CuteWom Blog

Title:

How To: Quick And Easy Natural Massage Melts

Word Count:

679

Summary:

Keywords:

herbal, natural, handmade, pioneerthinking, soapdelicatessen, beauty, soap, lotion, foot, shea

Article Body:

Massage melts are a unique body product because they stay solid at room temperatures, but when applied directly to your skin, start to soften and melt due to body temperature. Their main purpose is to moisturize dry skin, as well as, relax and soothe tight muscles.

Essentially, massage bars are composed of natural butters and oils. Most recipes for this type of product call for the use of cocoa butter. Even though it has great moisturizing properties, I feel this butter produces too hard a product. Therefore, I recommend using such butters as shea and mango, which create a silkier, luxurious feeling to your melts.

For oils, I highly recommend using sweet almond and jojoba. Sweet almond oil is light and penetrates easily making it well-suited for dry skin conditions. Plus, it is effective on all skin types. Jojoba oil, which is not actually an oil but is a liquid wax, is similar in composition to the oil your skin secretes, which is known as sebum. Jojoba is a quickly absorbed oil that soothes the skin, as well as, extends the shelf life of other oils.

Other “light” oils you can substitute, for the above, are apricot kernel, grapeseed, sunflower, safflower, or soybean. Rounding out the rest of the ingredients are beeswax, vitamin E, and essential and fragrance oils.

Beeswax helps formulations keep their shape, as well as, act as a humectant. Vitamin E oil protects your product from rancidity and is also a great natural antioxidant. Essential oils are natural ingredients that are the very essence of the plant itself. Extracted from the flowers, fruit, leaves, bark, and roots of the plant, the oils are used for scent and therapeutic purposes. A word of caution, due to their volatility, research any essential oil before use. Fragrance oils, though synthetic in nature, do provide an inexpensive and easy way to achieve a scent that might not be possible with essential oils.

Ingredients:
3 ½ oz. of shea butter
3 ½ oz. of beeswax
2 oz. of jojoba oil
2 oz. of sweet almond oil
¼ tsp. of Vitamin E

Equipment:
Mold(s) of your choice
1 digital cooking thermometer
2 Pyrex glass measuring cups
1 small digital postal scale
1 set of measuring aluminum spoons
Wax paper for measuring on the scale
Plastic wrap to cover Pyrex cups

Directions:
Step 1: Gather all equipment onto a clean, sterile surface. Place a sheet of wax paper over the small digital postal scale to measure out the shea butter and beeswax base. Place base in a Pyrex cup and cover with plastic wrap. Melt ingredients, completely, in the microwave.

Step 2: While the base is melting, use the second Pyrex cup for your jojoba, sweet almond, vitamin E, and essential/fragrance oils (if used). Mix, cover with plastic wrap, and set aside.

Step 3: Once the base has melted, mix thoroughly. Pour the Pyrex cup from step 2 into the base Pyrex cup, mix together, and pour into your mold(s). Set aside for a couple of hours to cool and set. When soft, transfer the melts to the fridge until they are really hard. They should just pop out of the molds easily. Massage into skin and let product become absorbed. Due to melting properties, keep unused portions out of direct sunlight and store in a cool place.

Note: If you plan on using essential and/or fragrance oils in your recipe, place a digital thermometer in the melted shea butter and beeswax base. Wait for the temperature to drop down to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything higher will burn off the fragrant oils. After the temperature has reached this point immediately dump your Pyrex cup from step 2 into the Pyrex cup with the base, mix quickly, and pour into your mold(s). Follow the rest of step 3 instructions.

Muscle Relief Essential Oil Blend
½ tsp. of Eucalyptus
½ tsp. of Peppermint (do not use if pregnant)
30 drops of Rosemary

Tropical Fragrance Oil Blend (Substitute shea butter with mango butter)
½ tsp of Heliotrope fragrance oil
¼ tsp of Coconut Milk fragrance oil
30-50 drops of Tahitian Vanilla fragrance oil

All recipe ingredients, listed above, can be found by searching Google.com.

Title:

Demand For Massage Therapists Increases As Interest In Benefits Of Massage Creates More Converts

Word Count:

464

Summary:

Keywords:

health, massage, career,massage therapy,alternativehealth

Article Body:

Projections by the U.S. Department of Labor forecast employment opportunities for massage therapists to grow by 18 to 26 percent from 2004-2014.

According to the 2006-2007 Edition of the Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, the outlook for employment for massage therapists will “increase faster than average” during the period from 2004-2014. The Bureau defines “faster than average” as “increase 18 to 26 percent.”

Among the reasons for the growing demand for massage therapists, the publication cites “massage therapy’s growing acceptance as a medical tool.” Apparently, younger Americans appreciate the effectiveness of massage at reducing stress through relaxation and the growing segment of older Americans are experiencing specific therapeutic benefits. The willingness of the “medical provider and insurance industries” to recommend and cover the costs of massage therapy is another growth factor cited by the Bureau.

There are roughly 1,300 massage therapy postsecondary schools, college programs, and training programs throughout the country. After enrolling in a training program, massage therapy students study anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and other subjects covering the structure and function of the human body. Students must understand how the body works and moves and how the various systems relate and interact.
Students also train in the various massage types, or “modalities,” and learn the techniques associated with each form of massage offered by the training institution. There are dozens of unique approaches to massage ranging from techniques that focus on a specific area of the body to techniques that approach the body holistically and consider both physical and mental aspects of health and relaxation.

The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that massage therapists held about 97,000 jobs in 2004. Most massage therapists are self-employed and own their own business. The balance are independent contractors or are employed by businesses that offer massage services. These include spas, health clubs, medical offices and sports organizations.

An aging population and broader acceptance of alternative medical practices will only increase the demand for massage therapists. Baby-boomers will carry their appreciation for message into their senior years and the elderly, in general, are recognizing the benefits of massage as a support for a more active lifestyle. Businesses have begun offering on-site massage to employees to help deal with on-the-job stress and help improve productivity. Health insurance companies are recognizing the contribution of massage to overall health and many are including massage in their coverage.

The outlook is bright for existing and potential massage therapists. The occupation offers a great deal of flexibility and an opportunity to operate independently. Income levels are fair and growing and the social aspects are quite attractive to those who enjoy helping and interacting with many different people. Enrollment in massage schools is on the rise and good schools, ambitious students and increased demand bode well for future massage therapists.

Title:

Get A Massage In Minneapolis

Word Count:

492

Summary:

Minneapolis, Minnesota is beautiful city blessed by abundant greenery and a vibrant economy. It’s also a progressive center for medical research, finance, transportation, music, engineering and higher education. Minneapolis is a great place to live or to visit. So, whether your stay in beautiful Minneapolis is for a business trip, a fantastic vacation getaway, or a career related relocation initiated by your company you might find you want or need a massage therapy session.

Keywords:

massage, minneapolis, minnesota, therapy, therapist, lomi, shiatsu, deep, tissue, swedish

Article Body:

Receiving a massage in Minneapolis is an experience that people from all walks of life find enjoyable and something they want to repeat over and over again. Whether your goal is to relax and relieve stress with a slow, soothing massage, relieve muscular pain and chronic tension, have a more comfortable pregnancy, or improve your athletic performance Massage Therapists in Minneapolis can help you achieve your goals. In fact there are several available types of massage in Minneapolis. The most commonly offered massage techniques in Minneapolis are:

- Swedish Massage

- Deep Tissue Massage

- Sports Massage

- Shiatsu

- Neuromuscular Therapy

- Hot Stone Massage

- Orthopedic Massage

- Prenatal/Pregnancy Massage

- Thai Massage

However, in addition to the most commonly practiced massage therapy techniques your Minneapolis based Massage Therapist might also practice some other well known and highly effective massage therapy and bodywork techniques:

- Medical Massage

- Trigger Point Therapy

- Craniosacral Therapy

- Chair Massage

- Acupressure

- Myofascial Release

- Aromatherapy Massage

- Hawaiian Lomi Lomi

You might even want to try a very special massage therapy treat when you get a massage in Minneapolis like Couple's Massage where a couple can receive their massages together in the same massage room with two massage therapists. Generally during a Couples Massage the massage therapists will permit a selection of massage techniques so that each of the massage recipients gets the right massage for them. Or, another option for the true massage therapy enthusiast might be the Four Hand Massage, also known as the Duo or Tandem Massage, where you can receive therapeutic massage by two massage therapists at the same time – it’s a great experience.

Receiving massage in Minneapolis is also very convenient. Massage in Minneapolis is available on an incall basis at a Massage Therapist's office, salon, or clinic, in a Massage Establishment, or in one of Minneapolis’ many conveniently located Day Spas.

Massage in Minneapolis is also available on an outcall basis in your Minneapolis area home, office, or hotel. Outcall massage in Minneapolis is a great way to receive your massage without having to travel after the massage. No matter where you are in Minneapolis a great massage is only minutes away.

So if you’re in living, working, or vacationing in Minneapolis what's stopping you from getting your massage? Massage in Minneapolis is relaxing, stress reducing, pain relieving, and performance improving so get one today...you'll be glad you did!

Title:

Get A Massage In Upland

Word Count:

612

Summary:

Did you know that you can receive a great Deep Tissue massage in Upland, California? Not only can you receive a Deep Tissue massage you can also receive Shiatsu and other forms of massage in this beautiful southern California city. Massage in Upland is widely available from independent Licensed and Certified Massage Therapists, Massage Establishments, and a number of Day Spas.

Keywords:

massage, upland, california, therapy, therapist, shiatsu, deep, tissue, swedish, reflexology

Article Body:

Did you know that you can receive a great Deep Tissue massage in Upland, California? Not only can you receive a Deep Tissue massage you can also receive Shiatsu and other forms of massage in this beautiful southern California city. So, if you haven't done it already you should put getting a massage in Upland on your list of things to do. Massage in Upland is widely available from independent Licensed and Certified Massage Therapists, Massage Establishments, and a number of Day Spas.

Massage in Upland is something that is something you'll want to repeat over and over. Whether your goal is to achieve complete relaxation with a slow, soothing massage, relieve muscular pain and chronic tension, have a more comfortable pregnancy, or improve your sports performance Massage Therapists in Upland can help you achieve your goals. In fact there are several types of Massage in Upland. The most commonly offered massage techniques in Upland are:

Deep Tissue Massage - massage of the deeper musculature and connective tissue to release chronic tension and pain. It's often a firmer massage that is appreciated by experienced clients. This massage shares some strokes and techniques with Swedish massage and is used to root out chronic tension in the deeper musculature and connective tissues that contribute to pain and loss of range of motion in joints.

Shiatsu - a Japanese technique of massage that targets specific pressure points to relieve pain and improve the flow of vital energy. Shiatsu is often used to relieve headaches, back pain, and more while the client relaxes on a comfortable Shiatsu mat fully clothed.

Swedish Massage - relaxing massage using gliding strokes, kneading, friction, and striking strokes along with gentle stretching and rocking. It's most often thought of as a "spa" type of massage but it's much more than that. Swedish massage is great for reducing stress, improving circulation, improving range of motion of your joints, and helping you actually feel better in your own skin.

Reflexology - a massage of special zones called "reflexes", usually on the feet and hands, that relieves tension in distant areas of the body.

Pregnancy Massage - massage for the mother-to-be helping her to decrease pain and discomfort throughout the pregnancy. Pregnancy massage relieves muscle spasms and cramps associated with the stress of extra weight bearing and physical changes that occur during pregnancy.

However, in addition to the more commonly practiced massage techniques your Upland based Massage Therapist might also practice some other well known massage therapy techniques:

Sports Massage

Myofascial Release

Medical Massage

Acupressure

Neuromuscular Therapy

Lymphatic Drainage

You might even want to try a special treat when you get a massage in Upland like Couples Massage where a couple can receive their massage together in the same massage room with two massage therapists. During the couples massage each member of the couple can choose to receive a different massage from that of their partner. Or, for the true massage therapy enthusiast some Massage Establishments and Day Spas offer Four Hand Massage, or Tandem Massage, where you can be massaged by two massage therapists at the same time.

Massage in Upland is also very convenient to receive. Massage in Upland is available on an incall basis at a Massage Therapist's office, salon, or clinic, in a Licensed Massage Establishment, or in one of many conveniently located Day Spas. Massage in Upland is also available on an outcall basis in your Upland area home, office, or hotel. No matter where you are in Upland a great massage is just minutes away.

So what's stopping you from receiving the benefits of a great massage? Massage in Upland is relaxing, stress reducing, pain relieving, and performance improving so get one today.

Title:

Health Benefits Of Foot Massage

Word Count:

339

Summary:

Keywords:

massage therapy

Article Body:

Massage of any kind is relaxing and promotes a feeling of calmness. To many health practitioners, in fact, foot massage has been known to be good for health and well-being. Foot massage is common throughout the east as a healing method. In the east, foot massage is not only practiced on adults but on children as well.

Foot massage or reflexology works in the same manner as acupuncture. Each area of the foot corresponds with another area of the body and by massaging each part of the foot, you may be working on your liver, kidney, colon, stomach, etc. Thus, if you experience constipation, a massage through your feet can help in your bowel movement problems.

Health benefits are not entirely proven, but many claim they work. It is said that reflexology can get rid of toxins, help your circulation, improve body functions and even improve memory. A professional foot reflexologist can even diagnose the health problems that you are facing just by massaging your feet.

Foot massage can be really painful. This is especially if more pressure is applied. Screams of pain from a patient in a foot massage center is not uncommon. However, this should not deter you, if you are considering a foot massage. Just explain to the foot reflexologist about your low tolerance for pain and ask him to adjust the pressure applied.

If nothing else, a foot massage will help melt away the day’s stress. Your feet take the biggest beating throughout the day. They have to get you where you need to go and hold up your entire body weight. People tend to overlook their feet. However, hurting feet may just render a person immobile.

With many new age ideas filtering to the west, foot massage has also become more popular in areas like the United States. It is a natural way of treatment after a long hard day. The health benefits may be disputed but it never hurts to try it out and see what benefits it may hold for you.

Title:

10 Things You Absolutely Must Consider Before Buying Your Massage Chair (Part II)

Word Count:

887

Summary:

Keywords:

massage chair, massage chairs, massage recliner, massage recliners

Article Body:

In Part I of this article, I discussed the many features you should consider when buying a massage chair, as well as the durability aspect of your new massage chair. Let’s get on with the remaining 7 “Absolute Musts” to consider when looking into a new massage chair recliner.

#3. Ease of Repair – because of the weight and bulk of a massage chair, simple repairs become a real bother when you have to ship an entire chair back to the manufacturer just to repair something as simple as a tear in the material. For this reason, I suggest looking into a chair that is constructed with a modular design. This makes repair cheap and easy. If a part is broken or material is torn, the modular design will allow you to isolate the damaged part and send it off for repair so much easier and cheaper than sending off the whole chair.

#4. Customer Service – As far as I am concerned, this is probably the most important thing of all. If something does happen to your chair or if you are concerned about any function of your chair, it is so great to have a company that is always available to answer your questions. This puts your mind at ease and you can't put a price on that. So, make sure that whatever chair you buy has a good company backing it up. Whether that is the manufacturer, the seller, or both...you want peace of mind right from the start of your relationship with them.

#5. Price – Even the cheapest massage chair still costs hundreds of dollars, at a minimum…they are not cheap. You will need to invest quite a bit of money to get a new chair you can count on. Prices, however, do not need to be sky-high. Depending on the features you want and/or need, prices can range anywhere from $1000 - $6000. Quite a spread, isn't it? Well, you can get a chair with all the necessary massage therapy features for between $2000 - $3000. If you want real leather vs. man-made leather, an MP3 player, a USB port, or headphones, etc., of course you will pay for those extras. But for the basic features of massage therapy, you do not need to overspend. By the way, when you compare the price of your chair to regular visits to a massage therapist or chiropractor, over time the price of the massage chair is far less than what you'd pay out for all those therapy visits.

#6. Money Back Guarantee – Does your retailer back up the sale of your new massage chair with at least a 30 day unconditional money back guarantee? If not, then you need to be a little skeptical. This is a red flag. This goes back to customer service (#4). They MUST stand behind their product. How else can you feel good about your purchase if it's not backed up by the seller? Some companies even offer 60 or 90 day money back guarantees!

By the way, it is standard policy for virtually every massage chair retailer/distributor that you are responsible for shipping and freight back to the seller if you do decide to return your chair. Shipping, by the way, can cost anywhere from $150-$400.00…it isn’t cheap!

#7. Adjustable to Different Body Sizes - I have seen some chair companies that offer "sizing" for a chair. With some product lines that may be necessary, but with a well-manufactured chair, height and width adjustments are standard and can cater to virtually every body type. Some chairs now even come with a detached ottoman so that the chair can cater to a 6’10” person as well as a 5’4” person.

Most chairs will handle up to 300 pounds of body weight. If you are buying your new massage recliner for a very heavy person, make sure that you get the maximum weight allowance for the chair you are interested in.

#8. Remote Control – Virtually every new massage recliner comes with a remote control of some sort to make chair adjustments. Some remotes come with large and fancy displays, but as long as it adjusts the features of the chair, it doesn’t really matter how large or small it is or how high-tech it looks.

#9. Appearance - this might sound goofy or vain, but I want my chair to blend in comfortably and seamlessly with the room décor of my home or office. Don't compromise on looks for price! You're going to have to look at that chair everyday for as long as you've got it. You don't want to be sitting in a chair you think is so ugly that it creates stress. Especially when you are using your new massage recliner for stress relief!

#10. Satisfied Customers - A salesperson will tell you everything you want to hear to get you into his/her chair. What do real and actual clients think about the massage chair you are considering? Are their testimonials for you to hear or read? If you ask him for a list of some folks who have purchased their chair and you get no response...run! I will trust another buyer, just like me, before I'll trust someone trying to sell something to me. Testimonials should be on every seller's website or literature.

Now you have 10 things that should help you make a more educated buying decision when considering your new massage chair.

Title:

Asian Massage Therapy

Word Count:

358

Summary:

Keywords:

asian massage, massage therapy, asian massage therapy, shaitsu, thai massage, tui na

Article Body:

There are several forms of ancient Asian massage still being practiced in the world today. Asian massage techniques are ancient healing rituals developed over the centuries in India and the Far East. Thai massage, shiatsu and asian massage are becoming more and more popular in the west as more people become interested in pilates, yoga and other more holistic forms of exercise and relaxation.

Thai massage actually started in India. It is a form of massage using guided stretching and Meridian pressure point therapy in combination with an ancient breathing method called “Pranayama.” This technique uses breathing techniques to relax and cleanse the body while strengthening the nervous system. Sessions usually end with a ritualized final relaxation that most customers find intensely restful.

Chinese acupressure or “tui na” was developed over 5000 years ago. By applying pressure to the body at certain key points, the acupressure therapist helps the body to activate its own self-healing abilities. Acupressure has been used for centuries to treat back pain, headaches and migraines, stress and anxiety. It is deeply relaxing and can have the added benefit of assisting the patient with weight management.

Japanese Shiatsu is another type of massage developed in the Far East. It concentrates on energy rebalance and physical well-being using the thumbs, palms and fingers to apply pressure to certain areas of the body. Benefits of this type of massage include rebalancing of the bone system, enhanced circulatory function, maintaining balance of the nervous system and greater skin and muscle flexibility.

Indonesian Javanese massage is a system of massage that uses all parts of the hand, including the knuckles, to knead and massage the muscles. Usually a massage oil is used to facilitate the therapy. This massage works on the muscles and nerves to relieve tension, back pain and aid in the healing of fractures. Of all of the Asian massages, this is the most robust, and the massage is often painful, although greatly beneficial in the long run.

Whatever your preferences, there are many ancient Asian massage treatments to choose from. Explore your massage options by adding one of these interesting and beneficial massages to your health regimen.

Title:

Effective Massage In A Massage Chair

Word Count:

529

Summary:

Keywords:

massage chair,chair massage,ijoy massage chair,shiatsu massage chair,robotic massage chair

Article Body:

Most people have never used a massage chair and have no idea how they function. They have been around for years and are very sophisticated machines in the form and shape of an arm chair. Many of them are produced in Japan.

It is really great to just sit in the chair and get the massaging.

Inside the chair there are a number of motors, often 2-6, and a computer program that runs the program you choose. The whole body can be massaged within 20 minutes, sometimes less and sometimes more.

What kind of massage can you get? Let me give you some examples.

Air arm massage is a feature on some massage chairs. This is especially great to relieve weariness from the arms which are working restlessly for operation of a personal computer or a cellular phone, during works, domestic chores, leisure and so forth. The air massage mechanism is provided on the armrest and it will move naturally with the change of the body angle caused by the reclining movement. In this way the stiffness and strains in the wrists and back of hands will be relaxed thoroughly.

Depending on how the backrest is set, the function of the arm massage will work differently. The backrest can be in an upright position, slightly reclined and completely collapsed.

The air massage option is also available for the lower part of your legs. It massages with repeating cycles of compression of the muscles in an oblique direction and releasing. This stimulation assist an important function, to return the blood to the heart.

As the shape and form of our bodies differ it is vital for a good massage chair to have the option the adjust for that. Now there are chairs that automatically scans the persons body and use the data collected to change the tools, often small wheels that role and push, inside the massage chair.

Movements of hands and whole arms are reproduced to realize complicated and stereoscopic kneading up and kneading down massage. There are even more complex functions added in some programs of a massage chair. For example a function that combines the stretch massage, which resembles pressing with hands to push up first and then down, with the simultaneous application of the kneed, tapping and wavelet.

The most common functions of massage chairs are vibrations in the seat and backrest. Pleasant intermittent vibrations can be enjoyed simultaneously with the massaging. It promotes blood circulation and relieves strain from muscles.

What is the price of a massage chair? As always it depends on the functionality you want but prices range from just over $1,000 USD up to $8,000 USD. Many companies buy or rent a chair and have it for the personal. This is appreciated as a very efficient way to help the staff to stay healthy. There are studies showing that the number of sick-days will go down considerably when the massage chair has been installed.

An usual effect when a new chair is installed is that people will line up and try the massage. A schedule is almost always required and many use it frequently to get rid of the problems a stressful work situation sometimes creates.

Pages

Title:

Title:

Title:

Title:

Title:

Title:

Title:

Title:

Blog Archive