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Archive for October, 2010
What is Shiatsu Massage?
Shiatsu is a massage technique from Japan. In fact the word Shiatsu means “finger pressure”. Despite its name this massage therapy not only utilizes the fingertips but also thumbs, palms, knees, forearms, elbows and the massage therapist can even use the feet. They apply pressure to the meridians or energy lines. This is done to promote good health by stimulating the body’s energy flow.
Sessions can take from 40-60 minutes and will be done on a padded mat on the floor. It commences with gentle stretching and manipulation to help relax and stimulate the movement of energy in the muscles. Pressure can either stimulate or calm the patient. The specific needs of the patient will determine the amount of pressure that needs to be applied.
In order to gain the most from this form of massage therapy it is wise to wear thin, loose fitting, comfortable clothing. Cotton and linen is recommended. You should also be aware that you will be lying on the floor.
There are many benefits of Shiatsu massage therapy: Firstly it can help with pain management and alleviate pain. It can also help the body heal from sports injuries. Shiatsu massage therapy seeks to help a patient in a holistic way and tries to improve overall health.
It is a relaxing form of massage therapy and helps to relive stress. When done on a regular basis, a patient should improve their mental and physical health. Shiatsu massage therapy will improve the blood, lymphatic, and hormonal circulation, and help you to relax. It will also rid the body of toxins.
There are certain circumstances when Shiatsu massage therapy should not be used among these are, acute disorders, malignant tumors, acute inflammation, serious internal organ disease, and ulcers. You should be careful when you are pregnant and consult your doctor before having this treatment.
This is a relaxing gentle form of massage therapy and can be very beneficial to your overall health. However before using this treatment it is wise to educate yourself. There are many websites and literature on the Internet that will inform and help you. Oriental medicine, including Shiatsu massage therapy is becoming increasingly popular in the West as people turn to holistic methods of improving their overall health. So next time you feel tired and stressed out after work or just tensed from life’s everyday problems you might like to try this relaxing form of massage therapy.
Zach Thompson
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/what-is-shiatsu-massage-97538.html
Swedish massage therapy is comprised by a number of different techniques. It is designed to relax and heal your muscles. Rubbing and pressure techniques are
applied to the muscles in order to achieve this. A Swedish doctor, Per Henrik Ling developed this technique in the 1700s. This massage does many things including increasing the oxygen to the blood and releasing toxins from the muscles.
Benefits: It is especially beneficial for use after strenuous exercise, as it gets rid of metabolic waste in the tissues. Circulation is improved, without putting undue strain on the heart. Tendons and ligaments are kept suppler by stretching them with this technique. The skin and nervous system are stimulated with this method and your nerves are soothed and relaxed.
Techniques: Swedish massage therapy is made up of several techniques. These are combined, in sequence, to make the treatment more effective. They are:
1. Effleurage: This is made up of smooth gliding strokes using thumbs, fingertips and palms. Massage oil is sometimes used for enhancing this experience. Specific body parts sometimes require different procedures. There are light and deep methods of this technique.
Light method is used as a calming treatment for different ailments but especially for use when beginning therapy for healing. It is also good for reliving tension and stress.
Deep therapy applies firmer pressure on the soft tissue, plus increases circulation and lymphatic flow. This technique is used for healing injuries, and is especially good for athletes.
2. Petrissage: this technique uses hands, thumbs and fingertips to knead the muscles. With gentle rolling the muscles are lifted away from the bones, then they are rolled and squeezed. This method increases the blood circulation and releases toxins from the muscles.
3. Friction: this massage uses palms, thumbs and fingers to make deep circular movements, especially near the joints and sides of the spine. This therapy will break down adhesions and promote flexibility in joints and muscles.
4. Vibration: this method will shake the body with oscillatory movements with the hands.
5. Percussion: This is when the muscles are tapped briskly
6. Passive and active movements: This technique is when the muscles and joints are gently stretched and bent.
All these techniques are used in sequential order.
Swedish massage has many uses, two of which are helping a patient recover from injuries, and aiding in strengthening muscles. It will also help to cut down stress and tension. All the above techniques help to improve your overall health and well being.
The second type of massage we will examine – Acupressure massage – can be used by a layperson and does not require a professional therapist. It is similar to acupuncture, in that it uses various points throughout the body to relate to different sources of energy in the body. Instead of using needles; pressure or reduction is applied to these points.
Pressure: Pressure should be applied with a blunt object; the fingers are often the best choice. Sometimes you can use a fingernail or even a pencil eraser (one that is on the other side of a pencil). You are actually bringing energy to a point by pressing it. When trying out pressure points you can press them for only a 1/2 second if desired, but if you really want to get the full effect, 1-2 minutes is preferred. However if you are already weakened physically from ailments or advanced age, a shorter period may be preferred.
Reduction: Turning your finger, counterclockwise over a pressure point, performs reduction; this in effect removes a blockage of energy. When you do this you will release pent up energy and alleviate pain or tension in the associated area. You continuously massage the point in an counter-clockwise fashion for about 1-2 minutes, to get maximum benefits from this massage therapy.
Do not overuse points and try not to use the same places everyday. Overuse of a particular point may result in loss of effectiveness. You should use the corresponding points on each side of the body. Carefully monitor which spots are effective, for your particular problem. Acupressure points are only 0.5 mm in diameter, so you will need to be quite precise when locating the right area to use acupressure massage on. You can also try adjacent points for better effects. Tension can work against you and render this technique ineffective. It is best to be relaxed when using this massage technique.
Ear acupressure can also be performed. Sometimes small seeds are taped to the ear to give pressure for a longer period. You can also tape small balls over pressure points in the body. There are 3 important pressure points at the bottom of the ear, where it attaches to your head. One is behind the lobe , another to the right (left ear) and the third at the top of the base of the ear.
Acupressure is something you can do without a skilled technician. However you should try to educate yourself about this massage procedure first. There are good books available and websites that will give you more information on this technique. You can also use your local library.
Zach Thompson
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/swedish-massage-or-acupressure-91114.html
Stuck for a Mothers Day Gift idea. www.find-me-a-gift has the answer!
We have over 1000 gift ideas for men women and children. When it comes to Mothers Day we have a fantastic selection of presents. Mothers day is the time of year where you want to show your love to your mum, so here are a list of products that will help get you in the good books.
Mad cow Hot Socks -These soft, cosy Hot Sox are the perfect way to soothe your tired or cold feet. Pamper yourself or a loved one with these cute 100% cotton Grapefruit and Benzoin scented feet treats!
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Become a Lady – Become a Lord (Laird) or Lady when you buy this gift and be the owner of a plot of land on the Kincavel Estate in Sonachan, Scotland, and have legal usage of the title “Laird” (meaning “land owner”). Laird is a title that can be used by men or women but the commonly accepted equivalent for women is “Lady”.
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Eyezone Massager – Our Eye Massager is brilliant for effective relief from stress, headaches and migraines. As seen on Richard and Judy and developed from Chinese acupuncture, massage and magnetic principles, this 3 in 1 battery powered Eye Massager can help with the following:
Eye Massager alleviates eye fatigue caused by extensive use of computers, long periods of driving, studying and reading.
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Name a Star – Name a Star is a wonderful present for anyone. Send someone special into orbit by Naming a Star after them with the Intergalactic Star Database. This thoughtful personalised gift will last 10 billion years, longer than anything else you could ever buy them.
This gift is perfect for your loved ones and will let them know how much you value them. Every time they want to see their present, they can just look up at night and see a beautiful shining reminder of you.
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Colour flame candles-
Rainbow Maker – Our Rainbow Maker is the original Swarovski Crystal Rainbow Maker created by artist David Dear. It is a wonderfully imaginative invention, a clever piece of art that is not only pleasing as a decoration but also produces beautiful rainbows that will brighten up your day.
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Spider Catcher –Ever wanted a way of removing those pesky little beasts from your bath, ceilings and other awkward areas? Well now you can without harming them and keeping you at a safe distance!
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Spa lights-Women simply love hot relaxing baths and our mini spa lights are the new candles! Mood lighting can turn a relaxing soak in the tub into an indulgent, decadent treat. With handy suction cups and a waterproof body, these beautiful mini Spa Lights will transform bath time from good to gorgeous.
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Name a box of chocolates – Name a Star is a wonderful present for anyone. Send someone special into orbit by Naming a Star after them with the Intergalactic Star Database. This thoughtful personalised gift will last 10 billion years, longer than anything else you could ever buy them.
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Bubble bath machine – Bubbles just got big time! Place the Bubble Bath Machine on the side of your bath and fill up with your favourite bath bubbles and water. Lay back, switch on and watch millions of perfect frothy little bubbles fill up your tub. A must have for people who love a good soak in the tub.
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Dozen white Roses -Twelve beautiful white roses, blended with an array of complimenting foliage. Finished with a luxurious natural-coloured wrap, this vibrant rose bouquet is a beautiful gift for many occasions.
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Trembler Orgasmatron – This Trembler Head Massager has amazing soothing and relaxing properties and you will not believe how nice it is just from looking at it. The effect spreads through your whole body and make you shiver with pleasure, it gives lots of people goose bumps it’s so nice!
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If you would like to look at our full range of Mothers Day gifts please click on the link below.
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Some more great ideas from www.find-me-a-gift.co.uk
If you have any queries or comments please email me Sarah@findmeagift.com
Find-me-a-gift
http://www.articlesbase.com/marketing-articles/stuck-for-a-mothers-day-gift-idea-wwwfindmeagift-has-the-answer-113225.html
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