Three Benefits of a Massage Chair

The working environment has been putting too much pressure on your body, but that should not be the case. You should be able to take care of your body because the pressure that your body is experiencing can be detrimental to your health and wellness. But you do not have time to go to a massaging parlor just to get this relaxation that you need. Massage therapy can do more than just relaxing. It can also improve your blood circulation that is why it is important that you allocate time for you to go to a massaging parlor from time to time. If you do not have the luxury of time, you can also buy your own massaging chair for the benefit of your family.

Benefit No. 1: Relaxation

A massage chair can give you the time to relax. You can also watch your favorite television show while you are in your own massaging chair. You can even watch your favorite movie or have the time to chitchat with your friends in the mobile phone.

The massage chair can be your own companion when you are too tired when you get home. It will be beneficial for you to have access in these unlimited services that you needed.

Benefit No. 2: You can choose the Type of massage that you want.

Almost all massage chairs offer different modes and different techniques. This is why a massage chair is definitely very advantageous to your welfare. There are two different modes that you can choose from for your massage therapy. Below are the descriptions of the specific type of therapy.

Shiatsu is defined as the use of pressure by pressing, sweeping, patting, rolling, and rotating movements. The defining characteristic of Shiatsu is that it is focused on releasing tension in specific locations of the body.

The long gliding strokes and kneading motions that is done by the massage therapist to the patient is a sign of the Swedish massage. This type of massage aims at fostering proper and strong circulation which is recommended for people who get easily stressed out.

Benefit No.3: De-stress and Stay Healthy

Studies show that a certain hormone called cortisol, found in the saliva produced when stressed often causes sickness or decrease in the immune system of the person. This hormone is strengthening during times that people undergo too much pressure. If you have an instant massage therapy at home, you will be able to cut the chase and kill the cortisol hormone in an instant. It is not just relaxing and it can also be helpful for your health and your wellness. After a relaxing session with your massage you will become healthy and rejuvenated.

It is about time that you love yourself back, by having a relaxing massage chair installed in your home. It is not a luxury because you need to reduce the stress level in your body by relaxing and becoming healthy. Indeed, health is wealth and a simple massage can do a lot for you.

Using Deep Tissue Massage Therapy to Reduce Musculo-Skeletal Pain

Deep tissue massage is applied in a systematic way, concentrating on the deeper layers of the body's soft tissues. It aims to release chronic patterns of tension in the body, through slow strokes and deep pressure on the contracted area(s). Deep tissue massage therapy is therapeutic as well as corrective, and done properly should cause neither excessive pain for the client nor strain for the therapist. Working deeply does not equate with working harder or with more effort, but is the result of specific deep tissue massage techniques combined with knowledge of the different layers of the body's soft tissues

What Is Deep Tissue Massage Therapy?

The is a term often used by therapists to indicate that they use strong pressure, and won't just be stroking oil onto the skin. However deep tissue work is not just about the amount of pressure used; it's true intention is to work on all the layers of the body's soft tissues and particularly the structure which covers and encases them - the fascia. Injury, illness or prolonged immobility can cause fascia to become stiff, hardened or stuck to adjacent structures. This in turn causes pain, reduced mobility and impaired function.

Whilst sometimes being slightly uncomfortable, it should never be painful; a good massage therapist should always respect your pain tolerance levels, and will work with you to find a level of pressure that is comfortable for you.

Massage techniques for include the use of knuckles, fists, elbows, and forearms. The pace of a deep tissue massage session is usually slower than that of other massage work, to enable the therapist to pick up information from the client's tissues, assess the best way to address the tension and contractions found, and apply careful and sensitive pressure in order to achieve a comfortable and lasting release.

How Does it Work?

Pain and stiffness in the muscles and joints can be caused by long-term muscle tension, postural imbalance, overuse and injury. All these things can cause muscle fibres to become shortened, tiny pockets of scar tissue to form (fibrosis), and larger areas of scar tissue will get laid down as an injury heals. Shortened muscle fibres also result in reduced blood flow to the area, and inefficient removal of metabolic waste products by the lymphatic system. The net result of this is areas of the soft tissues that become stiff, hardened, and "glued together" in contracted bands - adhesions. Normal movement becomes impossible, and stiffness and pain set in. Deep tissue massage works by gently but firmly working across these bands to separate the tissues again, to lengthen shortened and contracted soft tissue structures, and to encourage efficient circulation to and from the affected area.

Who Benefits From Deep Tissue Massage Therapy?

This type of massage is highly beneficial for people who suffer from consistent muscle pain, especially in the muscles around the neck, lower back and shoulders. This can be caused by work related postural problems, leisure activities such as gardening, sports and exercise related injuries, and can also be the end-result of long-term emotional stress and tension.

The benefits of Deep Tissue Massage include:

• release of tension and stiffness from muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and fascia
• pain relief
• pain management
• increased flexibility and suppleness
• breaks down old scar tissue and adhesions
• improved mobility, posture and physical performance
• faster, more efficient recovery from injury and surgery

What to Expect During and After a Session

The technique usually focuses on specific areas. It can be offered in combination with other styles of massage, as a whole-body treatment or concentrated in one area, for example the lower back or shoulders. Your therapist will work with you to find a comfortable level of pressure, and will work with your breathing to help minimize discomfort and get the best possible release from the tissues.

When a deep tissue massage is done correctly, the benefits are experienced within the next few days. You may feel rejuvenated, or a bit sore, depending on the particular therapy session. Any slight stiffness or pain experienced after a deep tissue massage is a completely normal reaction and will subside within 24-48 hours.

It is advisable to rest and relax as much as possible after your deep tissue massage treatment, take a warm bath, and drink lots of water and/or herbal teas in order to help the body eliminate any waste products that have been released from the soft tissues. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol is also to be recommended, for the same reasons.

Massage Heals the Tissues of the Body

Brush aside any thoughts that massage is only a luxury splurge that has no real health benefits. To the contrary, hands-on healing helps you unwind, lowers blood pressure, promotes muscle relaxation and boosts your immune system.

During a massage session, massage therapists use their hands and fingers to press and manipulate your skin, tendons, ligaments and muscles. The strokes gently move your blood, oxygen and lymph to various tissues and organs in a way that normally doesn't happen in the bodies of most people. As a result, the person who is receiving the massage experiences a level of physical and mental renewal that is hard to surpass.

Hidden Health Benefits of Human Touch

Today, numerous well respected studies indicate that massage therapy doesn't only feel good, it also may be good for you. Take a look at the health benefits below and discover the power of human touch:

Stress & anxiety relief
Muscle relaxation
Blood pressure control
Better circulation
Pain reduction
Enhanced cancer treatment
Improved quality of sleep

But there's more - a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine suggests that individuals who undergo massage therapy experience measurable improvements in their immune response.

Mark Rapaport, M.D., and his colleagues from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center followed 53 healthy adults who were divided into two groups: The participants received either 45 minutes of Swedish massage or the same amount of time of light touch massage, which is much milder and served mainly as a comparison to the more vigorous Swedish massage. After examining their blood samples, the scientists found that people in the Swedish massage group experienced a decrease in cortisol and a significant increase in lymphocytes, cells that keep our immune system strong.

"More research is ahead of us but it appears that a single massage may deliver a measurable benefit," Rapaport said in a news release.

Massage is far more potent therapy than most people realize. In fact, it can (and should) replace analgesics as a treatment for tension headaches. As it turns out, it takes only a 30-minute massage on cervical trigger points to boost autonomic nervous system regulation and alleviate the symptoms. Patients also report an improvement in their psychological and physiological state, which goes hand in hand with the reduction in stress and anxiety associated with such a disturbing condition.

Stress and lack of rest have devastating effects on our health, fitness and beauty. Don't be afraid to find yourself a good massage therapist and get some healing on a regular basis. When you're taking care of your skin and what's beneath it, you are taking care of your whole world.

Learning Proper Massage Techniques

There is more to a massage than the ability to perform a good back rub. Any therapist would tell you that there is intense study, formal schooling, and certification involved before you can render a proper massage. You will find professional massage therapists all over Australia have professional therapists who are trained in the art of massage techniques.

Therapists are usually certified in more than one massage technique technique in order to provide whatever service the client would request from them.

Swedish massage

This aims to lessen stress by relieving muscle tension and loosening sore joints. The massage therapist applies soothing, tapping, kneading, and circular strokes on the superficial layers of the muscle using massage lotion or oil. The strokes tend to follow the direction of blood towards the heart, enhancing the flow and assisting in its natural functions.

deep tissue massage

This uses slower strokes, direct pressure, and friction techniques to address chronic muscle tension such as stiff necks, lower back pain, or aching shoulders. It is also useful in addressing pain caused by stress, strain, or injury. While a swedish massage can work on the first few layers of a person's back, a deep tissue massage is required to reach the layers underneath.

Shiatsu

Also known as acupressure, this is a technique that originated from Japan. This type of massage applies finger pressure on acupuncture meridians. Therapists use their thumbs to manipulate the flow of "Qi" and energy in the body following the theories of acupuncture, which literally goes back to thousands of years of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Reflexology

This applies pressure to certain points on the feet, hand, and ears to target corresponding organs and systems in the body. It is meant to promote or stimulate one's internal organs, thereby improving the client's overall body condition.

Sports massage

This kind of massage is adapted from swedish or deep tissue massages, with the intent of meeting special needs of athletes. It involves pre-event massages to warm up muscles and improve circulation, as well as post-event massages to treat injuries and aid in recovery. Massage techniques are typically combinations of different kinds of strokes and pressures. Here are some basic strokes to get you started:

Effleurage

This is a basic open-handed stroke used in swedish massages">swedish massages. Its key characteristics are slow and gentle movements. You start with your fingertips, followed by your fingers and palm until the heel of your hand comes in contact with the body.

Petrissage

This is a kneading stroke that works best on large, meaty muscles. You place both hands down on the muscle with your fingers close together and thumbs extended. The space between your hands should form a triangle. This stroke requires a pinching action as you move your thumb towards your fingers. Take note that you want to pinch the muscle with your palm more than with your fingers.

Friction

This involves working thumbs and fingertips in deep circles into the thickest part of the muscles.It is best for treating small knots in muscles.

Massage Therapy Etiquette

Massage therapy sessions are naturally intimate procedures. A Massage Therapist oils, kneads, touches and relaxes the client's body and plays soothing and escaping music in the background. Whether it be receiving or providing this service of healing, it will surely be an intimate experience. Although a professional Massage is licensed and within the confines of a Spa or office, both parties can develop insecurities, feel vulnerable and uncomfortable. This can be especially true of those receiving a Massage for the first time.


The Massage Therapist is trained and responsible for creating a soothing, relaxing and professional environment for the client's pleasure. In this same way, the client is also responsible for communicating with their Therapist in order for them to properly provide a service which is comfortable and without issue. Highly experienced Therapists are also able to direct the client through the Massage so there is as little confusion as possible about the process.


There are several aspects of a Massage which raises the eyebrows of clients which should be noted:


1. Clothing: Each Massage type will outline the amount of clothing a client should wear. For example, during a Swedish Massage the client is asked to strip completely since it is a full body procedure. However, some clients may not be comfortable with baring it all and should know it is fine for them to request they keep one or two articles of clothing on such as their underwear. If a client chooses to bare it all, an experienced Therapist will know how to drape fabric over their bodies in order to not over-expose them.


Before a Massage begins, the Therapist usually will instruct the client on its aspects including the amount of clothing usually discarded. Once this discussion is over, the masseuse leaves the room to allow the client to undress privately and get under a sheet or towel on the Massage table. The Therapist will only uncover the areas of the body that are being Massaged to ensure their client's comfort.


2. Touching: There are several reasons as to why individuals may get a Massage. For instance, a Massage can be sought to alleviate stress, improve relaxation, enhance circulation, etc. The client should understand that they are able to set rules and regulations regarding their body and it is the Therapist's obligation to respect those boundaries. Although therapeutic Massages are sensual they are not intended to be sexual.


If a client, whether male or female, makes an overtly sexual or unsettling request, the Therapist is obligated to forcefully but professionally identify how inappropriate the request is. On the other hand, a Therapist should never assume the parts of the client's body that can be touched. Lastly, it is never appropriate to touch the genitals of a client during a Massage. This is a betrayal of trust, is unethical and can bring about legal action.

Massage Chairs Give You Relief Of Stress And Pain

Do you suffer from aches, pains and discomfort? Does it flare up periodically? Once it does it can also be very stressful. Many people are finding comfort in getting relief with a massage chair. Even if you don't suffer from aches and pains, you should look at how a massage recliner can enhance the health of your body and mind. A variety of complementary treatments are being added into massage chairs.

When we come under stress our bodies react to protect itself. The normal reaction is the fight or flight reaction. The body protects itself by releasing adrenaline. The adrenaline gives us the energy needed for immediate survival. However, most modern stress is without such a physical release.

Stress can also cause stiffness in the body. When we are under stress the muscles are tense. This tension eventually causes fatigue in the muscles. This tension and fatigue make the muscle very tight and constrained. It is important to stretch out muscles when they are tight. Stretching maintains the elasticity of the muscle fibers.

Massage recliners are great for relaxing. When you feel your stress starting to build up, just sit down and touch button to activate the massage chair. If you want to escape from your reality then slip on the headphones and start the MP3 player to let the relaxation begin. Let the music relax and soothe your mind. The massage recliner will work through its regimen systematically relieving your aches and pains.

The montage premier massage recliner is equipped with an MP3 player and headphones. Just activate the MP3 player and the noise cancellation headphones will relax your mind. To experience your music in a new dimension, activate the music synchronization of the montage premier massaging recliner. The rhythm of the massage technique will synchronize with the beat of the music.

One very specialized massage technique only available in Panasonic massage recliners is the Junetsu technique. The Junetsu technique means ultra fine kneading. The ultra fine kneading massage of the Panasonic massage chair provides for deep muscle penetration. The rollers make a deliberate circular motion as it penetrates the muscles.

Many medical and chiropractic treatments involve the use of massage therapy. Massage therapy is targeting the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body. Restoring flexibility and elasticity to the soft tissues is important in the healing process. Massage recliners are routinely used to provide massage therapy to the muscles, skin, tendons, joints and ligaments.

Omega massage has included in its montage premier massaging recliner a lower body stretching capability. This lower body stretching exerts a pulling force on the lower half of the body. You can stretch out your legs from the hips to the ankles with this stretching system. The montage premier massage recliner integrates the stretching seamlessly into its automatic massage programs.

Panasonic has designed its real Pro elite massage chair so that it can save custom programs from users. This can be very convenient if you would like a massage repeated in a particular area. The real Pro elite allows for a number of custom programs to be saved per user. This and many other advanced features are found in massage recliners.

A massaging recliner can help you reduce your body aches and pains and your stress level. A massaging recliner can deliver a soothing and relaxing massage at the touch of a button. Massage chairs are a great way to receive massage therapy on your schedule. Find out how a massage chair can help you reduce your stress during these tough times.

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Hilot - Effective Filipino Massage Therapy

Hilot is a popular massage method that originated in the Philippines which is commonly used in its provinces. It uses traditional Filipino herbal medicines and ointments as a part of the healing practice.

This type of massage therapy was the only source of medical care for the Filipinos many centuries ago. Even today, in the rural areas of the Philippines, hilot is still used by many people especially the poor people who have no money in getting their sick loved ones to the hospital for treatment.

Hilot is a combination of many types of medical care from healing, setting the bones in place, and delivering babies from pregnant women on rural areas. Most massage therapists are known as "manghihilot" which almost all of them are fond of using herbs and ointments during the massage therapy.

Like most Asian style of massage therapy, Hilot focuses its healing ability by clearing the energy pathways all over the patient's body which is believed to be responsible in providing a healthy condition to the human body. Most of the massage therapists that are good in this method can sense what is wrong with the patient's body by looking at him or her. Hilot, unlike most massage therapy needs communication from both parties as the massage therapist works on the patient's body. This type of massage therapy is a light therapeutic massage that can relax and comfort the patient's body.

During a massage therapy session, the massage therapist asks the patient to lie down on a massage table or bed and remove the upper clothing as he or she starts working at the back part of the patient. Heated banana leaves and other herbal leaves are used and placed on the different areas of the patient's body to help him relax which is similar to the use of hot stones. Herbal ointments are then applied on the back part of the body as a lubricant for better maneuvering of the hands for the different massage strokes. Pressure then is applied as the massage therapist works in relieving back pain and removing stress out of the patient's body. In case the patient experiences painful strokes or too much pressure applied by the massage therapist, he or she should let the massage therapist know how he or she is feeling so that the therapist can adjust and reduce the pressure and effort being used on the patient.

Hilot is a deep tissue massage which is a type of massage commonly used by athletes or individuals that works hard or has stressful jobs. This type of massage therapy relaxes and energizes the body in order to work properly and at its best. The deep tissue massage releases tension on the muscle which calms it and prevents body stiffening that often results as stress on the patient's physical condition. Unlike most massage therapy though, hilot doesn't follow a pattern during a massage therapy session, instead the massage therapist bases his or her work on the treatment needs of the patient. Hilot is an effective method of relieving body pain and other types of sickness.

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Understanding the Thai Style of Massage Therapy

A stressful lifestyle is often the cause of premature health complications that are frequently observed in adults. Although there are some spa treatments that are designed to provide rejuvenating therapies for stressed people, the overall well being is yet to be addressed by those traditional methods. Good thing there is the Thai Yoga massage that aims to give a unique soothing experience to spa regulars.

Originally a method in alternative Thai medicine, the Thai massage is now widely being practiced as a style in spa treatment that incorporates some stretching and yoga movements. It works in a manner wherein the client's body is summoned to the rhythmic movements of the massage therapist, using the latter's hands and feet to stretch and press the Sen lines of the body. Unlike the traditional Western spa treatments, this Asian massage style does not use oil. The client is rather dressed with loose clothes that allow for comfortable movements. The effects that are usually observed by the clients include the release of body tensions as well as the overall energizing feeling caused by the massaged sen lines.

In a typical spa setting, the Thai Yoga massage is performed on a sturdy surface padded with a mat. The client will usually lie down on the mat while waiting for the masseuse/masseur to perform stretching, acupressure, yoga movements and reflexology on the body. In saying this, the massage therapist might also include the use of his/her arms, elbows and feet to execute energizing yet soothing exercise-like movements on the client. The therapist would usually work first on the client's feet, moving up to the head. The client may experience being arched and pulled in various ways. Aside from these stretching movements, the therapist also walks on the client's back. All these are performed in a full session of the massage therapy, which basically lasts for at least two hours.

Contrary to the initial reactions to this style of spa massage, the Thai treatment involves no pain. The therapist is skillfully trained in kneading and pulling the important parts of the body without causing undue discomfort to the client. So unless the client has a complicated health condition-like with the case of pregnant women or people with heart diseases-he or she can undergo a Thai-style massage treatment.

There are some advantages of Thai Yoga massage that are usually not observed in most Western styles. With conventional massage therapies, the clients may only experience the physical effect, which is the release of the muscle tensions. However, with Thai Yoga massage, they are given not only the much-needed physical relief, but also some psychological benefits. Aside from giving the clients the advantages of increased blood circulation and muscle toning, this massage style also proves to be effective in dealing with psychological stress.

The Thai style of massage therapy generally revolves in a mixture of Chinese and Indian therapeutical procedures, which is basically the reason why it tend to possess "healing powers" that are reminiscent to yoga. Most clients of this massage style are said to experience a release from anxiety as well as mental clarity.

Tag : massage,massage therapy,thai massage