Foot Massage

foot massage, massage therapy, massage

The principle of foot massage rests in the premise that the meridian network connects all tissues, organs and cells in our body. Each organ in the body is connected to a specific reflex point on the foot through the intermediary of 300 nerves.

Foot massage or foot reflexology has a Chinese origin. It dates back to more than 3,000 years ago and is used in the prevention and cure of many health ailments.

Some in fact say, foot massage dates back to ancient Eygyptian times due to archaeological findings in cave drawings in Egypt.

The principle of foot massage rests in the premise that the meridian network connects all tissues, organs and cells in our body. Each organ in the body is connected to a specific reflex point on the foot through the intermediary of 300 nerves. A trained foot reflexologist can put pressure on different meridians or energy lines on the sole and side of the feet to determine the cause of illness.

By using pressure to these the reflex points, the foot massage is good for stimulating the activity internal organs, and to improve blood and lymph circulation. Thus, the top to bottom well being of a person can be made through the foot.

The principles of foot massage is not in congruence with western allopathic medicine. Western medicine merely sees the foot as a body part comprising of bones, ligaments and joints.

However, foot massage is fast gaining much popularity and acceptance as an alternative health treatment. Fans of foot massage believe it can cure not only colds and minor ailments, but more serious ailments as well. These ailments include liver dysfunction, constipation problems, chronic headaches, skin allergies, etc.

Like most Oriental medical techniques, foot reflexology is a “holistic” treatment. It concentrates on treating the whole person rather than just the symptoms of one particular ailment.

While Western medicine promises speedy recovery of all unpleasant symptoms, foot massage therapy can be slow and gradual. A series of visits is necessary to strengthen the body and to bring the body back to balance.

A session of foot reflexology in San Francisco, can set you back as much as US$40-100. Thus, foot massages over a period of time, can add up in terms of costs.

However, for practitioners and believers of foot massage, the cost for good health is well worth it. The alternative would have been money spent in clinics and western hospitals for prescription drugs and perhaps, invasive surgery.

Fundamental of Massage Therapy

massage therapy, massage tips

Massage is another remedial procedure that occupies an important place in Naturopathy. Actually massage has had a very long history, dating back to ancient times. Massage has been used therapeutically for thousands of years in India, China, Greece, Rome, Egypt, etc.

Massage is another remedial procedure that occupies an important place in Naturopathy. Actually massage has had a very long history, dating back to ancient times. Massage has been used therapeutically for thousands of years in India, China, Greece, Rome, Egypt, etc.

Massage has a very salubrious effect on the organs and systems of the body as detailed below:

(1) Skin: The beneficial effects of massage on the skin are unequalled. The pores of the skin are opened up, thus helping of the elimination of poisons from the body through perspiration.
(2) Muscles: Massage reduces the tension in the muscles and relieves muscular pain. Strenuous exertion results in the accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles. Massage helps to rid the muscles of this acid and thus imparts a feeling of freshness and vigour.
(3) Circulation of the blood: The circulation of the blood in the part being massaged is speeded up, so that the part is supplied with more nutrients, and its healing powers are augmented. The accelerated circulation reduces swelling. There is an increase in the capacity of the blood to carry oxygen and to utilize it effectively.
(4) Nerves: Slow and gentle massage with light pressure relieves tension of the nerves and soothes them. Vigorous massage stimulates lax nerves and increases their efficiency.
(5) The digestive system: Massaging the abdomen
stimulates the digestive system, and promotes better elimination of wastes. The resistive powers of the body are strengthened due to the increase in the efficiency of the liver.
(6) The urinary system: Massaging activates the urinary system. As a result the process of elimination of toxic substances from the body through the urine is accelerated by the formation of greater quantities of urine.
(7) The heart: Systematic massage will reduce the burden on the heart, and thus increase its efficiency.

Normally dry palms are used for massage; but if the skin is too dry or if the body is excessively weak, wet cloth or soothing oil may be used. Among oils, sesame (til) oil is the best for this purpose. Some people use talcum powder for reducing friction while massaging, but this practice is not desirable, as the pores of the skin get clogged up.

Method: The process should begin with massage of the arms and legs. Next the chest, abdomen, back and buttocks should be massaged, in that order, finishing with the face and the head. Cloth should be used for massaging the back. As far as possible, we should massage ourselves with our own hands so as to combine the benefits of massages with those of exercise also to a certain extent. Those who are too weak to do so may take the help of others.

A massage should preferably be followed by a bath with lukewarm water.
If suffering from high blood pressure, the direction of massaging movements should be reversed, i.e. from head to foot.

Note: Massages are contra-indicated in the following conditions:
(1) In fevers, no massage of any type is recommended.
(2) Pregnant ladies should avoid massaging the abdomen.
(3) Abdominal massages should be avoided in cases of diarrhoea, gastric or
duodenal ulcers, appendicitis or tumours in the abdomen.
(4) Massages are generally unadvisable in cases of skin diseases.

Aromatherapy Massage Soothes And Banishes Stress

Aromatherapy Massage Soothes And Banishes Stress

One pleasant way to deal with daily stress and fatigue is to massage it away. For thousands of years, holistic therapies such as aromatherapy massage have been used as a way to refresh and recharge the senses.

A daily massage with scented oil can help dissolve accumulated stress and toxins. The benefits to be expected from this calming daily ritual include:

• Increased circulation, especially to nerve endings

• Toning of the muscles and the whole physiology

• Calming for the nerves

• Lubrication of the joints

• Increased mental alertness

• Improved elimination of impurities from the body

• Softer, smoother skin

• Increased levels of stamina through the day

• Better, deeper sleep at night.

A favorite scented oil used for aromatherapy massage combines olive oil and orange blossom. Olive oil is well known for its healing properties, both when taken internally and used to lubricate the outer body, while orange blossom oil is a scent that has been used as a stress reliever for years.

Together, olive oil and orange blossom offer luxurious skin conditioning with the added benefit of soothing stress-reduction.

Described as a delicacy for the skin, combinations of these oils such as those found in the Olive Oil and Orange Blossom Collection by Caswell-Massey offer benefits to the mind, body and soul.

The collection includes a body oil in this scent that can be used as a massage oil but can also be used to maintain healthy skin tone on a daily basis.

You can extend the benefits of the aromatherapy by using other products that contain the scents. These products might include a bath and shower gel, a moisturizing bath oil, a cleansing bar, body butter, moisturizing oil that can also be used as a leave-in conditioner, and scented candles. Even applying a scented lip balm can offer a way to de-stress.

Title:

Massage Chair: The Only Time Sitting Down Can Improve Your Health

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If you are still not on the flat-panel monitor camp, you have got to be considering doing it Massage chairs provide a very simple way to enjoy the vast list of advantages that a massage inherently offers.

Keywords:

panasonic massage chair,massage therapy school,massage therapy classes,earthlite massage table,homedics massager

Article Body:

Life is moving at a frantic pace with so much worry going on in our day to day professional and personal livelihoods. On top of that the globe is experiencing rapid changes with unheard of speed and scope. This is enough to stress anyone out. That is why people are looking to relax and unwind during those stolen brief moments of quiet away from the commotion of typical living.

People may opt to go to movies, go out with some friends, play a sport, or go on a mini vacation, etc. Another popular way to relax is to get a good massage. Massages have a great alleviating effect on lowering tension and stress, not to mention alleviate back pain and other nuisances.

The trouble is, a professional massage is not always around the corner especially in our hectic days. Also massages may run up your bills if done too frequently. However that doesn't mean you or anyone else should give up the prospect of relaxing and unwinding with a therapeutic massage with High quality certified professional outcomes.

You heard correct, massage chairs are making inroads into offices and homes around the globe. Massage chairs provide a very convenient way to enjoy the vast list of pluses that a massage inherently provides.

Other than extracting the benefits and ease of use at home, you also get to have privacy during this activity. Combine all those elements and it's plain to see that the good things of owning a massage chair far outweigh the price.

Consider that it will augment blood flow and relax your muscles. This in turn enables nutritional value content to enter into your tissues and muscles. In addition your lymphatic system is cleared of any unwanted toxins. Wow, talk about relaxation in a bottle- er, chair!

For those who have not been able to reach down and touch their toes for a decade, massages also increase your flexibility. On the whole, this along with the aforementioned advantages will account for an indispensable portion of your life once you try it.

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Remedial Massage Therapy

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Remedial massage uses several specialized skills to locate and repair damage and speed up the body’s repair mechanism. A professional remedial massage therapist has to draw on his knowledge of anatomy, physiology, related pathology and the techniques of Swedish massage, heat and cold therapies, Kinesthetics and many other related fields for a complete treatment.

Keywords:

massage therapy, massage, remedial massage therapy, remedial massage

Article Body:

Are you suffering from occasional migranes due to your stiff neck?

Are you having back ache problems due to long hours at the computer and no time to exercise?

Are you having muscle aches and have problems even lying down to sleep?

Instead of resorting to drugs and medication, a good alternative to try is remedial massage therapy. Remedial massage is a holistic treatment; that is, a treatment for the whole of the body, as well as the area being treated.

Remedial massage uses several specialized skills to locate and repair damage and speed up the body’s repair mechanism. A professional remedial massage therapist has to draw on his knowledge of anatomy, physiology, related pathology and the techniques of Swedish massage, heat and cold therapies, Kinesthetics and many other related fields for a complete treatment.

Also, the professional massage therapist will use information about your lifestyle, being your food diet, exercise regime, medical history, etc. for diagnosis.

Remedial massage can involve gentle to strong strokes as well as shallow to deep strokes. It works on the fact that soft muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia is responsive to touch. Sensitive points in the muscles often refer to pain in other parts of the body. For instance, headaches may originate from muscles in the neck and pelvic pains can be caused by certain areas in the abdominal and pelvic area. Remedial massage helps to stimulate blood flow in these areas, thus reducing pain, swelling and pain, and speeding up the body’s natural healing process.

Remedial massage is one of the most effective and natural treatment for stress related conditions. Balance is ultimately restored to your body system when your body parts are functioning optimally. You feel a sense of renewal and more energized that ever before!

Title:

Aromatherapy Massage Oils

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532

Summary:

If you’ve never used aromatherapy massage oils, you owe it to yourself to try it. You’re in for a totally unique experience. Whether you want a massage to relax or to rejuvenate or even to heal, using aromatherapy massage oils brings the body’s senses to new heights.

Aromatherapy has made steady gains in use and for good reason. Offering the perfect combination of mental and physical well being, there is no better way to take advantage of aromatherapy than to enjoy its fra...

Keywords:

aromatherapy massage oils, massage

Article Body:

If you’ve never used aromatherapy massage oils, you owe it to yourself to try it. You’re in for a totally unique experience. Whether you want a massage to relax or to rejuvenate or even to heal, using aromatherapy massage oils brings the body’s senses to new heights.

Aromatherapy has made steady gains in use and for good reason. Offering the perfect combination of mental and physical well being, there is no better way to take advantage of aromatherapy than to enjoy its fragrances in massage oils.

Our body’s different senses have been shown to have a direct affect on how we feel. For example, the nose is a very sensitive part of your body. Without it, you cannot taste or smell. Imagine your favorite foods. Now, imagine you cannot taste them. That is scary, everything you eat with no taste! How do you think that would affect your attitude throughout the day?

Studies have shown that the part of your nervous system that helps to control your emotions is connected directly to your nose. Lack of smell can cause symptoms ranging from depression to anxiety and this is only one of your senses. With the knowledge of how the mind depends on the feedback from your senses, the idea of aromatherapy exploded onto the scene.

One of the more popular types of aromatherapy is massage oil, because of the variety of uses to target specific issues. Aromatherapy massage oil treatments are unlike any other oils. Whether you are in need of relaxation or need something to perk you up, there is an aroma to fit the immediate needs. Aromatherapy massage combines two excellent methods to evoke your body’s response in whatever area you feel is needed.

There are so many different types and manufacturers of aromatherapy massage oils available, it would be a good idea to do your homework before using. For the best treatment ideas, it is always best to find and pay a certified therapist to ensure you understand how to get the most impact from aromatherapy massage. Especially, when using for the first time.

To explain a couple of different oils and fragrances we will start with Lavender essential oils. Lavender essential oils are one of the few oils that you can apply directly to your skin. It is said to have burn relief power. It is important to note that these oils should not hurt you, however, if this is your first time using essential oils never use them directly on your skin unless under safe direction. Other oils are required to be diluted before use with other base oils.

Another oil gaining in popularity is the Yland Ylang essential oil. Yland Ylang essential oils have very unique properties as well. It is said that these tropical plants have the power to both arouse and sooth the senses. It also goes by another name Cananga Odorata.

Adding aromatherapy massage oils to your therapy program is one experience everyone should try at least once. (Be careful they have been known to be addictive). With the combination of massage and a scented room to awaken your senses, you have the ultimate in relaxation and healing.

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How-To Give A Fantastic Full Body Massage

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Here’s some tips on how to give a great, full body massage. Turn off the computer, take the phone off the hook and dim the lights. Spark up some scented candles and turn on a little soft music. Grab a couple of sheets or soft towels – one for your work space and one to cover your ‘client’. This is important because as skin is massaged, it causes blood flow into that area and that blow flow in turn, warms the skin. So in order to avoid a chill, cover up the areas that you’re finished massaging. Also, because working on muscles causes all sorts of chemicals to be released into the body, many people feel thirsty after a massage so have some water on hand.

Keywords:

full body massage atlanta,mimi rogers full body massage,full body sensual massage,body full japanese massage,full body massage

Article Body:

Here’s some tips on how to give a great, full body massage.

Turn off the computer, take the phone off the hook and dim the lights. Spark up some scented candles and turn on a little soft music. Grab a couple of sheets or soft towels – one for your work space and one to cover your ‘client’. This is important because as skin is massaged, it causes blood flow into that area and that blow flow in turn, warms the skin. So in order to avoid a chill, cover up the areas that you’re finished massaging. Also, because working on muscles causes all sorts of chemicals to be released into the body, many people feel thirsty after a massage so have some water on hand.

* Make sure to only massage muscle – no stretching of the skin or digging into bone and organs. Remember that massages are for muscles below the skin - not for the skin itself.

* Massage the large muscle groups of the body which are basically the neck, back, shoulders and legs. This way, aside from massaging correctly, you’re getting at the areas that store tension in the body.

* Use firm, even pressure, not too hard or forceful. Pressure that is too light or inconsistent, can be as uncomfortable as too much pressure so be sure to use an even degree.

* Always use a lubricant because they help to prepare and protect the skin.

1. Begin the full body massage at the shoulders by kneading the muscles and gently pulling them towards you.

2. Work across the shoulders to the neck using your thumbs and the tips of your fingers to work from the muscles, across and down the upper back. Watch your nails!

3. Work down each arm separately finding the muscle groups in the front and back and kneading them gently. When you get to the hands, use your thumbs to work the palms. Don't forget the other arm!

4. Return to the upper back and work downwards to the middle of the back using your thumbs and fingertips to work from the center out and pushing upward.

5. Continue working down the back to the hips.

6. Massage the muscles of the upper thighs and down the back of the legs to the calves spending time kneading each one separately with both hands.

7. Move to the foot, start with the heel and hold it firmly while pushing up toward the leg, then down and side-to-side. Work your thumbs on the under side of the foot with deep, slow pressure and also the balls of the feet and in between the toes.

If you’re subject’s asleep – you did a great job!

Title:

Full Body Massage Uncovered - Part 2

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Full body massages are such a nice way to reward yourself, don’t you think? After a long, stressful day at work, or running around with the kids and taking care of the house – wouldn’t you just love to lie down and let someone massage all your cares away? Well guess what. If you were looking for an excuse to get a massage, you’re going to get one (or more) right now.

Keywords:

full body massage atlanta,mimi rogers full body massage,full body sensual massage,body full japanese massage,full body massage

Article Body:

Full body massages are such a nice way to reward yourself, don’t you think? After a long, stressful day at work, or running around with the kids and taking care of the house – wouldn’t you just love to lie down and let someone massage all your cares away? Well guess what. If you were looking for an excuse to get a massage, you’re going to get one (or more) right now.

Aside from the relaxation that getting a massage can bring on, it also helps to flush the toxins out of your muscles and tissues, and thereby your body overall. In case you weren’t aware, an overload of toxins in your body can cause you to be sluggish – even when you’re not feeling tired – and can also lower your immune system so that you’re more susceptible to getting sick.

Additionally, there have been numerous medical studies that prove the positive effects resulting from a full body massage. So much so that trials and studies presently continue on a regular basis around the world. Let’s look at some of the benefits of not only full body massages, but massages in general.

* One study showed that people who were massaged before a potentially stressful situation experienced a huge decrease in anxiety and in their breathing and heart rates. It also showed a significant increase in white blood cell count. Perfect for the day before that big meeting or exam!

* Another study showed that office workers who get a regular massage are more focused, productive and less stressed out than their co-workers who aren't massaged on a regular basis.

* It’s also been proven that geriatric massage can decrease the agitation that often affects nursing home residents.

* After receiving a massage, patients who had recently undergone heart surgery showed a major decrease in anxiety and stress levels. And since stress and anxiety are directly related to many heart conditions, that’s great news for patients experiencing this type of ailment.

* For cancer patients, the massages they receive prove to show an increase in NKs. NKs boost the immune system which can lead to a possible slow-down in the progression of cancer. It also assists in decreasing depression, anxiety and pain, not just for cancer patients, but for anyone who may be suffering from one or more of those types of disorders.

So as you can see, there are plenty of reasons to pick up the phone (or the mouse) and schedule yourself an appointment for a full body massage. Surely after all this, you can think of at least one justifiable reason why you not only need it, but also deserve it!