What is Thai Massage in Massage Therapy?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Anti-Cellulite Massage

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

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

Abdomen and hips

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

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

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

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

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

Thighs

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat steps 1-5 on your right thigh.

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

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Massage For Dieting

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

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

A dieting self-massage

Try these stimulating moves on yourself every day.

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

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

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

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

Massage those figures

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

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

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

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

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

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

The benefits are endless!

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

Before Beginning A Face Massage

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

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

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

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

My Story...

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

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

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

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The Healing Art of Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy was used by ancient cultures to enhance mood and promote healing. Ancient Egyptians used essential oils to embalm the dead and the ancient Greeks thought that certain essential oils could make them smarter. There are a few people in history who are credited for what we now know as aromatherapy massage.

A French chemist named René-Maurice Gattefossé discovered the healing properties of lavender oil when he burned himself in his lab one day. He plunged his burn into the closest container of liquid he could find. That liquid just happened to be lavender oil. He noticed that his burn seemed to heal more quickly than it normally would have and that there was no scarring. This discovery made him start looking into the healing properties of lavender oil.

Madame Marguerite Maury (1895-1968) established aromatherapy clinics throughout Europe. Because she wasn't a doctor, she had no authority to prescribe that essential oils be administered orally, so she developed a system of administering oils through massage. She created modern day aromatherapy massage.

Essential oils are made from distilling parts of plants. The bark, flowers or leaves of a fragrant plant are distilled to make a potent liquid. Essential oils are not usually oily at all. This liquid can be mixed with a carrier oil, like grapeseed oil or sweet almond oil, to make a fragrant oil that can be used for massage. Each oil has its own healing properties and is beneficial in treating specific ailments. Some of the most common essential oils are:

• Clary Sage
• Eucalyptus
• Geranium
• Lavender
• Lemon
• Peppermint
• Roman Chamomile
• Rosemary
• Tea Tree
• Ylang Ylang

There are some essential oils that can aggravate certain conditions. For example, you shouldn't use clary sage or rosemary essential oils if you have high blood pressure, a seizure disorder or are pregnant. Before using essential oils be sure to do your research and find out what oils are safe to use with the health conditions you have. There are some oils like bitter almond and sassafras that are considered dangerous and aren't even used by most aromatherapy professionals.

When you get an aromatherapy massage the therapist will talk to you about your health concerns. The therapist will also try to get a feel for the types of fragrances you like. Based on the information you give, the therapist will blend a mixture of essential oils specially suited for you.

Aromatherapy massages are usually relaxing. The strokes used in aromatherapy massage are based on Swedish massage techniques. They're usually long, flowing strokes. At the end of your massage the therapist will give you the remainder of the massage oil to use at home.

Lovelyn Bettison is a licensed massage therapist who believes in a holistic approach to health. You can learn more about aromatherapy massage and essential oils at her website. You can also learn about many other types of massage and the conditions they can treat.

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Some Reasons Your Body Deserves a Massage

Massage is a special technique that is applied on various parts of the body and this has a relaxing effect on the body as well as mind. Now this is a common fact known to all of us that the human touch often has a reenergizing effect on the body. Now this same theory is incorporated in the techniques of massaging.

The good massagers are just perfect with their touch which involves excellent kneading and rubbing movements. There are quite a number of benefits of the massages. Now-a-days you will find countless number of massage products and massage types are flooding the market. They claim to heal many diseases with the relaxation methods involved in it.

Health Benefits of Massage

There are certain therapeutic effects of massage. First of all it releases the stress and gradually relaxes the mind. The anxiety gets completely eradicated from the deepest layer of the mind which helps to cope up with all stresses. The postures of the body get improved by the help of regular massaging. The blood circulation in the entire body improves significantly.

Sometimes people with problem of high blood pressure get highly benefited with massages. Different types of body aches, back pain reduces if the proper massage techniques are applied on an individual's body. The muscles feel relaxed with massage and the troubles like cramps and tensions are removed.

The flexibility of the body increases and breathing process is improved. The immune system of the body gets boosted with regular massaging and this is very helpful in increasing the stamina. You will get rid of all sorts of depression and anxiety for good if you are getting massages on a regular basis.

Types of Massage

There are numerous types of massage which have different benefits. The acupressure massage was originated in China and this involves pressure techniques on various body parts. This technique claims to heal many ailments easily and effectively.

The aquatic massage uses the therapeutic effect of warm water which often helps loosening the muscles and rejuvenates the skin. This massage is applied in the pools. Back pain is a trouble which can be healed with massage therapies. This will gradually release the pain and make you feel comfortable. Facial massage helps improve a lot of factors about your skin.

This exfoliates the skin gently to remove the dead calls and also increase blood circulations apart from toning the facial muscles. Have you ever tried massaging your feet? Probably not. They often bear most of the stress all the day. A relaxing foot massage will make them feel extremely relaxed and pain free.

There are various branded massage products available in the market which can be used without hesitation as they are good at quality and quite effective as well.

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Feet and Legs Massage

Few things in life are more relaxing, than a good foot massage. Tired feet suddenly feel light again, and as the sole of the foot contains thousands of nerve endings, a foot massage can stimulate the whole body. Whether you lead an active or a more sedentary life, a leg massage can benefit anyone. And, as backache can be caused or aggravated by problems in the legs, a leg massage may actually help your back!

First the feet

I usually start a leg massage on the feet, since most people love to have them massaged, and it's a great way of relaxing the whole body. However, if your partner has slightly swollen ankles, I would recommend starting on the thighs with the aim of clearing the ankle swelling, by stimulating the circulation. Then the order of massage would be thighs, knees, calves, and feet.

Preparing the foot

Kneel at your partner's feet and work first on one foot then on the other. You don't need to use much oil; if you have too much, your fingers will slide around, which can be ticklish. If your partner has ticklish feet, use very firm strokes for the massage; alternatively, if you massage the legs first, by the time you reach the feet they may be less sensitive. Ticklishness seems to be linked to tension, so if you can release some of the tension through massage, your partner may be more relaxed and better able to enjoy the foot massage. Work through the whole sequence of massage moves on one foot, and then go back to the beginning and start on the other foot.

The Foot

Leonardo da Vinci referred to the foot as "the greatest engineering device in the world." The feet contain almost a quarter of all the bones in the body, each having 28 bones. The bones are arranged in arches that help the foot support the weight of the body and provide leverage when walking. An intricate web of muscles, tendons, and ligaments surrounds and supports these bones.

Stroking

Start the massage by stroking one of your partner's feet to get it used to your touch.

Sandwich the foot between your hands and stroke firmly with both hands from the toes toward the body.

When you reach the ankles, swing your hands round and return them to the toes with a light stroke. This a warming movement, and is ideal for anyone who suffers from cold feet. Repeat at least four times.

Thumb stroking

In this move, you will apply more localized pressure with your thumbs.

Support the foot with your fingers underneath it, and place your thumbs on top of the foot at the base of the toes. Stroke up the foot with your thumbs, fanning out to the sides and gliding back to the toes, ready to start again. Repeat three or four times.

Now stroke with your thumbs working alternately. Stroke, up with on, thumb as the other glides back down the side. The movement can go a little higher than before, reaching up to the ankle. Again, repeat several times.

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Looking For A Massage Colorado

Colorado has many things to offer, and to end it all up you may need a massage Colorado. With such a wide variety of things to do and take in while you are in Colorado you may wan tot consider the advantages of having a massage don while you are there. Whether it is business or pleasure that you are there for you will find the things that you want to do and the right massage to meet your needs. Everyone should be able to get the massage that they need while they are in Colorado. Whether it is from spending a long day of skiing on the slopes or if you have just had a very stressful business meeting; finding a massage to manage your stress and pain should not be very challenging at all if you know what you want.

There are a wide variety of massages that are available in Colorado depending on your needs of course. If you have been participating in a sporting event you may be interested in receiving a sports massage. Of course you may be looking to do this to prepare you for your event or you may be looking to receive a massage following the event to aid you in the recovery process so that you can more quickly recover. What if you just need some stress relief fro the day. Then you would want to consider a Swedish massage. This massage will give you the relief you need as it helps to push the toxins and lactic acid out of your muscle groups to make them feel more relaxed and you stress free. There is the deep tissue massage which can be used to aid in relieving severe muscle aches and pains and in keeping you limber and relaxed. Of course if you are suffering from headaches you may look into receiving a head massage in order to provide you with relief that you need to keep your thoughts and mind clear. Whatever your massage need is you will be able to fill them in Colorado.

However one needs to be wary when shopping for a massage. First of all make sure you know what kind of a massage you are looking to get. Also look into what type of establishment you will be visiting when you go to get your massage. You want to go to a place that is clean and has a reputation that is well known for being good throughout the community. Make sure that the place employs people who have been schooled in the art of massage and is just not hiring people off of the street to fill needs. Look into whether or not they have any complaints filed against them as that should be a red flag to indicate that you should not be going there. Essentially do your research and pick the establishment that will do the best job for you. Remember you are there to relax, not to stress out over the type of massage facility that you are going to.

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