Thai Massage - Origins, Techniques and Benefits

Thai massage has been practiced for several thousand years. It is one branch of Thai medicine, which includes manipulation (of which massage is a part), diet, medicinal treatment and ritual (spiritual ceremony). In Thailand it is used in conjunction with these other forms of treatment, although in other countries it may be used on its own.

Thai massage is based on the belief that all disease is due to an imbalance of the body's energy. Its goal is to promote this balance and therefore assist in the healing of the entire person. To do this, it uses several techniques.

The first is the application of pressure through leaning into the area being treated. This pressure is less forceful than that used in some other forms of massage and more like the pressure used in shiatsu. Also like shiatsu, Thai massage uses pressure along energy channels. (called "sen" in Thailand, but more commonly known as meridians - which is what they are called in Chinese medicine). The major difference between the two is that Thai massage treats these channels in both directions, while shiatsu moves in only one direction.

Reflexology is also part of a Thai massage session. Reflexology is based on the belief that points on the feet can be use to treat the entire body. There is a lot of attention paid to the feet and legs in Thai massage, because getting energy moving in these areas helps to better connect the client to the earth, causing them to be more "grounded".

Another technique used is blood stopping. This is achieved by putting pressure on a major artery in the arm or leg for an extended period of time - up to about a minute. The theory behind this technique is that cutting off a major source of circulation to an area will initially result in increased pressure, which will cause the heart muscle to slow its contractions in order to bring the pressure down. When the pressure on the artery is released a fresh supply of blood rushes into the area, causing it to relax more deeply. This technique, however, is not used on anyone with heart or circulatory problems or with diabetes.

There is also a type of stretching used which is passive. This means that the client does not participate in the stretching; the therapist does all the work. Stretching is done in stages with rest periods between, working gradually up to as much range of motion as possible. It is also done slowly to avoid the muscle shortening - or spasm - that can occur when a muscle is stretched too far, too fast.

The asanas, or postures, of hatha yoga are also included, to help the whole massage flow more smoothly. Like stretching, these are passive, performed by the therapist.

Thai massage techniques can be very time-consuming. A typical Thai massage is much longer than a "regular" massage, lasting up to three hours. Also, all Thai massage is done with the client lying on a floor mat; this is such an active massage for the practitioner that a massage table would make it difficult or impossible to perform some of the techniques.

The benefits of Thai massage include those of regular massage, like improved circulation, mobility and flexibility, as well as stress relief. But Thai massage goes further; its more specialized techniques will help promote balance of all the body's systems. If you are looking for a more holistic approach to bodywork, Thai massage may be a good choice.

Michael Russell

Massage Therapy - Benefits and Considerations For an Athlete

Most of us will probably believe that a massage is a luxury reserved only for special times in our lives like birthdays or anniversaries. As a matter of fact, it is not only an indulgence but also a way of keeping our mind and body healthy. There are a lot of reasons people get a massage. It can either be for medical reasons to alleviate pain or just simply to be more relaxed and rejuvenated. Massage therapies like the hot stone massage therapy offers many therapeutic effects. It also gives your body an instant boost of energy.

Massage therapies is a soothing practice for the mind, body and soul that is why it is able to relieve the stress. It also has physical conditioning effects that are a great help for a professional athlete. For instance, after doing a tough workout in the gym, a massage can release the spasms which slow down blood flow. This will usually cause the inflammation, pain and dysfunction. With a massage, it will slowly improve blood circulation by allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients to vital organs and tissues. Over straining is prevented by the relaxation of the tension and sedation of the nervous system allowing muscles to work more effectively.

A massage can also reduce the recovery time needed for strenuous workouts by helping in the elimination of toxins. By improving blood circulation and increasing intake of water, these toxins can be cleared out of the body. This will maximize blood flow improving the general nutrition of the muscles for optimal performance.

Energy and vitality is also increased through a massage. It can facilitate the muscle-building response of the body at the same time improving the range of flexibility and motion. Muscles are elongated and its proficiency is increased.

Although there are many benefits you can acquire physically from a massage therapy, you have to keep in mind some of these important points.

• Remember that you will not acquire the full benefits of a massage therapy if you only have one session. It will take several treatment sessions before you achieve the expected physical effects such as releasing spasms and tightness.

• You may want to focus on specific areas because of the demand it receives but do not forget this is a holistic approach. Do not overlook other parts of your body to avoid future pains and aches.

• It is also better to ask advice from your doctor and your therapist. It is much better to have a collaborative treatment plan with professionals so you will be sure of the proper treatment plan.

• Do not hesitate to speak up when you feel uncomfortable or pain in the massage therapy session. For instance, if the rock used in the hot stone therapy is too warm, inform your masseuse immediately.

After keeping in mind all these considerations and benefits, it is now time to book your first massage session. Check the credentials of the massage therapist to make sure you have quality bodywork. In your first visit, it is important that massage therapist take a history of your specific problem areas and goals. Then, together with your doctor and therapist, you can now set the best schedule to maximize your goals.

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6 Most Popular Massage Therapies

Massage therapy is a practice of manipulating muscles and other tissues of the body which results in functional, physical and sometimes psychological goals and purposes. This type of therapy can be dated back thousand of years. It is sometimes a part of conventional treatments and in some instances involved in complementary and alternative medicine.

Many people use massage therapy for numerous health-related purposes. For instance a hot stone therapy utilizes heated stones to relieve muscle tension. Massage therapy involves the client being treated while lying on a massage table or sitting on a chair. He may either be partially or fully unclothed. There appear to be only a few risks to this kind of therapy if it is properly used by a trained professional. It is a diverse field and offers different types of massage. To help you figure out what kind is right for you, here is a guideline on the most popular types of massage therapy.

1. Aromatherapy massage
This is the art and science of using essential oils in enhancing the body, mind and spirit's overall well-being. It draws on the healing power of the plant world which contains medicinal and aromatic characteristics. The essential oils used are chemically complex and have their own distinct therapeutic qualities. It involves the use of slow, gentle, and rhythmic movements. It helps the muscles melt into deep relaxation.

2. The Swedish massage therapy
This is the most common type of massage practiced in the US. It is typically used for relaxation, stress relief and to ease muscle tension. Long smooth strokes and kneading are used by a massage therapist on the superficial layers of muscle.

3. Deep Tissue Massage
This massage targets the deeper layers of the connective tissues and muscle. Slower strokes or friction techniques are used by the massage therapist to relieve tension in chronically tight or painful muscles.

4. Reflexology
Foot reflexology is a non-invasive method to bring balance to the body. Although this is called foot massage, it is more than that. It involves the application of a specific type of pressure on particular areas of the feet which corresponds to the different parts of the body.

5. Stone massage
This is an ancient healing process. This involves placing a smooth, hot stone on certain points of the body to loosen or warm muscles and balance energy centers inside the body.

6. Shiatsu
Shiatsu is Japanese hands-on therapy that uses localized finger pressure in a rhythmical series on specific points all throughout the body. Each point is held for 2-8 seconds improving the flow of energy and helps the body to regain balance.

These are only some of the types of massage therapy you can consider trying out. Massage fills many different needs, depending on the person who seeks it. For some it may be relief from a stressful life. For others, it may mean rehabilitation or treatment of a specific illness. Either way, massage offers therapeutic and relaxing effects. If you have never experienced a massage before, then this is the time you try one. It will certainly provide you with relaxation and relief from the stress of your job and your life.

To find a quality hot stone for treating neck, back, and other injuries, visit us at http://www.tirmassagestone.com today.

The Relaxing, Invigorating Full Body Massage

Stress, tension and anxiety are inherent to the modern mode of living. These conditions can cause so much discomfort. Headache and all sorts of pains are among them and apparently they are unpleasant experiences. Many people are indeed in need of stress relief measures, and there are quite a number of them for one who is intent. Stress relief measures are indispensable for one who wants to keep their sanity, health and well-being. Among these measures for reducing stress and tension is massage therapy. A full body massage is needed for the therapy to be effective and to get its optimum health benefits.

A full body massage is basically that- massaging all bodily parts of the person concerned. Involved in this is the kneading of the muscles. Stroking is involved as well and other forms of manipulation and techniques. The gist and core of a full body massage is its therapeutic effects. This stress reduction technique has in fact healing benefits considering it's an alternative medicine therapy. With it, stress can be reduced and one will experience a release of tension. The nerves are relaxed and there will be better circulation. Physical aches and pains will be relieved as well. There are in fact countless of benefits of this natural healing modality.

Yes, that's what this therapy is- it's a natural healing modality because it has been one of the natural means for wellness. As for a full body massage, it's a hands on manipulation of the skin, the muscle and the joints. That way, muscle spasm is relaxed, tension is relieved and circulation is improved. It also hastens the elimination of toxins. Such is why it is therapy in its real sense. It gives a sense of relaxation and renewal. It can be refreshing especially if one is tired and worn out. That's what massaging the whole body is about. To relax and invigorate the whole senses.

So are the mind and the emotions, and yes, the spirit, too. After all, massage is a natural healing modality- it delivers holistic wellness. That's for the mind, body and spirit- all encompassing. Such a state would contribute to total well-being. This in turn would lead to a better quality of life. It's as simple as that, but this is what the therapy can do, especially if it is applied regularly. This alternative health care measure can boost mental and emotional health as well and not just physical wellness. Used in this therapy are massage oils or ointments. That way, application of the technique is eased and it would be more effective.

Some of the forms of this healing technique is the shiatsu. When shiatsu is applied, pressure is directed onto the body from all parts of the therapist's bodily faculties. It can be from their feet, toes and legs and elbows other than the hands and the fingers. As for the Swedish technique, it is more on the rubbing and the kneading of different bodily parts. These two, shiatsu and Swedish techniques can be used for full body massage.

The author of this article Rose Windale is a Health and Wellness Coach who has been successful with several natural health programs for many years. Rose decided to share her knowledge and tips through her website http://www.healthzine.org You can sign up for her free newsletter and enjoy a healthy and happy life.

The Top 8 Benefits of a Hot Stone Massage Therapy

Almost every person feels exhausted from the frenzied and busy timetable of their lives. It can come from a series of stress from work, school and even in your family life. It is so common that our body and mind sometimes cannot handle the physical and emotional baggage that stress inflicts upon us.

A hot stone massage therapy may be one of the best ways of getting rid of these tensions and anxiety in our everyday lives. It may not solve our problems for us but at least it will give us an opportunity to relax and feel refreshed after all the headaches of living our life. If you are still not convinced, here are the top 8 benefits of putting hot stones on your body:

• It is a pleasurable way of managing stress. It has been proven that stress is the origin of a lot of illnesses and disorders. It may be stress from work, home or daily activities, it will eventually lead to one thing-health problems. These problems may not be solved immediately so long hours of anxiety will set in. One way to deal with this is to get a massage therapy particularly the hot stone therapy. It will relieve muscle tension at the same time relax your whole body and mind.
• Relaxation is enhanced by the placement of stones over the spine. This is not an area a masseuse can treat but the stones placed here will give a calming effect on the entire nervous system not just the muscles.
• This massage therapy increases blood circulation. It allows the body to pump more nutrients and oxygen to the tissues and vital organs of the body. The stones are placed in key points of the body which are sometimes blocked.
• It also helps in releasing endorphins which is the body's natural painkiller. This massage is very therapeutic for illnesses and recovery from surgery to control and alleviate pain. The manipulation of muscles can also radically reduce muscle spasms. It gives comfort to painful muscles making it beneficial to people with back pains and muscle aches.
• It is said that insomnia is cured using this massage therapy. It will allow better sleep especially when you are over fatigued. It will surely help you doze off into a good sleep which will help your body to recover from frequent overtimes and work extensions.
• A hot stone therapy releases toxins from your body. The massage allows the clogged toxins within to be released. This is the reason why drinking plenty of water is essential before and after to the therapy to help flush out the toxins.
• It improves range of motion and allows easy rehabilitation. The Swedish massage and hot stones used in the therapy will facilitate recovery in injuries.
• Gives you a wonderful and refreshing feeling. It can balance your mind, body and spirit. It will certainly give you a positive boost and you will definitely live a happier life.

Taking care of oneself through getting massages can be something people overlook and take for granted. You may consider a massage as a luxury but it can also be a simple way of relaxing from all the stress you are experiencing in life.

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The Different Types of Spas

Spas have existed in our world for hundreds of years. It slowly boomed in small towns which are popular with water sources said to have healing powers. Some of these water origins are waterfalls or hot springs. Many people will take a long journey just to be able to reach these places and try out the beneficial effects of these springs.

Spas are focused on the concept of restoring health through massages, health programs and treatments. People come to spas for a variety of reasons. Some may desire to have a quick relaxing break from reality with a hot stone massage therapy or a facial while others may seek spiritual counseling or physical rejuvenation.

Whether you want to pamper yourself, or cleanse your body from toxins, spas offer numerous services. Here are four of the most common kinds of spas.

• Resort spas
This is a spa which is in a resort setting. It offers luxurious accommodations, recreational activities, fine dining and rejuvenating spa experience all in one. Activities such as golf, horseback riding, snorkeling and badminton are also offered in this type of spa. It is a good choice for someone who wants to go to a spa and have golf at the same time.

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Destination spas
This type of spa is where guests focus on self-improvements in the many elements of their lives. It can range from their health, spiritual growth or over-all being. A destination spa will bring an individual into a retreat setting. Typically, destination spas are found in mountains, deserts, or any other place that is far away from civilization. In this kind of spa, you will be concentrating on your inner self and a lot of professionals like doctors and therapist will help you achieve your goals.

• Day Spas
The most common type of spa is a day spa. It offers clients with facials, massages, and body treatments which often includes manicures and pedicures. In a day spa, clients are able to return to the everyday life without skipping a beat. They offer services that take a matter of minutes to hours, depending on the treatment. For instance, you can avail a hot stone massage therapy experience for a rejuvenating hour. If you want to experience a spa in just a small amount of time, then this is the best place for you. These types of spas are easy to find near homes and business areas. Its main goal is for pampering, beautifying and relaxation.

• Medical Spas
A medical spa offers treatments which require a doctor's supervision. It focuses in proper nutrition, preventive healthcare and overall wellness. The traditional medicine offered in this type of spa can range from acupuncture to ayurvedic healing. This will typically be monitored by medical professionals.

The concept of restoring health has expanded into a wide range of spa-like treatments, experiences and programs. There may be a lot of them available in many locations but it is still up to you what kind of service and experience you want. Find a spa that you can truly enjoy and is most suitable for your lifestyle.

To find a quality hot stone for treating neck, back, and other injuries, visit us at http://www.tirmassagestone.com today.

Benefits of Swedish Massage

The Swedish massage includes a variety of techniques designed to relax muscles by applying pressure against deeper muscles and bones.

The massage therapist rubs your muscles in the same direction as the flow of blood that returns to the heart. This increases oxygen flow within the blood and releases toxins. It also shortens recovery time for strains in muscles, increases circulation without increasing heart load, stretches the ligaments and tendons, and reduces stress, both physical and emotional. So in an essence, there are several benefits of Swedish massage.

The major techniques of Swedish massage include long strokes, kneading, friction, tapping, percussion, vibration, effleurage, and a shaking motion. I will briefly explain what some of them are starting with friction:

* Friction is circular pressure with the palms, thumbs, and/or fingers.
* Effleurage is gliding strokes with the palms, thumbs, and/or fingertips.
* Percussion is brisk hacking or trapping.
* Petrissage is kneading movements with the hands, thumbs, and/or fingers.
* Passive and active movements are the bending and stretching part of the massage.
* And last but not least, Vibration. Vibration is where oscillatory movements that shake or vibrate the body.

These techniques promote health and well being of the human body and relax the muscles to take away the pain one may have from injury or overworking of the body. It also helps dilate blood vessels, prevent injuries, gives a better understanding of how the body works, and boost performance leading to bigger and stronger muscles.

It can help with the digestive system in getting it to digest things better and not hold so much gas. It also helps with slowing your breathing so you can breathe easier. It may also help you get better sleep at night to wake up bright and ready in the morning.

Swedish Massage can benefit anyone and learning how to give one can be rather easy as well as fulfilling for you and the one receiving the massage.