Thursday, 5 March 2009

Effective Cellulite Massage Treatment

Women are typically self conscious of our body's appearance. If we are motivated enough or have the time, we take the extra steps like eating healthy and exercising to tone the troubled areas on our bodies. Cellulite is one problem that women can't remove using these methods. There is no absolute cure for cellulite, but it has been proven that cellulite massage treatment is able to reduce the appearance of these unsightly lumps.


There are chemical and serious laser surgeries that can be performed to dissolve the fatty tissues that build up under the skin but you don't have to take these drastic measures. Using cellulite massage treatment provides a natural and relaxing method to get you looking better and feeling better about your self.


Try to remember that there is no magic cure for cellulite so you must have realistic expectations of what cellulite massages are capable of doing. There are cellulite massager lotions available but regular lotion serves the purpose just fine in any type of cellulite massage.


Use the lotion to hydrate the skin and make the massaging moments easier and smoother. Rub the problem areas in a circular motion while pulling and pushing the lumps of cellulite. Perform the cellulite massage treatment 5 times a week for 15 minute intervals.


Drink plenty of water after each session as this type of massage also brings the toxins to the surface of the skin. Flush them with the water and you will have accomplished two very healthy tasks in one. Using any number of cellulite massage treatment devices can accelerate your success rate.


Plastic or wooden rollers, electric massager and rounded finger massagers all provide a more efficient massage and can be found at most health and body store. Having someone else do the massages for you is even more efficient because they can reach areas you may have trouble with, focus on more troubled spots and devote more strength and pressure at a unique angle.


Combine a cellulite massage treatment with a healthy diet and sufficient exercise and you should find yourself with smoother looking thighs, stomach and buttocks. Hollywood stars even use this treatment prior to show or performances paying anywhere from $500.00 an hour and you can perform this same treatment on yourself everyday for the price of the lotion.


If you have been struggling with cellulite problem for so long, you should try this anti cellulite massage system that works extremely well. This anti cellulite massager was recently featured on CBS' The Doctors'; the show agrees - the system literally rolls away cellulite. Click here to get rid of cellulite.


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

Monday, 2 March 2009

Relieve the Pains of Your Body and Soul With Hot Stone Massage

The lifestyles of people are changing and along with it their stress and strain level. Blessed were the people of the golden ages when they did not have to work so hard to earn their bread and butter. During those golden days, life was simple and people did not have to work hard both physically and mentally like their modern day counterparts. To be fair, there was not so much entertainment that we can avail nowadays, during those days.


The entire scenario has changed and in order to supply our extravagant demands, we have to work much more. We also abuse our body with rich food and the ingredients therein also take their toll on the other parts of our body. Hence it is not surprising to find people feeling tired and downcast easily. The best way to shake off all the tensions and body aches, why not try a hot stone massage therapy?


There are few people nowadays that have not heard about the amazing curative powers of hot stone massage therapy and the wonders it brings about on both the body and the soul. Hot stone massage therapy is an extension of swedish message therapy which is the commonest form of message therapy in America. In normal therapy, specialists use different movements like kneading, long & smooth strokes and a variety of other strokes on the muscle's superficial layer using special lotions and message oils. This tends to relax the messaged muscles and remove the tiredness of the body. However, in hot stone massage therapy, the use of which dates back to ancient times, smooth and flat heated stones are places on the key points of the body. At times the masseur might also hold the stones in their hands and massage different areas of the recipient's body.


For the massage to work properly, it is imperative that the stones retain their heat over a long period of time thus massage specialists prefer using stones made out of basalt. These stones are known for their heat retaining capabilities. Basalt rocks obtained from the river bed are preferred since their surfaces have been smoothened over time by the river's water flowing over them. The working principles of hot stone massage therapy is very simple. These stones are first immersed in water and then they are heated in a special electric heater till they reach the appropriate temperature. After they reach the required temperature, these stones are placed at strategic points between the toes, on the back, or in the palms of the hand. The heat emitted from these stones gets transferred to the body, penetrates the skin and relaxes the muscles underneath. A certain amount of pressure is applied on the stones while messaging and the message therapist determines the amount of pressure to be applied depending on the location of the body and also on the amount of muscular relaxation required. By undergoing hot stone massage therapy, one will experience improved blood circulation and calming of the nervous system.


Author Samantha Faist can help you determine the best massage therapy for your personal needs. For more information on this special kind of massage visit hot stone massage.


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

Sunday, 1 March 2009

Advantages of the Unique Swedish Massage Therapy

A necessity for some and a luxury for the rest a refreshing massage is the rage of the day. A massage can soothe the nerves, rejuvenate the body and reveal one of the tiring days stress. It is also a nice way to take some time out for one self and pamper one health, health being the prime wealth of any individual. A massage is also a typical way of adding to ones beauty as it is extremely beneficial both to the skin and the muscles. A well done massage increases the skin tone and makes it softer, supple and offers a pinkish glow in the long run.


For those complaining about their body aches and joint pains specially in the senior age groups a massage adds to the techniques of natural relief and done on a regular basis improves body efficiency and flow of blood. A perfect massage manipulates the skin and results in healthy effects on the skin and the underlying tissues. Massages can be done through various techniques including stroking, rubbing, playing with the skin and kneading. The concept of the Swedish massage therapy was developed by Swedish gymnastic instructor Per Henrick Ling who conceptualized and ideated a perfect blend of workouts by own and therapeutic help by another to offer to one complete refreshment and maintenance of the body and the development of strong and defensive muscles over time.


According to him the ideal way to stay fit and fine was to exercise and unwind the body through a Swedish massage therapy. However, the credit for the scientific and medical benefits hence attributed to this system or therapy is attributable to Dr. Johann Metzger who further brought into the system unique techniques through which the massage offers medically recognized ailments. The Swedish massage therapy uses different types of elongated smooth strokes which offer unbelievable benefits. It works miraculously for the blood flows and stimulates nerve ending in the skin.


Apart from relieving from tension it also heals injury or muscle soreness .A profession Swedish massage therapist uses five unique strokes. The effleurage, petrissage and friction strokes concentrate on gliding, solidity and globular brushes while the tapotement and vibration include thumping and swift shaking respectively. A well taught therapist the client by draping him with a long sheet of cloth. The massage flows from region to region. The area being massages first is exposed and covered by various oils or aromatic liquids that smell sweet and offer comfort. The oil may be warmed to make the massage further effective.


With the uses of various oils the therapist soothes and brushes with the area with the typical combination of the five unique strokes and continues for a considerable number of times. As one area is done, it is covered by the drape and the therapist moves to the next region. The Swedish massage reduces pain and immobility of the limbs. It is believed by leading medical professionals that continuous application of the Swedish massage therapy for over two months offers astounding benefits to the patients of Osteoarthritis and is termed as the classic massage in various parts of Sweden.


Author Samantha Faist has written several articles about swedish massage therapy and is considered an expert in different kinds of massage like deep tissue massage techniques.


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

Friday, 27 February 2009

ART Therapy - Active Release Techniques For Strength Athletes

At some point or another just about every bodybuilder and athlete on the planet is bound injure himself. Luckily, for most of us they're usually minor and don't result in anything more than a slight inconvenience for a few days. Sometimes though-especially if you're a powerlifter, strongman or competitive athlete-they can stretch on for weeks or months and even bring your training to halt. Some strength athletes though, have found lasting relief for formerly debilitating injuries through a technique known as Active Release Techniques (ART).


ART is a soft-tissue chiropractic technique that specifically targets the injured area. Feedback on ART has so far been very positive. Because of the way it's administered some people might say that ART therapy is a "massage," but make no mistake-it's not. ART therapy is a movement-based technique that is actually patented. It was developed in the early- to mid-nineties by a Colorado Chiropractor P. Michael Leahy, DC, CCSP. He developed the technique after observing that his patients' symptoms were apparently related to changes in the soft tissue that he could actually feel with his hand.


Based on that observation he began tracking how the soft tissues (muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves) responded to different types of treatments (soft tissue work). From there he developed the ART program-which is made up of more than 500 different specific moves to treat problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves, back pain, shoulder pain, sciatica, knee problems, tennis elbow and more. Nearly all of these are pains that can be common among strength athletes like strongmen, powerlifters and other competitive athletes.


A lot of these problems are caused by soft tissue injuries that usually occur in one of two ways: acute conditions (pulls, tears, strains, etc.); or accumulation of small tears caused by doing the same movement over and over (micro-trauma). When these things happen, they can cause the body to produce dense scar tissue in the areas affected. The scar tissue builds up and as it does, the impact it has becomes more widespread. As a result, we suffer from a reduced range of motion, a loss of strength and of course, pain.


When these kinds of injuries occur in a strength athlete-especially one who is competing-it can be devastating because our tendency is to "work through the pain." But what happens then is we overcompensate because of the pain and wind up not only exacerbating the original injury but often times, we end up with more than we had in the beginning.


So in these kinds of circumstances, ART therapy can be ideal for the strength athlete. It starts with a comprehensive evaluation by a certified therapist. The evaluation takes about an hour. Its purpose is to pinpoint the injury, determine its severity and then establish the proper therapeutic regimen. ART therapy works by treating the abnormal tissues (scar tissue) by combining precisely-directed tension combined with very specific movements from the patient. The big benefit here is that the treatments can generally alleviate the problem after just a few visits. That means no lengthy down times.


I've read about all kinds of strength athletes-powerlifters and strongmen included, that have had tremendous success alleviating persistent, chronic pains with ART therapy. And in the majority of cases that I've seen, the treatment time has been relatively short-from two to six weeks. After that, they've jumped right back into competition-pain free.


There have been several scientific studies conducted to determine how effective ART therapy actually is in treating injuries relating to the overuse of muscles. Nearly all of the studies show that ART therapy can be very effective in treating these types of injuries. One study conducted at the University of California (San Diego) showed a 71% success rate. Other studies obtained similar results with rates of success ranging from 70% to more than 90%. In these studies, most participants said that the problem was eliminated after 3 to 7 sessions.


Now obviously, a therapy like this is not going to be 100% successful for every person who tries it. Some injuries are more severe than others, are related to other problems or issues, or for some other reason it just doesn't work. But, with research showing that in more than 70% of the cases studied, ART therapy effectively eliminated the problem and enabled these athletes to get back to training, I'd say that this is one technique that is definitely worth investigating if you've got an injury that is holding you back.


Mike Westerdal is the founder of Critical Bench, Inc. A free online weight lifting magazine. It hosts the Internet's largest FREE exercise database and is the home of many workout routines including the Critical Bench Program to help you increase your bench press.


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

Tuesday, 24 February 2009

How to Do Arm and Hand Massage?

We use our arms and hands throughout the day. This gives a lot of tension and pain in the hands, wrists, and arms. The arms and hands massage is very useful to relieve pain that come with the excessive use of arms and hands. The arm and hand massage can be done within 5-10 minutes and it will soon relieve pain in the body.


Benefits of arms and hands massage

1. When we massage our hands, fingers and joints, this not only relieves pain from arms and hands, but also solves problems of poor blood circulation and arthritis.

2. With arms and hands massage the effects will be passed onto the chest by reflex action. So, with this massage technique we can also reduce any pressure in the neck and head due to nervous and circulatory effects.


Steps for arms and hands massage -

1. Smooth on the oil as before. When working on the arm it's easier to effleurage with one hand only, using the other to hold the arm steady.

2. Bend the arm at the elbow. Massage around the wrist with little thumbs circles using both hands.

3. Work down from the wrist to the ends of the fingers using little thumbs circles. Repeat five times.

4. Stretch each finger, then thumb, in turn between your finger and thumb.

5. Rotate the fingers and thumb first clockwise then anti-clockwise.

6. Turn the hand over and rub gently along the solar plexus (from centre wrist down the palm to the middle finger) using alternate thumbs. This is calming to the nervous system.

7. Rotate the hand at the wrist clockwise then anti-clockwise. To do this lock your fingers into your partner's.

8. Turn the hand over and work on the inside of the wrist up to the elbow using alternate sweeping movements. Repeat four or five times.

9. Bend the arm at the elbow and bring the lower arm up and across the chest. Squeeze all along the upper arm from elbow to shoulder using both hands.

10. Bring the arm back down to the side then effleurage the whole area from hand to shoulder four or five times. Cover the arm and repeat on the other side.


Massaging the arms and hands will not only give relief from pain and tension in the hands, wrists, and arms but also make them more beautiful and strong.


Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.


About The Author:
Read useful tips on Natural skin care to keep your skin soft, smooth and glowing. Also read useful articles on Hair loss remedy to control your hair fall.

http://www.articleclick.com/

Sunday, 22 February 2009

Hand Held Massager Eliminates Body Tension

Not only does it feel great to be massaged, but the art of massage can have many useful benefits to the body. Massage can improve circulation of blood flow, and can help increase the amount of red blood cells in the body.


Imagine having a massage right away after an exhausting work day. Hand held massagers can eliminate stress easily at the comfort of your home. Handheld massagers also relieve muscle pain. Having a massage on a regular basis enhances your body and mind, so you are able to think more clearly. Massagers can reduce stress, help eliminate tension, and can help in reducing high blood pressure.


Hand Held Massager can promote better sleep
When you have sleep problems, massages can help relax your muscles and mind. When you are calm and relaxed you are able to sleep better. When I have sufficient sleep on a regular basis, I notice that I am in less pain, my mood is enhanced, and generally, I have a much better day.


A neck massager is an ideal gift for almost any occasion. It's a durable and practical device that can be used anytime indoors to relieve stress, fatigue, and pain.


Portable Massager saves you more money than going to a Massage Therapist
Purchasing a few different types of massagers can save you a lot of money in the long run. Not to mention the driving hassle and time spent going to your appointments with the massage therapist.


Purchasing your own handheld massager can end up saving you thousands of dollars. The only drawback is that you have to experiment to find out which type of massager will be most beneficial to you.


Jason vanDijk is a freelance contributor and editor of the massage information portal which reports on the latest Fitness and Relaxation Therapies promoting natural detoxification and healing benefits. To learn more about how to choose the right hand held massagers or body massage visit http://www.chimassager.com


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

Saturday, 21 February 2009

What Is Deep Tissue Massage

Finding an exact definition of deep tissue massage is complicated because there is no shortage of books, web sites and experts offering their own versions. Generally speaking, deep tissue massage is a technique that focuses on the connective tissue and lower muscle groups quite thoroughly. Not a massage technique for wimps, deep tissue massage is characterized by heavy pressure and slower strokes than more traditional massages. Because the pressure used in this type of bodywork is more intense and the massage itself is highly focused on specific areas of tension, a deep tissue massage is likely to be a bit more uncomfortable than a Swedish massage.


Deep tissue massage uses deep muscle compression and friction along the grain of the muscle. Deep tissue massage is also called deep muscle therapy or deep tissue therapy. It is a massage technique that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue and requires more skill and strength than a Swedish massage. Deep tissue massage is also European in origin, but it is very different from Swedish massage in its focus and effects.


The purpose of deep tissue massage is to create mechanical change in the body, changing posture and creating freedom of movement by releasing fascial adhesions and chronic muscle contracture. Deep tissue massage can be an extremely intense experience, taking you right to the edge of your pain threshold for that "hurts so good" feeling without crossing it.


Deep tissue massage is not recommended for anyone who has a fever, a contagious condition, recent injury or surgery, history of blood clot or phlebitis, or anyone who is taking blood-thinning medication. Deep tissue massage is also not recommended for people with acute or long-term mental health problems. It is only conducted if appropriate and will always begin in a gentle fashion until you are able to withstand greater intensity. Deep tissue massage is most successful when the therapist has advanced training and the client has some experience and sophistication about massage. It is not always a full body massage.


Deep tissue massage is used to release chronic patterns of muscular tension using slow strokes, direct pressure, or friction on a focused problem area. Deep tissue massage is helpful for stress, bad posture, excessive fitness training, prolonged computer work, and any other overuse of muscles that can cause muscle stiffness, back and neck pain, and headaches.


Deep tissue massage is often used to treat people who are recovering from accidents and for sports injuries as it increases blood circulation in muscles that are underused. It relieves chronic muscle tension throughout the body and can also break down scar tissue and "knots" deep in the muscles. Deep tissue massage is used to reach deep within the muscle or underlying tissue to relieve pain and addresses the source of that pain (such as tendinitis or arthritis). A consumer reports magazine stated in 2005 that deep tissue massage is more effective than physical therapy, exercise, prescription medication, acupuncture, diet, chiropractic, glucosamine, etc.


Deep connective tissue massage is a form of intense deep massage that aims to release myofascial (connective tissue) restrictions in the body and to break up and eliminate any restrictive scar tissue.


Deeper strokes can also be used to break down adhesion in muscle and connective tissue, which is common after injury and in areas of body tension. Using deep muscle therapy tools allow both patient and care givers to apply the same kind of pressure to painful muscles as a regular part of everyday self-care.

About the Author

Massage Therapy can be relaxing and extremely beneficial for your health. If you are interested in massage therapy as a profession or you are a massage therapist and want to increase your business, you can find out how at Amen Massage.

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

Friday, 20 February 2009

How to Give a Back Massage

Our back represents a large part of the body, and is a very common place to accumulate tension. Back massage is extremely soothing and relaxing and great for relieving stress and tension. This article discusses how to give a back massage that gives relief from back pain naturally.


Steps for back massage -

Uncover the back to just show the buttock crease. At this point it is good idea to place a small rolled up towel under your partner's forehead otherwise he or she will have to turn his or her head sideways or end up with a squashed nose through which it is difficult to breathe.

1. Starting at the lower back effleurage oil using both hands. Work slowly up the back to the shoulders, pressing gently on the upward stokes, releasing the pressure as you come back down.

2. Starting at the base of the spine work up on either side, using gentle thumb pressure or little thumb circles. Repeat five or six times.

3. With reinforced hands (one on top of the order) sweep up the spine then work around the shoulder blades in a figure-of-eight movement. Repeat the figure-of-eight four or five times.

4. Now work around each shoulder blade individually, still with reinforced hands, in a circular motion. Repeat four or five times each side. You may feel knots (little bumps) around the shoulder blades. These are an indication of tension and massage here gives great relief.

5. Work around the shoulder blades with your thumbs, helping to break down the knots and bumps. Allow your partner to be your guide as these areas can be tender.

6. Squeeze along the top of the shoulders from the neck out, using your fingers and thumbs. Repeat four to five times on each side.

7. Stroke up the back of the neck and out to the ears, using your thumbs.

8. Stand at your partner's head and sweep your hands down the centre back, across the top of the buttocks, then firmly pull up at the sides. Repeat five times.

9. Move to your partner's side and rub backwards and forwards over the whole back with frictions to warm the area.

10. Make thumb circles out from just above the buttock crease round towards the hips. This area can often be tender and massage here is soothing. Repeat several times.

11. Effleurage the whole back.

12. Gently stroke up the spine, hand over hand, several times, allowing your touch to get lighter and lighter.

13. Finish by gently holding your partner. Place one hand at the base of the spine, the other at the base of the neck. Hold this position and feel the warmth build up under your hands. After approximately one minute gently lift your hands off. Cover your partner over.


Note: Use massage oil to decrease the friction created on the skin and to prevent the pulling of hair.


Use slow movements for a soothing or calming response and fast movements for a stimulating effect.


Do not put any direct pressure on the spine. Avoid any broken skin, blisters or areas of possible infection.


Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.


About The Author:
Looking for some Home Remedies for Backache? Check out the biggest home remedies website and find some effective natural Home Remedies for Headache - natural pain relief methods to use at home.

http://www.articleclick.com/