Title:


Get A Massage In Boston





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592





Summary:



Did you know that the historic city of Boston, Massachusetts is a great place to get a massage? It happens to be true that in addition to everything else that Boston has to offer, it also has some really good massage therapists. So, whether you live in Boston or a future visit to Boston is for business, a much deserved family vacation, or a job related family relocation you might find you want to receive a massage therapy session.







Keywords:



massage, boston, massachusetts, therapy, therapist, swedish, tui na, acupressure, deep, tissue, sports, pregnancy







Article Body:



Did you know that the historic city of Boston, Massachusetts is a great place to get a massage? It happens to be true that in addition to everything else that Boston has to offer, it also has some really good massage therapists. So, whether you live in Boston or a future visit to Boston is for business, a much deserved family vacation, or a job related family relocation you might find you want to receive a massage therapy session. Massage in Boston is widely available from independent Licensed and Certified Massage Therapists, Licensed Massage Establishments, and many Day Spas that rival the best in the world.





Getting a massage in Boston is a completely enjoyable and memorable experience that is something you will want to repeat over and over because it feels wonderful and has tremendous health benefits. Whether your goal is to completely relax with a slow, soothing massage, relieve muscular aches, pain and chronic tension, have a more comfortable pregnancy, or improve your sports performance massage therapists in Boston can help you achieve your goals. In fact there are several types of massage in Boston. The most commonly offered massage styles in Boston are:





Tui Na Massage - a Chinese method of massage that includes the use of hand techniques to massage the soft tissues of the body, acupressure techniques to directly affect the flow of vital energy (chi), and manipulation techniques to realign the musculoskeletal and ligamentous relationships in the body.





Swedish Massage - perhaps the most common relaxation massage. This relaxing massage technique uses gliding strokes, kneading, friction, and striking strokes along with gentle stretching and rocking.





Neuromuscular Therapy - advanced pain relief targeting specific trigger points in muscles, tendons, and attachment sites.





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.





Sports Massage - massage to assist the athlete in preparing for and recovering from sports events.





Trigger Point Therapy - targeted pain relief using specific pressure to release painful knots in muscles.





Prenatal/Pregnancy Massage - massage for the mother-to-be helping her to decrease pain and discomfort throughout the pregnancy.





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





Lymphatic Drainage



Medical Massage



Acupressure



Shiatsu



Myofascial Release



Ortho-Bionomy



Strain-Counterstrain



Aromatherapy Massage





You might even want to try a special treat when you get a massage in Boston 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, the true massage therapy enthusiast will find that some Licensed 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 Boston is also very convenient to receive. Massage in Boston 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 Boston is also available on an outcall basis in your Boston area home, office, or hotel. No matter where you are in Boston a great massage is just minutes away.





So what's stopping you from feeling better? Massage in Boston is relaxing, stress reducing, pain relieving, and performance improving so get one today…it will be worth it!


Title:


How to Do Breast Massage





Word Count:



871





Summary:



How to Do Breast Massage



Breasts are body tissues, which can be effectively self-massaged or massaged by someone else.







Keywords:



Breast Massage, Breast, Massage







Article Body:



How to Do Breast Massage



Breasts are body tissues, which can be effectively self-massaged or massaged by someone else. At some time or the other, most women experience physical and psychological trauma related to breast congestion, breast pain, discomforts of surgical procedures, and anxieties about changes in their breast tissues.





The fact that breasts are strongly associated with sexual touching and attractiveness, does not rule out the fact that they should not receive physical care. Breast care is an important area of health that is often neglected, due to the stigmas surrounding the treatment of this part of the body.





The breast tissue contains an abundance of lymph vessels. Unlike other areas of the body, the breast lacks sources of external compression, such as muscles or strong overlying frontal part that promotes natural lymphatic drainage. As a result, fluid has a tendency to stagnate, which may lead to breast problems. This is where gentle, non-stimulating massage techniques can be used to aid fluid recirculation. Massage therapy is an effective non-invasive treatment for breasts, as they also require need good circulation and tissue mobilization for optimum health. It is at times believed that there may be a correlation between chronic poor breast drainage and susceptibility to cancer. Massage techniques is one of the most effective ways for addressing such problems and promoting breast health.





Advantages of Breast Massage



Breast massage is a concept used by women since centuries. It is a simple process, which can be done in the privacy of home. Secondly, it is an easy process and doesn't take more than a few moments to accomplish.



The breast is made up of tissue and adipose fat. A firm and proper massage helps tone these tissues and firms them up. This gives the breasts a healthier and more natural look.



Breast massage help create a beautiful bust line by helping to shape and tone it, thus increasing its overall attractiveness.



It helps one be aware of any fibrous areas of possible indications of breast cancer.



It helps flush out high toxin materials from the breast, bring nutrition to the tissues and specifically remove the toxins via the lymphatic system.



It gives women a feeling of their femininity, and promotes relaxation and peace of mind, as massage of other body parts does.



Breast massage helps correct sagging, droopiness and other features, which are considered unattractive.



Breast massage helps enhance the health and elasticity of the support ligaments, which in turn provides better breast support.



How to do Breast Massage?



Women's breasts vary considerably in texture and sensitivity to pressure. Hence, gentle strokes for those who are sensitive or have softer breasts. Moderate pressure may be more effective for those with firmer-textured breasts. A lotion or massaging oil can also help avoid friction, and lessen sensitivity. Gentle-to-moderate kneading, rubbing, and squeezing strokes with the hands are enough to encourage increased lymph and blood flow to the breast. The breast can be kneaded and squeezed by contracting the palm and fingers of the hand.





1. To drain the lymph fluid from the breast, a common massage stroke is a gentle radial outward stroke from the nipple to the outer edge of the breast. This is done by applying light pressure starting from the centre of the breast and making several strokes outwards from the nipple.





2. Hold your breast. But, instead of squeezing it out, give it a twirling kind of motion. Rotate your hands (and thus the breast) in a clockwise motion, followed by an equal anticlockwise motion. Continue this for about ten times.





3. Open out your palms on the breast such that are facing downwards. Then move your palms downwards so that the fingers rub against the side surfaces of the breast. This should be avoided on the nipple, as it may spoil its shape.





A gradual feeling of warmth in the massaged area indicates increased blood flow to massaged areas. To gain maximum benefit and therapeutic effects, breast massage should be practiced daily, as part of a routine - perhaps when fresh out of the shower, since the skin is still somewhat moist. Massage can also be done several times a day, depending on requirement and schedule.





Precautions



Breast massage is a very simple process that can be done by the individual. However, it must be done with the utmost care. Improper breast massage can actually boomerang, like damaging of the glandular tissues that hold your breasts upright.





Lymph Drainage Therapy for Breast Care



Lymph drainage therapy (LDT) is a gentle, non-stimulating technique with few contraindications. LDT is particularly effective for treating breast tissue because it involves extremely light pressure. Mastopathies respond well to lymphatic breast care.





Breast problems, which Benefit from LDT include



Menstruation related problems - breast pain and swollen breasts.



Pregnancy and breast-feeding problems – engorgement due to massive breast edema, sore nipples, inflammation/infection, plugged ducts or nipple pores, fissures, dermatitis and stretch marks.



Chronic non-malignant lumps



Breast implant complications



Cosmetic concerns such as surgery and trauma recovery; scarring. It is time for efficient breast care to be brought into the realm of accepted practice. Armed with proper knowledge and a clear understanding of our limits, we can eliminate the controversy and stigma surrounding this necessary therapeutic application.





http://www.myhealthidea.com


Title:


Five Common Types Of Massage





Word Count:



592





Summary:



Have you ever wanted to go for a massage therapy session but didn't know what type of massage to get? Massage therapy is a very diverse field of work and there are many types of massage to choose from that range from full-body stress relief to highly targeted methods that relieve muscular pain and dysfunction. Five of the most popular types of massage are Swedish massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Sports Massage, and Neuromuscular Therapy.







Keywords:



massage, therapy, swedish, deep, tissue, sports, hot, stone, neuromuscular, therapist







Article Body:



Have you ever wanted to go for a massage therapy session but didn't know what type of massage to get? Massage therapy is a very diverse field of work and there are many types of massage to choose from that range from full-body stress relief to highly targeted methods that relieve muscular pain and dysfunction. Five of the most popular types of massage are Swedish massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Sports Massage, and Neuromuscular Therapy.





1. Swedish Massage - this is the most common type of massage in the United States and perhaps the world. Swedish massage is known for its long gliding strokes, kneading strokes, friction strokes, and percussion as well as joint movements that feel great while improving range of motion. 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. Swedish massage can range from light pressure to a heavier pressure depending on your comfort level. It's more than just a "feel good" massage it is very therapeutic.





2. Deep Tissue Massage - right behind Swedish massage in popularity and availability, Deep Tissue Massage is one of the best known and most often requested types of massage. 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. While some massage therapy practitioners use a heavier, sometimes uncomfortable pressure in Deep Tissue Massage it should be noted that a more moderate pressure can reach deep tissues and achieve great results with little discomfort.





3. Hot Stone Massage - this type of massage is probably the most relaxing and luxurious massage being given today. Heated basalt stones are added to the massage and are used by the massage therapist to perform a mini heat treatment as well as gliding massage strokes that seem to melt away stress and tension.





4. Sports Massage - just like it sounds, Sports Massage is geared toward athletes at every level from professional to the "weekend warrior" and those who strive for a higher level of fitness. Rather than a specific form of massage, Sports Massage is generally a combination of massage techniques tailored to the athlete's needs. The Sports Massage might be applied to one area to relieve pain or might be more general in nature to assure overall performance.





5. Neuromuscular Therapy - also called "NMT" or Neuromuscular Massage, Neuromuscular Therapy is a well known massage technique for relieving muscular pain, and muscle spasm throughout the body. Neuromuscular Therapy is effective with myofascial trigger points causing "referred" pain that originates from someplace other than where it's felt. This technique uses very targeted compression and friction massage techniques, positioning, and stretching to release the myofascial trigger points in muscles as well as restrictions in tendons, muscular attachments, and sometimes fascia surrounding the muscle.





All of the massage techniques described here can help you receive the health benefits of massage. Of course there are many more massage therapy techniques available that are relaxing, stress reducing, and that relieve chronic tension and pain. You actually don't have to know what type of massage to ask for, you just need to know what you want to achieve. Do you just want to relax? Reduce muscle soreness? Relieve pain? Improve posture? Ask your massage therapist what they recommend for your particular health needs and get massaged today.


Title:


Choosing a Handheld Massager for Relief from Back Pain





Word Count:



352





Summary:



Handheld Massager reminds us of the fact that massage is one of the oldest forms of healing. In olden times, muscular pains and strains were treated with different oils by expert masseurs. The Chinese, Indians and Persians are known to have used this healing form for ages, and massage is still used in these cultures most prolifically.







Keywords:



Handheld Massager, Massager, back pain







Article Body:



Handheld Massager reminds us of the fact that massage is one of the oldest forms of healing. In olden times, muscular pains and strains were treated with different oils by expert masseurs. The Chinese, Indians and Persians are known to have used this healing form for ages, and massage is still used in these cultures most prolifically. In today’s context, it can be said that massage is one of the most popular forms of therapies for chronic conditions like lower back pain, joint and muscular pains. Massage also helps alleviate mental stress and depression. To make things convenient, Handheld Massager are doing the job that a masseur does.

According to a number of researches on alternative therapies, massage therapy does help effectively in back pains. Massage is a great stiffness and pain reliever. The Handheld Massager is your personal masseur, which acts on your commands. These devices are designed to work on the effected part efficiently because of a flexible head. Modern massager can easily fit into the contours of the body to perform an effective job. You can activate the vibrator for the massage, and may also switch on the heat to provide extra relief. These devices come with an assortment of attachments to suit different requirements.

Check your store for different Handheld Massager styles and features. You may determine first, what you need the massager for. Some Handheld Massager come with advanced features including programmable custom massage styles. You can opt for a device that comes with a number of strength-levels, to help you adjust the massage strength according to your need. If your back pain condition is acute, you may like to use a lower strength setting. You could even program your massager at different massage intervals. Look for a massager with a conveniently placed control panel that is easy to operate.

Handheld Massager with heat functions are helpful in case of conditions that require deep heat treatment for sore muscles. Do not compromise on quality, as a branded massager will serve you better. Electrical devices can go bad; so make sure to check the warranty clause well.


Title:


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





Word Count:



874





Summary:



The massage chair recliner has fast become a great substitute for traditional therapy that most folks will consider when suffering from back pain, neck pain, buttock pain, headaches, and even leg pain and stress.

The vast majority of folks that are looking for a massage chair are experiencing all or some of these symptoms. Massage chairs have been proven to do wonders for each one of these conditions. As a matter of fact, many of my patients that have purchased a massage c...







Keywords:



massage chair, massage chairs, massage recliner, massage recliners







Article Body:



The massage chair recliner has fast become a great substitute for traditional therapy that most folks will consider when suffering from back pain, neck pain, buttock pain, headaches, and even leg pain and stress.

The vast majority of folks that are looking for a massage chair are experiencing all or some of these symptoms. Massage chairs have been proven to do wonders for each one of these conditions. As a matter of fact, many of my patients that have purchased a massage chair have needed our clinic less and less for treatment of these common maladies.

Some folks just want a nice massage chair that looks good in their living room or office so that they can relax and just listen to their surround sound movie or music system. That's great too!

But if you are considering investing in a massage chair recliner, there are some things you need to consider before buying. What I'm about to tell you will give you exactly what you need and want to know. It's not just as simple as sitting in a chair to know if a model is good or not. There are a lot of "behind the scenes" things that this report will point out to you that will help make your buying decision easier. You've thought of some of them, like price and looks, but I will cover a bunch of things that have probably never occurred to you. This article is designed to make things clearer for you before shelling out your hard-earned money.

So, what do you absolutely need to know before buying a chair? Since they cover quite a lot of information, we will only discuss the first 2 things that you will need to consider. #3-10 will be discussed in Part II of this topic.

#1. Features - The old massage chairs only provided vibration. Well, today's chairs should offer the following:

Kneading – also known as "shiatsu", kneading rolls outward from the spine and feels much like 2 hands alternately rubbing your back. This is why it is said that massage chairs mimic the hands of a licensed massage therapist…kneading is the reason for the comparison.

Percussion/Tapping – this is the light "karate chopping" on a client's back that you’ve probably seen before on TV. Well, that's what this feature imitates. Increased blood flow and muscle stiffness relief is the benefit gained. It feels wonderful.

Rolling - in our clinic, we have a $2800.00 table that patients lie on, called a "roller table." Basically, wheels just roll up and down the muscles on either side of your spine. Here are the benefits: 1.) gentle moving of the spinal bones, and 2.) stretching of the spine and the muscles around it. Patients love it...and the roller table only rolls! Your massage chair should do so much more than just roll (and for a lot less money!).

Foot and calf massager - many of the new chairs have an attached ottoman that has a calf and foot massage feature administered by an airbag system. This feature is a real "must", especially if you spend a good portion of your day on your feet.

Full recliner – if you want your massage to be as deep as possible, you need to get a chair that has a reclining feature. And the further back the recline, the greater the intensity of the massage. The reclining uses your body weight to make the massage deeper. A lot of chairs don't recline much farther than 135º. You will want 170 degrees or more for the more intense massage option (by the way, the further back your chair reclines, men, the more it imitates a bed...especially important if you're ever forced to sleep on the couch!!).

#2. Durability – a well built chair should give you many, many years of wonderful problem-free pleasure. Even though you most likely can't know how good a motor is or how well built the chair really is, there are some other ways to know if a chair is a workhorse and is going to last a while:

Warranty – a longer warranty will give you greater confidence initially when looking for a chair. You want a company that stands behind their chairs and what greater way to show that than by a warranty. But, beware of long warranties that are so limited that if anything goes wrong there are so many loopholes to not cover your chair that it is as if you had not warranty at all.

Reputation – is the manufacturer of the chair well-known? Are they easily accessible if there ever is a problem? How can you tell? A toll-free customer service phone number to the manufacturer would be great. The length of time in business is probably a good indicator of how good the manufacturer is. Does the chair/company have any professional endorsements?

New vs. Used - there are a lot of used chairs out there, but just like a used car, you never quite know what you are getting. You can bet the warranty has expired, but you have no idea how the previous owner treated the chair. Who knows...maybe it was in a home that had kids jumping on it like a trampoline (that's exactly what happens in my home!).

In Part II, we will discuss items #3-10.


Title:


Hand Massage: The Secret To Having Unimaginably Beautiful Hands





Word Count:



580





Summary:



Most people are vain about their hands. This is because they are, aside from the face, what is apparent first and foremost to other people. It is likewise pleasant to see hands that are clean and white. Hands which are dirty and neglected are a disgrace and may cause people to form negative opinions about their owner.

It is, however, difficult to maintain the softness and cleanliness of one’s hands. This is obviously because they are the ones being used to help oneself aro...







Keywords:









Article Body:



Most people are vain about their hands. This is because they are, aside from the face, what is apparent first and foremost to other people. It is likewise pleasant to see hands that are clean and white. Hands which are dirty and neglected are a disgrace and may cause people to form negative opinions about their owner.

It is, however, difficult to maintain the softness and cleanliness of one’s hands. This is obviously because they are the ones being used to help oneself around. They clasp, grip, clamp and hold on to anything and everything that they need to. As a result, they have become the receiving end of abuses that are too many to mention.

Taking care of one’s hands goes beyond washing them whenever they are soiled and applying beauty aids like moisturizers and lotions to them for maintenance. Caring for them also includes allowing them to rest whenever they need to and making sure that they are in good condition all the time. The process called giving hand massage has also become one of the options one could try out to be able to give his hands proper care. This is because giving hand massage to one’s hands allows blood to circulate better through them. Giving hand massage also serves the purpose of allowing them to rejuvenate and to regain their missing vitality.

Giving hand massage to one’s hands is something that would prove to be beneficial, and how to give hand massage is as easy as 1-2-3. The first step that needs to be undertaken in giving hand massage is pouring half a teaspoon of vegetable oil onto the palm of one’s hand. Rubbing the substance should make it cover the entire area of the palm. After doing this, the oil should be spread around the hand of the person being massaged. Light stroking movements should be used.

The next step in giving hand massage involves moving the thumbs away from each other from the center of the hands towards the outsides several times, then between the tendons on the back of the hand and towards the wrist. Then, taking each finger between the finger and the thumb, circular or twisting movements should be done up and down each finger.

The next step in giving hand massage involves turning over the hand being massaged. The same routine of moving the thumbs away from each other from the center of the palm is to be done while applying more pressure this time. After this, circular movement using the thumbs is to be made all over the palm of the one being massaged. The last step in giving hand massage involves holding the hand of the one being massaged while sliding a hand up the arm. This is to be done several times before finally proceeding to give hand massage on the other hand.

Giving hand massage to one’s hands is something that is bound to give a priceless experience to them. Giving hand massage is easy, healthy and beneficial aesthetically speaking. Techniques such as giving hand massage are able to lend new lives to tired, beaten, overused hands as they are parts of the body which deserve a little more pampering than what they actually get. Giving hand massage is for people who want to have unimaginably beautiful hands, and this is the benefit giving hand massage is able to offer to hands that are in dire need of tender loving care.


Title:


Benefits Of Full Body Massage





Word Count:



414





Summary:



Full body massage can produce multiple benefits for your health. These benefits go far beyond an hour spent in relaxing quietly, escaping the day. An increasing amount of evidence indicates that stress and tension form the root causes of many diseases and illnesses. Hence, if you able to find ways to alleviate or relieve your stress, you are preventing health problems from emerging or becoming worse.

Going for a full body massage on a regular basis is one excellent way to ...







Keywords:



full body massage, body massage, body massage therapy, massage therapy







Article Body:



Full body massage can produce multiple benefits for your health. These benefits go far beyond an hour spent in relaxing quietly, escaping the day. An increasing amount of evidence indicates that stress and tension form the root causes of many diseases and illnesses. Hence, if you able to find ways to alleviate or relieve your stress, you are preventing health problems from emerging or becoming worse.

Going for a full body massage on a regular basis is one excellent way to help you fight off tensions. Full body massage stimulates the production of endorphins that promotes relaxation and drowsiness.

When you go for full body massage, your head to your toes and feet are massaged both front and back. A variety of strokes that includes kneading, pulling, wringing, hacking and gliding are used on various parts of the body.

If you are already ill or suffering from constant fatigue or pain, then full body massage can play a big part in your treatment. A full body massage helps to improve blood circulation and blood becomes more easily transportable to the vital organs in your body. This is vital for smooth functioning of your internal body parts. In addition, when blood is supplied to areas that have been injured before, repair and renewal of cells and tissues take place more easily. Combined with conventional medicine and other therapies, repeat sessions of full body massage can do much to accelerate your recovery.

Here are a few disorders that benefit from regular full body massage:

* Depression
* Infertility
* Eating disorders
* Post-operative recovery
* Autism
* Immune-suppressed systems
* Diabetes
* High blood pressure
* Sleep disorders
* Cancer related fatigue
* Low back pain
* Spinal cord injuries

When you choose full body massage, you choose a non-invasive procedure. In addition, full massage therapy, which is relatively safe, can be a complementary treatment to other medical treatments.

Other than improved blood circulation, here are other benefits that you can expect to experience from a full body massage.

* Stimulated lymph system
* Stimulated immune system
* Relaxed muscles
* Reduced cramps
* Increased flexibility
* Reduced recovery time
* Released endorphins
* Reduced post-operative scar tissue and edema
* Reduced migraine pain
* Improved range of motion
* Reduced depression
* Shortened labor and delivery in expectant mothers

As helpful as full body massage can be, those with certain illnesses should avoid the treatment. These include phlebitis, certain cancers, certain heart conditions, certain skin problems, and contagious diseases.

To be absolutely sure, check with your doctor first if you are chronically ill. Otherwise, enjoy on a regular basis!


Title:


Body Massage for Relaxation, Health Improvement and Sensual Pleasure





Word Count:



834





Summary:



Some simple massage techniques are explained. You can use these methods to achieve muscular and mental relaxation, cure stiffness, increase mobility, or simply for sensual bodily pleasure.







Keywords:



how,to,perform,do,body,massage,for,relaxation,relaxe,improve,health,cure,alleviate,muscle,muscular,stiffness,ache,pain,aching,relief,mutual,sensual,joy,pleasure







Article Body:



By massaging your friend or living partner and let him or her do the same to you, you will both get emotionally closer to each other, and both get several health benefits. Massaging will benefit the mental state of the person you work on, the muscular condition, the blood circulation and the lymph drainage. However, what you want to achieve, will determine the exact technique you use.

MASSAGING ACROSS THE MUSCLE FIBRES

This type of massage is very good for relaxing tense muscles and a stressed mind.

You perform this massage by rubbing or gripping across the direction of the muscle fibres or across tendons. You take one area after the other. You begin by massaging each area lightly, superficially and slowly to warm up, and then proceed by massaging deeper, firmer and more swiftly.

According to the size and conditions of the area you treat, you can use different types of manipulation. You can use a couple of fingers at a small area, or to reach deep into a tense point You can rub with all your finger tips or with the palm of your hand at greater areas. To get a harder effect, you can use your finger knuckles.

MASSAGING ALONG THE MUSCLE FIBRES

This type of massage will give the following effects: Stiffness will be reduced or cured, and the muscles will gain in mobility. The muscles will get better blood supply and drainage. The muscles will get a better drainage of tissue fluids into the lymph system, and thereby swollen muscles will normalize. These effects will in turn make tired muscles faster regain good condition.

By this massage you stroke along the direction of the muscle fibres, and always in the direction of the blood stream towards the heart.

Also now you take one area after the other, but try to reach the whole length of a muscle or muscle group at each stroke. Also by this massage, you begin massaging at each area lightly, superficially and slowly to warm up, and then proceed by massaging deeper, firmer and somewhat faster.

Also by this longitudinal massage, you can press down and stroke with your finger tips, with all your fingers, or grip around a muscle or muscle group with your fingers.

MASSAGE WITH AN ELECTRIC DEVICE

Most electric massage devices are vibrating up and down. This vibration mostly gives the same effect as the massage across the muscle fibres. If you also stroke with the device head along the muscle in the direction of the blood stream towards the heart, you will simultaneously also achieve the effects of longitudinal massage.

COMBINING THE MASSAGE WITH STRETCHING

The effects of the massage can be increased by also stretching the limbs and body parts of the person you work on. Stretch in the natural movement directions of the limb or body parts until you reach some resistance. Do not stretch hard to go beyond the resistance point. However, by holding the limb some time at the resistance point will often cause the limb to relax, and then you can go some way further.

HOW HARD SHOULD YOU PERFROM THE MASSAGE?

Tired and stiff muscles are often tender and aching. Working at a tender point will always cause some temporal pain. However, if you use the right degree of firmness, the effect of the massage should cause an immediate release of pain and tenderness when you have finished working at a point. You should never work so hard that the pain is felt nearly unbearable, or so hard that pain remains after the massage is finished. If you do so, you can hurt or aggravate already existing tissue damage.

To achieve the right firmness you should monitor the reactions of the person you work at and listen to his comments. You should also never perform a massage on an area with a distinct inflammation or a distinct injury.

USE OF MASSAGE OILS

By applying a massage oil or ointment at the area you work at, you ease the massage work and increase the effects of the massage. Your fingers glide more easily upon the skin covering the area. The blood supply of the skin and muscles will be stimulated. You get a sensual and exciting scent on the area and in the air. Ingredients in the oil will ameliorate muscular ache and pain. According to the composition of the massage oil, there will be different stimulating effects upon the muscles, for example faster regeneration of tired or hurt muscle tissue.

MASSAGE FOR MUTUAL PLEASURE

You can use each of the two main techniques, but you let the pleasure of the person you massage decide the technique, the area you massage and the firmness of the massage. Usually gently touching and caressing will be the right manner.

Also your own pleasure shall decide. Do not work so hard that you get tired out yourself, and the person that you give the massage should be willing to repay you by doing the same favour to you.