Benefits of Massage Cushions

2011年11月3日 星期四

The Magical Effects of Therapeutic Message

Therapeutic Massage is the process of manipulating the soft tissue of the body to remove pain, stress, muscle spasm and discomfort; and to promote freshness and health. It improves the muscular, lymphatic, skeletal, blood circulation and nervous system and your body can recover from illness and injury faster than before.


Massage therapy has been regarded as an aid for health throughout years. Different techniques and methods have been developed to make it more comfortable and fruitful for people. It involves holding and movement of the soft tissue and applying pressure on the body parts softly which provides a soothing feeling.


While receiving Massage from professional therapeutic massagers, you will feel two hands that have been casted to give you utmost comfort. They will make you feel better than before and your malady will be removed. Therapeutic Massage has an unimaginable healing power. It offers healing from many ailments. This Massage therapy is so popular that many people avail it in private settings, for example in home sessions.


People usually seek out Massage therapy to get relief form aches and pains or something that causes discomfort. There are many other benefits too which you can receive from a Massage. It enables you to move your joints smoothly by increasing the range of motion and boosts up your immune system so that you recover faster from illness. Therapeutic Massage helps you sleep better, decreases high blood pressure, facilitates your focus and concentration, above all promotes and encourages feeling of calmness and health.


While visiting a Massage parlor, you will find many options to choose from. You can choose other body relaxing options along with therapeutic Massage to intensify the outcome. Special oil is spread over the body to make the detoxification process faster and relieve you from tension. Unlike other Massage techniques, you need to sit on a special chair to get therapeutic Massage which will take care of your hands, upper back, shoulders, head and neck. You can choose the deep tissue Massage technique if you are suffering from chronic muscle pains. The massagers will give slow strokes over the grain of muscles which will relieve you and make you feel good.


Heated lava rock technique is used to treat joints and tendons and increase blood circulation. If you are pregnant, then you can opt for pregnant messaging technique. During pregnancy mother's usually goes through different kinds of stress and pains. Therapeutic Massage would be a good solution for them to get relieved.


Besides of making you relaxed and relieved from aches and discomfort, therapeutic Massage has many other advantages. It improves your tone of body while losing weight and your overall look will get better. As your blood circulation gets better, toxic substances flow out of the body through excretory system. Muscle fibers get revived and make you feel more energetic. Body joints are renewed and become flexible which gives you improved range of motion. The effects of this type of Massage therapy is shorter; however if you take Massage on a regular basis, the effects will last longer.


 

2011年10月30日 星期日

A Secret Way to Feel Fit and Healthy

Are you having problems with swelling? I know how hard it can be to get back on your feet after a nasty injury. In just a few sessions lymphatic drainage could help speed your recovery and get you back to 100%. Is this something that you would like to know more about? A secret way to feel fit and healthy all the time. If this is what you want, please read on and learn all about the lymphatic drainage.


You are sitting at the computer, perhaps you feel a little swelling in your ankles?


The act of sitting swells your legs especially if you are motionless for hours on end. This is due to your lymphatic system.


The lymphatic system is a very complex system... it is everywhere in the body. It consists of glands, network nodes (such as the venous system) and lymph nodes. Lymph is the fluid flowing through it. It allows cells to feed, carries cellular waste and helps defend the body by transporting the necessary antibodies. Lymph flows through lymph vessels and lymph nodes that serve as filters for toxic substances in our body.


Interstitial fluid is the bath in which most of our cells float. It is this liquid that appears if we burn ourselves: it is the liquid in the blisters that form. It is also the fluid that is causes swelling.


When it comes to cells, lymph contains the necessary food to feed them and transports various wastes (digestion, dead cells, damaged cells, etc.) away. An imbalance between the fluid in the tissues and the ability to drain the lymph, causes congestion (edema), which has an impact on the functioning of the body. When the lymph slows, the cells can be poisoned by their own waste therefore good lymph circulation is necessary for the health of the body.


The lymphatic circulation system runs parallel to the bloodstream. The vessels are located between the skin and muscles.


Now that you have learnt a little something about the lymphatic system perhaps the solution to your problems is a good massage which specialises on lymphatic drainage?


Lymphatic drainage is a gentle massage technique which consists of wave like movements. These movements are performed on the nodes and networks of the lymphatic system.


As you read this you feel relaxed, you would feel better after a massage especially concentrating on lymphatic drainage because it is very relaxing but more importantly lymphatic drainage has the effect of speeding up and facilitate the journey of lymph to the heart. In addition to this, it stimulates the lymph which activates the immune system and helps eliminate organic waste. The drainage also helps to expel the accumulated fluids in the tissues to reduce swelling and tissue congestion.


Lymphatic drainage can be used to:-


Help reduce swelling;


Help reduce inflammation (eg, bursitis, tendinitis, epicondylitis);


Reduce sinusitis and allergies;


Reduce headaches and migraines;


In Preparation before surgery to increase the antibodies of the immune system;


Improve circulation and help decongestion after the operation or injury;


Improve sleep;


Just relax.


Earlier, I asked if you wanted to know the secret to being healthy and feeling good. Lymphatic drainage is the answer. Try it and see for yourself.


Confused about massage therapy?


We can help you lie back and forget your worries with your favorite massage therapy. We layout the different types of treatments and guide you to the most suitable massage for you.


Visit me Skye Hendersson at http://massagetherapytoday.com/. I want to help you relax.

2011年10月29日 星期六

What Is Swedish Massage and Is It Right for You?

Many people are often confused by the term "Swedish massage," wondering whether it's a type of massage therapy that originated in Sweden, if it's an appropriate therapy for a particular injury, or just what the heck this term means at all. So let's explore what exactly Swedish massage is, what it can treat, and why it might be worth seeking out.


For starters, the term Swedish massage is typically only used in North America. In other parts of the world (including Sweden), it's referred to as "classic massage." Developed from a set of calisthenics-like exercises created by Pehr Henrik Ling in the early 1800s, today Swedish, or classic, therapeutic massage focuses on the mind/body connection while employing a series of five different specialized motions for manipulating muscles and relieving tension.


The five techniques that are traditionally associated with Swedish massage therapy are:


Effleurage uses sliding and gliding movements, applied using fan-style stroking, circle-stroking, and other movements.


Petrissage uses kneading motions to compress soft tissues together slowly and firmly in order to dispel knots, release accumulated toxins, and promote relaxation of the muscles and body.


Tapotement uses rhythmic tapping, often performed with different parts of the hand (edge, back, palm, etc.).


Friction creates heat when properly applied, relaxing you by stimulating your nerves and soothing any sore muscles.


Vibration, or shaking, is applied by the massage therapist for pain relief and increased blood flow, which can enhance relaxation.


Utilizing different intensities and frequencies to treat the various muscles throughout your body, these five motions will form the basis of any Swedish massage, be it concentrating on a targeted area or a full-body treatment.


This type of massage therapy can provide a wide range of benefits from simple relaxation and stress reduction to improving the function of injured areas or damaged tissue. Other results can include improved circulation, reduced pain, and even relief for stiff joints. Used for recreational stress relief as well as treatment for muscle pain and injuries, these massage techniques can enhance the well-being of a broad range of patients.


Swedish massage is by far the most popular type of massage therapy in the United States. Often employed as a full-body massage, this modality can be used to treat everyday aches and pains, stress, muscle tension, and other issues. However, as with any type of treatment, make sure to discuss whether Swedish therapeutic massage is the best solution for your stress, muscle injury, etc. with your massage therapist. As trained professionals, therapists can make informed recommendations regarding the appropriateness of a particular massage style for your specific circumstances.


Maria Allen is an Internet marketer for Prospect Genius, specializing in affordable online advertising for local businesses.

Using the Neck Massage Options of the Inada Sogno Massage Chair

Roller or Airbag Massage of the Inada Sogno The Inada Sogno Dreamwave massage chair never ceases to amaze with its versatility. One feature it has that you may not realize is the ability to change up the intensity of the massage simply by changing the position of the headrest (or cervical traction device, as it is called by Inada) with it's attached back pad below it!


The head and neck traction unit that rests at the top of the chair is fabulous when you want the neck traction feature and the kneading airbag massage around the neck. You know how it feels to have someone grab your neck with one hand and massage the muscles with their thumb on one side and their other fingers on the other side of your neck? Well, that is what the airbag massage of the cervical traction device feels on your neck when you are in the Inada Sogno.


"A More Vigorous Neck Massage, Please, From The Inada Sogno"


The airbag massage is fantastic, but some folks want a more vigorous neck massage...something a little bit deeper on the upper back and neck than the airbags. In other words, some people want to feel the good old roller massage on the neck muscles. You can make that happen on the Inada Sogno simply by lifting the cervical traction device (aka head rest) up and out of the way and then fastening the head piece onto the top of the chair with snaps on either side of the top of the chair back.


When you lift that head piece and attached padding out of the way, there is only a single layer of faux leather uphostery between yourself and the chairs rollers. As a matter of fact, as you move up the back, the only material between your neck/upper back and the rollers is a thin piece of linen.


So, what I am saying is that, if you would like to take it one step further and go even deeper with your neck and upper back massage you can just flip the whole head unit and attached pad over the back of the chair. Now you have just a thin linen fabric layer between the chair's rollers and your sore upper back and neck muscles!


This is a great way, that most folks aren't aware of, to use the chair. It allows for a much more aggressive roller massage in this area. We have heard a few shoppers tell us that that chair massage felt a little too gentle for their liking. If you are one of those who want a more vigorous massage from the Inada Sogno, you can truly get it to be as intense or gentle as you like.


The Stretch Program of the Inada Sogno One automatic program that feels particularly amazing with the head unit positioned over the back is the "Stretch". I love it because during the program the rollers will roll from the tip of your sacrum (that's the lowest part of your low back near the top of the buttocks) all the way up your spine to the base of your head and then hold that position allowing the muscles some moments to relax! When your muscles are relaxed, the effect of the stretch is greater and the results will be longer lasting.


One important point to remember when you lift the cervical traction device (head piece) up and out of the way, is that you will need more clearance between the chair and wall if you fully recline. The last thing you want is your Inada Sogno massage chair rubbing and pushing against your nicely painted wall!


Dr. Alan Weidner is a summa cum laude graduate of the Southern California University of Health Sciences (Doctor of Chiropractic) and writes articles for the massage chairs industry. Click here to learn more about the human touch massage chairs.

2011年10月28日 星期五

The Lowdown on Massage Therapy

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Massage therapy is a technique used to promote relaxation and increase the natural abilities to heal the body. No matter if you suffer from lower back pain, muscle spasms, headaches, fatigue, or a host of other conditions, Massage Therapy has proven to be a powerful ally in your health regime. Often used as a complement to chiropractic activities, they work together to help restore optimum health to the body. No matter whether you are looking for a therapeutic treatment for stress and injury or just want to relax and unwind, one will not be far as it is a growing industry. There are several types of massage today. Here is the lowdown on just a few:

SPORTS MASSAGE:

The specific goal of this massage is to facilitate optimal recovery and to help athletes return to play after an injury. Generally the focus is on sport-specific muscles to improve the range of motion, flexibility, strength, and endurance.

THERAPY Trigger Point / Myofascial Release:

This technique is used when doing work with the fascia, the connective tissue covering the body. This deep, penetrating massage is applied to the fascia and trigger points to help eliminate pain, to free the muscle spasms, to fortify and extend the targeted muscles.

SWEDISH MASSAGE:

This classic form of massage is used to promote relaxation, improve circulation and reduce muscle tension. A traditional Swedish massage includes the following types of manipulation: the delicate touch of massage, soft petrissage, friction, vibration, percussion type movements, and movement of the joints.

NEURO-MUSCULAR:

This treatment concentrates on breaking the adhesions that attach to muscles and prevent nerves from firing. The result is that muscles are not as strong thus limiting extension of the joints. Patients find that these adhesions are fibrous, and the areas are tired plus pain and tension may be present.

HOT STONE MASSAGE:

This relaxing experience using hot lava stones placed on specific points on the body to open energy pathways called 'meridians'.

PRENATAL MASSAGE:

When a patient feels morning sickness, backaches, leg cramps, and any discomfort associated with pregnancy, this type of massage can help. Many trained experts can help you with comfort throughout pregnancy.

Of all the different types my favourite is Deep Tissue massage. I like it because it focuses on targeting the deep layers of muscles and connective tissues. It works by physically breaking adhesions by the application of deep strokes or friction on the aching muscle fiber. This form of massage is often used in the skeletal structures that are located deep within the body that have been subjected to muscle, tendon, and ligament injuries. It can be painful at first but as they say no pain no gain. I love nothing more than a relaxing massage after any long physical activity.

Confused about massage therapy?

We can help you lie back and forget your worries with your favorite massage therapy. We layout the different types of treatments and guide you to the most suitable massage for you.

Visit me Skye Hendersson at http://massagetherapytoday.com/. I want to help you relax.


8 Things to Consider Before Buying a Massage Table

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Whether you are just embarking on a career as a massage therapist, or if you are a massage client, a good quality massage table is a necessity. Considering the financial investment you will make, it's worth it to really do your homework before buying.

Your choice of table can make or break the experience the client gets when receiving massage therapy. Not to mention, customer comfort is one of the most important aspects of a massage therapy business.

While comfort is important, it is not the only thing you should consider when shopping for a massage table. So what questions should you ask? What features are most important?

1. Design and Features

Look for features that are important to you. Do you want arm rests, head rests, spa pillows? Electrical motors that adjust the table's height and incline are another option. Curved edges and square edges are examples of differences in design for ergonomic reasons. These elements are not really beneficial for the client but are meant to prevent injury to the therapist.

2. Accessories

Consider buying an accessories package. Adjustable stools, oils, towels and even technique booklets are only a few of the accessories that are available when purchasing an entire massage package. Purchasing a package saves you both money and time.

3. Portability vs. Stationary

Another important choice you have to consider is the pros and cons of portable tables versus stationary tables. If you will be working at a day spa or massage clinic, you could opt for a stationary table. If you are a mobile massage therapist, you would need a portable table and a lightweight one would be best.

4. Stability

Look for a table that is comfortable but durable. A massage table should accommodate various weights with a decently high weight limit. Also, the table top should not shift from side to side or sway. If you notice bowing of the table when weight is applied, that's a red flag.

5. Value

The most expensive massage tables cost over $1500 while moderately priced tables cost around $250-500. Be aware that the most expensive tables are not always the highest quality and the least expensive tables are not always cheaply made. Rather than shop for price, I recommend shopping for brand. Generally, a popular and high quality brand will offer many models in a variety of price ranges, including the lower price points.

6. Quality Padding

The padding on a massage table is one of the most important features to research. The reason is not only for comfort. Like a cheap mattress, a cheap massage cushion will wear out very fast with continued use. Find out what warranty is offered on the cushions to make sure you can count on the quality.

7. Durability

Choose a table that is constructed of quality materials...no particle board here! Look at the type of upholstery material. Is it nice and thick material? Does it look snug on the frame? Make sure when you press down on it that the impression pops back up fairly quickly. Cheap material will stretch and sag and could possibly tear.

8. Warranty

A quality massage table should come with a lifetime warranty. If you cannot find one with a lifetime warranty, look for a brand that offers an extended warranty and make sure to buy the extra coverage.

With so many models and styles and features to choose from, you can customize a massage table that will be perfect for your needs. Just remember to opt for quality on the important things and choose a table with a warranty.

Jaime is a long time massage client and can vouch for the importance of a good quality table. If you want to see the most popular brand of high quality massage tables, check out Earthlite Massage Tables. They have a new model, the Earthlite Infinity, that is hourglass shaped and makes it easier to reach the client with full pressure without straining your lower back.


2011年10月27日 星期四

How Does Massage Therapy Benefit The Elderly?

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Therapeutic massage has dozens of health advantages for everyone of every age, but there are special benefits the elderly receive from hands-on therapy. I have listed just a few of the most important advantages, below.

1. Pain Relief
Massage increases circulation, which brings oxygen and nutrients to the tissues while also carrying away cellular waste. This decreases pain in the muscles and joints, reduces swelling and water retention and helps to boost the immune system. All equaling less pain and improved health.

2. Improved Flexibility
Often times, the elderly have more difficulty with movement and flexibility. Sometimes this is due to the natural effects of aging or to conditions such as arthritis. Massage helps to keep joints lubricated and the muscles loose and supple, helping to prevent stiffness and keeping the body more limber and free moving.

3. Enhancing & Uplifting Mood
The many life changes that seniors experience, such as daily pain, death of friends and family, decreases in social life and sometimes, isolation - can all lead to high stress and depression. Massage increases and balances hormones such as oxytocin and endorphins, the bodies 'feel good' chemicals. It also assists in releasing blocked emotions and allows the senior to feel and experience a healing, loving touch. Enhancing their well-being and uplifting their mood.

4. Faster Healing From Injury Or Surgery
As we age, our bones become more brittle and injuries can take place more often - sometimes requiring surgery. Massage eases stress related to the trauma, brings needed nutrients to the injured area for faster cellular repair and helps to alleviate the pain that comes with the injury or surgical recovery.

Physical, emotional and psychological changes take place during massage that can greatly enhance the quality of life for the elderly. However, there are also a few times that bodywork may not be appropriate. If you have any of these conditions, please consult your doctor before receiving a massage.

- If you are taking blood thinners or have a history of blood clots.
- If you have Kidney problems or heart issues.
- If you currently have any infections or contagious skin conditions.
- If you have or are recovering from cancer.

Massage therapy for the elderly is a tremendous healing tool with a great many health benefits, both physically and emotionally. Approached with care, it can truly be a huge boost in improving a seniors quality and enjoyment of life.

Samantha Greer - 20 year Massage Therapist and Holistic Health Practitioner