Learn About Massage - Massage Resource

Learn About Massage - Massage Resource

Massage Chairs and Tables
Special massage equipment is utilized to position clients during a massage. A general commercial table for massage possesses a simply cleaned, thickly padded surface, as well as a horseshoe-shaped support for the head which permits a client to breathe easier as they’re lying face down and could be portable or stationary. An orthopedic bolster or pillow could be utilized to correct the positioning of the body. For higher weight limits, the massage table will be your best bet. A few massaging tables possess limits up to five-hundred pounds or above.

Chairs that are ergonomic serve almost the same function as massage tables. The chairs might be either portable or stationary models. The massage chairs are simpler for the therapist to transport than a massaging table, and clients don’t have to to get undressed to obtain the chair massage. Because of these factors, chair massage is oftentimes done within settings like shopping malls, outdoor festivals, corporate offices and other public places.

Dry-Water Massage Bed
The dry-water massage bed utilizes water jets to do the massage of a client’s muscles. The beds will vary from a Vichy shower in that the patient typically remains dry. Two popular kinds are one where a client will lie on a waterbed-like mattress that has air bubbles and warm jets of water and one where the patient lies upon a foam pad and is covered by plastic sheets, then sprayed by warm water jets, almost the same as a Vichy shower. The second kind is seen within shopping centers and malls for a nominal charge.

The Vichy Shower
The Vichy shower includes a form of hydrotherapy that utilizes a sequence of shower nozzles that spray huge amounts of water over a client as she or he lies within a wet, shallow bed, almost the same as a massage table, yet with water drainage. The nozzles could be adjusted for temperature, direction and height.

Body Rock
The body rock includes a tool that is serpentine-shaped, typically carved from stone. It is utilized to amplify the practitioner’s strength as well as concentrate pressure on specific regions. It could be directly utilized upon the skin using a lubricant like corn starch or oil or directly over the clothes.

Massage Oil
Several different kinds of oils could be utilized such as mustard oil, pecan oil, sesame oil, macadamia oil, almond oil, olive oil, grape seed oil and fractionated coconut oil. Aromatherapy oils like pine oil and neroli oil could additionally be blended with the carrier oils. Salts are additionally utilized in association with oils in order to remove skin that is dry.

Wooden Massage Roller
The wooden massage roller permits you to apply self massage to your back as well as the region along your spine. To permit this piece of massage equipment to glide alongside the back as well as raise the self massage’s range, you could roll your body gently down and up. To pinpoint certain regions, you could lie on the floor with this piece of massage equipment beneath you, permitting your body weight to do all the work.

Learn About Massage - Massage Resource

Massage has been used in helping the body to relax, removing stress, eliminating toxins and treating injuries for several centuries already. Nowadays, massage is used mostly for relaxation and rejuvenation considering what our bodies undergo everyday fighting to beat the stress of work and urban living.

In order to maximize the benefits of our massage session there are some tips that you can consider. In order for you to fully feel the massage’s effect it is advisable that you start it with a relaxed mind. If you are in a rush for your massage appointment, you can either take a few minutes upon arriving to clear your mind from worries or just reschedule the session at a later time.
Comfort is the key to a successful massage. But before comfort, proper hygiene must be ensured before a massage session starts. The therapist must wash his hands before the session and must see to it that the fingernails are short so as to avoid scratching the skin of the patient. The patient if possible also needs a hot shower to freshen up. After hygiene comes comfort so it would be wise to check the massage bed if its firmness would be appealing to you. The choices of massage oils including its aromas would depend on the patient’s preference. The patient can request the certain aroma of massage oil that he or she wants. The lighting of the place can affect one’s mood and a dimly lit place spells out a relaxing ambiance. One can request for light using scented candles or have the lights dimmed. The clothing used by the patient should be comfortable. If one feels awkward to remove all clothing, the therapist has to be informed forehand.

The patient should refrain from eating before a massage session but should drink water before and after having a massage. The body can get dehydrated while being kneaded and rubbed since fluids are needed to get into the muscles. Massage also increases blood circulation. During massage, toxins such as metabolic wastes are removed from the muscles. These toxins are removed or flushed out from the body by water. To have a wholesome massage, voicing out to the therapists how one feels would be very helpful. The therapist has to be informed if there is any feeling of discomfort or pain during the session. He or she has to be informed if the pressure is less, adequate or just too much. It is also important to let the therapist know if you have any existing aches or injuries. The muscles should not be tensed during massage in order to get fully relaxed. Proper breathing is needed even during the process. It is wrong to hold the breath when a tight area or a sensitive part is massaged. Breathing aids in the relaxation process and the oxygen taken when breathing is given by the blood to the muscles.

After the massage, the patient needs to absorb the benefits that it gives such as relaxation. Ample time should be given for one to have peace and quite alone in the massage room. A short nap would aid in rejuvenation of the body. If one feels dizzy after getting up in the massage bed, a few minutes of lying down would solve it. Massage does not give its full benefit in one session. An accumulated series of massage sessions would give the best benefit.

Learn About Massage - Massage Resource

These are the types of massages. Massage practitioners include physical therapists, athletic trainers and massage therapists. Practitioners of massage are employed within different recreational and medical settings and might travel to private businesses or residences. Contraindications of massage involve bleeding disorders or taking blood thinners like Warfarin, deep vein thrombosis, weakened bones from cancer, damaged blood vessels, fractures or osteoporosis and fever.

1) Acupressure

In acupressure massage, physical pressure will be applied to acupuncture points by the elbow, hand or using different devices.

2) Balinese massage

in a Balinese massage, these techniques will be gentle and help to make an individual feel calm and relaxed throughout.

3) Champissage

this is a massaging technique concentrating on the face, neck and head which is thought to be the balance of the chakras.

4) Deep tissue massage

Deep tissue massage is a type of massage made to relieve tension that is severe within the connective tissue, fascia or muscle.

5) Esalen massage

The Esalen type of massage works with a gentle body rocking, deep structural work on the joints and muscles, passive joint exercises, together with a balancing of the body.

6) Hilot

Hilot massage involves joint manipulations to assist in relaxing the stressed muscles.

7) Lomi Lomi

This is the conventional massage of Hawaii.

Medical massage

Massage utilized within the medical field involves decongestive therapy utilized for lymph edema that could be utilized in connection with treating breast cancer.

9) Shiatsu

Shiatsu massage incorporates stretching and utilizes pressure applied with palms, fingers and thumbs to the exact same energy meridians as acupressure.

10) Thai massage

The Thai massage technique blends massage with a yoga-like position within the course of the massage; the southern style will emphasize acupressure, while the northern style will emphasize stretching.

11) Trigger point therapy

At times, confused with pressure point massage, trigger point therapy includes a deactivation of trigger points which might cause pain that is local or refer the pain and additional sensations, like headaches, to other body parts.

12) Postural integration

Postural integration is a process-oriented bodywork blending deep tissue massage with emotional expression, awareness, body movement and breath work.

13) Reflexology massage

a reflexology massage is based on the theory that there’re reflexes within the feet and hands which relate to each system of the body, gland and organ.

14) Watsu

A Watsu massage is the mixture of shiatsu and hydrotherapy created by Harold Dull.

15) Stone massage

a stone massage utilizes water-heated or cold stones to apply heat and pressure to the body.

16) Swedish massage

A Swedish massage utilizes 5 styles of flowing, long strokes. The 5 basic strokes include effleurage (gliding or sliding), tapotement (rhythmic tapping), Petri sage (kneading), shaking/vibration and friction (cross fiber).

17) Traditional Chinese massage

There are 2 types of traditional Chinese massage – Tui na, which concentrates on kneading, stretching and pushing the muscle and Zhi Ya which concentrates on pressing and pinching the acupressure points.

These are just a couple of different types of massages, there are many available.

Learn About Massage - Massage Resource

Indian head massage or Champissage is a well-known massage most famous in Europe and recently gaining its popularity all over the globe. It rooted from the traditional Champi or head massage of India. For more than 1,000 years ago, Indians have practiced Champi to help them get better from their ailments and unwanted disorders. It is a combination of both Ayurvedic elements and touch therapy to come up with a therapeutic healing massage.

The therapy was found by Nerandra Mehta, who was a practicing therapist for more than ten years. He has been on the lookout and in search for new therapies and healing with the use of touch. He went to India, to study and with his persistent research, Champissage was born. It is a combination of the traditional Indian head massage known as champi and other contemporary massage techniques and elements. He introduced Champissage in Europe in 1970 and is currently practiced widely all over the west and slowly gaining its popularity in North America.

Champissage is mostly preferred by many because the process is very simple, safe, and does not require the client to undress. During the session, the client is seated upright comfortably in a chair. The massage starts with rigorous and firm strokes on the head targeting pressure points for the body’s energy channels. Oils and essences may be used which enhances the therapy at the same time nourishes the scalp. It then moves down to the face, neck, shoulders, and upper arms. The goal of the massage is to provide total relaxation and rejuvenation by clearing the energy channels of whatever negative and bad energy, therefore keeping the positive energy flow smoothly. This negative and unwanted energy is known to have cause illnesses and ailments such as pain, stress, and other bodily disturbances. They believed that having a free flowing positive energy all throughout the body enables one to stay healthy.

It is known to many that Champissage offers many benefits to those who have experienced it. Aside from the optimum calmness and tranquility it gives, it has other numerous positive effects to symptoms caused by sickness and illnesses. Focusing on the head as its main point, it promotes proper blood circulation, aids in hair growth, and reduces the tendency for baldness and graying of hair. It is also a perfect massage to relieve mental and physical stress. With Champissage, you’ll be able to get rid of unwanted mental disturbances such as headache, migraine, vertigo, depression, and insomnia. Since the head contains many acupressure points of the entire body, it also relieves pain, tension, and promotes rest for the whole body.

Currently many spa and massage treatments offer Champissage to its clients and the demand for such grows higher. But like any other types of massage, there has to be appropriate and adequate knowledge and skills in order to deliver the therapy. To make this happen, there are plenty of training courses and books available to those interested to learn and practice the art of Champissage therapy.

Learn About Massage - Massage Resource

Since the ancient times, civilizations have always regarded massage as part of its medicine. Cure for most ailments in those times would involve massage. The first civilization believed to have used the massage was the Chinese. They believed that the body has an internal energy called “Chi” flowing in a path which when blocked would cause ailments. Massage was then believed to remove these blockages. The Egyptians also practiced massage since early hieroglyphic paintings would depict massage such as reflexology was practiced. The Greeks also had intensive use of massage not only in its medicine but also for competitive sports. The Greeks performed massage on sick persons in their Askelion, which are temples for healing and forerunners of today’s hospitals. A Greek doctor had to be knowledgeable in massage. Massage was also done on their athletes such as those who participate in marathons and combative sports. In the middle ages, physicians use massage to help patients recuperate from illness. One documented evidence points out that Queen Mary of Scots was revived by her physician through massage after almost dying. Through all these centuries of massage practice, massage has always been believed to have healing powers.

Science has explored the reaction of the body during massage and has documented its benefit and effects. In one experiment involving rabbits, a mechanical device was used to stimulate running movement in the rabbits and have monitored the reaction of the muscular tissues. Massage was done on one rabbit and after several trials showed that the movements have caused muscular injury, tears and damage. It was found out further that the massaged rabbit had the least damage and injury on its muscles. Thus, it was concluded that massage would help in the repair of muscles and tissues.

In the human body, metabolic wastes accumulated as a result of our daily activities tend to stay in the muscles and cause pain. Through massage, these metabolic wastes are squeezed out from our muscles and eliminated as waste product. It also removes the tension and straightens out the knots in the muscles which have been subjected to strain by our activities. Massage also boosts the body’s immune system. During a massage session, the lymphatic fluids which contain immune cells are circulated throughout the body thus distributing the immune cells. Blood, which contains nutrients and oxygen, is also distributed to the muscles which are oxygen and nutrient deficient, thus eliminating trigger points which causes discomfort and pain in certain spots of the body. Stress releases certain hormones such as cortical and lowers our immune system. That would be one reason why a person easily catches a virus when stressed. Massage helps lower hormones released by stress just like cortisol and also tells the brain that the stressful situation is over.

Although massage is deemed to have healing powers, it should be taken note that massage should be avoided in some injuries and ailments. One situation in avoiding massage is when a person has a broken bone. Massage would only aggravate the situation instead the situation should be referred to medical professionals. By common sense, massage should also be avoided if the person has wounds and burns.

Learn About Massage - Massage Resource

According to many surveys, more and more people are affected by depression. It does not choose a specific criteria or qualification. Depression is a major form of disorder that attacks anybody at any possible time.

There are several reasons that a person becomes depress. Also, it varies in severity and effects to the person. Some of the causes of depression can be when a person loses his job, have family issues that go unresolved, lost of a loved one, traumatic experiences, perinatal experiences, and some are caused by underlying illnesses. The manifestations may differ from one person to another. What one might thinks as a slight symptom may be severe one for others. Depression may present its symptoms like sadness, changes in appetite and weight, sleep disturbances, and mood changes. Depression should not be treated leniently because those experiencing depression have low self esteem and worthlessness and can resort to other means of alleviating symptoms like drugs, alcohol, vices, and even suicide.

The exact cause of depression has long puzzled many people especially those in the field of science and medical research. There are several factors that can trigger depression and its symptoms. Many would have say that it is a product of mere psychological thought and imaginations but recent studies have showed that there are other non-psychological factors that can trigger depression. Some of these factors include biochemical elements, genetic linkage, and environmental components that help in the development and aggravation of the disorder. Some illnesses as well cause episodes of depression as a symptom. In the same effect, some diseases are also greatly affected by depression. The prognosis of a disease can sometimes be worsened because of the negative effects of depression. Illnesses such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and asthma are some of it.
For centuries now, massage has been known to have helped ease diseases and disorders in many ways. Back in Ancient China, Greece, Rome, and Egypt, medical practitioners have been using the power of massage to alleviate pain, promote relaxation, and heal illnesses. As a soothing touch, massage uplifts one’s mood and feelings. Often times, when a person feels low, a consoling touch from someone feels good enough to boost up one’s confidence. There are several types of massage that one can take advantage of. Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, aromatherapy massage, Thai massage, and Champissage are a few of the massage styles. Massage can help alleviate the symptoms of depression through its biochemical action. Since the skin is highly sensitive because it is mostly made up of nerve receptors that connect to the brain and any slight stroke on it makes a big difference. Massage stimulates the release of chemicals such as serotonin and endorphins which help stabilize one’s mood and affect. It also normalizes blood pressure, and regulates heart rate through increasing parasympathetic activities, and reduces stress hormone levels.
With the ongoing research and studies on the effectiveness of massage to treat depressed people, many are now turning their interest towards it. It is preferred by many because it is non-invasive and a low risk treatment. Knowing that depression can ruin one’s life, it is never a bad option to try new discoveries that could help alleviate its symptoms and best is to reverse its progression.

Learn About Massage - Massage Resource

Massage for centuries has been used to cure ailments. Today massage is used to relieve stress and tension caused by work and daily activities. With the rise in demand for massage therapy, several spa’s and massage clinics can be found in every city or town and perhaps almost each offering a different type of massage. Massage therapists are constantly improving their skills in their respective field to provide a better and beneficial service to clients. However, with the several massage styles and types offered in spas there are those that are more preferred and sought after above the others.

Massage styles that are most commonly offered and sought after includes Swedish, Shiatsu, Deep tissue Massage, Neuromuscular, Champissage, Thai, Sports Massage, Hot Stone Massage, and Reflexology.
The Swedish style is the most common and is used by most massage therapists. This massage involves long gliding and circular strokes and great for removing muscle knots in the back. The key to a smooth Swedish massage is the use of one’s preferred massage oil.

Shiatsu, a massage of Japanese origin, uses finger pressure and is similar to acupressure since it uses the acupuncture zones. Pressure points are usually pressed for about three to eight seconds at most then released after. Even though only pressure points are manipulated, the patient still gets a very refreshing feeling after the massage.

The Deep tissue Massage is more of a healing massage for it manipulates the deeper and inner layers of the muscles including the connective tissues. Contrary to Swedish which uses long gliding movements, deep massage used short but deeply penetrating strokes. It is commonly used for those having problems with posture, muscular injuries, and even tight muscles.

Neuromuscular targets only a specific area specifically where the pain or injury is. No other part is manipulated in this massage other than the affected part.
Champissage or most commonly known as the Indian Head Massage targets the neck, shoulder, and the head areas and in most cases used by barbers to help the client get a rejuvenating feeling after a massage. It does not only aim to relax the shoulder and neck muscles but also to improve the circulation of blood to the brain.

Thai massage involves a combination of shiatsu like massage and yoga stretching. However, the stretching is done by the therapist instead of the patient doing it alone.
Sports Massage is used to treat or relieve muscle pain and injury and suited especially for those involved in sports. However, the term sports massage does not give a limit on who could get the massage since ordinary people can also get the treatment.

Hot Stone Massage involves hot stones being placed on the different points of the body to relieve stress and tension. The stones itself does not have any therapeutic effects but the heat that it retain helps relieve tension in the muscles.

Reflexology on the other hand is only limited to the hands and feet. In reflexology, the zones in the hands and feet are believed to be connected to a specific organ in the body. When these zones are manipulated, the organs in turn are stimulated thus improving blood circulation in the organs. Although some spa’s offer aromatherapy massage, this type of massage is still classified as Swedish massage since it uses Swedish style strokes and movements. The only difference is that it uses aroma therapeutic massage oils.
With the several different styles of massages today, one can have several options of what style to indulge in. One may try different styles and find which type would suit him or her better. Different therapists also have different skills and attitudes. It is imperative that one should be able to voice out what one wants during the session. However, the best type of massage would depend only on one’s preference.

Learn About Massage - Massage Resource

In Ancient India and China, one form of healing and relaxation are through the use of heated rocks or stones applied on to the different parts of the body. Nowadays, hot stone massage has spread in North America with increasing number of experts and therapists learning the technique themselves and making modifications. Here, are some relevant facts about hot stone massage.

From the name itself, the massage therapy uses smooth stones that are heated to a specific temperature and placed on top of the skin on the various points of the body. The stones used are the smooth basalt stones. They are preferably used since these stones are capable of holding heat for an extended time due to its geological properties and its rich iron content.

The stones are immersed in hot water and heated to about 125 degrees Fahrenheit before it is placed on top of the body. There are distinct points of the body where these stones should be applied like on the back, between the toes, and the palm of the hands. The stones are left in the body, and as the stones chill down, it replaced by another.

Many people get hot stone massage because of the therapeutic and relaxing effect of the stones to the muscles. It relaxes the muscles, so the therapist can work on lighter but effective massage. Here, are some conditions where hot stone massage is found to be beneficial. Back pains and aches, insomnia, stress, anxiety, depression, and poor circulation are some of them.

You should not worry about hurting yourself when getting a hot stone massage. The stones are always smooth and no sharp edges that might scratch your skin. The therapist also makes clear that the stones are at a tolerable degree before applying it to the body by touching the stones first. If you are level of heat resistance is low, you can always ask your therapist to reduce the temperature of the stone.

Before the massage, oil is applied to the area to facilitate ease of movement when the stone is massage throughout the body. Some may begin with light Swedish massage then the stones are placed on top of the body allowing it to relax the muscles. The heat from the stones would open the pores allowing the aroma therapeutic oils to penetrate and also loosens the muscles. The therapist may use either the stone or his or her hands to massage the back. After the massage, hot stones are placed again on some points on the body and spine for a few minutes to aid in muscle relaxation.

Like any other types of massage, there are precautions to be taken before and when performing the techniques. Massage should be avoided after a person has undergone a surgical procedure, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. However, it can be done when recommended by the doctor. For hygienic purposes, it should not be done to persons having infectious skin diseases and furthermore should be avoided to those having open wounds or even rashes to avoid complications. It should not be done on body parts having bruises, inflammation, tumors, and recently healed fractures. Massage cannot be done to people who are susceptible of having blood clots. Stroke can be triggered when massage is done when there are presences of blood clots. It is advisable for pregnant women to consult their obstetrician before getting a hot stone massage or any massage since only certified therapists who are trained in pregnancy massage can produce such procedure.

Learn About Massage - Massage Resource