Massage Therapy Benefits and Tips

Everyday the human body is bombarded with the stresses placed on it just living life. Finding a healthy solution to combat that attack is vital to the body's ability to function at optimal level. One solution that is proving to provide a multitude of therapeutic benefits is massage therapy. Perhaps this could be the healing touch you have been looking for.

Should You Try Massage Therapy?
If you have been thinking about whether or not to include massage therapy as a part of your healthcare regimen, then you are not alone. A growing number of people are turning to massage therapy as a natural alternative in reducing mental stress as well as musculoskeletal discomfort. Research continues to show the tremendous benefits of touch.

Just because massage can seem like an indulging treat does not mean it is any less therapeutic. Enthusiasts use massage for a number of benefits - which can range anywhere from merely alleviating tension, rehabilitating injuries, neurological disorders, to actually treating chronic diseases. As a result, the medical community has become proactive in the integration of massage therapy as part of many recovery processes.

Disease and Illness Benefits
Introducing massage therapy into one's healthcare regimen can be a powerful ally in the fight again disease and illness. We all know that stress and negative emotions play a key role in the detrimental effects on the body's health. Many theories explain how massage therapy can aide the body's ability to actually heal itself.

Through a group of manual techniques derived from the scientific manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, massage therapy is believed to be a healing touch that can positively affect one's immune system. The flow of blood and lymph are stimulated, which is the body's natural defense system. If that is not enough, massage also helps with the removal of toxins, another vital step towards optimal health.

Massage and Therapeutic Benefits
Although the most common therapeutic uses of massage therapy are to reduce stiffness and release stress, many practitioners utilize multiple techniques of the more than 250 variation of massage and its related touch therapies to profoundly effect physiological and chemical changes throughout the body. Research shows that with massage, patients with high blood pressure showed lower diastolic blood pressure, anxiety and stress hormones.

Patients suffering from arthritis noted less stiffness and pain resulting in fewer aches. Better pulmonary function and increased peak air flow were benefits noted for asthmatic children. Water retention and cramping decreased for sufferers of premenstrual syndrome. Patients with burn injuries reported less pain, itching and anxiety. Premature babies even demonstrated improved weight gain. Massage therapy may also be effective for back pain, headache control, carpal tunnel syndrome, and to alleviate the side effects of many diseases.

Massage and Sports
Within the "sports community", massage therapy has become a vital component of the training program to help optimize the athletes' performance. Athletes as well as those in the movement arts (such as dancers and skaters) take advantage of the massage therapy benefits to help keep their bodies fine-tuned. Because of the high demand placed on the body, the body is susceptible to much stress and possible injury. Sports massage therapy can play an integral role in the prevention or rehabilitation of these injuries.

Wondering whether or not massage therapy would benefit you? Find out more about Massage Therapy

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Partner Massage - How to Achieve a Head Massage

Persons believe that of all the massage strategies out there, a head massage is the most calming, the most comforting and the most reinvigorating encounter. This should turn out as no revelation as the head is most of the time recognized as the sanctuary of the body. The head, after all , accommodates the mind, and the mind is accountable for ever bodily task, each physical encounter , each mental activity and each empirical consequence we have to live with.

Certainly, there is no refuting the truth that if you like to ease your companion of the pressure and the pains and the exhaustion she faced from her day, a head massage is the best means to go.

The dilemma is, not each one is well versed with the skill of the head massage.

Don't worry just yet, however. Here's a truth you should understand : a head massage is one of the most effortless massage strategies you can do.

How?

Just obey the list of tips.

1. Make your companion recline. Hold her head using your palms and fingers. Once she's resolved on such a point, you'd see your hands having complete hold on her head. This should act as your number one stance.

2. Put your hands above her forehead, using your thumbs on the core of the same portion. Press the core of her temple using your thumbs, while your remaining fingers massage the ends of her head. This must offer a calming yet refreshing feeling for your spouse. Execute this for 5 minutes.

3. For the second phase, put each and every of your fingers on top of her scalp. Massage her head by caressing her hair using your fingers in a method that imitates shaping of rice pudding. All of your fingers will be in force to guarantee that you will encompass a big area of your spouse's head. Make this for about 3 minutes.

4. With of the same finger movements described above, stroke your spouse's hair from the external contours of her head to the center of her scalp. Do this with the correct total energy as necessary. Keep with this for about 3 minutes.

5. Most of the time, you will have some open fingers. Use these to explore other sections of your spouse's head, specifically the ends of the head and the lower portion of the ear. These are receptive sections that are identified to stimulate relaxation from your subject.

To Master The Skills Of Partner Massage In Just One Day Click Here.

Troy is a practitioner of alternative therapy and publisher. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Troy_P_Saunders

Massage Therapy Spas - Relax and Renew Your Body and Mind

Thinking about the word massage makes most people feel instantly relaxed. Thinking of a day at the spa creates wonderful relaxing thoughts and imagery of being pampered and surrounded by relaxing music, wonderful aromatherapy smells and the relaxation of treating yourself. Think about the two combined and that is what you will experience and find in a massage therapy spa. The combination of massage therapy with the luxurious and serene environment of a spa can truly leave anyone feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. There is no doubt that regularly having massage therapy can be not only relaxing, but also can be very beneficial and rewarding to the body and mind.

When you have regular massage therapy, it can truly help to rid your body of toxins and help relax the tight or painful muscles in your body. Going to the day spa has plenty of health benefits as well and can leave you feeling relaxed, renewed and like a new person. There are many spas that offer massage therapy in about any corner of the world. No matter where you live, there is bound to be a day spa and massage therapy nearby.

If you have never been to a spa and are wondering what is offered and what treatments can await you - you may be pleasantly surprised to know that there are many different services and products available to treat your body and mind to a relaxing and healthy experience. Some of the most popular treatments and services that you can find in a day spa include facial treatments, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, wrinkle treatments, acne treatments, body scrubs, body wraps, manicures, pedicures and massage therapy. In addition to the individual services that are offered in most massage therapy spas, there are usually variations that can be specialized to your unique needs.

Most day spas use all natural products that include aromatherapy oils, body products and facial products. You can also enjoy a nice herbal steam shower and relaxing dip in a hot tub. If you are looking for a combination of services and treatments, you can combine different treatments to get a truly wonderful spa experience. If you are in need of a vacation but can not afford to get away on a tropical getaway, you can get the same benefits and relaxation by taking a trip to a day spa or health resort that offers massage therapy. Try a reflexology session if you want to truly feel relaxed and relieved of tension.

Most people find themselves under a moderate amount of stress on a regular basis and one of the best ways to relax and feel better is to go to a massage therapy spa and experience what it feels like to be pampered and feel renewed. Whether you have a whole weekend to spend at the spa, or a few hours - you can still feel the benefits of health and relaxation that awaits you at a massage therapy spa.

Melanie Vasseur is a renowned chemist, esthetician and the founder of Vasseur Skin Care. For more skin care tips and information visit http://www.vsskin.com or call 619-236-9095.

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Make the Most of Your Time With Massage Chairs

No matter which part of the world you are living in, the need to excel and that too on an international level, has become an absolute must. If you are not an international player, you are losing out to your competitors in a major way. But amidst all the stress and work pressure, it is your body that is getting tired and worn out handling all the pressures. The upcoming industry of masseuse and massage chairs is probably the answer to this rising problem.

The massage chairs or a visit to a massage parlor is now a growing trend, especially among the young professionals and executives. After slogging out the whole week for almost 20 hours each day, working professionals are left too enervated in the weekend to enjoy their favorite activities. This takes away all the fun and happiness away from life.

But now there is a way to bring back joy into the lives that were devoid of happiness. And the answer is complete body massage with the help of massage chairs. Buying a massage chair may appear quite a bit of luxury on the face of it. But if you think carefully, it is as good as spending money in some modest spa or massage centre for a whole year.

On the contrary, there is much that you can save when you invest in massage chairs. Not only you save the cost of visiting a spa on a regular basis, but you can also protect your time by a great margin. You can enjoy the same treatment and pampering right at your home or office and that too whenever you want to. This way you can enjoy a good massage every day of your life and get rejuvenated every day or every night. So wish yourself a good morning each new day, by enjoying the service of your own massage chairs every night before.

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Thai Massage School For Those Who Want to Learn Thai Massage

It is important to find ways to scrimp and save without entirely eliminating the very thing that helps us cope with the stress of daily living. Getting a massage, specifically a Thai massage, costs very minimal but rewards us greatly. Shopping can create a dent in our savings. Going on a vacation can be very stressful and very expensive. But not with massages as we can still squeeze a massage into the monthly budget. Or maybe once every two months if the budget is too tight to have it every month. The important thing is not to deprive oneself of a good thing.

Having a Thai massage is definitely a great thing because it is effective and unique. Although, the one who is administering the massage to you should have gained his or her training at a reputable Thai Massage School. It is very critical that he or she has finished the course and the training. It can be very dangerous to the client, if the one who does the Thai Massage does not even know what he or she is doing.

Thai massage encompasses all parts of the body starting with the feet up to the head. It is critical that the masseuse knows the art of Thai massage because of the healing benefits it gives to the recipient as well. A Thai Massage is not only used for therapy to rid us of the body aches and pains but it heals the mental well-being. Aside from that, it helps detoxify the body and it strengthens the immune system. It helps increase blood circulation and it lowers blood pressure. It improves the breathing, the posture and the equilibrium. Some can even attest that it can slow the aging process which is why it is not really a surprise that Thai Massage is the most requested massage amongst all other kinds of massages.

Cheryl Forbes owns and operates the website http://www.thai-massage-schools.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cheryl_Forbes

The Right Way to Receive a Massage

What is the proper way to go about receiving a massage?

1. Answer all questions about your health honestly and completely. Discuss problem areas needing extra attention. Mention medical conditions (high blood pressure, heart problems, chronic headaches, varicose veins, etc), any recent injuries, or recent surgery.

2. Most therapeutic massage may be received with the body completely unclothed or wearing only underwear bottoms. Your body covered with a sheet (and blanket, if desired) except for the area being massaged. If this is not comfortable for you, let the therapist know and bring a swimsuit to wear.

3. Shower up prior to your appointment.

4. Conversation can be distracting to you and the therapist. Give feedback. Ask any questions. But don't forget, relax. Talking about your job and the daily grind might prevent you from relaxing.

5. Close your eyes. Allow yourself to relax as completely as possible. Focus your attention on your breathing, which should be slow, deep, and even.

6. Allow the therapist to move your limbs into various positions. Be limp, like a rag doll, and do not try to help. Speak up if anything is too painful, too ticklish, or uncomfortable in any way.

7. Contrary to common notion in our society, massage is an ancient healing art and not a sexual service. The body might become aroused as you experience total relaxation; however, sexual behavior during the massage is inappropriate and will result in termination of the session.

8. Very often, as the body releases tension during a massage, the mind will release emotion. If you are suddenly sad, angry, or joyful, do not be alarmed. Allow yourself to express these feelings by crying or laughing. At the very least feel free to sigh with relaxation or hum with pleasure.

9. Many people fall asleep during a massage. This is an indication that the body and mind are releasing stress and tension. The therapist will gently wake you when it is time to turn over or end the session.

Monica Leibacher
Celebration, Florida Massage Provided at Rosewood Holistic Health
Relaxation / Therapeutic / Chair Massage : Craniosacral Therapy : Hot Stone Certified Aromatherapy Parties : Young Living Independent Distributor

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Massage Therapists Provide Relief

Spending time behind a desk and repeatedly using the same muscles takes a physical toll. Sore, tight muscles can result from such repetitive tasks, or from anxiety, stress, and depression. Massage therapists have long treated their patients with an arsenal of techniques designed to relieve the burdens of tired, stiff muscles.

Massage therapists employ a diverse array of techniques to relax and rejuvenate the body. They nearly always use kneading techniques, and they sometimes employ methods that involve heat, vibrations, more forceful manipulations, and other proven ways of relieving tension. Medical professionals recognize the benefits of having one's soft tissue manipulated in such a way.

Oddly, stress and depression not only cause muscle tension, but can sometimes be alleviated by addressing the muscle tension itself. The combination of having the muscles worked loose and the assurance of compassionate human contact both work to relax the body and mind. Massage therapists have different kinds of licensing requirements depending upon the state and city in which they work. A properly licensed massage therapist is recognized as an expert in the field, capable of offering useful care to those in need.

Finding massage therapists in your area has never been easier. Therapists.net can locate licensed, professional, and available practitioners in any area. Massage therapy provides an affordable, healthy way to relieve the stress caused by work and life, and to treat one's body to some well-deserved relaxation. For those who have a bit much on their shoulders, Therapists.net offers a connection to relief.

Therapists.net helps people find a wide variety of medical professionals, including chiropractors and massage therapists. For help finding a therapist in your area, visit Therapists.net.

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Massage Therapy Has Longstanding Mental, Physical, and Emotional Benefits

There are many longstanding mental, physical, and emotional benefits to massage therapy. A massage is emotionally relaxing because it calms stress and improves one's mood. That emotional relaxation is often transferred to the body to ensure a minimal amount of undue physical stress caused by emotional stress. Massage therapy is good for the body because it relieves muscle tension, boosts the immune system, and plays a crucial role in the battle against diseases. A massage benefits the mind because it relieves depression and it increases the release of endorphins, which in turn improve mood and mental function. Massages also play a crucial role in the development of babies by stimulating them, helping them to feel loved, and keeping them alert. Massage therapy should be considered crucial to the maintenance of a healthy society because of its many mental benefits, physical benefits, and emotional benefits.

The Power of Touch

Massage therapy involves benefiting the body by manipulating muscles and tissue. Through moving the muscles and tissues in a soothing manner, tightened muscles and tissues are loosened, resulting in relaxation of the mind, body, and emotions. Massages have the same benefits on all age groups. There is no set age group that massages help because everyone can benefit from the stimulation provided by a massage. The key to unlocking the positive effects of massage therapy is activating underlying pressure receptors. Not being touched hinders development in infants. Just as not being shown attention or affection affects every other age group greatly, and in every way, babies are also held back developmentally by a lack of touch and attention. The power of touch in our lives seems rooted in our nature, as individuals and as social beings. Massage, as well as a healthy diet and exercise, should be a regular activity.

Massages Prove Crucial to Mental Well-Being

Massage therapy has innumerable mental benefits. The brain waves of babies who have received massage show that they become more alert and learn faster after being touched. A massage has been known to increase attention and decrease anxiety in the general public. Massage therapy also improves performance on math problems and reduces the release of stress hormones. It helps ADD and Autism as well.

Massage Therapy Aids Physical Health

Massage therapy is particularly beneficial for the body. In neonatal care, massage therapy has been known to allow babies to gain weight and sleep more soundly. A massage also helps with: stimulating the immune system, increasing the production of serotonin, relief of migraines, asthma, lung function, and slowing the effects of cancer and HIV. Therapy aids with: reducing blood pressure, decreasing heart rate, stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system, the release of endorphins, relieving pain, and helping to cure diseases. Massage therapy loosens tight muscles and stimulates weak muscles. Massage maintains all around physical wellness.

The Emotional Benefits of Massage Therapy

A massage relieves depression and decreases stress hormones. Children who are accustomed to being touched are shown to be less aggressive. Massage therapy addresses the physical, emotional, and mental needs of people in order to help them feel relief from physical and mental stress and maintain overall health. The physical and mental benefits of massage therapy combine to create numerous emotional benefits.

Massages Are Just As Important As Diet And Exercise

A properly transmitted massage is incredibly helpful. Just as the physical effects of a healthy diet and exercise improve all aspects of life, the physical benefits of massage improve the body's ability to perform all tasks better. Without a healthy physique, every other aspect of a person's being will start to break down. The body affects the feelings and the mental state of the person receiving the massage. A massage relaxes the body and that relaxed feeling is transmitted to the emotions and the mental clarity of the consumer. The mind is the control center of the body and emotions. Every part of us, from motion to the mere inkling of a thought, is controlled by neural transmissions from the mind. Just as the condition of the body will control the mind, the mind in return controls the way the body operates (i.e. its speed, efficiency, the speed of breakdown from physical stress caused by mental stress, and the motivation to stay active). A calm mind usually means a happy and healthy person. A troubled mind is often a good indication of physical problems or the onset of physical stress in the future. The maintenance of a sound mind should be considered as important an aspect of our health as the maintenance of a healthy body. One very good way to ensure that health in both arenas is through a soothing massage.

Massage therapy should be recognized as a valid and effective way of maintaining health. Emotions are the steering wheel that controls our physical actions and mental clarity. Emotional health and the emotional benefits obtained through massage therapy are essential for a satisfying life. Individuals with satisfying lives create a happy and healthy society. The physical benefits, mental benefits, and emotional benefits of therapy should be recognized as essential for the well-being of society.

Kristen Heggie. "Massage Therapy." Online posting. vanderbilt.edu.
Tiffany Field. "Touching News." Online posting. 8 June 2007. Psychology Today Magazine.
Wikipedia. "Massage." Online posting. October 2007. Wikipedia.

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Relaxed and Relieved With Massage Chairs

Americans are generally overworked and overstressed. Such is why stress relief measures are necessary for this populace. And there are countless of them- stress relief measures- ranging from yoga, to meditation, music therapy, exercise, massage therapy and the like. One of the most popular means to relieve stress and tension is through a good massage. Many people have experienced and recognized its relaxing and therapeutic benefits. Such is why massage therapists are so much in demand. Even companies, they have instituted on-site therapists for their employees. These employees are wedged on loads of paper and computer work and are sitting endlessly in their office desks.

This undoubtedly makes them susceptible to workplace strain and injuries. White collar workers are more often familiar with neck and back pain. Or worse, carpal tunnel syndrome. They can be among the bothersome ailments these workers are prone to experience. And so massage therapists, they can come to the rescue. Therapists most often try to deliver the best services, and so they try to make use of tools. Massage chairs are some of the tools utilized to enhance customer satisfaction. There is actually a wide selection of massage chairs that a therapist can choose from and make use of. These chairs can range from the basic models to high tech ones.

These chairs are for the purpose of making the customer sit comfortably during the therapy. They have become an alternative to lying down on a massaging table which would only take up much space. Compact and therefore space-saving, and yet makes one enjoy the benefits of a massage- these are what massage chairs are all about. More and more are becoming understood about the body's response to ergonomic techniques. And due to this, designs of massaging chairs have evolved. These ergonomic designs were devised with both the therapist and the customer in mind. A popular option for this is the folding chair.

Such a model allows for convenience in storage and transport. By all means, it is lightweight and not at all bulky. Foldable chairs are ideal for small office settings. They are useful for maximizing space, and making the room appear neater. Being the viable alternatives that they are to a massage table, these chairs are designed to be functional and comfortable. These factors are delivered by their ergonomic design and can only make the massage more effective. Those with back and neck pain would benefit the most from these ergonomic massaging chairs. These tools have basically been designed considering such ailments.

Models come in a variety of prices, from the affordable to the high end. Students and beginning therapists can avail of models costing under $200. In fact, some models are suitable for easy travel as they come with a carrying case. Student and professional massage practitioners are leaning towards the use of chairs in their practice. These tools are a practical means for them to expand their business owing to their versatility and easy transport. More than this, it is a simple yet excellent solution towards catering to customer needs and satisfaction.

The author of this article Rose Windale is a Health and Wellness Coach who has been successful with several natural health programs for many years. Rose decided to share her knowledge and tips through her website http://www.healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free newsletter and enjoy a healthy and happy life.

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9 Simple Steps to Perform a Face and Head Hot Stone DVD Massage

What kind of hot stone massage do you need? There are neck massages, back massages, hand massages, foot massages, and limb massages. You can learn the proper techniques for these various types of massages, through an instructional hot stone dvd. Though it is less common than back massages, the face and head massage is yet another effective way to provide a relaxing hot stone massage.

In a hot stone massage, the therapist warms and sterilizes hot stones, before strategically placing them on various parts of the patient's body. The stones are usually basalt stones, which originate from volcanoes. After the stones sit on the patient's body for roughly 20 minutes, the therapist then removes them, and begins the routine for a "standard" massage.

When we think about tired and tense regions of the body that require a massage, we usually think about body parts such as the neck and back. However, the face and head can also experience a substantial amount of tense muscles-and especially in the jaw region. A face and head massage can complement a full body massage, or even a massage for the back and shoulders. Here are the steps to give an effective, relaxing face and head massage:

Step 1: Cup your hands around the patient's head. The thumbs should sit on the forehead, and the fingertips on the temples. Work from the eyebrows towards the hairline, creating lines that flatten out the forehead.

Step 2: Use your thumbs to press between the patient's eyebrows. Repeat this action, moving from the forehead's center, to the patient's hairline

Step 3: Use your fingers to create a circular motion at the temples. Continue making circles as you work downwards along the jawbone, to the patient's chin.

Step 4: Use your fingertips to create a "line" from under the temples, to the cheekbones. Repeat this process, each time dropping the line lower along the cheek.

Step 5: Using your fingertips, create a line from underneath the cheekbone, to the temples. Then create circles around the temples again

Step 6: Push gently around the eye socket's upper bone. Begin at the nose's bridge, then move outwards, to the eye's corner. Repeat this process, focusing on the eye socket underneath the eyes.

Step 7: Use your thumbs and fingers to massage lightly the ears between them. Begin at the patient's earlobe and then motion around and upwards, to the ear's peak.

Step 8: Gently pull the patient's ears. Begin at the earlobe and then move upwards to the ear's apex.

Step 9: After cupping your hands, place then over the patient's eyes. Make sure to inform the patient first, before taking this action. Have him or her deeply breathe in and out, numerous times. Then remove your hands.

Although we often overlook it, a face and head massage can provide yet another way to deliver relaxing hot stone massages, to patients. Make sure to follow the proper procedures, to ensure that the massage is safe and effective. A facial massage puts the patient's best face forward!

To find a quality hot stone DVD, visit us at http://www.tirmassagestone.com today. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christopher_Turley