one time treatment is not a one-time cure all. To get daily pain relief, the treatment must be given with sufficient frequency. This is where a deep tissue massage chair can be a tremendous asset. There is an amazing variety of potential massage therapies to target areas for pain relief.

Technology continues to advance at a rapid pace and deep tissue massage has been integrated into many of the premier massage chair brands. Companies like Panasonic, Omega Massage and others are pushing the limits with ever more varieties massage therapies into their chairs. These massage therapies include air compression, stretching, heating elements, music therapy to name a few. Software programs control all aspects of the deep tissue massage. The program starts the massage more superficially and then gradual works deeper into the muscles working out the tightness, pain and aches.

These massage chair companies are developing therapies for persons who suffer from more chronic conditions such as chronic pain, fibromyalgia, muscle cramping and even carpal tunnel syndrome. Many new features target such areas. With air compression massage, for example, there are airbags for your hands and forearms. The program will gently squeeze, hold and then release. This gentle, repetitive action loosens the muscles, relieves aches and pains. Massage chairs can deliver full body massages from the neck to the feet.

Deep tissue massage is not for everyone. Since this massage specifically targets getting to the deep layers of the muscle, most people may feel sore the next day. This is normal as the massage has penetrated to the deeper layers to relieve tension. If this is a concern, then it is always advisable to ask your doctor if this type of massage is appropriate for you. Many health professionals are optimistic that with more studies being performed, that deep tissue massage will be shown to provide more significant benefits for chronic pain sufferers.

But remember, the effectiveness of massage therapy is obtaining it on a regular basis. Stress, tension, anxiety builds up gradually and must be relieved on a continuous basis. People who have more chronic conditions should also receive massage therapy on a continuous basis. As the damage to muscles is more severe, it takes more time for the healing process. Seek relief for your pain. A great way to do this is to see what massage chair recliners are available. There is one for every pain and every price range.

Looking to find out more about a Massage Chair Recliner with Reflexology massage? We carry the best massage chairs from Omega, Takasima, Acutec and Health Tec. Find the Best Massage Chair Recliners for your massage requirements.

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

Save Thousands on Massage Therapy With a Massage Chair

It may seem like a contradiction. How do you save money when you have to spend money? Most people look at massage chairs as luxury items. They certainly are luxury items if you really do not need the massage therapy that they can provide. On the other hand, if you do need the massage therapy that they then massage chairs can save you a significant amount of money. Many people suffer from back pain or other conditions that require medical or chiropractic treatment. We all know that health care costs continue to rise. How do you save money buying a massage chair?

If you are already receiving massage treatments, then you know that there is a lot of expense involved. You have to make an appointment. You need to drive to and from the office of the massage therapist. You need to take the time from work or other activities. You need to pay per hour of massage therapist time plus their tip. If you go to a massage therapist a few times a month, the bill could be hundreds of dollars per month. This is thousands of dollars per year.

You may already be getting treatment for an ailment that you have. Perhaps you are seeing a chiropractor. The good doctor puts you through a barrage of therapies, adjustments, exercises and more. The chiropractor is helping you to get your situation corrected. But you also need to make changes to keep those conditions from recurring. Many chiropractors use massage treatments to help their patients. If your insurance requires co-pays and other deductibles, then you may be paying hundreds per year or more.

Now, if you really need massage treatment, then you have options. You can certainly see a massage therapist. A massage therapist is definitely a great way to go, when you can afford both the time and the money. However, massage chairs are another viable alternative. These chairs range in price from $599 to $5,999 and offer a terrific range of massage therapies and full body massages.

The interesting thing is people look at massage recliners as expensive. They see the total cost of say $3,000 and they think, Wow! That is expensive for massage therapy. But they really do not look at paying $75 plus tip once a week as expensive. Let us say that a massage therapist runs $75 plus tip at $10 for a total of $85 per a one hour session. Let us assume that we visit the massage therapist once a week. How long does it take until we pay for the cost of a $3,000 massage recliner? It takes 35 weeks or 35 massage treatments.

The chair cost is equivalent to 35 hours of massage therapy performed by a massage therapist. How long are these automated recliners rated to last? The typical chair in the $3,000 range is designed for 1,000 to 2,000 hours of life. Let us take the lower number of 1,000 hours. How much does an hour of massage therapy cost on a massage chair. $3,000 divided by 1,000 gives us $3/hour of massage therapy! The best part is you do not have to pay a tip. You can pay a massage therapist $85/hour or $3/hour for a massage chair.

These chairs give you a tremendous return on your investment and lowers your massage treatment cost dramatically. Cost is just one area, convenience is another. Another huge advantage is in-home convenience and 24/7 access. No hassle making appointments or keeping them. With a massage chair, just sit yourself down and select the massage therapy of your choice. Let the massage chair work its magic. They help you to relax and relieve your aches and pains without hurting your wallet.

home convenience and 24/7 access. No hassle making appointments or keeping them. With a massage chair, just sit yourself down and select the massage therapy of your choice. Let the massage chair work its magic to help you to relax and relieve your aches and pains without hurting your wallet.

Are you looking for inexpensive massage therapy? Check out a Shiatsu Chair Recliner Browse our wide range of the Best Massage Chair Recliners from top brands Sanyo, Omega, Panasonic, Human Touch, Massagenius and many more. We have a massage chair for all your massage therapy needs.

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

Whole Body Massage With a Massage Chair Recliner

One of the most pleasurable and relaxing experiences is getting a whole body massage. All the built up tensions, anxieties and stresses start to melt away as the massage is performed. When people think of massages, they think of a massage therapist working them over little by little to calm and relaxing music. There is something very special about a massage from a trained specialist. Another effective alternative to a massage therapist is a massage chair.

Interestingly, most people think of a massage chair as a luxury. In some cases it certainly is a luxury. However, the impression people have is that massage chairs are expensive. And they are right if you only look at the price tag and not the lifetime value of the massage chair. A massage chair is actually the most cost effective massage treatment available. It can run as little as a dollar a day and no tip required. Now, most people think massage recliners just massage your back. In reality, massage chairs perform whole body massages.

Take for example, the Panasonic EP30004 Real Pro Ultra. This chair can massage your whole body and not just your back. Besides having hundreds of massage options for your back, it also can massage your arms, hands, hips, buttocks, calves and feet. The Real Pro Ultra uses an air compression massage system for the lower body which delivers a soothing and relieving lower body massage.

You do not have to go to the spa to relax, if you have the Omega Montage Premier Massage chair. The Montage Premier provides a thorough full body massage from your head to your toes. Additionally, the Montage comes with full body heat, where you can apply heat in the back, seat and the leg rest. The Montage Premier has a built in MP3 player so you can put on the included headphones and relax to your favorite music during the massage. This recliner also has a music synchronization function. This function will massage you to the rhythm of your music.

The features that are being added into massage chairs increases every year. The massage programs keep getting more varied and include many more techniques like Hawaiian, Swedish, deep tissue, shiatsu and many more. More complimentary functions are being added such as lower body traction which extends the muscles and ligaments of the lower body. The back massage rollers contain more finger-like mechanisms that replicate the movements of hands. The technology keeps advancing and coupled with software has produced a tremendous variety of massage therapies.

If you have never tried a massage chair, you definitely should. Most people are surprised at how effective it delivers massage therapy. Again, the technology keeps advancing rapidly and even chairs from a few years ago lack many of the new features that are available today. If you have not had a full body massage, then you are really in for a treat. Sometimes there is some discomfort as you start to relax your muscles that have not been touched in a long time. Let the massage penetrate deeply into the muscle tissue. This is always a good gage of your stress level to see if the massage makes squirm a little bit. This is especially true if you have not had one in a while. A whole body massage will help change your attitude and get your body reinvigorated. Let a massage chair deliver a whole body massage to you in your own home.

James is an accomplished massage therapist and understands human healing. You can visit his website at http://www.massagechairwarehouse.com and find many shiatsu massage chairs. Your health is your most important asset. Protect it with the Best Massage Chair for your holistic health. Research the premier massage chair brands from Panasonic, Omega and Sanyo. Peruse reviews, articles, massage therapy techniques and discover the best Massage Shiatsu Chair Recliner to meet your needs.

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Winter Park Massage - Learn to Relax Yourself Here

Massage therapists in Winter Park are developed most efficiently by Central Florida School of massage is what many people believe. It provides quality education that can be easily understood by the fact that their graduates have a pass rate of 96.8 percent on the national licensing examination that is far above the national average of just 69 percent. The massage school is located in Winter park and thus is at a brilliant place as well. The program at the school is designed to give the students the beautiful skills of massage to perfection so that they go on to become a wonderful massage therapist.

The options of places available for client to have massage are huge in Winter Park. At Ancient Art that is one of the best massage therapists in Winter Park, you can actually feel as if you have never been at a world so beautiful as this. State floors, rich warm colors and tickling water at every place along with the quietness of the place will steal your heart almost instantly. If you are looking for an extraordinary experience for you mind, body and soul them then you visit Ancient Art massage is what one of the visitor said after having a wonderful time out there. The client still remembers the name of his massage therapist and recalls him as jai and signifies him as an extraordinary therapist. He said that after a bit of light tough to all parts of the body the therapist went to the right parts that needed most care and the impact was exceptional.

Another client said that Craniosacral Therapy in every part of Winter Park is exceptional. Craniosacral therapy is a method that helps in detecting and correcting imbalances in the Craniosacral system. A gentle technique works on soft tissues and fluids. A sensitive and perceptive torch looks for the blocks in the area around the central nervous system. The technique used to reset the nature of the block is called Stillpoint and it allows the body to move freely. The treatment has tremendous affects and provides peace of mind and emotions.

Another very special massage is the Thermal Stone massage that gives complete relaxation. The hot and cold stone massage is an ancient technique that makes use of glassy-smooth black volcanic river stones that are heated. The massage is combined with the application of stones over the body, the face the, hands and the feet. People who have gone through the massage have often described it as dream like and you feel as if you are out of consciousness. As hot stones are used during the massage, the benefits are equally as much as the famous Swedish massage, deep tissue massage as well as the trigger point massage. However, this massage has an added benefit as well as the heat that penetrates the muscle and tendon implies deeper effect with lesser pressure. It has numerous benefits such as reduction of pain and swelling, good blood circulation and stress reduction to name a few.

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How to Give a Soothing Massage

Massage relieves stress and tension as well as give the person renewed energy. If you want to do this, you have to know how to do it.

1. The first thing you have to do is create the right atmosphere or ambiance. This means finding a cozy, quiet and warm room. You can even use aromatherapy oil or light a scented candle to make the place smell good. It is best to close the curtains so nobody will see that you are giving a massage.

2. You then prepare the massage oil. The best one to use is Jojoba oil but since this is too expensive, you can try almond oil or lavender instead.

3. The best place to give a massage if you don't have the massaging bed is on the floor. So it is not too hard to lie on, you should spread linen and then cover it over with a blanket.

4. When the room is ready, you tell the person to take off their clothes and lie in between the blanket. If the person is shy, it is okay and let them just lie down in their underwear. Make sure to cover them up to keep them warm.

5. The proper way of giving a massage is by working from right to left. So, you should sit on the right side of your partner on the thigh or between the legs.

6. You then use your flat hands to smoothly slide from the foot to the bottom on top of the back of the right leg and slide again down. Knead the right leg from the bottom to the top in 3 parts by working inwards then outward and then start over. When you are done, the same thing will be done to the opposite leg.

7. Once you are done with the legs, it is time to work on the back by placing yourself at the head facing the legs. Again, you use your flat hands to smoothly slide from head to the bottom with each hand close to the spine. Slide over the edge of the bottom to the side and then slide on the sides upwards just underneath the scapulas, you slide back and move the rest back up to the beginning of the shoulders. This should be done 3 times.

8. You then move over to one side and then use your left hand to do a full circle on their back. With your right hand, you do a half circle beginning away from your left going clockwise. This should be done very slowly, smoothly and sensitively starting at the bottom and then moving all the way up to the shoulders and the back again.

9. Now that you have finished working on the back, it is time to work on the front by letting the person lie down on their back. But before you do that, the steps taken to massage the legs should also be done on the left and right arms.

10. Next, you rub your hands and then place these slowly over your partner's eyes. This must be placed inches away from the face for about 1 to 2 minutes before you slide your thumbs from the part between the eyebrows to the point where the hair starts.

11. You place the thumbs a bit higher then move it apart. This should be repeated until you reach the beginning of the ear then you move on to the nose, cheeks, upper and lower lip.

The secret of how to give a soothing massage should come from your hands and not your eyes. If the person wants less or more pressure, be ready to respond so they get the best out of what you are giving them.

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Swedish Massage Therapy

What is Swedish massage therapy? It is a technique designed to help the muscles in the body relax by applying pressure and then rubbing it in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart.

Unlike other methods of massage therapy, this was first developed in the 18th century. It is also called the "classic massage" because it represents the Western way of relaxing those muscles.

The main purpose of the Swedish massage then and now is still the same. This is to increase the flow of oxygen in the blood so toxins are released from the muscles. These toxins include lactic and uric acid as well as metabolic waste.

When this happens, circulation is increased without increasing the heart load. The ligaments and tendons are both stretched keeping them supple and pliable. This also stimulates the skin and nervous system and soothes the nerves at the same time. As a result, stress is reduced.

There are various techniques in the Swedish massage. Some examples of these are friction, effleurage, kneading, tapping, long strokes, vibrations and shaking motions. The therapist may use the fingertips, hands or palm to achieve maximum effect and of course, a little bit of bending and stretching.

During the session, the person has to undress and lie down on the mattress. He or she is then covered with a blanket and the only time it is opened is when the therapist has to massage that region of the body with oil so this will be absorbed by the body.

If you do not feel comfortable about being nude, bring some old loose clothes because the oil may stain fabrics.

A Swedish massage usually lasts for 60 to 90 minutes. Before the session begins, the therapist may check your complexion then choose the type of oil to use based on your skin type. If ever you want to increase or decrease the pressure, just say so and the therapist will adjust accordingly.

In the room, you may hear some soothing music playing in the background as this has been known to help people unwind. If you don't like it, just tell them so they can play something else or just turn it off.

You might notice that the therapist would like to chat while working on you. Just like the music, if you don't feel like talking, just tell them. Don't worry, they won't be offended.

Lastly, some people sleep during Swedish massage therapy. Again, that is perfectly fine because it has been known to happen.

Swedish massage therapy is considered to be the foundation of other types of Western massages. This is because the principles behind it are the same as when you try sports massage, seated chair massage, hot stone therapy, deep tissue massage or aromatherapy. If you like the way you were treated, try out the others the next time you drop by.

Before going for a session, check with your doctor if it is safe for you to do. You should also avoid eating a heavy meal before going in.

Swedish massage therapy is good. Once the session is over, you will feel relaxed and invigorated. Since you will feel thirsty afterwards, you better drink up. Some places offer water while others hand out warm tea. Whenever you are ready, it is time for you to get dressed and head on home.

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Massage School - Massage Therapy Training As a Vehicle For Spiritual Awakening

As a professional training school for massage therapists, we recognize the amazing spiritual potential inherent in the body and the potency of massage therapy as an arena for the transformation of the entire being. As we progress in our exploration of working with others, we discover the inseparability of physical, emotional and spiritual healing. As we coax the muscles to soften with massage, we allow more breath, life and energy to flow through the body.

Emotions that were suppressed by the contraction of the musculature resurface and become available to consciousness for transformation. Physical relaxation can be sustained and stabilized only with the corresponding emotional integration required to tolerate increased feeling.

Massage therapists can be trained to alleviate stress, tension and physical discomfort, as well as to elicit remembrance of the pristine, untouched essence of the individual residing within the body. Students can learn to help clients remember the sacredness of who they really are, beneath the pain, tension, thoughts, emotions and changing drama of their lives.

The first aspect of a Massage Therapist's training is to acquire skill. It is essential to thoroughly master a repertoire of bodywork techniques to adeptly address a variety of situations with creative expertise and confidence. A second and equally important component of education is the commitment to self -transformation on the part the practitioner.

Knowing that it's only possible to share with others that which one has integrated within oneself, we recognize massage as an ongoing spiritual journey. The practice of massage becomes an increasingly exquisite way to reconnect with the sacred.

Our intention is to teach massage therapists to tune the subtle instrument of themselves. Students learn to become unwaveringly present, bringing the power of the infinite through their hands. They learn to love compassion, acknowledging the essential Divinity and innocence of another without denying or "taking on" their discomfort.

They develop the intuition to catapult their skills beyond the limits of technique.

They transmit with their presence an invitation to a deeper encounter with life, a trust and delight in the sacred unknowable unfoldment of each moment, gleaned from the palpable integration of their own inner work. Ultimately, they cultivate the ability to just BE with another person. Not to fix, heal, alter, advise or rescue them, but simply to be present and provide a safe space in which they can rediscover themselves.

All of these qualities are cultivatable and indispensable in the training of a professional massage therapist. If you are considering a career in bodywork or healing, be sure your training provides you with a strong holistic foundation on which to build a lifetime of fulfilling work.

By Vajra Matusow Diamond Light School of Massage & Healing Arts http://www.diamondlight.net PO Box 2110 San Anselmo, CA 94979 415-454-6651 Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vajra_Matusow

Massage Technique - Percussion Movements or Tapotement

Description

Percussion movements (tapotement) involve a series of light, brisk, striking actions applied with alternate hands in rapid succession. Two of the main percussion strokes are cupping and hacking; they may be performed on many areas of the body, although they are especially effective when used on fleshy and large muscular areas of the body such as the thighs. Other tapotement movements include flicking, beating and pounding. When performing tapotement movements the action originates from the wrists and not from the elbows or shoulders, which remain still throughout. Many beginners make the mistake of practising percussion movements from the elbows and shoulders, resulting in frustration and clumsiness.

Cupping is performed with your palms facing downwards, forming a hollow curve. It is sometimes known as 'clapping'. As you bring your cupped hands down on to the body in quick succession, a vacuum is created which is released when you bring your hands up. The sound should be hollow like a horse trotting. Listen for the sound.

Hacking is probably the best-known massage stroke since it is the movement almost always shown in films. It is achieved with the edge of the hands (the ulnar border). Hold your hands over body with the palms facing each other, the thumbs uppermost. Flick your hands rhythmically up and down in rapid succession. Use these movements at the end a massage to wake the person up! Obviously, if you are trying to relax someone totally hacking may be omitted altogether. If you are nervous about using these movements, practise them first on a cushion or a pillow placed on your lap.

Flicking is a movement similar to hacking and is often described as 'finger hacking'. To perform this movement flex your wrists slightly and bring only the sides of your little fingers into contact with the body (not the edge of the hands as well). Flicking is a much lighter, softer movement than the usual hacking movement.

Beating and pounding movements are both applied with your hands in a closed position with your fists lightly clenched. Beating is performed with the ulnar border (little finger side) of the closed fists, whereas in pounding the palmar surface of the hands are employed. The closed fists are applied to the body in quick succession.

Benefits

• Percussion movements are very stimulating. Tapotement is extremely useful for athletes before an event.
• As the blood is drawn to the surface the circulation is improved.
• Cupping is beneficial when performed over the upper and middle back area as it loosens mucus in the lungs aiding expectoration.
• Percussion movements are also valuable in inducing muscle tone as well as strengthening muscles since they stimulate the muscle to contract.
• They are also useful in reducing fatty deposits and flabby muscle areas and are often used over the buttocks and thighs.
• Gentle tapotement given over the abdomen increases peristalsis, thereby aiding conditions such as constipation.

Errors to avoid

• Make sure that when cupping, your hands are really cupped - otherwise a smacking sound will be heard, which is stinging and painful.
• When hacking do not tense up the fingers of your hands or the movement will feel like a karate chop.
• Keep your hands relaxed and loose and ensure that the movements are coming from the wrist. Keep your elbows tucked closely in; if you use your elbows and shoulders you will be exhausted quickly.
• These strokes must not be performed over the bony areas ­ they will hurt.
• Try not to concentrate on the strokes, otherwise you may lose the rhythm.

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Massage Technique - Vibration and Shaking

Description

Vibration is a fine, gentle trembling movement of the tissues which is performed by your hand or fingers. Shaking is a large: movement performed more vigorously.

To perform vibration place the palmar surface of your hand on the part of the body or the limb to be treated. Vibrate the entire muscle area rapidly. The movement may either be gentle, in which case it is known as 'vibration', or vigorous, which is referred to as 'shaking'. Gentle vibration can be performed using just the fingertips along the course of a nerve.

Benefits

Vibration along the course of a nerve is helpful for restoring and maintaining the functions of a nerve and the muscles supplied by them, thereby improving their nutrition. It is particularly useful in cases of paralysis or where there is loss of nerve power.

Vibrating and shaking can be performed on the abdominal area to aid digestion and relieve flatulence. It can be used to promote tone in the colon and to combat constipation.

Vibration and shaking over the thoracic area and chest is particularly beneficial for respiratory problems such as asthma, sometimes in combination with the tapotement movements.

Errors to avoid

• Do not perform vibration and shaking where there is inflammation.
• Do not apply too much pressure.

Exercises for your hands

• It is essential to exercise your hands in order to improve flexibility, increase strength, heighten sensitivity and achieve an expert touch.
• To increase flexibility and strength
• Hold a small rubber ball in your hand and squeeze and relax your fingers around the ball repeatedly. Now exercise the other hand in the same way.
• Gently pull and stretch out the thumb and fingers of each hand one by one. Then circle each one carefully.
• Place your hands face down and shake them out from the wrists as loosely and as rapidly as possible.
• With fingers relaxed, circle both wrists clockwise and anticlockwise. You can also perform this movement with your fists clenched.
• With hands relaxed, bend each joint and slowly close each hand into a fist with the thumb outside the fingers. You can also perform this movement rapidly ensuring that a fist is made each time.
• Throw out your fingers so that they are separated and extended as far as possible. Repeat at least ten times.
• Tuck your elbows closely into your waist and rotate your loose wrists and forearms quickly in both directions.
• Place the palms of your hands together in a prayer position. Rapidly rub your hands together in a backwards and forwards motion. Notice the heat produced by this movement.
• Practise hacking and cupping on a cushion, remembering to keep your elbows closely tucked in and gradually building up speed.

To increase sensitivity

Bring the palms of your hands close to each other so that they are almost touching. Close your eyes and take note of unusual sensations such as tingling, heat, vibrations or pulsation. Now slowly separate your hands until they are about 5 cm (2 inches) apart. Then return them to the original position and again note any sensations. Now expand the gap to about 10 cm (4 inches) and then to 15 em (6 inches), all the time observing any reactions.

Ask a partner to sit opposite you. Place your hands approximately 5 cm (3 inches) away from his or her body, starting at the head. Move your hands slowly and steadily down the body to scan the energy field. You may feel temperature changes, tingling, vibrations, pulsations or electric shock type sensations. Repeat this exercise with your hands about 20 cm (8 inches) away from the person to be scanned.

Place a coin under a magazine and with your eyes closed try to find the coin by careful palpation of the upper surface of the magazine. If this is too difficult at first, place the coin under a few sheets of paper and then try to sense its position. Gradually increase the thickness of the barrier between your fingers and the coin until you can find the coin under a telephone directory!

Place a human hair under a piece of paper and with your eyes closed try to sense it under the page. Once you can do this easily, place the hair under several pages and repeat the exercise.

Place a selection of objects made of different materials (e.g. clay, rubber, plastic, metal, wood) in front of you. With your eyes closed pick up each one in turn and feel the different shapes, texture and flexibility of each item.

Sit opposite a partner at a table. Ask your partner to rest one or both arms in a relaxed position on the table. Place one of your hands on to your partner's forearm and the other hand on the table. Focus your attention on what you are feeling. Sense the contrast between living tissue and non-living. You may even feel your hand being 'drawn' towards a certain area of the forearm, wrist or upper arm - if there has been an injury at some time this will still manifest in the tissues.

When performing these exercises ensure that you concentrate fully and use light and slow pressure to get maximum sensory input. Relax your hands as much as possible - rigid, hard hands are not nearly as effective.

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