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Massage Therapy For The Head

July 3rd, 2011 No comments

Massage Therapy For The Head – Origins

Massage is perhaps one of the oldest therapies known to man, and has been practised in the East for at least the past 5000 years.

indian head massage

Head massage originated in India over a thousand years ago. The origin of the word shampoo comes from a Hindi word ‘champi’. Originally it meant having your head massaged and began as a way for mothers to help their daughters keep their long hair in great condition.

The majority of mothers in India still practise head massage as an everyday part of family life and mothers would normally perform this service on family members at least once per week.

Benefits of Indian Head Massage

The benefits have been acknowledged for generations, and massage is commonly part of everyday activities, carried out within the family from an early age.

In the 1970′s Narendra Mehta brought Indian head massage to the west and the therapy has since been extended to include the shoulders, upper arms,face, ears and neck, and is available in good beauty salons.

Indian Head Massage is very relaxing, calming the mind, body and emotions.

Working with a firm and gentle rhythm it aids relaxation and helps to relieve muscular discomfort and tension. It also is reputed to improve circulation in the head, thereby enhancing the senses and promoting clear thinking. Canadian pharmacy news

Application

The massage often begins with the upper back, where the application of deep massage technique helps to relax the muscles and to loosen and melt away knotted areas.

Working through the upper arms and shoulders further releases the common areas for holding tension, and then working deeply into the neck to melt away tension where it often accumulates.

Moving up to the head itself, methods are employed which relax, stimulate and revive the whole of the head, increasing circulation and promoting healthy hair.

Finally the treatment may include a gentle face massage which improves circulation, enhances skin tone, and may assist with sinus and headache issues.

Massage therapy for the head can be performed with or without oils with the client sitting and fully clothed, so it can conveniently be performed anywhere without the need for a massage table. As such it is also particularly good for people who are wheelchair bound or are partially immobile.

head massage

Indian Head Massage In Beauty Salons

Typically upon arrival your therapist will take you through a free consultation and you will be asked to get comfortable so the massage can commence.

Size of establishment is not the main criteria in selecting a salon. Look for establishments, whether large or small, that offer a highly professional standard and where their therapists are fully qualified and insured giving you peace of mind that your treatments will be carried out safely and competently.

After receiving a relaxing massage therapy for the head it is best to take things and to take on board plenty of water during the rest of the day.

How Can A Massage Help Me Sleep?

May 14th, 2011 No comments

It is one of our natural tendencies to rub someone when they are having a hard time sleeping. One of the most concrete examples to back up this claim is the way we gently stroke the head of babies, or rub their backs to make them fall asleep. Admittedly, rubbing or touching is a natural and instinctive way to soothe and relax. And isn’t it that rubbing and touching is what a massage is all about?
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There are many articles and scientific journal entries that discuss how a massage, massage therapy, or therapeutic massage can help us relax. Even just one session of massage therapy already has an impact on our body and how it works. Here is the picture: humans are born with a parasympathetic and sympathetic autonomic nervous system. These two balances each other out. When we are stressed, our sympathetic system is activated making us feel the urge to fight, flight, or move restlessly. On the other hand, when we have a massage, our parasympathetic system is activated allowing our bodies to relax. What is the connection between this and our topic? Simply put, common sleep disorders are usually caused by stress and tension. And if these are the reasons why you are not sleeping very well every night, then you might be pleased to know that one of the benefits of massage therapy is improved sleep patterns. And this is true. In fact, there are some people who actually fall asleep while having a session at their massage spa.

Quite a number of people have claimed that they have slept well after receiving regular sessions of massage therapy and reflexology. Several studies also support the claim on how massage therapy does more than reducing incidences of back pain, body pain, and headaches. These studies also showed that therapeutic massage also helped patients sleep better due to lessened anxiety and depression. Another interesting massage study reported that critically ill patients claimed experiencing improved sleep patterns, both in the quality and quantity of sleep, compared to those patients who received only relaxation exercises.

So whether you are experiencing sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, or restless leg syndrome, there is a therapeutic massage technique that can help you. According to a professional massage therapist from leading massage spa in Sarasota, Florida, people increasingly avail of their Swedish massage, sports massage, pregnancy massage, deep tissue massage, and reflexology services because they want to be soothed and relaxed.

Here are the basic description of each massage therapy treatment:

- Swedish massage is a massage therapy technique that uses variations of long gliding strokes, kneading, and friction techniques on surface muscles. Strokes used in Swedish massage generally goes with the direction of blood flow toward the heart. Swedish massage is commonly availed by people who wants to experience relaxation, improve circulation and range of motion, as well as relieve muscle tension.

- Deep tissue massage is a massage therapy technique aimed at reaching the muscles way below the surface level. Chronic patterns of muscular tension usually happens at the deep connective tissues and this is the area targeted by deep tissue massage. With the use of slow strokes, direct and firm pressure, as well as friction techniques directed across the area of the body experiencing chronic muscle pain, deep tissue massage is effective in relieving chronic muscular tension and pain.

- Sports massage is a massage therapy technique that uses massage strokes similar to those used during a Swedish massage and deep tissue massage. The difference is that sports massage is specially adapted to deal with the effects of athletic performance on the body, as well as the needs of athletes regarding training, performing, and recovery from injury.

- Pregnancy massage is a massage therapy technique specially adapted to suit the delicate conditions of soon to be mothers. It uses the gentlest forms of massage strokes. A go signal form a medical practitioner is necessary before a woman can avail of pregnancy massage. Pregnancy massage is very effective in relieving back pain, leg cramps, and other discomforts associated with pregnancy.

Best Types Of Massages

April 22nd, 2011 No comments

A massage is more than just a simple rub-down of your body by hands and fingers. Massage therapy spa is a fine and ancient art that has developed through many years but this art did not develop in a single linear fashion as one may chose to describe something such as the evolution of computers. In almost every culture that was known in history, massages were a part of almost every other healing process but this also meant that the art would develop and evolve differently through the ages and with time, different cultures, societies and civilizations had their own special variation of massage therapy. Some of which were simply a difference in techniques but others would become distinctly different from all others in terms of methods used, tools and even objective.

People choose to learn massage therapy and also get them done according their needs and the following are just a few in a list of many other massage types:

1. Deep Tissue Massage

This is a special kind of massage that is designed to relieve severe tension in the muscle and the connective tissue. This kind of massage therapy primarily targets the muscles underneath the surface muscles and is often recommended for individuals who experience consistent pain and those involved in extremely strenuous physical activities such as athletes. This massage works differently from one person to the next as we are built differently thus what one person calls deep another will call light and vice versa. If it’s not done properly or is done too forcefully, it could also result in one muscle ache being replaced by another. The massage is performed under a constant deep pressure. These are a specialty in many massage therapy spas.

2. Medical massage therapy

There are massage techniques and procedures that were developed specifically for the medical field. They include decongestive therapy, and light massages which are used to relieve pain. A Carotid sinus massage is a method that is used in the diagnosis of a medical condition called carotid sinus syncope. It can also be used to tell apart certain muscular conditions. Medical massage therapy is much more result oriented than the other types and will only focus on the diagnosed/prescribed area.

3. Eastern Massage Practices

There are very many massage practices and techniques that have arisen from the east many of which still carry on today while a few have been widely dismissed as being mythic in their effectiveness. These practices vary not just by the exact region from which they arose but some also have varied targets while others were meant to target specific parts of the body.

Here are a few:

- Acupressure: This massage method that has its origin in Japan is very closely related and is quite similar to the Chinese practice called acupuncture due to the fact that it uses the fingers, hands and elbows to apply pressure to acupuncture points.

- Shiatsu: This is yet another massage practice that has its origins in Japan. Its name when translated means finger pressure and this is because it incorporates the method called Acupressure. It also involves and has techniques such as rolling, vibrating and brushing and the feet are also used to apply pressure on the back, legs and thighs.

- Hilot

This is a traditional healing technique that has its origin in the Philippines and incorporates massage techniques that relax stressed muscles. Manipulations of joints are also performed for the same purpose.

4. Swedish Massage

Yet another favorite in massage therapy spa and massage parlors, it applies five styles of long strokes and these are sliding/gliding, kneading, rhythmic tapping, friction and shaking. Swedish massage has been known to be very effective especially in relieving pain and relaxing stiffness in the joints.

Benefits Of Going To Massage Therapy

April 20th, 2011 No comments

When you are in pain you know that getting relief is going to be key to getting to feel better. Without that relief you are going to feel terrible the entire time and that could lead to a change in your behavior and even in the way that you deal with people. That is when you need to realize that you can get some massage therapy to get some of the relief that you need to have.

benefits of massage

One benefit of going to this type of treatment is that it is going to help relieve your pain naturally. Since it will help you get rid of your pain in a natural manner you will not have to worry about becoming addicted to any of the pain medications that you may have been taking.

Another benefit of using this treatment method is that it can help you in relaxing. When you use this method you may think that you will never be able to get rid of the stresses that you have, but you should realize that it is possible to get rid of those stresses just by going into the massage room and getting the treatment.

Something else that you can find to be enjoyable about this treatment is that it will often be a great way to make new friends. Now you may think that you have plenty of friends, but what you may not realize is that when you get this treatment carried out on your body that you will normally end up using the same therapist. Since you use them all the time the chances are going to be good that you will become really close friends.

massage therapy

At times you may realize that you can get this treatment done at a great cost. Since the cost may be significantly lower than what you were expecting you will notice that you may be able to afford to get more treatments than what you thought. That could mean that you will start to feel more relaxed all the time rather than being up tight and stressed about everything in life.

Being able to have some form of pain relief and stress relief is a good thing. What you may not realize though is that you may need to use massage therapy to get those relaxing moments that you need to have to start to feel better and then you can see why so many people enjoy life after seeing a therapist that performs this type of work.

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Finding Discounted Portable Massage Tables

April 12th, 2011 No comments

Any massage therapist or student of massage therapy should know that having a portable massage table is a must. It is advantageous to have lightweight and foldable portable massage table because you can carry it along with you so you can perform massage therapy session anywhere it might be needed.

When it comes to tables used in massage, it is important to put in mind that the table should work well with you as the therapist. This means that the table’s height should be at the range where it will be comfortable to work on in which case a table with adjustable height will be an advantage and the table’s width should be wide enough to accommodate clients of different sizes but should not be too wide that the massage therapist will have difficulty in working other areas of the client’s body.

portable reiki massage

As client’s as well as your safety is important it is best to invest on good quality portable massage table that is made of durable materials like wood and aluminum for greater stability and since we are talking portable here, lightness should not be discounted. That is why between the two, most experienced massage therapists prefer portable tables made of aluminum due to its strength and lightness. To give you an idea of how light your portable table should be, it is recommended that the weight should not exceed 30 pounds.

Although such tables are generally expensive it does not mean that you cannot find quality tables that cost less. If you are just starting out with your massage business or you are still a student of massage therapy you would want to find a table that will work with what your budget can allow.

To find a portable massage table at discounted price, you can search over the Internet for different websites selling massage equipments. This way you will be able to scout for as many manufacturer as you can, plus you will be able to compare prices to get the best deals. The downside though is that you will not be able to check the product before hand so make sure to acquaint yourself with the terms of purchase.

If you feel the need to be able to check the item first hand, pay a visit to your local stores that might be selling massage tables at discounted price. You can also check public announcements of shops where used portable tables for massage might be on sale. You can also search for used massage tables for sale on line but if you are unsuccessful the first time you do your search do check again from time to time because you do not know when somebody might decide to sell their used portable table.

Another way to be get the most out of your money’s worth is to take advantage of portable massage table sold in packaged deals that will include add-ons like head and arm rests. Although buying in package might cost more but to think that you will get the additional accessories at a lesser price than when you buy them separately, that should be enough to put your mind at ease.

Massage Therapy – Key to Good Health and Relaxation

April 5th, 2011 No comments

A massage therapy is an age old procedure that was practiced by the Chinese and the Indians as a treatment method for injuries and muscle ailments. It is essentially a technique in which a trained masseur manipulates the soft tissues, muscles and pressure points of your body to provide relief from pain and also for general well being and health improvement.

massage therapist

In the recent years, this touch therapy has gained widespread popularity as it is an excellent stress buster and also provides relaxation and rejuvenation for the physical and mental well being. In a massage, the body is subjected to various types of movements ranging from gentle stroking to deep kneading depending on the result desired. This technique offers a wide range of benefits including pain relief, improved blood circulation and immunity, relaxation, relieves muscle tension and also evokes a sense of peacefulness and calmness to de-stress the body and mind.

There are more than a hundred different types of massage and the only way to choose the right one is to take the advice of a specialist at a wellness center or spa. You will be first subjected to a detailed physical examination and also your medical history, lifestyle and diet pattern noted down for the therapist to understand your problems and to prescribe the right type of treatment. One of the most popular among the various types is the aromatherapy technique in which essential oils derived from plants are used for the touch therapy. This one is extremely beneficial for those who are undergoing depression and anxiety as aroma oils are excellent mood stimulants and also stress busters.

The lymphatic massage is another popular one and has more medical benefits; in this gentle and rhythmic strokes are used to boost lymphatic circulation. Patients recovering from breast cancer and other inflammatory conditions can benefit immensely from this therapy as it helps to reduce swelling and inflammation. Reflexology procedures have also become very popular especially the Thai style foot reflexology in which thumb and finger movements are used on the pressure points to alleviate stress and tension. A session of this foot massage will provide you with great relaxation and relief from many aches and pains.

massage relaxation

Another famous one is the Swedish massage in which the masseur makes use of pressure techniques and strokes to improve blood circulation and also promote detoxification. This is excellent for people who have had tendon and ligament injuries and also helps to improve mental and psychological well being. Shiatsu is another form of this age old touch therapy devised by the Chinese centuries ago. In this technique, fingers and hands are used to create pressure at specific problem areas of the body for pain relief and also to channelize the body’s energy. It is an excellent procedure for those who are looking only for relaxation and rejuvenation from all kinds of stress and tensions.

Integrative touch and compassionate touch are two other recent massage techniques that are used increasingly among people who are hospitalized or suffering from terminal illness. The sensitive touch therapy enables the patient to calm down and relax along with providing emotional well being.

Rejuvenate Yourself With A Soothing Massage

February 20th, 2011 No comments

Once in a while, you should pamper your body with a luxury massage which not only relaxes your muscles but also rejuvenates your mind. You can choose a massage that best suits your needs from an interesting variety offered by various spas.

soothing massage

A massage is a great way to stimulate the senses, relieve tension and relax the stressed muscles of the body. You may choose from a variety: deep tissue, Swedish, sports and hot stone massage and more. You can rejuvenate your mind and body by visiting a good spa that offers a nourishing massage. A therapeutic massage triggers the blood circulation and emphasizes healing injured muscles. Whether you want to release stress or release a muscle spasm, you can opt for a massage that penetrates deep into your muscles.
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A Swedish massage is quite popular as it helps in relaxing the muscles in the gentlest way. A variety of oils is used to make the skin smooth so as to allow the therapist to give various strokes like gliding, friction, tapping, and kneading, stretching and circular movements on your body. Ranging from light to firm, you can select the level of pressure put on different parts of your body by the therapist. It is best suited if you are getting a massage for the first time.

rejuvenate yourself

For a more intensive massage with the pressure that is quite firm, you can opt for a deep tissue massage. As the name suggests, deep tissue massage reaches the deeper tissues of the muscles. Deep tissue massage puts more pressure on the body as compared to a Swedish massage. Deep tissue massage is mainly focused upon the muscles that are greatly stressed or have chronic knots. If you feel too much pressure or pain, quickly inform your therapist.

Spas offer massages enriched with essential oils that are extracted from different parts of trees like flowers, seeds, leaves, bark, and roots. Aromatherapy massage uses a mixture of essential oils such as grape seed oil, sweet almond, apricot kernel, lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint and many others. These oils are chosen on the basis of your needs. Sports massage is beneficial when you want to focus on a single part of your body that causes problems. If you have pulled a hamstring, have joint pain or a frozen shoulder, you can get a sports massage rather than a full-body massage.

Back Massage Ease Pain Faster

November 30th, 2010 No comments

Anyone who feels they have a hectic life, has a car, kids, pets or maybe is still in school or in today’s world looking for work uses their back every minute of every day. When we go and purchase those heavy groceries, push the cart. I put my kids in the car, switch around their seats, move their backpacks and there it is again, my backache. Not only does my upper back hurt, but my shoulder blades, lower back, shoulders. I frequently treat myself to a back massage at my local spa. There are so many benefits. Indian online pharmacy – cheap medications from India.

alleviate low back pain

You can go to your local spa and find out more. There will be a whole range of massages offered, and I encourage you to try all of them, but start with the back. Besides the feet, it is probably the most neglected part of your body, but needs special care, as it is used in everything from walking to sitting, to caring for children to even eating.

A masseuse will help navigate you through the world of massage. There is a variety of options for you to choose from head to hand, from finger to toes! You may wear nothing but towels, but if unsure, you should keep your underwear on. My first massage was so great. My back felt so good, and it wasn’t just a short relief. It is still great, even after a few weeks.

You and your spouse may both be feeling the same level of backache. This may lead to you feeling unsympathetic to him, and him discounting your gripes. Try talking with a girlfriend. She will understand. Who knows, she’s probably had many a massage. My good friend describes a massage as getting away from it all, a vacation.

Massage is an ancient technique, so it is tried and trusted. Modern medicine discounted it somewhat, but it enjoyed a revival in the 1960′s, and in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta it was deemed a core medical service.

back massage

Even though there are so many forms of massage and it can be performed on any body part, to me, the back massage is the greatest necessity. As a parent, I am constantly carrying heavy items while taxi-ing 3 girls hither and yon.

In order to keep the back healthy, one must stretch. Sure, we drive our children to dance, sports, track and sports, but do we really get what we need? I know personally, I sit through 3 hours of ballet, 4 of music and 2 of tap dance. Does this keep my back healthy? I don’t think so.

My little 6 year old will not let me win. I cannot leave her to watch her sisters in their classes, she will not walk with me, she will not ride her bike, sit in a stroller, or even take a piggy-back from me. I must sit. Sit and wait. While they exercise, I sit. And again through her class. And so I go for a back massage time after time, after time.

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What To Expect For Your First Massage Appointment

October 29th, 2010 No comments

You got a gift certificate, someone made a great recommendation, or you simply got curious. Regardless of why it happened, congratulations! You’re about to have your first massage appointment.

Many people wonder what will happen when they go to a massage appointment. While every massage therapy session is slightly different due to environment, internal policies, local legislation, etc., many massage therapists follow the same general guidelines for their clients’ massage sessions. It’s good to know what to expect so that you can be an informed client. This brief introduction to your first massage appointment will help you dispel any myths and empower you so that you can have a great first experience!

Keep your appointment

After you phone to book your appointment, it’s a good idea to put it on your calendar. Many times therapists and spas have fees for missed appointments. Often there is a 24-hour cancellation policy. Be sure to inquire with the spa or therapist as to their cancellation policies. Many massage therapist and spa websites include this information on their web page.

Arrive 5-10 minutes early

If you have never had a massage before or if you are seeing a new therapist, it’s a good idea to arrive five to ten minutes early. Many times you will need to fill out a brief client intake form so that the therapist can treat you appropriately. Most forms will ask you for normal “doctor’s office” information, because there are a number of factors which will have an effect on how and when a massage therapist can and cannot work with you. Even if something seems inconsequential, like having low blood sugar or having a surgery five years ago for example, it’s important to let your therapist know these things.

Having health circumstances or taking specific medications doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t be able to be treated; a good therapist needs to know this information so he or she can treat you safely and make the experience enjoyable!

Ask questions and give your opinion

If you are unsure of a procedure or you are concerned about something the therapist says or doesn’t say, ask! Massage therapists give and receive massages often and even the best therapists occasionally leave something out. A good massage therapist is never taken angry when you ask questions. Even if you think they are “silly” questions, we don’t.

During the massage, empower yourself to let the therapist know what feels good and what doesn’t. If the therapist is going too deep and you cannot relax, it’s important to tell him or her so they can adjust the pressure. (Example: If you get above a 6 or 7 on a 1-10 pain scale, the therapy stops being therapeutic and is just painful!) Yes, the therapist is the massage “expert,” but they cannot feel how you feel inside your own skin. The hour or half-hour is about you, the client. You’re paying for the service, so making it a positive experience is the goal of most therapists!

The general massage session

You arrive early and complete an intake form. The therapist reviews your history and asks questions, occasionally performing small movement tests if you are coming in for specific work (versus relaxation). The therapist will step out to wash their hands and leave you to undress to your level of comfort. For most people this will mean getting completely undressed or undressing down to the underwear. Most therapists prefer to work with people full undressed, as undergarments can get in the way of smooth, flowing movements. However, if you feel better with your underwear on, this is perfectly fine. (If you are unsure what the norm is, ask your therapist.)

The good news is that once you are undressed, you will get underneath a clean sheet and/or blanket. Often there is a heating pad or extra padding on the table for your comfort. As he or she works, the therapist will only uncover the part(s) being worked on. This preserves your modesty and is often legally required. While the whole body is typically addressed in a table massage, in North America ladies’ breasts and both male and female genitals are never massaged. If you need the draping adjusted for greater modesty or other general areas of comfort, ask the therapist. The therapist will also typically ask about pressure and other moves he or she is performing to ensure you’re having a good experience.

After your massage

After your massage has come to an end the therapist will often say “Thank you”, and let you know that they are stepping out to allow you to get up off the table and get dressed. If you feel that you need assistance getting off the table, inform your therapist and they will help you while preserving your modesty. Usually you are very relaxed, so if you do not need assistance get up slowly so that you do not get dizzy.

Once you are up, put your clothing back on and open the door. If the therapist asked you to go up front to a desk, proceed there. Otherwise open the door and the therapist will make sure you are feeling alright. Often they will also encourage you to drink water to rehydrate (massage is like exercise to your muscle tissues) and rebook with him or her as a courtesy. Your payment is typically due immediately after the massage. Tipping is acceptable and the rate is typically 10-20% of the bill. Tipping is a way to let the therapist know you really enjoyed his or her services and the practice is encouraged, though not officially required at most establishments.

If you had a good massage experience, consider re-booking at another time that works for your schedule, whether it is twice a week or twice a year. Massage can be great for your health and well-being. Most of all, congratulations! You’ve just had your first massage!

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Massage Envy Coupons

May 5th, 2010 No comments

Nowadays, a lot of people are looking forward to getting a massage after a long day at work. But because these can be expensive, Massage Envy coupons are being given out by the company so that their clients will have a cheaper expense to pay for relaxation. Aside from the coupons, the company has long been known as a relaxation company that offers cheaper prices as compared to its competitors.

massage envy

But why get a massage?

For many years, research has been done with regards to massage as a therapy. Before, massages were considered as a way of relaxation. This though, is no longer applicable to the sense in itself. This is because these relaxation practices have been found to have a therapeutic effect on the body and the health. The main purpose of getting the relaxation process is so your body can be renewed from the day to day stress you encounter at work. But aside from this, massages are also able to minimize muscle pain and to restore the balance to your mind and body. This is why you feel rejuvenated after you getting a treatment.

What Massage Treatments Does this Company Offer?

At Massage Envy, there are numerous treatments available. If you are not knowledgeable on what service you want to have done to you, you can simply ask your therapist to describe the services and choose which one suits your likings best.

Why Massage Envy?

If you have not been convinced of Massage Envy coupons, there are numerous reasons why you should choose the company. One of these is because they have highly skilled therapists who have extended work hours. This is because they have been able to see how many people want to get a treatment anytime of the day. As a result, there are more options available on what time of the day you want to have your treatment done.

Massage Envy has also been noted as one of the cheaper companies throughout the United States. But despite their low prices, you can still make use of Massage Envy coupons and take advantage of discounts. For this reason, you can save more money as compared to having your massage done elsewhere.

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