Thursday, November 27, 2008

Mulher Moranguinho Mulher Jaca Body Massage

Monday, November 24, 2008

Massage Contraindications - Why Some People Cannot Receive a Massage

Massage therapy is a wonderful and beneficial form of holistic health care. Massage can provide stress relief, muscle tension relief, improve circulation, and the list goes on. But massage can be detrimental to your health if you have certain physical conditions, illnesses, or disease. You can also put your therapist at risk of contracting certain illness or disease if you are in a contagious state of health.

The term "massage contraindication" means you are not able to receive massage, or the massage may be limited to certain areas of your body. When you are contraindicated for a massage it is for your health and safety as well as the massage therapists. Not all contraindications mean that you will never be able to have a massage. There are two types of contraindications: local contraindications and absolute contraindications.

Local Contraindications

Local contraindications are conditions involving a pathology related illness/disease or an acute injury. These conditions mean caution must be exercised and the massage must be adapted to the condition. This is to ensure the safety of both the client and the therapist. For the client, the massage must be adjusted as to ensure it will not spread the condition, or further injure the client. For the therapist, it is to ensure the therapist does not contract the disease.

If you have what is determined to be a local contraindication your therapist may require a doctor's release before he will agree to provide you with a massage. While some local contraindications only require that you and your therapist discuss the condition and tailor the massage accordingly. In either case, it is the therapist that will make the final decision as to whether or not you will be able to receive the massage. This is done to protect your health and safety as well as the massage therapist.

A massage may be adjusted for a local contraindication in several ways. It can mean an area is to be avoided, such a the lower leg of a recently sprained ankle. It can require that the pressure be adjusted during the massage. The position in which the client is lying the massage table is adjusted, such as using a side lying position for pregnant women. It can also mean the time allowed for the massage be adjusted.

Some of the more common local contraindications include, but are not limited to: Abnormal lumps, Ance Vulgaris, athlete's foot, blisters, bruises, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Colitis, Crohn's Disease, Cystitis (Baker's and sebaceous), Decubitus Ulcers, Gouty Arthritis, Graves' Disease, hernia, Hyper and Hypothyroidism, infectious diseases, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, local inflammation, open wounds, Phlebitis, poison ivy - oak - sumac, Shingles, swollen lymph glands, ulcers, unhealed burns (sunburn if not widespread), Varicose Veins, and warts.

The following conditions will require a medical doctors clearance: Acromegaly, Aneurysm, Atherosclerosis, Burns, Cancer, Cerebrovascular accident, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Congestive Heart Failure, Coronary Artery Disease, Hemophelia, Hodgkin's Disease, Kidney Stones, Leukemia, Myasthenia Gravis, Nephrosis, Peritonitis, Polycystic Kidney Disease, and Uremia.

Absolute Contraindications

Absolute contraindications are conditions where you cannot receive a massage. Giving a massage to someone who has an absolute contraindication can result in serious health risks for the client and/or the therapist. Some absolute contraindications can even cause death to the client.

Not all absolute contraindications are permanent; meaning you may have a condition that, once it clears, you can receive a massage. These conditions are typically an illness such as a viral infection. Some conditions are permanent and unfortunately if you have one, you will not be able to receive massage. In either case, as long as the condition is in an acute stage, you will be denied massage therapy.

The following is a list of common, but temporary, absolute contraindications for massage: Chickenpox, Contact Dermatitis (if wide spread), diarrhea (if due to infection), fever, German Measles, Gout (during acute phase), Hepatitis, Hives, High Blood Pressure (unless controlled by medication, diet or exercise) Influenza (the flu), lice, Lupus (during a flare up), measles, Mononucleosis (mono), Mumps, Pneumonia, Ringworm, recent injuries or surgeries, Scabies, and Tonsillitis. This list is not definitive, but a list of the more common conditions that are absolute contraindications. These are all temporary conditions that once they have run their course, you can receive a massage.

The following conditions are a permanent condition that will prevent you from receiving a massage. These are serious conditions and if you receive a massage it can cause further health related problems or even death. Your massage therapist must be informed of these conditions. This is one of the reasons you are required fill out a health history form when you enter a professional massage therapists office.

Some common absolute permanent contraindications (this is not a definitive list): Blood Clots, Cirrhosis of the liver, Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), Embolism, Hypertension (unless controlled by medication, diet or exercise), Intestinal obstruction, Kidney failure, Lymphangitis, Myocarditis, Pericarditis, Pulmonary Embolism, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Syncope (fainting), and Tuberculosis.

While massage has many benefits certain conditions warrant caution. If you have a condition that has not been listed here, or you are unclear about whether you can receive massage, talk to your massage therapist and you family doctor. They will both be happy to discuss this with you. Remember, if you are turned down for a massage because of a condition you have, it is because the massage therapist has your best health at interest.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Massage Parlors

Many people equate massage parlors with illicit sex dens, where sex is sold under the guise of a massage. It is a fact that these places do exist, but for the most part, a massage parlor is an office and treatment center. Massage parlors are places that are designed to offer massages to help people with a variety of health needs.

When you go to a legitimate parlor, you are greeted by a receptionist who will inquire if you have an appointment and then take down your details. The next step is for them to ask you some questions regarding what kind of massage you want and general health questions. You are then led to a room, which is usually tastefully decorated where you can read magazines, newspapers, relax or even pick the aromatherapy oils you want used during your massage.

There are various laws that massage parlors need to conform to for the standard of work that is done. For example, whether a client requests it or not, the masseuse must provide a sheet or towel for the client to drape over areas that are not going to be massaged. There are different kinds of equipment found in a massage parlor. This may include a massage table or chair, or a massage stool for the masseuse.

There are also different oils and lotions for you to choose from. Some might also have a variety of CDs that clients can pick soothing music from. Yes, there are seedy massage parlors disguised as reputable parlors. The key is to do some research. For example call ahead and confirm that they are not doing erotic massages, otherwise you might be in for a rude shock when you walk into a parlor expecting a soothing massage.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Swedish Massage Methods Vs Ayurvedic Massage Methods

Massage therapy has been influenced by different regions of the world and this has led to various different methods being born which, although different in style, provide similar benefits. Two of these are the concepts of Swedish and Ayurvedic Massage. While these both have their own respective origins and thus utilized different techniques, they both contribute to a deeply relaxed body and provide health benefits. Many people have sought out massage therapy only to be confused by the different methods available.

Swedish Massage:

This is also known as classic massage or traditional massage. It is one of the most common and widely known methods of massage. It is characterized by long flowing hand strokes performed by a skilled masseuse. These specialized movements tend to deeply relax muscles and also aid in joint flexibility and tend to increase circulation in the skin and muscles.

One of these strokes is known as effleurage. Effleurage stokes involves long strokes with the masseuse using their whole hand, the heal of their hand, or their thumb pad and thumb joint. The masseuse begins these at the neck works down towards the spine. Then the masseuse may also move onto the limbs using the same effleurage strokes and works towards the heart. They may also use the fingertips and work down from the shoulder blade toward the heart which may improve circulation and lymphatic flow. This massage is generally performed first so that the masseuse becomes familiar with the persons body.

The next massage technique is called the petrissage. This consists of gentle movements which lift the muscles up and away from the bones and then rolling and squeezing them with very gentle pressure. This is thought to enhance circulation even deeper into the muscles. It is also believed to greatly aid the body in removing toxins and metabolic wastes.

The third technique, and the roughest of them all, is characterized by deep circular movements using the fingertips. It is generally applied over joints and boney areas. This technique is thought to help relax muscle fibers around joints and bones and seems to aid in joint flexibility.

The fourth technique is called tapotement. This involves a series of very quick and forceful movements applied by striking and tapping the muscles with the hand. The masseuse may apply these with a closed fist, the fingertips, or even the edge of the hand. These movements release tension and relieve muscle cramps.

The last type of movement the masseuse may apply during a session involves shaking and vibrating hand movements. The masseuse will press their hands into the muscles of the back or limbs and sake with rapid motions for a few moments. This improves circulation and aids the quick acting contraction muscles to perform better. Those with low back pain, those who perform a lot of keyboard type work, and those who are on their feet all day generally find this technique beneficial.

Ayurvedic Massage:

Ayurvedic massage originated in India. The goal of Ayurvedic massage is to produce and increase harmony and balance within the individual. It also improves circulation and assists the body in quickly removing toxins and metabolic wastes. It promotes a rejuvenation of the body. It was not widely known or practiced publicly until at one point Indian practitioners decided to traveled around and offer this type of massage to various people.

The Ayurvedic massage if basted on the knowledge of the Ayurvedic and also on the Greek system of medicine during the time of its inception. This means it focuses on Doshas and Marmas, also known as pressure points. Many Muslim massage techniques were also developed from this system.

The techniques used in Ayurvedic massage utilize specific oils that are specially suited to your Dosha and on your personal being. One of these is Abhyanga-Garshana in which the masseuse gently brushes the skin and then applies an oil massage.

Another technique is called Udwarthanam which is a slimming massage. This technique utilizes the herbal powders of the Ayurvedic teachings. During this massage the masseuse will use their feet to apply a type of deep tissue massage.

Now that you know a little bit about both of these types of massages, Swedish and Ayurvedic, you are privileged to be able to choose from among them which techniques of the two best suits your personal needs. When deciding which technique to use for the best relaxation effect it may be difficult to choose!

Japanese body massage

Monday, November 17, 2008

Massage Therapists - Tips For Mobile Massage Safety

For many clients the idea of having a massage therapist come to them is appealing. They do not have to drive or deal with parking on their way to or from their appointment and they are able to relax immediately after the appointment. As a massage therapist, providing services to these clients can be lucrative. However, concern for your safety may limit you from offering these services. We employ many therapists across the country to meet the demand of mobile massage services and recommend the following tips to help ensure their safety.

Your company image is important to ensure both you and the clients are comfortable with your business relationship. Professionalism in your advertisements, phone consultations, and marketing materials will project the services you provide.

Have a safety person you contact to provide names, addresses, and phone numbers of the client you will be visiting. Explain to them you'll call them when you arrive and when you leave so they will know where you are.

Once you have a client's name, research them on the internet. Conduct a search on their name and go to sites like peoplefinders.com to determine if they reside at the address provided or your local sexual predator lists to determine if there are any areas of concern.

Consider processing payments by credit card over the phone in advance so that you are not carrying cash with you on appointments.

Personally, I have found visiting clients in their homes provides another level of interest to client relationships. I have the opportunity to meet family members, see their environment and lifestyle which assists in assessments and recommendations, and reduce my overhead costs not having to maintain an office.

As a mobile massage therapist, you have a great service to provide and keeping your safety as a priority is critical.

Lisa Meloche, President and Massage Therapist, Bodywork Alternatives Massage Therapy. http://www.bodyworkalternativesmt.com/

Bodywork Alternatives Massage Therapy offers mobile massage therapy services and corporate chair massage services across the country. Massage therapy services provided reduce pain and stress in the comfort of client's homes and offices. Corporate chair massage allows companies to help employees reduce stress and pain associated with common problems such as headaches, carpal tunnel symptoms, and low back pain. All therapists are trained and licensed or certified in their area of expertise.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Friday, November 14, 2008

Massage Therapy in Stoney Creek Ontario

Stoney Creek may not be the biggest city or even known by many outside of southern Ontario. Yet with two schools and a number of practicing therapists, massage therapy in Stoney Creek Ontario is quickly gaining a strong reputation within the massage therapy community.

Stoney Creek is a community of the city of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. It is located within the Golden Horseshoe, which is attached to Lake Ontario. Stoney Creek is also considered a part of the Niagara Escarpment. The population of the community is approximately 60,000. Stoney Creek is considered by some to be a commuter town, as it is close to downtown Hamilton and within forty-five minutes to downtown Toronto.

The city itself has a number of massage therapists due to its influx of graduated students and the communities large number of commuters. The local phone book contains over fifty results for spas and massage businesses, along with a number of at home services.

Surprisingly for a town of its small size Stoney Creek has two different massage therapy schools. This is interesting since the province on Ontario and the CMTO (College of Massage Therapists of Ontario) have only certified approximately twenty-five schools throughout the entire province for massage therapy training. The two schools that offer the course consist of Mohawk College, which is a more tradition governmental aided college. The second is the Ontario College of Health and Technology, which is a private school. Think of the Devry commercials, that is the type of school that the Ontario College of Health and Technology is.

Both of the these schools will take you to the same place however, which is a three part test that is held at different times of the year in the capital of Ontario, which is Toronto. Students need to complete a CMTO outlined course, which is what both of these schools teach.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

How Prenatal Massage Can Enhance Your Pregnancy and Restore Your Self-Confidence

During your pregnancy, your body continuously transforms. This can be downright shocking to a new mother. You may feel out of control, physically.

Getting a prenatal massage has many health benefits, and even some that are not as obvious. First, it offers relief from:

*Muscle soreness

*Back strain

*Swelling, circulation issues

*Fatigue and poor sleep

*Increased physical demands

*Emotional stress

However, there are other benefits to pregnancy massage that are unique to a pregnant woman's body.

Once a woman is pregnant, her attention becomes shared. She now has the distraction of her child's welfare. Her needs get put second. Massage restores the attention to the woman's mental and physical needs.

As a woman's body changes during pregnancy, her self-image changes. She may forget what it's like to have a lighter, fit, un-pregnant body. This is especially true if she bears several children consecutively.

Her self-esteem also may change. More focus gets put on the baby from family, friends and co-workers. She may feel less valuable, and less attractive, despite the beauty of the process.

A massage from a caring therapist can restore good feelings of confidence and self-worth.

The pregnant client and therapist marvel together in the body's amazing capabilities. The pregnant woman is reminded that all bodies are amazing, powerful and beautiful.

She is also reminded that she will have a time when her body is not pregnant. The focus on her individual health needs can be hers alone one day.

The mere essence of human touch has the power to restore a sense of worth and belonging to someone who may be feeling detached and blue.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Massage - The Secret Weapon For Back Pain

The common condition of back pain is more prevalent today and more money is spent on medication to ease the symptoms than ever before. What should not be overlooked is that natural remedies such as massage therapy offer not just relief from the discomfort but, if taken regularly, a cure for the causes.

The curse of back pain can appear at any point along your spine and thus will lead to pain affecting the neck, mid back and lower back areas. The most common causes that you should consider massage as an appropriate therapy are muscle spasms, sprains or strains of tendons or ligaments, herniated discs, or a variety of degenerative disorders related to the spine.

As a cautionary note, it is always recommended to get a thorough medical examination if you have chronic back or neck pain to eliminate any serious structural or physiological issues with your spine. Suitable treatments can be identified for the causes of the pain by undertaking a scan or x-ray of the affected area of the back. If you suddenly experience any unusually symptoms with your back pain, it is best to seek medical attention immediately.

Whilst medication may be a temptation to gain some form of short term relief, it is wise not to continue with such a course. While these drugs may provide that temporary relief of back pain, they do not help resolve your condition and may cause unwanted side-effect or develop into chemical dependency. In comparison, massage is a wholly natural therapy in which the affected area of the body is manipulated with hand movements to ease the strain the in the muscles.

Back pain can be a difficult condition to treat. Often, the cause is related to a postural or repetitive stress on the body. Fortunately, regular massage treatments can help identify which muscles are tight and begin to dissolve this tension to provide relief. Depending on the severity of your back pain, it may be necessary to have several massage treatments before you have sustainable relief of your back pain. Regular therapy will not only ease the symptoms but will build resistance to the cause of the pain in the first place.

When treating back pain, it is advisable for you to use several methods of massage together to enhance your recovery. There are many different types of such therapies which concentrate on a particular area of the body and also for a particular symptom that you maybe experiencing.

Swedish massage can be an excellent way to start treatment for back pain. The relaxing oil-based massage can release of many of the surface muscles and decrease the emotional stress that may be contributing to your back pain condition. This will involve a therapy covering the whole of your body and the result being you feel relaxed, refreshed and the muscles affected by the pain having been thoroughly worked on.

Deep tissue massage is commonly used in conjunction with Swedish massage to work the deeper muscles of the back. By using the hands to create a hard compression of the muscles plus cross fibre friction, this will break up any adhesions or scar tissues that could be the cause of your back pain.

Trigger Point massage can be used to release muscles in your back that are in spasm. The spasm can be released by applying a steady pressure with the hand on the knots in the affected muscle, which effectively resets it. This will allow fresh blood and nutrients to flow through the area and promote healing. Trigger Point therapy is excellent at correcting postural imbalances of muscles, a common cause of back pain.

Friday, November 7, 2008

The Fundamentals of Massage As Therapy

When we talk about the therapeutic benefits of massage, you often hear about different massage styles and techniques. Deep Tissue, Thai, and Sports are some examples.

However, massage is therapeutic on a more basic level. This is often overlooked.

The perfect massage for your ails.
As a therapist, I am always trying to match the right technique with each client's needs. I have advanced certifications in several different styles, so I easily pick and choose what the client's body cues me to do.

However, sessions didn't always follow this pattern of technique-matching. When I first began practicing massage therapy, I was keener to the deeply therapeutic effects of basic human touch. I saw this basic need and its healing effects. I practiced it, first and foremost.

As I become increasingly skilled, it requires more effort to continually go back to the fundamentals. Probably the most therapeutic feature of a good massage is the touch itself. A caring, conscientious touch from a therapist is more important than any skill they have learned from any instructor.

Back to basics.
Some clients avoid telling therapists that they want a Swedish massage. They don't understand that Swedish strokes are the foundation of most other massage, and that Swedish can be performed lightly or firmly. You can barely leave Swedish effleurage or petrissage out of any massage session, and the pressure is not the same as the technique.

When humans practice very basic, instinctive, types of human touch, it often resembles Swedish-style effleurage.

A fundamental massage, consisting of basic strokes, is common in massage research. Health practitioners know the links between child development and touch. They have also revealed how stress relief prevents disease, and how massage can contribute to health improvements.

In conclusion, it is tempting (as a client or therapist) to figure out which type of massage you want. But don't forget to include a good ole-fashioned basic massage in your health practices.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

How Therapeutic Massage Helps During Pregnancy

Any person who has been through pregnancy knows that any form of body stretching is quite painful as the pregnant person is carrying a living being within her. And though it takes 9 months to produce a little bundle of joy, this period is quite an experience.

Pregnancy massage can help get rid of pains and reduce stress during pregnancy. Muscle cramps, spasms and pains can all be done away with after a sound pregnancy massage. Massage also increases blood and lymph circulation, which goes on to reduce swellings that are experienced during pregnancy. Aside from that, it also relieves the stress that a pregnant woman feels on her weight-bearing joints – the knees and the hips. And did you know that massage can also alleviate labor pains by strengthening the muscles that are stressed out to the maximum during labor? Of course, it also improves skin flexibility and makes the tissues supple. All this goes on to make the emotional job of the mother-in-law a lot easier.

Before a pregnant woman chooses a therapeutic massage therapist, she must investigate his credentials and check to see if the massage therapist is licensed and a "pregnancy massage" expert as well. Pregnancy massage is a specialized branch and needs some kind of special training, because the pregnancy massage must be safe – there is no margin for error and no ordinary massage therapist will do when it comes to pregnancy massage.

Pregnancy massage differs from a regular massage in many ways. The massage therapist must know all about how the body functions during pregnancy and how pregnancy causes structural imbalances. A woman who is pregnant will lie in a different pose altogether as compared to a non-pregnant woman while receiving this massage. If the correct positions are not followed, then pregnancy massage can even harm the pregnant woman and her baby. Needless to say, that there are certain parts of the pregnant woman's body that must not be massaged.

Pregnant women, while receiving pregnancy massage, must always be in a semi-reclining position because it is considered safe for the child and comfortable for the mother. Props such as body pillows and pads must be put to use when the body position needs switching. These props provide a great degree of comfort during the massage. The table used for pregnancy massage must be a simple piece and fancy tables having holes in them must be avoided. If the pregnant woman is allergic to scents, she must tell the therapist to light any candles or spray any perfume. Light music must be played as enhances the experience of pregnancy massage.

The level of undress is a matter of personal choice and is best left between the pregnant woman and the massage therapist to decide. Some pregnant women prefer to undress fully, some prefer to wear lingerie and some prefer to be covered by sheets – it's a matter of personal choice. The pregnancy massage must be gentle and must not make the pregnant woman uncomfortable in any manner.

The period of pregnancy is fraught with a lot of emotional and physical anxieties and therapeutic massage during pregnancy can relieve all the stress and make the pregnant woman ready for the wonderful event – the birth of the child!

For more quick tips and advice on massage therapy visit this popular website at http://www.health-nutrition-medicine-medical.info.

Discover the Different Massage Types

The standard massage treatment has flourished recently to include much more specific treatments concentrating on various areas of the body. You may not be aware that there is most probably a massage treatment for your particular ailment.

Swedish massage therapy: This is the most common type to be offered by masseurs because it is very gentle and relaxing. The masseuse will use long strokes, kneading and circular movements on superficial layers of muscle using massage lotion or oil. The result is a refreshed, calm and renewed feeling for the body.

Aromatherapy: The reason why it is called such is because one or more scented plant oils are used during the session. During the session, you will select the oil you want to use. In fact, the most popular one is lavender as it is well suited for stress related conditions together with an emotional component.

Hot stone massage: Heated smooth stones are placed on certain parts of the body to help loosen those tight muscles and balance energy points in the body. At times, the masseuse may also apply gentle pressure especially for those who have muscle tension.

Deep tissue massage: The massage technique is specifically designed to target the deep layers of body muscle and connective tissue. Here, the masseuse will use slow strokes better known as friction techniques across the grain of the muscle. The distinctive feature of deep tissue massage is that it is used on those that have chronically tight or painful muscles, repetitive strain, postural problems and recovery from injury. You will often feel sore for the next day or two.

Shiatsu: This massage therapy originated from Japan. Here, the masseuse will use localised finger pressure in a rhythmic sequence on acupuncture meridians. Each point is held for 2 to 8 second designed to improve the flow of energy and help the body regain balance. Those who have tried it say that it is relaxing yet firm. The best part is that there is no soreness afterwards.

Thai: This is similar to Shiatsu because it aligns the energies of the body using gentle pressure on specific points. Part of the session also includes compressions and stretches as you are moved in a variety of postures just like yoga but in this case, you don't do anything except go with the flow.

Pregnancy: For women that are expecting, they can opt for a specialist pregnancy massage. The benefits it was designed for are the relief of aches and pains, reduce swelling, relieve stress and reduce the ailments of anxiety and depression.

Reflexology: The can also be known as foot massage as the procedure involves applying pressure to parts of the foot. It is believed that the foot in fact corresponds to certain body organs and systems so if this is worked on therefore the whole body will benefit.

Sports: This is designed for people involved in sports activities. This type is designed not only for professional athletes but anyone involved in sport since it helps prevent and treat physical injuries.

Back & Neck: Unlike reflexology that focuses on the feet because it represents special points in the body, this one simply relieves tension in the back and neck caused by lifting heavy objects or driving for long periods of time.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Massage and Health Boost

Have you ever wonder why some people are less stress than others? Have you ever wonder why people make a New Year resolution only to get it broken within weeks if not days into the New Year? When it comes to health matters, everyone tends to be a master of what they should do to get their health on track.

Fitness and regular exercise comes top of the agenda. Probably you are different and you are not like thousands of other people who get enrolled as a gym member but never get the time to go to the gym to burn the calories. The truth is that we are all working very hard to make ends meet and to some of us, the quest for money never ends. So our time and energy is taken away by other things and the most important asset we have in life, which of course is our health takes the back seat.

Do you really know that by simply having a regular full body massage will improve your health? Let's quickly take a look at what having a full body massage can do for you.

It has been found that Massage therapy reduces anxiety, depressed mood and the stress hormone levels but instead increases the dopamine levels. Hart, S., Field, T. Hernandez-Reif, M., Nearing, G., Shaw, S., Schanberg, S., & Kuhn, C. (2001). Anorexia symptoms are reduced by massage therapy. Eating Disorders, 9, 289-299

Adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) rated themselves as happier and also behaved much better after massage session. Teachers observed adults receiving massage as less hyperactive and were better engaged on-task. Also pupils with ADHD were better engaged on-task behaviour in the classroom and again they were rated as less hyperactive following one month of twice weekly massages. Field, T., Quintino, O. & Hernandez-Reif, M., & Koslovsky, G. (1998). Adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder benefit from massage therapy. Adolescence, 33, 103-108.Khilnani, S., Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., and Shanberg, S. (2004). Massage therapy improves mood and behaviour of students with Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder, Adolescence, 152, 623-638

Massage Therapy reduces lower back pain, anxiety improve sleep and lessen depression. Hernandez-Reif, M., Field, T., Krasnegor, J., Theakston, T. (2001) Low back pain is reduced and range of motion increased after massage therapy. International Journal of Neuroscience, 106, 131-145.

The fact is depression, anxiety, back pain and the resultant lack of sleep which are causing major health concern in our society today could be lessen, lowered or even brought to complete halt by the art of simple massage therapy. The interesting thing about massaging is that you can learn to massage like an expert at the comfort of your own home and in your own time.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Massage Chair Therapy & Anxiety Relief

Do you suffer from anxiety? Anxiety is the internal response of the body to fear, worry and apprehension. Many times one does not even know the reasons why they are feeling their anxiety. There can sometimes be physical responses such as chest pain, sweating, shortness of breath and palpitations. Although there are numerous treatment options for anxiety, one very positive method is massage chair therapy.

In numerous studies, massage was shown to reduce levels of anxiety and decrease stress hormones. This was the case for less serious anxiety, whereas, chronic forms of anxiety may require a more complete treatment. One thing is for sure; anxiety can be very debilitating and varies in intensity and duration in different people.

If you think about it, a soothing massage helps you to relax and unwind. But that is just the beginning. There are many health benefits of massage therapy. Massage can provide much needed relief for sufferers of anxiety. If you have a more chronic, intense or prolonged periods of anxiety, then it is always best to consult you health care professional before deciding on a course of action.

Massage therapy is the manipulation of the soft tissue that includes your muscles, skin and tendons. There are numerous massage therapies available in massage chairs. There are Shiatsu, Swedish, deep tissue, sports massage, reflexology, acupressure and many more. Each type of massage has specific applications and results.

Many people think of massage as a luxury only being offered to the rich and famous in expensive spas and health clubs. The reality is massage chairs provide an affordable and effective alternative. These advanced massage chair recliners are effective in reducing stress, pain, and anxiety.

Massage therapy helps to relieve tension in your muscles and tendons. Some massage chairs come with MP3 players where you can listen to soft music. This helps your mind to relax as the massage chair starts to release the built up tension and stress in your body. Massage also helps to release endorphins or your natural painkillers which help reduce aches and pains.

Massage chairs provide full body massage capabilities. They have roller mechanisms that provide a vast array of massages to the back, shoulders and neck. They also come with air massage systems that can provide compression and reflexology massages to the buttocks, thighs, hips, calves, feet, arms and hands. These massage recliners help your body by relieving muscle tension and tightness.

Some additional capabilities of massage chair recliners include heating elements. Heat therapy has been shown to increase blood circulation and to reduce swelling. You can also find massage chairs with stretching or traction capabilities. They can stretch out the lower body and now some can even stretch the shoulders and arms.

If you are interested in a massage chair, then start with the best brands. The best massage recliner brands are Panasonic, Omega and Sanyo. These companies have excellent massage therapies, well designed chairs and comprehensive warranty coverage. Sticking with a recognized name brand will provide you with years of trouble-free massage therapy.

If you suffer from anxiety, check with your health care provider about possible treatment options. A massage chair can be a very practical investment providing years of convenient massage therapy in the comfort of home. The technology of these chairs has advanced dramatically in the last few years, so check out what features and functions are right for you. Do not let anxiety get the best of you, get a massage chair and release your stress, anxiety and tension.