Massage, a revered form of healing is in practice since decades. Touch which is a vitally important to human well being takes the form of skilled and sensitive massage. Beside relaxing and revitalizing an ailing or tired body, it communicates warmth, reassurance and a sense of self worth. Massage is an ideal way to ease anxiety, worries and soothe tight muscles resulting from tension and stress. There are many kinds, variations, styles and sequences of massage, influenced by local traditions, used in different parts of the world.
Indian head massage is one of the most popular forms of head massage also known as "Champissage" is characterized by a sequence of massage movements.
Originated over thousands of years ago in India, Indian head massage, traditionally began as family grooming with mothers massaging their daughter's hair with oils for long lustrous locks.
Over a period of time, Indian head massage has included massage of the neck, shoulder and face with a blend of shiatsu and acupressure to relax tense areas, rebalance the energy and clear any concentrated areas of negativity.
Since there are several acupressure points on the head, a Champissage is felt throughout the entire body. The massage may be dry or oils may be used. The advantage of using oils for massage is that besides nourishing the hair, it calms the nervous system, as the roots of one's hair are connected to nerve fibres.
Indian head massage is beneficial to those who are affected by mental and emotional stress. It helps to improve circulation in head, enhance the senses, improve memory and promote clear thinking.
If you're suffering from headaches, migraines, insomnia, vertigo and depression, Champissage will work wonders. Air conditioning, artificial lightening, slouching in front of the PC, etc often cause stress in the neck and shoulder region. Massaging the neck and shoulder areas in addition to the head massage will bring relief from stress.
Reduces hair loss, premature balding & graying, improves eyesight and concentration due to massage of the temples, eyebrows and forehead. People with chronic spinal disorders such as osteoporosis and arthritis require a more gentle massage. The pressure should be applied according to the need of the individual.
About the Author
Kevin Pederson is the Webmaster for http://www.massagehealththerapy.com. Massage therapy was used by early physicians to treat fatigue, illness and injury based on their basic understanding of how the body functions.
Jan 21, 2008
Massage Your Head The Indian Way
Dec 25, 2007
The Healing Power Of Shiatsu Massage
Shiatsu massage is a form of massage technique that is based on acupuncture points whereby pressure is applied to these particular points with finger, palm and thumb as opposed to acupuncture needling. In Japanese, the literal translation for shiatsu would be "finger pressure" and that's how shiatsu got its name.
If you study shiatsu before, you will know that this form of massage is actually an art form that uses the power of yin and yang, Ki energy and the five elements of Japanese culture. All these elements and energy when manipulated correctly can effectively eliminate any pain or illness from your body.
Shiatsu is commonly used for curing physical dysfunction and relieving pain such as back pain which are so common in adults. It is believed that most physical symptoms of pain are usually caused by the lack of blood circulation in the body. Did you know that shiatsu can also be used to treat emotional problems too?
During a shiatsu massage session, the patient receiving the massage for back pain should lie down on his/her belly on a firm and comfortable surface such as a firm bed. Essential oils are also used to help relax any tense muscles during the back massage. These oils will help soothe any skin irritations or inflammations. They will also help ease the pain by penetrating and desensitizing the irritated nerve endings.
In short, if you want to reduce your daily stress or cure your back pain, shiatsu massage is your best choice because it's not only natural but also highly effective. Be sure to only allow an experienced shiatsu practitioner to give you a massage so that you won't experience any unnecessary pain on your skin and body.
To learn more about how massage can help you reduce your stress and make you feel more energetic, come visit our massage therapy website.
Copyright 2007 - Massage2Relax.com. You are free to reproduce this article as long as no changes are made, the author's name is retained and the link to our site URL remains active.
Jun 12, 2007
Massage Therapy Training - What to Expect
By CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd
While no two massage therapy training courses are identical, typical instruction entails basic studies in anatomy, physiology, pathology and kinesiology - where it goes from there is entirely dependent upon the healing arts school in which one enrolls. For example, if you would like a foundational course in bodywork, then common techniques taught in most massage therapy training programs encompass Swedish massage, sports massage and deep tissue massage. However, if you would like to take more advanced massage therapy training, then a large number of alternative health schools may provide in-depth, practical training a wider assortment of massage modalities.
Some of these massage therapy training programs include fascinating techniques that are steadily gaining in popularity. For instance, reflexology is a unique massage therapy that involves the hands, feet and ears. Other fine examples of stand-alone massage therapy training programs may include practical instruction in Tuina (Chinese medical massage), Shiatsu (a form of acupressure), meridian therapy, Rolfing, Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais, trigger point therapy, Indian head massage, among others.
Typically, most massage therapy training programs start at 300 hours and go above 1,000 training hours. Depending on the specific healing arts school or vocational college, students can elect to participate in an associate of applied science degree in massage therapy course as well.
In general, students engaged in one of several massage therapy training programs will learn that the majority of States regulate the practice; therefore, future massage therapists must complete some level of education and instruction in order to pass national certification exams and/or State examinations. Also, it is important for prospective students to carefully review potential massage therapy training programs to determine if the course has been accredited, types of massage modalities offered, course curriculum and whether classes meet all standards and requirements in order to become practicing massage therapists.
Because massage therapy is ever-growing in popularity, more and more individuals are turning to this non-invasive, relaxing method of health maintenance. So for students, who are seeking a promising, personally and professionally rewarding career, a massage therapy training course may be the route to take. Today, students who have successfully completed all educational requirements and certification through a massage therapy training program can anticipate earnings averaging about $31/hour.
Overall, massage therapy training programs are excellent for those who desire to provide natural healthcare services to patients and clients, alike. As a worthwhile means of employment, the field of massage therapy is expected to increase faster than average* over the next several years. (*Citation:
If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding massage therapy training, let career training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started!http://www.holisticjunction.com/search.cfm
Massage Therapy Training: What to Expect
© Copyright 2007
The CollegeBound Network
All Rights Reserved
NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.
Resource Box: CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Freelance Writer and Web Consultant for HolisticJunction.com, in association with CollegeSurfing.com - Educational Resources for Massage Therapy Training, Massage Programs, and other Natural Health Schools.
May 16, 2007
You Thought Thai Massage Originates From Thailand?
By Tango Pang
Asian massage is very popular as a form of therapy and relaxation. The tradition Asian massage techniques have been developed and refined in
Thai Massage originates in
Shiatsu Massage hails from the Japanese words - shi, meaning finger, and atsu, implying pressure. It is another form of Asian massage developed in the
Chinese Tui Na massage is actually a form of Chinese manipulative therapy that was developed more than 5000 years ago. This Asian massage is often used in combination with the acupuncture, Chinese herbalism and other natural health therapies. The essence of this massage lies in applying pressure to the body at certain key points - just like acupressure. It uses a series of pressing, tapping, and kneading with the therapist’s palms, fingertips, knuckles or certain implements that are said to remove minor blockages along the meridians of the body.
The result is the stimulating of qi (natural respiration of the body) and blood to promote natural healing. Tui na massage is used as an alternate treatment for both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, as well as certain non-musculoskeletal conditions. It also has fewer side effects than many modern drug-based and chemical-based treatments since it is totally based on natural therapy.
Javanese Massage of Indonesia is another popular type of Asian massage. It uses all parts of the therapist’s hand, (knuckles, palms and fingers) to knead and massage the body muscles. The whole massage procedure is facilitated by using massage oil. Javanese massage relieves tension, alleviates back pain and helps in the healing of fractures. Though it is the most robust (and sometime even painful) type of Asian massage but very beneficial for your health.
Tango Pang is a writer on many massage and alternative treatment. He is a certified massage therapist. Click on Massage and Therapy if you are keen to know more about the wonders of massage.
What Is a Shiatsu Massage Chair?
By Christopher Rossiter
A shiatsu massage chair is an electric massage chair that uses ball type, roller mechanisms to simulate an actual shiatsu massage. To understand how these chairs work we must first understand what shiatsu massage is.
Shiatsu is a Japanese word that literally means "finger pressure". Shiatsu Massage involves the use of fingers, thumbs, and palms, to apply continuous pressure to certain pressure points. These pressure points are often referred to as "trigger points".
Trigger Points
Trigger points are cause by injury or overused bands of muscle fibers. These muscle fibers tighten to form "knots". Trigger points can be very sensitive to touch and can also cause muscle tension and a shortening of the muscle. Shiatsu massage applies focused pressure on these areas to release tension and the "muscular waste" buildup.
Shiatsu Massage Benefits
Shiatsu massage is often referred to as acupressure, not to be confused with acupuncture therapy where needles are used. The idea behind this type of massage therapy is to realign muscles and unblock your inner energy source or "qi" for total well-being. Major benefits include:
- Reduce blood pressure
- Helps reduce mental anxiety
- Reduces body tension and stress
- Helps reduce swelling in injuries
- Reduced muscle spasm and tension
- Releases toxins from the body
- Increase blood and lymph circulation
- Increased endorphin levels
- Improve joint flexibility and range of motion
- Deep muscle and tissue relaxation
- Faster healing from pulled or strained muscles and ligaments
- Promotes deeper breathing
- Balances core energy source
If you desire to experience any of the benefits mentioned above, consult a shiatsu massage therapist. You can also purchase a shiatsu massage chair that will allow you to enjoy these benefits at your own pace, on your own schedule, in the comfort of your home. These chairs are a great alternative to the real thing.
For more information please visit our Massage Chair Info page or Massage Chair Reviews.
Massage your brain with more information about massage chairs at http://www.informassagechairs.com Check out our massage chair reviews, popular brands, and helpful resources.
Apr 23, 2007
Shiatsu Massage Techniques
By Crystal Chan
Shiatsu is a healing art, originating in 
touch and pressure to enable each of us to contact our own self-healing abilities. In a Shiatsu session the practitioner uses pressure with thumbs, fingers, palms, and sometimes elbows, knees and feet, to induce deep relaxation and a feeling of well-being. It is sometimes a dynamic, sometimes a seemingly static form, involving pressure and stretching on the limbs and torso, kneading and releasing tight muscles, and supporting areas of weakness. To receive, Shiatsu is deeply relaxing and yet invigorating, leaving a feeling of tranquility and a sense of being in touch with every part of one’s body. Giving Shiatsu is like performing a moving mediation and leaves the giver feeling as balanced and energized as the receiver.
Shiatsu was developed from traditional oriental massage and, in common with acupuncture and other oriental therapies, it works upon the body’s energetic system, using the network of meridians or energy pathways which relates to the functioning of the internal organs as well as our emotional, psychological and spiritual harmony. The concept of the body as an ‘energetic’ organism comes from ancient Chinese thought, and through centuries of experience and study has evolved into a system of medical theory which is both rich and poetic.
Shiatsu uses physical pressure and meridian stretches to unblock the dams - which show up as tight muscles and areas of stiffness - and revitalize the empty areas - which may feel cold, weak or just needing to be held. Oriental medical theory provides a framework by which the practitioner can asses the body’s energetic state and needs, and can explain why the body holds tension in certain areas or points and feels weak in others.
The techniques used in Shiatsu are both simple and profound. We are all familiar with ‘the healing power of touch’.
All forms of bodywork and massage can fulfill the need for touch, but Shiatsu is particularly applicable and practical in an everyday setting for a variety of reasons. One important aspect is that the receiver remains clothed during the treatment. In removing clothes is a further challenge that can leave the receiver feeling uncomfortably vulnerable. Another aspect is the slow and sustained holding pressure which characterizes Shiatsu actively encourages conscious relaxation. This allows the psychological mechanisms governing muscle tension to release more efficiently than with some other forms of bodywork. Shiatsu is very practical as it does not need any equipment.
More massage techniques and tips can be found on http://massage.warmbaby.com/sitemap.html
Massage Therapy and a Healthy Heart
By LoriAnn Toplak
An effective way to keep your heart healthy is to reduce your stress
level by relaxing. I know what you’re saying, ‘How can I relax when I have to deal with traffic, deadlines, work 12 hours a day, and live in -20 degree weather?’ My stress level just rose when I wrote that sentence!! Take a deep breath and read on. You’re about to become…..RELAXED.
One of the best methods to help you become relaxed is to receive regular massage therapy sessions. Anyone who has had a massage will tell you that it feels great. After a treatment, the stress, tension, aches and pains (sometimes unknown before the massage) melt away leaving a more relaxed and healthy individual. There are, however, many more reasons to receive a massage treatment.
Benefits of Massage Therapy include but are not limited to the following:
•Helps to prevent injuries, and the build-up of stress and tension
•Helps to improve and maintain your posture
•Strengthens your immune system
•Relieves tension, stress and clears your mind
•Relieves stiff joints, and tired, aching feet
•Relieves sore and stiff muscles and speeds up recovery from injuries
•Strengthens muscles and connective tissue
•Helps to keep muscles flexible and pliable
•Relieves restlessness and insomnia
•Promotes a sense of well-being
•Relieves pain
•Helps with digestion and relaxes abdominal muscles
Keys to making sure you are completely relaxed before, during and after your massage:
1. Leave for your appointment with plenty of time to spare. This means take into account traffic, transit delays, and other last minute details that need to be finished before you head out the door. There is a huge difference in how our body responds when we rush to an appointment, compared to when we take our time and arrive relaxed.
2. Arrive early. When you arrive a few minutes early, you have time to sit down, fill out any necessary forms and breathe before the massage. It makes the session much more enjoyable when you are calm from the start.
3. If there is any area of the body you wish to not have treated, notify your therapist right from the start. This way you won’t have to worry about it and you can just enjoy your massage.
4. Inform your therapist if you are too cool or too warm. Your therapist can adjust the temperature to meet your needs by either removing a blanket, or applying a heating pad or table warmer. It is your session and to make the most of it, you should be comfortable.
5. Inform your therapist if the pressure is too hard, or not deep enough. Don’t be shy. Your therapist will appreciate your request and can easily modify the pressure.
6. Drink plenty of water after the session. Massage therapy increases circulation and flushes out lactic acid and toxins. Water aids in the removal of these toxins from the body.
7. Try to schedule enough time after your appointment to leisurely make your way to your next activity. It is not very relaxing if you have to get dressed and run out the door.
8. Take an Epsom salts bath. Adding 1-2 cups to warm bath water helps you to de-stress and sleep soundly!!
Ahhhhhh. Just thinking about it has allowed you to relax. Your heart thanks you.
Since 1997, LoriAnn Toplak has worked as a registered massage therapist, certified acupuncturist, certified infant massage therapist and Indian head massage therapist. LoriAnn and her husband Alex, a certified reflexologist and hot stone massage practitioner, own 'The Grove Health Clinic in
Benefits of Receiving Massages during Pregnancy
By Andrew Exon
Is it alright to receive a massage while being pregnant? What about the baby? What about laying on my stomach, is this ok? Are there any risks involved in being pregnant and receiving a massage? Can any pregnant woman receive a full body massage? Theses questions are important when a woman is pregnant desiring some form of relief from: headaches, lower back pain, irritation in the joints, and the swelling of hands and feet.
Yes, it is alright for a woman who is pregnant to receive a massage, though she should seek professional guidance before she receives a full body massage. There are reasons, which will be discussed later in the article, for a woman who is pregnant not to engage in massage therapy; however the benefits of receiving massages are:
1. Reduced depression
2. Decreases swelling of hands and feet
3. Sounder sleep because you feel more relaxed as muscles have been gently rubbed removing knots and soothing cramping
4. Reduction in cramping because the muscles are brought back into balance
5. Depending on who is providing the service: an increase in love and union between couples, which Kelly Lott a Certified Pregnancy Massage Therapist said, “Touch is vital to the mother's physical and emotional well-being as she adapts to her new body image.”
6. Muscles related to childbirth are relaxed and prepared more, thus increasing the likelihood of an easier delivery
7. Time, a good massage can be given in 10 minutes once or twice a week. It is a fallacy to think a good massage takes 30 minutes to an hour
A Pillow termed “Prego Pillows” have been introduced and developed for women who are pregnant. These pillows allow women to lay flat on their bellies without harming themselves or the baby, which keeps the mother’s back and body in perfect alignment enabling her to relax while she receives gentle touch. The word gentle is used purposely because it is suggested that if the muscles are rubbed to hard, than the massage will actually have an opposite affect annulling the reasons for receiving a massage in the first place.
Though any woman who is pregnant can receive a massage there are times when a massage therapist would recommend you receive a note from your doctor before receiving a massage: morning sickness, vomiting, contagious illness, heavy discharge (either water or blood), abdominal pain, high blood pressure, and diarrhea. Also should you have any skin rashes, open sores, bruises, inflammation, varicose veins, or any infections avoid massaging on or around these areas of your body. An article I read recently also suggested women who are in their first trimester should not seek a massage, because this is the time for her to be in harmony with the physical and emotional (hormonal) changes a woman goes through during this period of three months, or so.
Massage Therapy has its routes around 3000 B.C., however prenatal massages is just recently being discovered and researched. The
How Anyone Can Benefit from Massage Therapy.
Andrew is a Marriage, Family, and Human Development graduate who enjoys swing dancing, camping, fly-fishing, and other recreational sports which provide physical excercise and relaxation.
Enrich Your Life by Different Massage Styles
By Andrew Exon
Touch is an important aspect in every human beings life: the touch of
a mother, the touch of your spouse, and the touch of your partner. Since the increase in our understanding of the human body and it muscular structure, specialists have come forth and introduced different styles of massages that stimulate the body such as: foot, chair, hot stone, and spa massages.
A foot massage is correctly performed by first soaking the feet in Epsom salt, and than after the foot is dried (preferably with a soft terry cloth towel, however any towel will work) begin with a gentle rubbing of the whole foot. The next step commences with the by rubbing the top of the feet. The third step moves to the sole of the foot and depending on the needs of the individual receiving the massage continue rubbing gently or firmly. The final step in perfecting the foot massage is massaging the toes.
Traditionally, we think of a massage with someone who is lying face down being rubbed from head to toe, typically naked with only a towel for apparel. However, over the past twenty years David Palmer introduced the benefits in receiving a chair massage. This style is less expensive and can be received anywhere there is a comfortable chair to sit in with the same benefits of reducing tension and stress, however specially designed chairs have been developed to increase comfort and relaxation.
Another emerging style is a hot stone massage, developed in
A spa massage differs from your traditional full body massage because it adds sweet smelling aromas, oils (lavender is preferred), gentle music, and creams to create a more relaxing atmosphere. With a spa massage you will hear more about presentation and atmosphere than about the massage itself.
For more information about Massage Therapy go to http://www.free-body-massage.info.
By A. Exon
http://www.free-body-massage.info.
Andrew is a Marriage, Family, and Human Development graduate who enjoys swing dancing, camping, fly-fishing, and other recreational sports which provide physical excercise and relaxation.
Health by Massage Therapy - Benefits of Human Touch
By Andrew Exon
In recent years because patients have been dissatisfied with current
conventional methods of medical treatments, they have turned to contemporary forms of treatment to relieve back pain. One such form of contemporary treatment being used is Massage Therapy.
Massage Therapy, the art of human touch, has been around since the beginning of humankind. Couples, friends, and parents have always used human touch to console and ease the anxieties, or pain of loved ones. However, this art has become noticed by the medical world, and some doctors are recommending their patients to seek this alternative form of treatment when conventional methods are no longer aiding their patient’s recovery.
A question a Professional would propose to any person seeking this contemporary form of medical treatment, “Does Massage Therapy have any statistical significance in aiding back pain relief?” Case studies have been performed, and though they have not found any statistical significance relating to Massage Therapy and its affect on back pain, they have recognized that to some degree Massage Therapy has improved the physical symptoms of patients, and the quality of life they experience. In one case study, massage therapy was effective in relieving subacute and chronic back pain.
How many treatments does it take for a person to feel the benefits of Massage Therapy, you might ask? This depends strictly upon the individual requesting the service, their description of symptoms, and their massage professional. Some massage therapists will begin with an interview asking their client to describe their current physical symptoms, and organize a four week plan, with a visit a week, touching each area of tension. Other therapists may ask where it hurts, recognize which muscle is causing the discomfort, and proceed with the treatment and he/she is out in thirty minutes.
In conclusion, Massage Therapy, though not statistically significant, has been shown to reduce the level of pain in a person’s back, and when traditional medical treatments are no longer relieving the symptoms. Some medical professionals are advising their patients to seek avenues of alternative contemporary styles in reducing back pain. Massage Therapy is one treatment they are recommending.
For more information about Massage Therapy go to http://www.free-body-massage.info By Andrew Exon
http://www.free-body-massage.info.
Andrew is a Marriage, Family, and Human Development graduate who enjoys swing dancing, camping, fly-fishing, and other recreational sports which provide physical excercise and relaxation.
