Time at a Day Spa Retreat

There are many opportunities to learn about how a person's body will react to the different therapeutic options that can offer new life to the mind and soul as well as cleansing and enhancing the body to give it back a head start in the real world.

A spa retreat can give many benefits enhancing all kinds of human powers such as imagination and creativity as well as the ability for study and concentration. A spa retreat is a place of total relaxation, a place of rest and rejuvenation that can put a body back into its correct working order.

For example as many people know yoga is a very helpful healer of both the body and the brain and each year it gains new followers. A spa retreat is a good place to begin to delve into the magic and mysteries of yoga as people have time to consider new alternative exercise regimes that can continue to give great benefits even when the visit to the spa retreat has ended.

A day at a spa retreat can offer all kinds of specialized therapies to aid in the total relaxation of stressed bodies that are tired from coping with work or just the problems of everyday life.

Of course each spa offers its own exotic menu of treatments and facilities, some unusual some the backbone of personal well being. The pampering facilities should include such indulgencies as pedicures and manicures as well as facial treatments body wraps and one of the many types of therapeutic massage.

Other features would include more body and mind assistance in the form of aromatherapy or reflexology. The spa's each also have their own particular style, most would always provide the necessities such as sandals or slippers as well as good quality towels and a fluffy warm soft robe.

Detoxing is another popular experience that takes several forms including the use of seaweed as a body wrap to draw out any toxins in the body. Removing toxins is a great way to relieve fatigue and positively affect many body functions including circulation of the blood.

European style facial treatments will help to soothe and re-hydrate the skin as a way of pushing back the aging process. Facials are often combined with therapeutic massages or a full body scrub and the use of aromatic oils to ease tired limbs and muscles.

A day spent at a spa retreat can make a new person of a visitor, or bring out the less tired, aching and stress person still lurking somewhere inside the tired exterior.

Darrell F writing about relaxing at a spa retreat - spas in Chester and hotels in Chester with spa relaxation facilities.

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

Sports Massage Therapy - Fitness, Health, and Relaxation

People are now more conscious about their health more than ever. While the rise of information about diseases progresses, people are becoming more and more aware of the effects of sedentary living in their bodies. Of course, looking better by having fitter body counts too. This is the reason why despite the busy times, a great number of individuals still find the time and means to flock the gym in order to trim some fats from their system and to tone their physique.

While some prefer the good old gym, others find the routines with the machines boring and opt to be involved in sports instead. A fast game of badminton or tennis with your partner or a sweaty basketball match with your colleagues after office hours or during weekends certainly sounds more fun than running on the treadmill by yourself. Sports gives you a chance to have fun and bond with the people you love while keeping your belly from getting flabby.

The problem is you might experience soreness in the different parts of your body after playing a game or hitting the gym. This is very common, especially for those who haven't been physically active for a while. A good sports massage therapy can help loosen those muscles and keep you in top shape for the next day's activity. You don't want to be all sore and whiny at the office the next day while you try to beat your deadlines, do you?

Getting a massage not only helps you with those achy muscles, but it also improves blood circulation and it helps you relax. In fact, there are people who consider massage as a form of natural healing. It relieves the stress brought by your daily activities and has no side effects. Best of all, it is something anyone can learn.

Of course spas are swarming all over the country nowadays, but learning sports massage therapy is also beneficial for you. Not only can this be a source of income, but it is also something you can share with the people who are dear to you. There's nothing like a good massage for your partner during your honeymoon or just on any ordinary day when you want him/her to feel special. The truth is, some people are considering massages as one of the most romantic gifts someone can give.

So next time you and your partner hit the gym or play some sport together, you may try giving him/her some sports massage therapy afterwards. Not only will it relieve his/her stress, it will also bring you closer.

Aloha Massage School of Massage Therapy serving Haiku, Makawao, Kahului, Kihei, in Maui, HI. We offer a professional 600 hour training in massage therapy. You will learn Lomi Lomi, Shiatsu, Swedish Massage Techniques , reflexology and so much more. We can be reached at (808) 871-9966

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

Stressful Times Keep Chair Massage Therapists Busy

Office massage, once considered a luxury, is gaining in popularity among over-stressed professionals who are working harder due to corporate downsizing and who are experiencing increased injury and illness as a result. Therapeutic massage is a proven method to alleviate stress and physical discomfort, and is becoming more popular among companies trying to keep absenteeism at bay. Rising unemployment and the deteriorating economic situation in the United States coupled with election year politics is causing a surge in anxiety for millions of Americans. The associated rise in feelings of irritability, depression and sleeplessness are helping to increase the demand for corporate massage, even in tough economic times.

The 12th annual consumer survey conducted by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), released in August 2008, shows that nearly 60% of Americans feel more stressed than last year. The study confirmed that stress is one of the top reasons for getting a massage and that the increased demand for massage occurred in both higher and lower income brackets. Doctors who were queried said they were referring patients to massage therapists at an increasing rate, which points to the medical community's increased awareness of the physical, emotional and cost effective benefits of therapeutic massage.

Corporate massage is being integrated into employee wellness programs as well as an incentive or as a reward for hard work. Heavy workloads make finding time for off-site stress relief a difficult task, and many professionals are unable to travel to a spa or dedicate the hour or more that a traditional massage requires. A chair massage is an ideal solution, because it imparts healing benefits in a short session and is performed on site, without the need for oils or for the client to disrobe. Clients of chair massage experience a release of tension, improved mobility, lowered blood pressure, and improved emotional status, which can be considered a significant benefit for employers through a marked decrease in sick days.

In a tough economic climate, Americans are finding it necessary to cut back and re-prioritize, and companies are searching for ways to reduce their bottom line. For workers who do not receive corporate massage through their employer, it is important to keep personal health at the top of their agenda. For less than a night out at the movies or dinner at a restaurant, a Chicago chair massage can provide important and lasting health benefits to those who need it most.

Brandon Thomas is a nationally certified massage therapist and founder of JoyLife Therapeutics. JoyLife Therapeutics provides chair massage, corporate massage, office massage, special event and trade show massage throughout the US.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brandon_J._Thomas

Tags : massage , chair massage , therapists , spas

Professional Massage Therapy Schools

There are numerous massage therapy schools that can be found the world over. In this day and age, these schools have the ability to conduct their classes at their campuses or through virtual classes online. The massage therapy classes may be full time or part time, and as a student, you pick whichever works best for your lifestyle.

The massage therapy classes are in various levels, starting from beginner to advanced levels. Most schools will start their classes with the assumption that the student is completely green and has no or limited experience in massage therapy. The beginner classes offered provide an introduction to the basics of massage therapy and its effects on our daily lives.

The students are shown the different techniques used in massage therapy and they practice these techniques. As they gain confidence and as they progress, the practical classes will improve as this is the best way to fully master the craft, as well as master the different techniques of massage. Students in Massage therapy schools are also advised on the use of aromatherapy essential oils. They are also taught the different uses and safety precautions for using these oils on the skin.

To better understand how massage therapy schools work, you can pick an open day or short course that you can use to get a feel for the classes. On successful completion of the course, the student receives a diploma or certificate. This opens many doors of opportunity in the business and corporate world for the determined graduate.

Peter Gitundu Researches And Reports On Massage. For More Information On massage therapy schools, Visit His Site At MASSAGE THERAPY SCHOOLS. You Can Also Post Your Views About massage therapy schools On My Blog Here MASSAGE THERAPY SCHOOLS

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

Massage Therapy in Stoney Creek Ontario

Stoney Creek may not be the biggest city or even known by many outside of southern Ontario. Yet with two schools and a number of practicing therapists, massage therapy in Stoney Creek Ontario is quickly gaining a strong reputation within the massage therapy community.

Stoney Creek is a community of the city of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. It is located within the Golden Horseshoe, which is attached to Lake Ontario. Stoney Creek is also considered a part of the Niagara Escarpment. The population of the community is approximately 60,000. Stoney Creek is considered by some to be a commuter town, as it is close to downtown Hamilton and within forty-five minutes to downtown Toronto.

The city itself has a number of massage therapists due to its influx of graduated students and the communities large number of commuters. The local phone book contains over fifty results for spas and massage businesses, along with a number of at home services.

Surprisingly for a town of its small size Stoney Creek has two different massage therapy schools. This is interesting since the province on Ontario and the CMTO (College of Massage Therapists of Ontario) have only certified approximately twenty-five schools throughout the entire province for massage therapy training. The two schools that offer the course consist of Mohawk College, which is a more tradition governmental aided college. The second is the Ontario College of Health and Technology, which is a private school. Think of the Devry commercials, that is the type of school that the Ontario College of Health and Technology is.

Both of the these schools will take you to the same place however, which is a three part test that is held at different times of the year in the capital of Ontario, which is Toronto. Students need to complete a CMTO outlined course, which is what both of these schools teach.

You can find out more information about the course for Massage Therapy in Stoney Creek or you can locate a Massage Therapy Job in Stoney Creek via our website, massage therapy ontario.

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

How To Do Self Massage To Relax Yourself

Massage is a simple and natural way to attain and maintain good health and wellbeing. It helps to ease headache, insomnia, aches and pains, tension and stress. It improves circulation, aids digestion, relaxes muscles and speeds up the elimination of waste products.


You can easily learn to massage yourself. You can use self massage to energize yourself after a heavy work schedule or an outdoor journey. Use massage oil if you are massaging on bare skin to decrease the friction created on the skin and to prevent the pulling of hair.


Self massage - Face

1. Stroke all over your face and forehead.
2. Massage your temples with the fingertips of both hands.
3. Gently smooth over your eyelids from the inner to outer corners with your thumbs.
4. Press with your thumbs just below the inner eyebrow corner. Release then repeats. Do this three or four time.
5. Stroke down the side of your face to the jawline.
6. Pinch all along your jawline from ear to ear.
7. Finish face by repeating step 1.


Self massage - Chest

1. Still lying down massage up from between your ribs across to your shoulders
2. Gently press along your collarbone with your fingertips.
3. Stroke down between your breasts and out to the sides across the rib cage.


Self massage - Tummy

1. Stroke down from the solar plexus hand behind hand to your navel.
2. Stroke down from the solar plexus tracing your rib cage to your waistline with both hands.
3. With hands reinforced ‘iron’ in circle all over the abdomen with even pressure.
4. Squeeze up each side from your hipbones past your waist.
5. Rub backwards and forwards across your lower abdomen.
6. Repeat step 1.


Self massage - Shoulders and neck

1. Lying down massage across your upper chest and across and round your shoulders.
2. Turn your head to one side and work up your neck with your hand cupped. Repeat several times on both sides.
3. Work up between your shoulder blades to the base of your skull. Repeat several times.


Self massage - Legs

Sit on the floor with your legs out stretched. Bend your right leg at the knee.

1. Effleurage the front, then back, of your lower leg several times.
2. Friction rubs briskly up and down all over the front and back of the lower leg. You’ll soon feel the warmth this produces as it really whips up your circulation.
3. Work on the knee as in the step-by-step massage.
4. Lower your leg then effleurage the thigh.
5. Quickly rake up the thigh with your fingertips using both hands. This increases the circulation.
6. Squeeze and release along the inner thigh then the outer thigh.
7. Do diagonal stroking as in the step-by-step massage.
8. Finish with effleurage. Repeat on the other leg.


Self massage - Hips and buttocks

Lie on one side with your knees bent.

1. Stroke round from your hipbone to your coccyx (sitting bone) then down and round the buttock before finishing at the hip.
2. Squeeze and release on the buttock to improve circulation and tone muscle
3. Gently pinch all over buttocks
4. Finish by stroking the whole area.


Self massage - Back

You will need to sit upright for this one!

1. Reach around with both hands and starting below the waist work up as far as you can.
2. Try thumb pressures on your spine, if you can reach having your fingers pointing forwards. Pressing the lower back and sacrum (top of buttocks) area really relieves backache.
3. Alternatively try using a wooden back massage roller or wriggle around with your back against a rolling pin.


Self massage – Scalp

1. Massage your scalp as if shampooing your hair.
2. Lock your fingers on to your scalp and move it over your skull. These movements increase the blood circulation and done regularly will improve the condition of your hair.
3. Gently tug sections of your hair all over your head. Finish your self massage by lying down completely relaxing hands open at your sides and breathing deeply for a minute or two. Depending on which oil you have chosen you will feel deeply relaxed may be a little sleepy or invigorated and energized.

By: Nick Mutt

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Unique Form of Massage Therapy - Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is unique form of message therapy because it utilizes unique essential and aromatic oils during the therapy session. During any single session the therapist may choose one or more from a selection of over 90 aromatherapy essential oils. These essential oils have been used for centuries to promote psychological and physical benefits to the body.

Many of the bases used during the aroma therapy sessions include natural ingredients such as dried herbs, milk powders, hydrosols, sea salts, sugars, clays, and even mud baths. Using synthetic ingredients is generally frowned upon.

Aroma therapy techniques are widely practiced in both the United States and across Europe. Normally they are integrated right into other holistic treatments. In addition to the application of essential oil products, aromatherapy can also include candles, bath salts, massage oils, and even rubs which can all be used in your home.

Home treatment kits can be purchased or you can make your own. These usually include massage oils, essential oils, bath salts, lotion bases, candles, and diffusers. Most of the products come in very small bottles or jars and can be easily stored in a small sealed box. The bottles should all be labeled and it would be a great idea to purchase a book to go with your kit. If you are not familiar with a particular product you can always research it. Reference guides are kept near essential oil display shelves and can easily be found online. Most stores have tester bottles left out for customers to smell or try.

You do not need to use very much of the oils to achieve great results. Essential oils are extremely concentrated forms and they do need to be diluted before using them. You will only need to add between 2 to 10 drops of the oils to your application methods, massage oils, lotions, candles, diffusers, bath water, etc. You may even hold your head over a steaming bowl of water or create a tent effect with a towel. Simply inhale the fumes. Oils can also be added to baths, your favorite lotion, compresses, room diffusers, or diluted with light olive oil and misted onto or applied to the skin.

Aromatherapy is not designed to cure any type of illness it is only designed to alleviate symptoms and promote relaxation. It has been known to aid in the relief of minor problems. Before you try aroma therapy you should consult with your doctor.

If you do decide to utilize the services of a massage therapist, talk to the practitioner before you begin your session and discuss your medical history and any current conditions. This vital information will help hem select the best essential oils to be used in your treatments session.

Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use aromatherapy as a treatment. Many of the essential oils may be harmful to the fetal development or nursing baby and many more have unknown side effect to infants.

If you wish to learn more about aroma therapy, there are many websites which provide valuable information. If you would like a deeper understanding, simply purchase a reference guide and study materials or take some classes at your local adult Ed or community college. There are some online courses available.

Aromatherapy is thought to aid people psychologically and physically because the scents can alter brain chemistry to produce desired effects. These effects may bring therapeutic relief according to the oils used and the person's body and brain chemistry. One example is eucalyptus oil, which helps to alleviate congestion in some people. Lavender also aids others to relax and helps to detoxify.

The oils can be inhaled or applied to the skin. When they are applied to the skin they are instantly absorbed into the blood stream and become an aid in certain health and beauty applications.

If you take classes to learn more about aroma therapy you can expect them to be a little pricey. Single day classes which give a good basic overview can usually cost about $75 to $125. To become certified in aromatherapy you can expect initial introductory classes to start at about $500. These classes include books and tuition, but sometimes not the oils. These classes teach more about mixing oils and creating different products as well as applications for ailments.

Visit Joseph Nyamache blog about how to buy web domain names that you can keep for business use or sell for a profit.

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

Massaging Oils - The Smooth Secret to Better Massage

So you read a book on Massage and you're ready to try it out tonight on your girlfriend. The techniques are fresh in your mind and you want to do a good job to help your partner relax a little. Well, there is something else you should do first. You should get a selection of Massaging oils ready to use. If you haven't used them before, don't worry, it's not that hard to find them. If you are lucky, and live in a large metropolitan area, go to the large retail stores like Wal-Mart or K-Mart perhaps. Sometimes they have pre-mixed oils for massage. If not, they have a selection of fragrances and essential oils in the Women's Department. Try something you like. You can make your own massage oils by using an essential oil to add scent to your base massaging oil. There are two kinds of oils commonly used in Massage.

The first kind is a mineral oil. These oils are readily available at large Drug Stores. The other kind, my personal favorite, is a regular vegetable oil. Take your pick of olive oil, safflower oil, whichever you feel the most comfortable with. My favorite is safflower oil. To give it a scent, I get oil of clove from my local CVS drug store. But you can use any scent that you like . Some suggestions are Patchouli oil, Cinnamon oil or a delightful one from India, I think. It's called Frangipani. Go to the Cosmetics area of the big Drug Stores and get a few plastic squeeze bottles with a narrow hole on top. Use these to dispense the oil into your hands. You should never, as a rule, squirt the oil directly on your partner. Always put it in your palm, first. Then rub your hands together a few times to spread the oil and to warm it up. You want this to be a sensory experience to remember, not a shock.

Now that you have your oils prepared. There are a few tips to mention here. If you are doing a whole body massage and will use a lot of oil, then it's a good idea to prepare two bottles of oil for each of the scents you have chosen. The reason? well, think about it. If you are moving back and forth over a large area, as you do with a whole body massage, you will save unneccesary going back and forth trying to get the bottle that somehow is always at the other end of your partner. When you start a massage, you should try to maintain contact with your partner all the way through the massage. If you have to stop to get the bottle, it can be awkward and sometimes unsettling. So use two of each to prevent that. Also, don't use too much oil at once. A teaspoon at a time should be enough for a fairly large spot to massage. If you need more, like for example, massaging a hairy back or chest, apply more in small amounts. There should not be any pooling of oil on the one being massaged. Don't pour the oil into your palm over your partner, do it by their side. You can still maintain contact with your partner with the under part of your forearm or maybe an elbow.

When you are done, and you can hear the smile of your partner, ask him or her to give you a massage, also. First, you will love it. Second, you will be able to feel what works best and how light or heavy to rub. It will give you insight into your next venture into the world of massage.

I want to take the time, here, to point out that I am not a licensed masseuse. I am not a professional. I do, however, consider myself a gifted amateur and someone who loves to be massaged, too. So, be cautious at first, until you learn a little about what your partner likes and how hard to rub. It's not that hard and it feels great. In some cases, it's even a health benefit to the object of your massage. And one other thing, your pets love to be massaged, too!

Willam Wyndham Wyatt is looking to change the world one reader at a time. He knows it's a hopeless goal, but that is his quest, to follow that star, no matter how hopeless, no matter-well, you get the idea. People have gotten lost in their desire to fit in to a broken society, in his view. They are to blame and society itself is to blame. Question is, can we find our way back? He believes we can, and sooner or later, we will. He just doesn't want it to be later. Read on and find your way back!

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