nVision Beauty Massage

Does The Massage Chair Work?

noreply@blogger.com (melSIS) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 13:46:00 +0000

We have all seen various advertisements for one massage chair or another, all promoting the advantages of owning one. Each chair is, supposedly, better than the last and can reduce tension or pain in your body. Is this true? Does a massage chair add that much to your life, or is this just capitalizing on the proven theory of massage? Well, sceptics, put your minds at ease: a massage chair can do well for anyone, assuming you buy the right one for your life. And, of course, that means understanding what best works for your problems and what also fits within your price range.

While that may seem like a basic step (after all, isn't that what you always do when buying products? Look for price and advantage?), many people mistake buying a massage chair as a way to go into excess. There are so many of these that offer features that you simply will not need or, on the other end of the spectrum, they offer the features that will not do you any good. If you are considering a massage chair because you suffer from upper or lower back problems, shoulder pain or neck spasms, then you need to know what will best suit that.

Of course, if these are persistent problems, you should seek out the opinion of a doctor. The body have certain zones affected by stress; the pain appears when you are too tense to deal with it. Using a massage chair can be a way of dealing with that, assuming you choose one that can work in that sense. Go to stores; try them out. You want to get what is best for you, not just what happens to have the most features. Of course, you need to first identify your needs. Only then will you be able to look at a massage chair more clearly.

When you know your needs, you then need to assess your price range. Some of these chairs can be expensive. You should know what you can afford, what you could never afford and what you are willing to afford for the sake of comfort. You may find yourself buying a massage chair at the higher end of your pay limit. Sometimes, this is a necessity if the features are what you need. Do not simply buy the highest because you think that makes it the best. These chairs range so much in ability and advantages that you can never find out value from price. You need to, again, know what you need and seek that out.

Using a massage chair can be an ideal way to deal with stress related pain; it does work. You just need to find the perfect one for you. Don't just buy the first one you find. Take your time and see what is available for you.

Facial Massage Robot

noreply@blogger.com (melSIS) — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:33:00 +0000

A new application in robotic technology is now offering facial massage treatment for beauty and rehabilitation purposes. Back in October 2007 Japanese scientists and researchers at Tokyo's Waseda University introduced WAO-1 robot (Waseda Asahi Oral Rehabilitation Robot 1).

According to project leader Atsuo Takanishi, this technology is more refined than those in electric massage chairs because the facial bone structure is much more fragile than back or spine bones.

Although this treatment is still must be approved by government safety panel before it becomes available to hospitals or to the public, it shows promising results and can be applied very widely and with some adjustment in its algorithms it can be used is spas as beauty and relaxation massage treatment.

[Source pinktentacle.com ]

Lipo Massage for a Firm and Fabulous Figure

noreply@blogger.com (melSIS) — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 20:27:00 +0000

Lipo massage (Nothing to do with lipo-suction) is the latest generation of Endermologie treatments (A technique that was developed during 80's in France by Louis-Paul Guitay ). Lipo massage treatment involves using a massage machine that is dedicated to help reducing localized fat (particularly cellulite).

The machine consist of two rollers and a special suction action that roll over the top layer of skin with concentrated fat area and makes different fold. This FDA approved mechanical massage treatment temporary reduce the effect of cellulite and results in considerable inch-loss.

Lipo massage must be provided by a certified endermologist. The number of required treatment sessions depends on the skin area and it's typically (starting with 6 sessions) around 12-24 sessions. The treatment itself is rather painless and can be compared to a deep tissue massage and for some people it's consider to be very relaxing!

Which Massage Oil is the Best?

noreply@blogger.com (melSIS) — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 12:20:00 +0000

In order to give a great massage, you must have a great massage oil. There are several types of massage oil available on the market and each has its own special attributes.

The type of massage oil needed for a massage depends on the type of massage you want to give and on what you hope to accomplish with that massage. For some massages, you will want the massage oil to be absorbed by the skin. For other massages, you will not want the massage oil absorbed. There are several commercial and handmade massage oils available to meet all of your massaging needs.

Massage oil is made from a single natural oil or a combination of natural oils. Though some sources recommend mineral oil for the feet, because it is not absorbed by the skin, other sources recommend natural vegetable or fruit oils because they are absorbed by the skin. If you've ever received a massage that left your skin covered with oil that also stained your clothing, then you will most likely recognize the benefits of the following skin-loving oils.

Sweet almond oil is a reasonably priced massage oil that remains on the skin long enough for a wonderful massage before being absorbed by the skin. This massage oil is great for all skin types and is very rich in fatty acids. People with nut allergies should not use this oil.

Apricot kernel oil is a very light oil rich in Vitamin E. It is also a light yellow in color and works as a great substitute massage oil for people with nut allergies who can't use sweet almond oil. This massage oil is great for sensitive or prematurely aged skin.

Fractionated coconut oil is a light, liquid oil that allows for excellent glide, which is important to a massage. Regular coconut oil is thick and hard at room temperature, but fractionated coconut oil, altered so that its long-chain triglycerides have been removed, is the complete opposite. The main reason fractionated coconut oil is such a popular massage oil is because it does not stain sheets, towels or clothes.

Jojoba Oil comes from the jojoba plant and is actually a wax rather than an oil. This massage oil is great for sensitive or acne-prone skin because it is almost identical to skin sebum. Because this oil is quickly absorbed by the skin, it is best to mix it with another oil that isn't so quickly absorbed when using it as a massage oil. Jojoba oil is an excellent carrier for essential oils.

Sunflower oil makes a wonderful massage oil because of its light, non-greasy feel. This massage oil contains linoleic acid, palmitic acid and stearic acid, which are all important parts of healthy skin. Another great thing about sunflower oil is that it isn't absorbed too quickly by the skin, though it is absorbed eventually. It is also great for rejuvenating mature skin.

There are many other kinds of natural oils that can be used such as avocado oil, cocoa butter, grapeseed oil, olive oil, shea butter, wheat germ oil and kukui nut oil. Some of these oils are great by themselves, but most are best used in combination with other oils to make a wonderful, healthy massage oil.

Jelly Foot Massage

noreply@blogger.com (melSIS) — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 00:35:00 +0000

Developed in Japan (some say by NASA), JellyBath is another expensive way to relief stress and aching muscles. When you add this product to warm water it becomes jelly and retain the heat up to four times longer than water. These products comes with different scents like lavender, lemongrass, strawberry and claim to have therapeutic benefits.

Sounds delicious? Just don't use it in your Jacuzzi!!

And remember to test the product for possible side effects and allergies on sensitive skins. Product may contain possible mix of sodium polyacrylate, ascorbic acid, black tea extract and L-menthol.

Giving A Sensual Massage

noreply@blogger.com (melSIS) — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 16:33:00 +0000

To start, we must state this: a sensual massage is not always a prelude to sex. In fact, this is often a form of intimacy that does not ever require sexual contact afterwards.
The point of a sensual massage is to relax you partner and indulge in some quiet moments. Assuming this is just another form of foreplay pretty much strips the romance behind it. We say this because too many people confuse the real purpose of a sensual massage as something they have to do, rather than something they should want to do. That misses the point entirely and robs what can be a highly pleasurable act of its benefits. You need to understand that.

You also need to understand how to actually give a sensual massage. There are specific techniques and positions to use to make this have a full impact. A simple shoulder rub, while nice, is not the same thing. This is about relaxation and, if you choose to take it to that level, arousal. Doing what you would for a neck pain will not work. Instead, you need to have the right accessories and the basic knowledge of how to go about this.

For a sensual massage, use these items:

Oil: massage oil can add much to the proceedings. Its scents can evoke certain emotions and it will add more to the massage than just using your hands. The purpose of a good massage is to have a purifying effect on the skin, so the oil must ease the movement of massage without any friction on the skin. We can recommend Syence™ Sensual Massage oil. The content of the oil is compatible with the skins natural sebum and will completely disperse upon application of water. The oil contains sesame, jojoba, lavendarand other natural calming oils.

Blindfold: often, your partner is blindfolded so that they can more clearly focus on the sensations. When eyes are closed, senses tend to be stronger and that helps here.

When you set out to give a sensual massage, it will greatly depend on your partner's preferences. This is usually a full-body treatment (1 Hour ) but, if he or she has certain areas that respond best, you can focus on those. While we can't chart all the techniques for a sensual massage here, we can recommend that you do some simple research. Finding text on this subject is an easy matter and you will have no problem learning the techniques.

Of course, you do not necessarily have to learn how to give a sensual massage. You can simply learn from your partner: what do they like? What do they need? Since this is, in most cases, a working of the full body, you should learn how to give everything the same attention. From the temple to the toes, this is about giving comfort.

And, yes, we know that may seem strange but it really isn't. Too many people believe a sensual massage is just another road to sex. And it shouldn't be. This is an art form, to put it simply, and it is designed to allow you to shower attention and affection on your partner. The motivation should not just be sex; it should be because your partner needs it. That's the real point and that's what you need to remember.

Monochrome Body and Soul - Kensington

noreply@blogger.com (melSIS) — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 10:11:00 +0000

Monochrome is a luxurious Private Beauty Salon and Spa located between Kensington and Holland Park, London. Monochrome is designed to reflect the lifestyle of busy London discerning with the aim to de-stress and restore body and soul and relax the mind.

Massage services:

Deep Tissue Massage, Sports Massage, Injury Rehabilitation, Lymph Drainage and Swedish Massage

Booking : by the hour.
Location: London Kensington
Massage Services and Prices

The Art of Swedish Massage

noreply@blogger.com (melSIS) — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 17:20:00 +0000

The classic Swedish massage is an effective massage that is applied to improve blood flow and increase circulation throughout the body. In order to accomplish this, five different distinctive kinds of strokes are used. These five strokes, which were actually organized and given their French names by a Dutch practitioner named Johann Georg Mezger (1838 – 1909), are:

Effleurage: This soothing, stroking massage is used early in Swedish massage to warm the muscles up in preparation for deep tissue work as well as for transitioning between other strokes – it is also useful for calming the nerves. Effleurage is usually performed with either the palm or the pads on the tips of the fingers. Its strokes can be light to firm, with or without dragging motions. Effleurage is sometimes used independently of other strokes on the abdomen of pregnant women in order to relax both the mother and unborn child.

Petrissage: This deep tissue massage uses kneading, wringing, skin rolling, and squeezing to work the muscles. The slow and rhythmic work of petrissage often makes up a significant portion of the classic Swedish massage. The palms, fingers, and thumbs are molded to the pat of the body being massaged and worked. In addition, the knuckles are often used to knead large areas, usually in a circular motion moving up the body. It is best suited to releasing muscle tension and improving lymphatic draining.

Friction: The deepest move in Swedish massage, this stroke is applied when the practitioner used his or her full body weight to press the flat of the hand, including the pads of the thumb and fingers, against the body. The pressure is then released slowly and gently. These strokes should be applied with care, and in a continuous sliding or circular motion. The use of massage oil, which is a part of Swedish massage, is especially important with this stroke.

Tapotement: This percussive move (tapoter means to tap or drum), in Swedish massage, is generally applied with the edge or the heel of the palm. Its application helps to relieve cramped muscles and to energize the recipient of the massage. Some recipients find this stroke to be a little much, and it should never be applied near bony areas of the body.

Vibration: Swedish massage makes us of vibration, or oscillation, to relax the body. This involves gently shaking or trembling the flesh. This stroke works to improve circulation and remove tension from small muscle groups, such as those on the face or near the spine.

These basic strokes are combined into a single 30 – 60 minute long session that uses an oil or lotion to facilitate the massage strokes. It is a full body massage, only leaving out any portion of the body specified by the recipient. Depending on the recipient’s preference, each treatment session can involve some or all of the strokes defined here.

The Swedish massage became popular in the United States in the early 20th century when it was offered to Americans primarily by Swedish immigrants. In Sweden, and much of Europe, this is not called the Swedish massage, but is instead referred to as a “Classic Massage.”

Thai Massage

noreply@blogger.com (melSIS) — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 15:40:00 +0000

Thai massage originated in India and draws from Ayurveda. In Thailand, it is called Nuat phaen boran or Nuad Bo-Rarn, which means "ancient massage" or "traditional massage". Thai massage is also called many other names like Thai yoga massage, Thai ancient massage, traditional Thai massage, yoga massage, Thai bodywork, Thai classical massage, passive yoga and assisted yoga.

Thai massage was brought to Thailand over 2000 years ago by Javika Kumar Baccha, also known as Dr. Shivago Komarpaj. Dr. Shivago was said to have been close to Buddha and a chief of the community that surrounded the Buddha. Thai massage is one of the four branches of traditional medicine in Thailand. The other three branches of traditional medicine are herbs, nutrition and spiritual practice.

In Thailand, massage is an actual medical field where its therapists are trained to not only heal but also diagnose. In the United States, however, massage therapists are not allowed to diagnose.

Northern style Thai massage is considered to be very soothing because it has a lot of stretching and loosening of the body involved in its techniques. Southern style Thai massage tends to use more acupressure, or "jap sen", but is also considered healing and soothing.

A full Thai massage normally takes two hours and includes finger pulling, toe pulling, ear pulling, cracking of the knuckles and walking on the back. The person receiving the massage is put into many positions similar to yoga positions. Interestingly, many establishments in Thailand have several Thai massage sessions going on at the same time. If you are lucky, you might be able to watch the practitioners of Thai massage perform many of the techniques in unison.

With a Thai massage, the recipient wears loose clothing and lays down on a firm mattress or floor mat. The person giving the massage then leans on their body and uses their hands and forearms to apply rhythmic, firm pressure to just about every part of the body. No oil is used in Thai massage, though hot herbal compresses are sometimes used.

Similar to Chinese massage that focuses on meridians, but more similar to the Indian Ayurvedic nadis, the Thai massage focuses on sen. Sen are lines that begin at the navel and end at the extremities of the body. Rather than corresponding to a single organ, like meridians, sen can be used to treat every organ they move over. Some Thai sen share the same names as some Indian nadis. For instance, Thai Sen Sumana and Sen Itha are relative to the Indian Sushumna Nadi and the Ida Nadi. Even though Thai massage shares similar pressure points with Indian massage, the two techniques are not interchangeable.

Thai massage uses also acupressure, which is the application of pressure to points along the sen that frees and regulates the body's energy. Thai massage seeks to restore the body's normal function by stimulating sen that are blocked or broken. Stimulating the sen of the body allows the body's energy to flow freely throughout the body and maintain health and well-being.

About Sports Massage

noreply@blogger.com (melSIS) — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 15:04:00 +0000

Though technically sports massage is not really a type of massage by itself, it is very important. You can use many different types of massage when dealing with athletic needs, and the term 'sports' covers the type of injuries rather than the type of massage used. Though there are many of the same techniques that are always used to treat most sport-related injuries, there are many different things that someone can try that fall under the many different types of massage known in the world.

Sports massage is beneficial to those who are very athletic. It is also for those who have labor intensive jobs. Construction workers may not consider themselves to be athletes, but they use their bodies in much the same way. Many of the injuries that will require sports massage are ones that come from injury, and ones that are a result of overuse. If you think about each sport, you can think of at least one things that an athlete does over and over again. A baseball pitcher may very easily develop problems with their pitching arm. A golfer may develop shoulder issues, and runners find they have problems with hips, knees and legs.

Sports massage needs to do more than help the patient relax. The principles of deep tissue massage apply well in this area. It is one thing to have the superficial muscles relaxed, and it is quite another to dig down to the source of the problem. Some pains and injuries are caused by the core muscles, and regular surface massage will not help with this. If these muscles are ignored, the problem is only going to get worse.

Many professional teams like to have a person who is licensed for sport massage travel with them, and attend to problems both away from home and when they are off for the season. Many like to have the same person with them all the time. This is because that person will remember each players specific problems, and can give aid and relief much more quickly than someone who has never seen that particular person in the past. A sports therapist that has time to work on the same problem will do a better job. It's much like sticking with the same medical doctor. If you always go to the same doctor, they know more about you without having to read charts, and they can help you more quickly and more effectively.

Athletes are not alone when it comes to sports medicine. When you think of other active occupations, you may think of dancers and performers. These types of productions may also have someone versed in sports massage traveling with them. Dancers can get hurt rather easily, and a heavy touring schedule can get the best of anyone no matter how fit they may be. Having a sports therapist around can cut down on how long a performer is hurt, and can cut down on overall injuries by teaching prevention and doing maintenance therapy.

The Basics of Shiatsu Massage

noreply@blogger.com (melSIS) — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 13:46:00 +0000

Shiatsu massage is a very popular Japanese form of healing that uses the hands to apply different amounts of pressure to specific areas of the body. This type of massage is said to be used for a person's overall well-being as well as to help with a specific problem.

Shiatsu, in essence, helps to bring balance to the body, and stimulates the immune system in an effort to get the body to use it's own unique healing powers to take care of many chronic issues that may occur. What shiatsu massage can do for the body is debated in some areas, and many feel claims are made about it's power that are not entirely true, and may even be dangerous.

Unlike some other types of massage, shiatsu is done without any of the rubbing you associate with other massage. It relies almost exclusively on pressure points to remove energy blockage to promote the healing power contained within the body. As with many other types of massage that come from the Orient, the belief is that a properly balanced energy flow will help the body heal on its own. It can be used for menstrual problems, all types of muscular problems and pains, headaches, common digestive problems, and helps to relieve stress and emotional problems that may be blocking healing.

To understand the basics of shiatsu massage, you should think about other forms of oriental massage, as well as the practice of acupuncture. They all rely on stimulating spots on the body said to be connected to energy flow. When the energy is freed, true healing can begin. Though the basic principles are the same, the techniques used to apply those methods are what set each procedure and type of massage apart from the rest. Shiatsu massage uses the fingers and palms to stimulate the points on the body with pressure, tapping, and some squeezing.

When you first go in for shiatsu massage, you will be asked about all of your medical conditions, your medical history, and about lifestyle issues that may leave you feeling stressed or bound up. This is important information, so it is a good idea to be as honest and thorough as possible while answering these questions. This will help the massage therapist to determine where your energy may be blocked, and what approach to take when deciding on your therapy.

Though you may find some people who claim that shiatsu massage can help with more serious issues like cancer, you should be careful about how you proceed. While it is essential that you are comfortable with what your massage therapy can do for you, you do have to be realistic. If you are under treatment for any type of serious medical condition, you should never drop your medical treatments and rely solely on shiatsu massage. You should use it in conjunction with your medical treatments to promote healing, and to wash away the stresses you may be experiencing at that time in your life. Together, western medicine and massage treatments can work to promote healing and longevity.

About Oriental Massage

noreply@blogger.com (melSIS) — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 13:36:00 +0000

Many have heard of oriental massage, but the term is a little misleading. Because massage has been practiced in the East for a very long time, many different methods were born. There are many different types originating from this area, but sometimes they are all labeled simply as oriental massage.
(Left: Pictures of Thai massage pressure points at Wat Po in Bangkok)

In a way, that term does denote the difference between that massage, and that which is more well-known in the western part of the world. While western-style massage tends to deal with a specific problem a person is having, this type often works with the entire self, and hopes to alleviate problems by bring balance and harmony back to the body.

Oriental massage is a broader term for those techniques that have been traced back to China, Thailand, and Japan. One common type of this massage is called Tui Na. This massage is not so much for relaxation as it is to heal. It has always been considered to be a healing massage, and can be quite involved. This can be great for chronic pain or the injuries associated with sports. This type of massage is done with clothing on the body. As with acupuncture, a long and detail history of medical problems needs to be documented along with details about lifestyle. This helps the therapist tremendously. Tui Na is just one type of oriental massage you can try.

If you are familiar with acupuncture, you have some idea of how oriental massage is supposed to work. There are different types, but they do all have the same theory behind them. As with acupuncture, this type of massage will endeavor to bring balance (or chi) to the body. By the way of massage, those who practice this style work with the natural energy of the body to bring things back into balance. By removing stress and other emotional stoppages, the body can relax and heal itself as it is supposed to do. This type of healing has been used in the Far East for centuries.

Oriental massage uses acupressure in the same way that acupuncturists use a needle. They use the same spots along the body's meridians (energy channels) to help the patient, but instead of inserting needles, they apply pressure to these spots along with various massage techniques to open the energy channel. Acupuncture helps to release blockages and allows endorphins to move through the body to where they are needed. Oriental massage works on the same principles.

If you have a specific problem that needs to be corrected, you can most certainly opt for oriental massage. Just remember that this will focus on your entire body as well as your spiritual well-being. It is thought that once the energy is balanced within your body, and after it has begun to flow freely, you will find relief. You may even find you are feeling better than every before, and that stiffness and pains you had learned to live with melt away. You may not have realized they were there until they have gone away. Many people come out feeling energized and ready to take on the world.

Learning about Full Body Massage

noreply@blogger.com (melSIS) — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 12:50:00 +0000

Full body massage is the practice of manipulating the soft tissues of the body to relieve stress, help manage pain, improve blood circulation and to aid the body in healing an injury.

Manipulations used in full body massage include, but aren't limited to, soft pressure, hard pressure, slow movement, vigorous movement and stretching. Several techniques for doing full body massage have originated from ancient civilizations. However, many new body massage techniques have also been created in our present time.

Most full body massage techniques focus on muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and lymph nodes and a massage session begins with the patient laying face up or face down on a massage table or the floor.

In the past, full body massage became entangled with prostitution, causing its reputation to become sullied. Fortunately, in the present time, full body massage has been studied and recognized as a legitimate therapy that can aid the healing of the body and mind.

One of the most popular full body massage techniques is called the Swedish massage. Swedish massage began as percussion, or tapping, strokes used to heal an injury. This full body massage technique uses special movements or strokes such as:

Effleurage - long, flowing or gliding strokes that are performed with open hands. This specialized stroke is usually done in the direction of the heart to increase circulation.
Petrissage - a kneading movement performed with the whole palm or fingertips. Also includes skin rolling, compressing and lifting. The benefits of this movement are an increase in circulation, a decrease in muscle tension and a restoration of mobility.
Friction - a continuous stroke that uses pressure. This stroke is performed with the flat of the hand, the pads of the fingers, the knuckles of the fingers or the back of the forearms. This movement works the deeper muscles.
Tapotement - a rhythmic percussion movement performed with the edge of the palm or the heel of the hand. The main benefit of this movement is the release of cramped muscles.
Vibration - a gentle shaking, or vibrating, of the flesh with the hand or fingertips. This movement releases muscle tension delicate areas like the face or spine.

Another popular full body massage technique is Shiatsu. Shiatsu massage originated in Japan and is made up of acupressure, stretching and Western massage. This full body massage technique focuses on pressure points and energy pathways know as meridians. The object of Shiatsu massage is to get the energy, or ki, flowing properly along the meridian lines and thereby healing the body of all ills.

Shiatsu full body massage is often used to treat nausea, reduce stress, boost the immune system, relieve chronic headaches and migraines and treat insomnia. This full body massage technique is considered holistic, which means it treats the whole person instead of a specific medical problem.

Relaxing Foot Massage

noreply@blogger.com (melSIS) — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 12:35:00 +0000

You won’t find many who would disagree with the idea that a foot massage is one of the most pleasurable and relaxing indulgences one can enjoy.

First, there is the simple pleasure of receiving the warm and caressing touch that is intended purely to pamper you. Added to that, however, the tenets of reflexology connect different parts of the foot to various portions of the body. According to the practitioners of reflexology, the entire body can be treated through foot massage.

Finally, medical science tells us that the portion of the brain that connects to the foot happens to be adjacent to the portion of the brain that connects to the genitals. Some believe that there could even be some overlapping of neurons – perhaps this is part of the reason that a foot massage is often considered erotic and sexy.

Whether you intend to give (or receive) foot massage as part of a broader ranging therapy like reflexology, acupressure, or shiatsu, it is a good idea to make sure that the recipient of the massage is as relaxed and comfortable as possible. It can be beneficial to soak the foot in warm water for about 10 minutes before starting, possibly with a few drops of your favorite essential oil. When you are ready to start, foot should be resting comfortably on a soft, firm surface (a pillow on a chair, the sofa, or a bed, for example).

A foot massage can be delivered either with or without any kind of lubricant, but the overall experience is generally more soothing (and easier to deliver) when a lotion or oil is employed. Use a moderate amount of your lotion or oil, applied to your hands, and make sure your hands are warm when you begin. (Mineral oil is good for this, as it doesn’t soak into the skin and it cleans up easily).

Starting with the top of the foot, stroke it gently from toe to ankle – gently working the corded area of the instep. Follow this up by stroking the sole gently, then gradually increase the pressure. Use your thumb or fingers to rub small circles in the sole. Be sure not to apply too much pressure, but use enough not to tickle the foot. More pressure will be needed on the heel and the ball of the foot. Again, this part of the foot massage should start near the toes and work toward the heel. Also, be sure not to leave out the sides of the foot, where the tissue is thinner and the nerves are often more sensitive.

Continue the foot massage by using one hand to cradle the foot and the other to gently flex and stretch the foot, first at the ankle and then at the ball of the foot. Do his a few times, making sure to alternate directions.

Move on to kneading the sole. You can use both hands for this, either by supporting the foot the fingers and kneading with thumbs, or by using one hand to support the foot as you use the knuckles of your other hand to press and knead the sole. Be sure this part of the foot massage gives plenty of attention to the arch of the foot.

Now it is time to massage the toes. Using gentle strokes and soft squeezes, start with the big toe and work down to the pinky toe. If possible, also gently stroke your finger between the toes, being careful not to force them apart uncomfortably.

To finish off the foot massage, revisit the sole with gentle circular strokes for a moment, then end with soft strokes along the top and instep, working from the ankle down to the toes, as if pulling the pain and stress from the foot. Be sure this motion glides all the way off of the toes gracefully.

Be sure to repeat the process on the other foot, so that neither side of the body feels neglected – it is counterproductive to create a sense of imbalance in a body you are trying to relax.

Deep Tissue Massage

noreply@blogger.com (melSIS) — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 12:05:00 +0000

If you have been seeking massage therapy for aches and pains, you may want to consider getting deep tissue massage.
Photo: deep tissue massage
Petrissage movements

Deep tissue massage is more about therapy and healing than relaxation. Though the Swedish-style massage can be great for minor aches and pain, and is also great for relaxation, there are times when it just isn’t enough and there is a reason why it works better than the Swedish type. You should consider that the problems you are having in association with chronic pain need a more advanced approach.

You may not hear much about deep tissue massage, but it is something that is used quite often to help athletes and others who have very physical jobs. Most injuries are not just surface injuries, and it is important to get to the root of the problem for real relief. Athletes are not the only ones who can benefit however, as there are many injuries that go deeper than the surface. If you have an office job where you must sit in front of a computer all day, or if you do a lot of repetitive motions for any reason, you are also at risk for this type of problem.

Deep tissue massage reaches core muscles that are often not stimulated through surface massage. These muscles may be in a state of agitation. These core muscles are important for posture, and when they are not loose and working well, you are going to have all sorts of problems. If you have a backache that won’t go away, and regular massage doesn’t seem to do much to help you, it means that the core muscles are in need of manipulation, and that is where deep tissue massage can help. You may find relief for many types of chronic pain through this type of massage, and once you find you are feeling better, you may kick yourself for not having tried it sooner.

A therapist using deep tissue massage will have to apply more pressure to reach the muscle well below the surface. This means there is going to be more pain when you have treatment. This pain is temporary, and is letting you know that the proper tissues are being targeted. When muscles are bunched, the act of kneading and manipulating them will hurt. This pain is temporary, and depending on the state of your health, you should see results rather quickly. It is important that you keep up with your treatment if you want to see total and complete results.

You may have to look hard to find a good deep tissue massage therapist. You generally won’t find someone like this in a spa that specializes in Swedish massage, but it is not unheard of either. If you can’t seem to find anyone, talk to your medical doctor. They may know of somewhere you can go. Though some doctors are iffy on recommending alternative therapies, many of them respect what deep tissue massage can do for the health and well-being of their patients.

Improve Blood Flow with Back Massage

noreply@blogger.com (melSIS) — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 11:35:00 +0000

When you hear someone talking about getting a massage, they are usually talking about getting a back massage for relaxation purposes. Though there is some medical benefit to this type of massage, most get it for relaxation reasons. Those who have back and neck problems can benefit, as well as those who are under stress and seek relief. Stress can tie your muscles up in knots, and this leaves you feeling bound up and achy. This type of massage can help melt away that type of stress and leave you feeling relaxed and energized.

Back massage is quite popular because we tend to carry a lot of stress in our shoulders and back, and also because there are so many people with back problems. I recently had a problem with my neck and shoulders, and once the pain was diminished somewhat, my doctor told me to go get a massage to help sooth the aching muscles that had bunched and refused to loosen up. Though back massage can indeed loosen up these muscles, it may just be a temporary fix if you only go for one session. You may find your problems returning.

Back massage can also help improve blood flow. This helps your body release and remove toxins from your system. These toxins often are part of the problem. With continued treatments, you may also find that you are being more emotionally aware, and that your body feels different all over. When stress is eliminated and the circulation is improved, wondrous things can happen to your body. You won’t get this benefit from a five minute back massage from your roommate, but this can happen if you visit a massage therapist for regulars sessions.

When you go for back massage, you can expect to take off some of your clothing. You will find some therapists like you to lie down on a table, and others prefer to work while you are sitting in a chair. It might seem that sitting is not a good way to relax, but it is very possible. In most cases, an oil or lotion will be applied to your skin before back massage begins. This helps to stop friction between the hands of the massage therapist and your skin. Some like to use oils with different scents to help the patient relax. Lavender is a good scent for this.

You may be doubtful about back massage, but this is probably because you have only had massages from friends or family. These quick five or ten minute rub-downs can not compare to what a licensed massage therapist can do for you. You will find that this is something like you have never experienced. Your friends and family mean well, and the quick shoulder rub does have some calming effect, but it is far from the proper massage techniques that you need. Be warned, however. Once you get a real massage, nothing else will do.