Dec
17

How To Give A Fantastic Full Body Massage

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

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.

Tip! Swedish massage, particularly effleurage and other slow stroking movements have a sedating effect, leading to activation of the parasympathetic nervous system.

* 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.

Tip! As we have already touched upon, massage helps prevent and heal injuries. By stretching connective tissue, massage improves circulation to help prevent or break down adhesions and scar tissue that result from muscle tears and other common muscle injuries.

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!

Ever wonder about full body sensual massage? Several how-to resources on full body massage atlanta.

Categories: massage
Dec
15

What You Need to Know When Buying a Massage Table

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Let me explain why these five things are the most important when shopping for a portable massage table. Price tends to be everyone’s primary focus, and for good reason. In the world today, more and more people are becoming conscious of the growing issue of cost and its effect on our pocketbook.

Portable massage tables can be very expensive. In my research the lowest price I was able to find that had any type of quality to it was the Harmony 2 package designed by Earthlite. This package comes with an excellent 2-year warranty against any defects. The package itself contains a portable massage table, a one level adjustable headrest, and a protective case. The cost for this package is $299 with free shipping to anywhere within the continental United States.

For all professional massage therapists the client comfort is to be the number one consideration for any portable massage table. The added features are what can make the big difference in price between one model and another. The more foam within the table will give it a much a softer feel. However, the type of foam is just as important for determining long-term durability. For example, very soft foam will mean that it could contain a lot of air. Air will settle with continued use. Therefore, it is best to have foam that is more durable at the very top of the layers. When you add a fleece pad to your massage table, this is like adding one inch of foam and thus adds more comfort for your client.

When you are buying a portable massage table, you want to feel that it will last even under severe conditions. Most table manufacturers today use what is called the cable-lock system in their construction, this provides the needed strength to support the table even when a heavier person is using it, and when applying strong pressure or rocking techniques. Examine the warranty offered; the better models will carry a lifetime warranty against defects within the workmanship and materials. I suggest you look carefully at the various aspects of the construction of the table. Look at the type of wood used during construction, it should be a very sturdy type of wood, also consider the type of plywood used for the platform. I suggest looking at how the massage table is assembled as well, assuring full support no matter the circumstances.

Most of the tables are sold in the standard 30″ width and wider. The width of the portable massage table you need will greatly depend on how you intend to use it. If you are primarily stationary and do not have the need to move very often, a 32″ table will give more comfort to the client. However, this will also add more weight and bulk, making its portability less likely.

The final item to consider is weight. This is perhaps one of the most important factors when shopping for a portable massage table. This is another area in which the usage of the massage table comes in. If it is going to be used in one location with maybe an occasional house call, or if you intend on doing primarily house calls, where you need a lightweight table that you can carry around easily and will store in your car, the weight will vary.

About the Author
Rory H. Hawkins writes about massage tables and other stimulating topics. For more information on buying a massage table visit us today.

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What You Need to Know When Buying a Massage Table

Categories: massage
Dec
15

A Massage Chair For A Healthy Family

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We often face the problem of stress and strain that ends up in both physical and mental problems. We live in a hectic world where we are always running to keep ourselves alive in the fast competition. We need respite from that strain.

Researches show that massages can be a great reliever to free your mind and body from complex thoughts and stress and are effective if carried out daily. To hire a professional for a massage everyday is something that many cannot afford. To solve this problem we have massage chair out in the market to help us feel relaxed after a day’s hard work. It boosts up our energy level and we are ready o face the challenge of life in great spirits once again.

Massage chairs come in different models with different types of functions. You have to know the type you want or else it will totally be wastage of time and money. Cost of a massage chair may vary from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. The more expensive one will in fact act as a stimulator as they provide massage with mechanical fingers starting from your back and down to the legs. The less expensive models don’t have this facility; they are just like a vibrator to increase your blood flow and make you feel relaxed.

You can shop for massage chairs at specialty shops or furniture stores. You can also find them online with special pricing. But before purchasing you should know the type you want. Another important aspect is you should be aware of the warranty as well; some companies offer extended warranties for the user’s benefits. So buy the massage chair that will not only improve your life style but will take proper care of your investment as well.

Massage chair has gained popularity nowadays. Elderly people find it to be of great relief to help with theft body pains and lethargic attitude. A ten minutes massage during morning will activate your nerve cells and keep you running without making you feel tired for the rest of the day. It even has a strong hold on your nervous system and helps you to maintain a normal blood pressure level. You can also try the massage chair in the night. It will not only relax your muscles but will put you into a deep, sound sleep that you have craved for years.

About the Author
Rory H. Hawkins writes about several health and recreational subjects not including massage therapy chairs. Check out discount massage chair today.

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A Massage Chair For A Healthy Family

Categories: massage
Dec
15

Massage Therapy Is Beneficial For Pain Relief, Relaxation

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Many people go through life dealing with unnecessary pain, or they suffer from serious muscular discomfort brought on by stress. Ignoring the problems won’t make them go away and pills may help, but not always. Another alternative is massage therapy.

Practiced basically since the beginning of human existence, this form of therapy has some solid medical benefits and can in fact prove useful in the treatment of many ailments. Plus, it’s known to help relieve stress, which of course has benefits for the entire body. When properly applied, massage can improve muscle tone, stress levels and help the body with healing.

The benefits of massage therapy have become so widely known that now more than chiropractors work in conjunction with licensed therapists. Rheumatologists, internists and more are recommending therapy for their patients and it’s even been incorporated into physical therapy as an ideal way to loosen the body prior to more rigorous therapy sessions or to relax it afterwards.

Massage basically involves a series of stroking, pressing and kneading measures on different parts of the body. It can relieve pain, relax muscles, stimulate blood flow and even help tone the body. Some forms of therapy can even work on the soft tissues – tendons and ligaments.

The overall benefits of qualified massage therapy include relaxation, healing, tension relief, pain improvement, improved breathing, improved circulation and an improvement in stiffness.

Depending on the particular problem and what is recommended, therapy generally involves more than one visit. This is especially so for therapy designed to help in healing or to improve pain conditions. The effects of therapy are considered to be cumulative.

Massage is widely used to treat a number of conditions from muscle strains and sprains to more severe injury. It can be performed on just about any area of the body and is even beneficial for pregnant women and especially appreciated post delivery.

Finding the right massage therapist generally isn’t difficult. Often times medical doctors will recommend them to their patients who are suffering the effects of muscular problems or stress. They may even be used in conjunction with an outlined plan to help a patient get on their feet after an accident or surgery.

Should you desire to locate a therapist on your own, look for a therapist that is licensed by the state in which you live. There are specialized schools to help therapists learn their trade and there are state licensing requirements. Word-of-mouth recommendations are very good, but do check background as should be done with every medical type professional.

Once a good therapist has been located, it’s okay to request a consultation. This will help the patient see if the person is one they are comfortable with. It’s very important for a good rapport to be developed for therapy to be successful. If the patient is stressed out during the procedure, it defeats the purpose.

Many discount massage therapy and its benefits, but considering it’s a very ancient practice with some solid results on record, this is a form of pain and stress relief almost anyone should consider.

About the Author
#1 Resource

Benefits of Massage.

http://www.massagerrelief.com

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Massage Therapy Is Beneficial For Pain Relief, Relaxation

Categories: massage
Dec
15

Hands-On Health The Healing Benefits of Massage

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The healing power of human touch is a positive experience that many people enjoy through therapeutic massage or bodywork. The effects of a good massage go much deeper than the skin’s surface. Massage can:

1) Help improve circulation of the blood and lower blood pressure.
2) Act as a detoxification system by propelling toxic waste products through the lymphatic system.
3) Help to improve muscle tone and prevent muscular atrophy resulting from inactivity or illness.
4) Reduce emotional stress and promote a sense of well-being.

How can something as simple as this hands-on therapy have so many positive benefits? A tense or painful muscle is one which is often chronically contracted. In an acute situation such as recent injury, the muscle can be in actual spasm. This contraction or spasm decreases the flow of blood to the muscle, which leads to a decrease in the nutrient and oxygen supply to the cells of the muscle and related nerves. A chronically contracted muscle will build up lactic acid, a sign of fatigue. This oxygen shortage and lactic acid buildup irritates the nerve cells, which perpetuates the contracted muscles. Massage can help remove the lactic acid and other metabolic waste products from the cells and reverse this process, interrupting the vicious cycle of pain-spasm-pain.

There are a multitude of massage styles which are beneficial, depending upon the individual’s needs and preferences. They include:

Swedish Massage: this is the basic “relaxation” style of bodywork, which uses long strokes, squeezing and kneading. The Swedish practitioner helps to improve circulation by working to loosen or relax the superficial layers of muscle. This type of massage is particularly useful for muscles which are already sore from stress or a tough workout, as it is often more gentle than other styles.

Sports Massage: this form of massage works on a deeper level of musculature or connective tissue. This style fits more with the “no pain, no gain” philosophy. The therapist uses slow, hard strokes and deep, sustained finger pressure to work deeply into the contracted muscles, fascia and tendons. This technique increases flexibility, encourages muscles to work at their fullest capacity, and speeds up the healing process by reducing swelling following an injury. It is especially indicated for athletes and “week-end warriors” who suffer from tight or sore muscles.

Shiatsu and Acupressure: rather than being simply relaxing, this form of bodywork tends to be invigorating. Fingers, thumbs, fists and elbows are used to apply pressure to points along acupuncture meridians, which are believed to be the energy pathways of the body. The focus of this type of therapy is on relieving blocks in the pathways and rebalancing the flow of energy.

Reflexology and Zone Therapy: reflexology works on the assumption that parts of the feet (as well as parts of the ears and hands) correspond to other parts of the body’s anatomy. In other words, stress or illness in a certain part of the body may show up as a painful or sensitive area on a specific area of the foot. Reflexologists apply pressure to the side, top or bottom of the feet to help reduce dysfunction in other parts of the body.

Not all techniques work for everyone, so make sure to inquire about the philosophy and style of the massage therapist you call. If your massage isn’t as satisfying as you had hoped, don’t give up. Try another therapist! Massage therapy schools are a cost-effective way to test out different styles of massage; senior students generally work for lower fees while they complete their internship.

There are a few conditions in which massage would not be a good option, such as marked inflammation, fever, significant swelling or very severe pain. But for the garden variety aches and pains that most of us experience, as well as for the general stresses of life, massage is an outstanding way to treat ourselves to a positive, revitalizing experience.

About the Author
Find out more about General Health at healthandfinesse.com

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Hands-On Health The Healing Benefits of Massage

Categories: Uncategorized, massage