Massage Tips - When and How Much

How much to tip a massage therapist can be a confusing thing. On one hand you have the spa massage therapist that can be put in the same group as nail technicians and hair stylists. Another group is sports massage therapists and medical massage therapists. Typically people in the medical profession don't receive tips for their services. Lastly, what if you are not from the United States? Different countries have different customs. For example, Canada reimburses its citizens for massage, thus massage is seen more as medical service versus a pampering service.

Below are listed the basic rules of how to tip a massage therapist:

Table Massage Tips Basic Rules

Massage therapist in a spa or outcall massage (at your location) - 10-20% of the total bill.

Massage therapist in a medical environment, such as Chiropractor, etc. - normally no tipping*.

Chair Massage Tips Basic Rules

Chair massage that is paid by the customer - 10-20% of the total bill

Chair massage paid by an employer or trade show - normally no tipping*.

*If you do want to tip, ask what the establishment's guidelines are. Tipping may be against the company's policies or they might not mind. Each situation is different.

What if you don't want to tip?

An exception to all of the above is when a customer doesn't want to tip and it's not a reflection on the services they received. Customers have a right to not tip because tipping is a courtesy. Many massage therapists I know are grateful for tips and don't expect them. Tipping, and how much, is ultimately the decision of the customer.

Beware Hidden Tips

Lastly, a word of caution; in many tourist areas, a spa or salon will add a tip to the bill for the customer - without asking! This is an automatic process at many places. Then, because the customer is not aware of this, the customer will add a tip to the bill not realizing they're double tipping! This is an unfortunate reality that massage customers need to protect themselves from.

Hopefully this has answered all your massage tip questions. Remember, if in doubt; ask the massage therapist or company. They will be pleased that you care enough to want to tip.

A-Team Massage Orlando trust your loved ones with us, the best Orlando massage therapists in town!

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Easy Aromatherapy Massage Recipes You Can Make in Minutes

There's nothing like an aromatherapy massage to cure what ails you. Or at least make the bad stuff go away for awhile. Life is so challenging these days, we all need to take time out to de-stress both mentally and physically.

Massage is one of the best ways to relieve stress because it promotes deep relaxation while at the same time satisfying our need for caring, nurturing touch. Research shows that massage reduces anxiety, tension, depression and pain. And it increases relaxation, healthy mental alertness, creativity and general well-being. It even strengthens your immune system!

When you combine massage with aromatherapy, you radically increase its effect. Essential oils are powerful substances that promote healing on many levels - immune-boosting, nerve-calming, muscle-relaxing and hormone-balancing to name just a few... the list goes on.

Just for fun, try this experiment: Get a massage using an unscented massage oil, either professionally or from a partner. Then get an aromatherapy massage using one of the recipes below. Note: If you buy massage oil, make sure it's made with pure, natural essential oils - not synthetic fragrance oil. See which type of massage is more relaxing.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can easily make your own aromatherapy massage oil blend. And with these easy aromatherapy massage recipes, you can have (or give) a massage any time you like, in the comfort and privacy of your own home.

Here are a few quick, easy-to-make aromatherapy massage recipes to get you started. Don't be afraid to use essential oils you really love - often, if you're especially drawn to a scent it's because your body needs something it provides (hormone balancing, for instance!)

One note of caution: Before using any essential oils, do your research! Essential oils are powerful substances and should be treated with respect. Pregnant women need to be especially careful about using essential oils in aromatherapy massage; in fact, it's recommended that they not apply essential oils to the skin at all during the first trimester.

That said, on to the recipes... Here we go!

Relaxing Lavender Aromatherapy Massage Oil Blend

This floral lavender aromatherapy massage oil blend relaxes you inside and out. It works on your nerves, muscles and hormones to soothe, calm and sedate. A perfect night-time massage, especially if you have insomnia! Note: Omit the chamomile if you're allergic to ragweed.

• 24 drops Lavender essential oil
• 4 drops Rosewood essential oil
• 1 drop Rose Geranium essential oil
• 1 drop Chamomile essential oil
• 4 tablespoons (60ml) Apricot Kernel or Grapeseed oil

Sensual Sandalwood Aromatherapy Massage Oil Blend

This spicy, sensual aromatherapy massage oil blend warms you up in the very best way! Its soothing yet spicy scent lifts your mood while at the same time easing your tight, stressed-out nerves. You're left feeling warm, relaxed and receptive. Enjoy!

• 22 drops Sandalwood essential oil
• 5 drops Sweet Orange essential oil
• 1 drop Patchouli essential oil
• 1 drop Ylang Ylang essential oil
• 1 drop Ginger essential oil
• 4 tablespoons (60ml) Apricot Kernel or Grapeseed oil

Caution: Sweet Orange essential oil can cause photo-sensitivity and sunburn. Do not use before sun exposure. Ginger may irritate sensitive skin, which is why it's at such a low concentration. If you're exceptionally sensitive, leave it out.

Sweet Citrus Aromatherapy Massage Oil Blend

This happy aromatherapy massage oil blend has a sweet-tart, fruity citrus scent that's sure to cheer you up. Citrus oils are especially good for lifting your spirits while at the same time taking the edge off your raw, buzzing nerves. Use it when you're cranky or miserably stressed - the combination of oil and touch is magical!

• 14 drops Bergamot essential oil
• 10 drops Grapefruit essential oil
• 5 drops Palmarosa essential oil
• 1 drop Ylang Ylang essential oil
• 4 tablespoons (60ml) Apricot Kernel or Grapeseed oil

Caution: Bergamot and grapefruit essential oils can cause photo-sensitivity and sunburn. Do not use before sun exposure.

Method:

1. Combine all ingredients in a dark glass or PET plastic bottle. (I suggest using one with an oil or lotion dispenser cap to prevent spillage.)
2. Wait at least 24 hours after blending to let the aromas 'cure'. Remember to keep the bottle in a cool, dark place. Use within three months.

That's it -it's that simple! You'll spend about five minutes preparing your blend... and much longer enjoying it!

I invite you to visit my website to get a bonus article on how to give an aromatherapy massage along some additional aromatherapy massage recipes

You'll also find dozens of other quick, easy, fun-to-make aromatherapy recipes you can use to take care of yourself and your family. Recipes to help you sleep better... lose weight... relieve stress... ease pain... improve your skin... and much more!

Visit http://www.easy-aromatherapy-recipes.com to learn how you can have fun and get healthy with aromatherapy today!

From Kyley Zimmerman

Disclaimer: All information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, prevent, diagnose, or cure any condition

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Different Methods of Steam Bathing

There are many different types of bathing that uses steam instead of water. There are several types of steam bathing systems, including steam baths, steam showers, Russian banya, and Turkish hammam. Steam baths are very similar to saunas, but they differ in the fact that steam baths depend on steam as well as heat, while saunas mostly rely on the heat in order to induce sweating.

Steam baths and steam showers both use steam, but they are slightly different. Steam baths are very communal. Steam showers are a smaller version of that with the similar commodities to an ordinary bathroom shower.

In order to prevent the steam from escaping and wrecking the drywall, paint, or wallpaper, steam showers are taken in enclosed stalls. These enclosures can be made out of tile, acrylic, fiberglass, stone, or wood.

A banya is a traditional Russian steam bath. Banya buildings vary in size. Some of them are very large with multiple rooms, while others are more similar to wooden cabins. Banyas usually have an entrance room, a washing room, and a steam room. Bathers first go through the entrance room, where they can hang their clothes on pegs and rest on benches.

They then proceed to the washing room, where they can clean themselves. The tap water is heated using the stove from the steam room. There is also usually a separate tap or basin filled with cold water so the bathers can mix the water for their ideal temperature.

It is believed that sweating before entering the steam room protects the skin from the steam; so many bathers use the hot water to instigate sweat in the washing room. Unlike the public bath houses of other cultures, there are usually no traditional hot tubs in a banya building.

A Turkish bath, or hammam, is a Middle Eastern version of the steam bath. Hammam play an important role as areas of social gathering and ritual cleansing. The bathers first go through the warm room, an area that is heated with warm, dry, air. They sit there and perspire before moving on to the hot room, which is even more heated than the warm room.

They then splash themselves with cold water before washing themselves and getting massages. After that, they rest in the cooling room. However, since more homes are acquiring private showers and bathtubs, hammams are receiving fewer customers during modern times.

Steam baths were very popular among ancient Greeks and Romans. A Greek or Roman steam bath is called a Laconia. These baths were kept in a circular room with a large domed roof. Some Laconia lit fires underneath the floor in order to heat the room. Others used the fire to heat rocks.

The hot rocks would be placed (using a pitchfork) into a dish in the middle of the room. In order to create steam, the bath attendants would pour cold water onto the burning hot rocks. Sometimes the leaves, oils, or essences would be added to the steam for therapeutic purposes.

Allison Ryan is a freelance marketing writer from San Diego, CA. She specializes in do-it-yourself home improvement and installation of steam showers and hot tubs! For a fantastic variety of hot tubs, steam showers, and bathtubs, stop by http://www.mybath.biz/.

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Massage - The Importance of Touch

Touch is one of the human's five senses. Each of the five senses are extremely important not only for allowing us to make cognitive connections with the world, but for providing us with a rich emotional life.

Sensations and emotions define us as individuals and make us unique. They allow us to live life to its fullest. We are all born with a natural need for physical contact. Touch is extremely important to our physical and emotional health and well-being. Studies have shown that touch therapy, including massage, contributes to a healthy weight gain, enhanced growth and social development in infants. The newborn has the same need for touch as for food. In the same way the adults need it whether they acknowledge it or not.

In fact touch is more than a way to stay healthy it is a way of communication. The speech is not our only way of communication as we might think. We also communicate through signs, (visually), through touch, even through odors, (the chemical reactions in our body tell other people more than we talk). Touch, in fact, is our first language, the language of the newborn and it can be more informative than verbal communication because it expresses information that can't be communicated any other way.

It has been discovered that after prolonged physical contact such as a massage, the hypothalamic area of the brain experiences a reduction of activity, decreasing the body's level of stress hormones, and increasing the level of endorphins.

Some scientists suggest that human beings need a few hugs a day for a healthy life. Our society has developed a negative reaction to touch. Touch is considered an invasion in our privacy and it is banned from our life. We associate too often physical touch with sex. Touch is not only sexual. European cultures have kept a healthier level of touch interaction. They shake hands more often, they hug and kiss more often.

If you want to fulfill your need for touch go get a massage. Start now, by removing rational barriers or prejudice, and pass on to other people your experience.

REPRINT RIGHTS statement: This article is free for republishing by visitors provided the Author Bio box is retained as usual so that all links are Active/Linkable with no syntax changes.

Dorian is a Complementary Medicine therapist who is involved in promoting touch as a life changing instrument. He is contributing with articles at http://www.head-massage.net.
You can also check an online Massage Manual, part of the promotional campaign at: http://www.head-massage.net/manuals/.

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Spiritual Healing and Connection Through Tantra Massage

You may have heard of Tantra massage. The term is quite prevalent from online and offline sources. Your initial notion of this form of massage is that it is of a sexual nature. Tantra massage is sexual in a way. It is a sensual practice and experience as well. When you think of sensual and sexual pleasure, you would primarily connote it with physical or baser fulfillment. But you should know, Tantra massage is a spiritual practice, and it goes way beyond touching the skin. Sensual and sexual pleasure incited in Tantric massaging is for a far more profound purpose, and it is of the spiritual aspect.

Sensuality and sexuality in this practice are simply means to a higher end. Other than enhancing sexual energy, Tantra massage aims on awakening another yet powerful energy- the Kundalini. The Kundalini is a potent essence lying dormant at the base of the spine. Through Tantra massage, the Kundalini energy is stimulated, rising up the spine. Potent the Kundalini is, it allows the body to heal itself more quickly. Then there are the chakras, said to be a disk or wheel found at the center of the body's energy. There are seven chakras running along the spine. Activating the chakras stimulate the body's healing process as well.

When these powerful and essential energies in the body are awakened, it paves the way for physical, emotional and spiritual rejuvenation. This energy stimulation can heal physical scars. Even intangible emotional wounds and scars are soothed, giving way to deeper healing in the same manner. The Tantra massage entails a profound connection between the participants. It is a highly intimate experience leaving a person quite vulnerable. Trust and openness are essential for both the participants. Most often, Tantra massage is done by lovers, allowing them to connect on all levels. From the physical, emotional down to the spiritual aspects. Sexual experience is enhanced, but on a more substantial note, they establish a deeper relationship rooted on the spiritual.

From the substance of the physical to their intangible selves, both parties created an essential bond. It is healing from the inside to the outside, from one person to another to both. A sensual experience may be different from a sexual experience. Thus, in tantric massaging, the end result may not be sex. But rather just feeling each other, and breathing each other. As it entails wholehearted surrender and openness, the Tantra massage can be liberating. It is two people letting be and getting lost in a positive and profound experience. Inwardly, energies are incited and awakened. Essence building up from deeper recesses bringing forth healing and a new sense of life.

In today's hurried world, people often get impatient, even when it comes to deriving fulfillment. Sensuality and sexuality are not consummated on all levels, but rather on the surface- merely on the physical. But taking time and letting go of time, enjoying the moment of Tantra massage is giving each other an experience of life more than pleasure.

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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Massage for Respiratory and Abdominal Problems

For coughs and colds, try rhythmic stroking on the chest to soothe the area. Follow this with a gentle neck and face massage, and finish with gentle static pressures on either side of the nose. Catarrh and sinusitis can be relieved with massage using circular pressures at the base of the skull, followed by squeezing the eyebrows, forehead, and base of the nose; finish with gentle strokes down the nose, out to the ears, and down the neck. Chest infections, such as bronchitis, benefit from a full chest massage and, if there is much congestion, concentrate on percussive cupping movements at the base of the lungs. This is often done by physiotherapists to help shift mucus and relieve congestion.


For many asthma sufferers there is a family history of the disease and it is often associated with other allergic problems such as eczema. Triggers include allergens such as pollen and house dust mites, but stress and anxiety can aggravate attacks. Gentle massage can really help if done on a regular basis, and may even prevent or at least reduce the severity of asthma attacks.


Self-help for respiratory problems

Respiratory infections can be helped by steam inhalation; the aromatic steam can clear your nasal passages and ease breathing. Use eucalyptus, tea tree, sandalwood, bergamot, or cypress oils since they have antiseptic and decongestant properties. You can also try adding up to five drops of the same oil or combination of oils to a warm bath.


Do not use steam inhalations if you suffer from asthma - the concentrated steam may trigger an attack.


Abdominal problems

Digestive problems and other abdominal complaints, such as premenstrual bloating and period pains, are very common. Poor diet and lack of exercise are typical causes, but stress and other emotional factors can contribute to the problem. Massage can help relieve the pain and reduce any stress.


Massage for abdominal problems

Massage soothes pain, stimulates movement in the gut, and is calming, so it helps restore the normal working of the digestive tract. It can help constipation by relaxing the abdomen and by stimulating peristalsis (the rhythmic movement that propels food through the digestive tract). In people prone to diarrhea, massage can help relieve the stress that is often the trigger.


To release abdominal tension, you must try to induce a relaxed state in your partner. Use calm, smooth stroking movements with both your hands. Gently stroke from the navel up toward your partner's chest. Then let your hands glide out over the ribs. Be guided by your partner about the strength of the pressure. Shiatsu and reflexology can also be used to help alleviate abdominal pain.


About The Author:
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Day Spa - How to Find the Right Paradise For You

Can't head to the islands for a weekend in the sun? Then a day spa is just the right thing for you. These wellness centers allow you to get away from it all and relax, even with your busy schedule. They are popping up all over the place, and no matter where you live there is bound to be a good day spa just a short drive away. But how do you find a good day spa? Here are some things to consider before you pick one.

There's A Lot To Be Said For Convenience

How often do you plan to hit the spa? If you're like most working folks, you're probably going to want to become a regular. That's why choosing a day spa that is convenient is important. Don't go with a crummy spa just because it's close, but remember that you don't want to have to drive 4 hours to get to your oasis. Start with the centers in your area, and if nothing looks great, go further afield.

Just Like A Restaurant, Check Out The Menu

What do you want out of your day spa? Think about it like you would think about picking a place for lunch. The first thing you should look at is the menu. Are there special treatments like dermabrasion or fitness programs that you'd like? If so, let that guide your decision. Try a few places and compare their menus of services. This will help you get the one that suits you best. Most day spas have websites so you can check out what they offer online.

With these wellness centers, more is better. Always go for a place that offers more services than you could ever want to use. You never know when you might want to try something new, like nail treatments, waxing or other goodies. A place with a wide variety of services will always give you more.

Take It For A Test Drive

Once you've found a day spa in a good location with a good menu, take the tour. All resorts will allow you a free tour to check out their facilities. You'll want to look at obvious things, like the cleanliness and comfort of the place. Most of all, does it feel right? Remember that this is where you'll be heading often, and the whole point is to relax. Choose a place where the ambience makes you feel relaxed.

Most will let you try a simple beauty treatment while you are taking the tour. This is the test drive! Do it, and see how it treats you. This will give you a good idea of the quality of their services, and also give you a good taste of what to expect from your stay.

Let's Get Started!

Here are a few great ways to get leads on a good health resort in your area. First, go with a recommendation. Ask your friends and co-workers where they go. Recommendations from friends are definitely the best way to get leads on good day spas. Happy customers will always want to turn their friends on to their spa.

Another great way to look for spas is by looking online. You don't have to drive anywhere until you've had a look at their services and you know it's worth checking out. Surf the web and check out your spa options. Keep in mind that you can join several spas if you can't decide. This way, you have a choice of where to go to get away from it all. Pretty soon, you'll have the perfect place to escape!

When you want to get cosmetic treatments in a relaxing and luxurious environment, head for the nearest day spa - Vernon Hills center uses proven procedures and cutting-edge technology to make your journey rejuvenating and peaceful. Visit http://www.newtrendmedicalspa.com to view their specials now.

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Distinct Features of the Deep Tissue Massage Therapy

A massage has being accepted by medical practitioners as one of the techniques of natural science that has enormous benefits and is accepted as a treatment of various pains and diseases. The ancient texts, traditions and Ayurveda have resulted in recognition of over a hundred techniques of ailments and the best have been chosen, scientifically tested and approved by medical science. These techniques were further enhanced and complimented by use of proper oils and accessories with professionally trained and skillful therapists practicing strokes to give one a perfect feel of an exotic and a pain relieving massage.

A deep tissue massage in one in which the deeper muscular layers and the discomfort in the inner tissues due to "adhesions" are caused. "Adhesions "are piles of muscular tissues bound together to create "tension" or discomfort. The techniques of the deep tissue massage therapy are very similar to those of the Swedish massage but they differ on certain grounds. An average Swedish massage restricts itself to the superficial muscular layers where the movements and pressures are insufficient to deal with the pains and discomforts developed in the lower muscular regions, the intensity of which is much more painful and lasts for a considerably long span of time.

As compared to other types of massages, the deep tissue massage techniques uses slow and intense movements along the pressure areas to reach to the inner layers. The strokes are slow and long and when applied generate friction. The therapist may use his forearms, hand joints, fingers or thumbs and deep and intense movements are applied which tend to weaken the adhesions and when the deep tissue massage techniques are applied for a considerable period of time at regular intervals all adhesion are broken. The technique is also very useful in improving the flow of oxygen along with the blood and removing wastes in the entire system of the body hence giving a boost to the living cells which in turn results in a fresh and energetic individual.

Unlike other massages which offer an overall relief and luxury, the deep tissue massage techniques offers ailment for specific painful areas and diseases like Osteoarthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. The patients feel a swelling or slight pain initially after the massage but after a day or two the pain transform to a feeling of rejuvenation and easy mobility. Another feature which makes the deep tissue massage techniques distinctly different from the rest is the use of various tools that help in penetration.

Glass or wooden properties may be used to help in the process of penetration to the lower layers of the muscles. Today over a thousand spas all over the world are providing the deep tissue massage therapy. Therapists have a personal discussion with the clients and the type of strokes, props, intensity and time to be taken is case specific. A variety of specialized techniques like myofascial release and Rolfing of the deep tissue massage are now being taught at various specialized schools and this is another proof of the unbounded success of the natural ailment therapy.

To learn more about Deep Tissue Massage Techniques visit my website about different massage therapies and techniques like Swedish Massage Techniques.

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