Archive for March, 2009

« Older Entries

Shiatsu Massage Therapy

Tuesday, March 31st, 2009

Shiatsu massage is perhaps the simplest form of massage that is doing the rounds. It is a technique of massage that uses only the fingers to apply pressure on all parts of the body that are being massaged. Shiatsu massage is helpful in getting rid of the kinks and pains from areas such as the back, the neck, the legs and all other joints. The only thing you would need to ensure is that you ensure that you get a masseur who knows exactly what he or she is doing. This massage method is a Japanese technique and needless to say, it needs to be properly learnt. You need to also examine the various types of Shiatsu massage techniques that are available in the market. There are some that deal with only the acupressure points of the body. Some types of Shiatsu massage techniques are extremely general and are applied to the whole body very generically. This means that they do not focus on acupressure techniques to work. While focus on acupressure is important because it will specifically target and make more headway in any kind of therapy, a general shiatsu massage is also extremely good for almost any kind of ailment.

There is a science in play behind the technique of shiatsu massage. While it may physiologically focus on a single point on the body, there is a whole range of other factors at play too. It follows the Chinese method of holistic healing. To simplify matters, it can be explained thus. If you have a headache, and you go to get a shiatsu massage for treating the headache, then you will not be treated to a luxurious head massage alone. The masseur will gently palpate various parts of the body where they may feel that the head ache could have its origins. The point of discord may be located by an experienced masseur who will be able to judge by the state of your veins. Then that point will be massaged. So do not be surprised if you go to get a headache cured and come away with a tummy massage in the process! Also, you will find that with the tummy massage, your head ache is also completely gone. Shiatsu massage may also be used for very good results for chronic ailments such as arthritis and rheumatism. But for these you would have to get a masseur with a lot of experience and you will have to follow prolonged tr

Tags: , ,
Posted in Massage Therapy | No Comments »

Acupressure Facial Massage

Monday, March 30th, 2009

A facial massage can be of various uses. The primary use for it is generally concerned with the purpose of beautification of the skin on your face. However, since there are a variety of types of massages that can be done, their uses also vary accordingly. There are a vast number of oils that can be used very effectively for a facial massage. There are several acupressure points located on the face, and a massage will help to activate these points and help to heal certain conditions you may be suffering from. For instance, the acupressure point for sinusitis is located on either side of the nose. A gentle but firm two minute massage of the sides of both the nostrils will help to ease open your sinuses and will save you from a great deal of congestion in the facial and forehead area. For sore and tired eyes that are burning, you can apply pressure while massaging to the insides of your eyebrows. The end of the eyebrows that meets the upper part of the nasal bone is the point you need to target. The temples contain a horde of acupressure points. You can apply gentle pressure on your temples in circular motions with the tips of your forefingers. This will help you to get relief from chronic headaches, eye trouble and high stress levels. This massage is also excellent for relieving stress. If you accompany this massage with using the correct type of aromatherapy oils, then it will work positively in your favor.

You can also massage your forehead in smooth strokes starting from the center of the point where the eyebrows end and fanning outwards. This will take care of things such as insomnia and poor and broken sleep. But you would need to spend at least 10 minutes massaging your entire forehead. You can also get better results if you use eucalyptus oil for this kind of massage. But make sure you use the eucalyptus oil that is recommended for a facial and not the regular undiluted version. This may end up burning your skin, as it is a very strong product. The one used specifically for a facial is suitably and hugely diluted. A good and long facial massage is also extremely helpful in improving the circulation on your face. This will automatically lend a healthy glow to your face and will also help to make your complexion glow with good

Tags: , ,
Posted in Benefits, Massage Therapy | No Comments »

Herbs for Anxiety

Wednesday, March 25th, 2009

Aromatherapy herbs are the basis of, and are central to aromatherapy. They are used for a variety of purposes because of their aromatic and healing properties. Essential oils extracted from these aromatic herbs are probably the single most important ingredient of any aromatherapy practice. Aromatherapy herbs have a long tradition that connects them with the treatment of stress and anxiety. They are in fact best known for their therapeutic value when dealing with any stress related problem or anxiety disorders.

Aromatherapy herbs may be used in a variety of manners, depending on the purpose and the nature of the illness or disorder, and the personal preferences and tastes of the patient. The healing benefits of these herbs can be administered through aromatherapy massages, inhalation, or baths and soaks. Apart from the manner in which administered the herbs or essential oils that are being used also need to be chosen carefully. You may wonder how the herbs or oils chosen make a difference, since they are all relaxing and help relieve stress, but there are minor variations. While any of these herbs can help relax and de-stress they may not all give you the relief you need.  Some herbs in particular help with certain stress related conditions, while others are more effective with different conditions.

To elaborate the differences we shall inform you about the healing properties and features of some of the essential oils used in aromatherapy. Lavender and jasmine are extremely relaxing and rarely fail to induce complete relaxation. When it comes do depression, bergamot is very useful, while marjoram is great for stress related problems, including hypertension. Ylang ylang would be a great choice for anyone suffering anxiety or other stress related disorders and depression. Neroli also possesses similar qualities.

Here are some herbs that are particularly beneficial for stress disorders and anxiety:

  • Chamomile is known to be a powerful relaxant and is regarded by most herbalists as a potent nerve tonic that relieves stress.
  • Valerian is another potent herb that has properties of a natural sedative and antidepressant. It’s often used to alleviate the symptoms of stress and sleep disorders like insomnia, and helps to protect the nervous system.
  • Hops have been used traditionally across many cultures for a variety of medicinal purposes. They are known to be helpful against stress.
  • Catnip is a useful herb often recommended for its calming effects, as a remedy to anxiety and stress.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Treatments | No Comments »

Aromatherapy for Nausea

Wednesday, March 25th, 2009

Nausea is a common problem that most of us do experience at some point or another. For some of us it is a passing phase that can be easily remedied at home, while for others it may be a sign of a more serious condition or a side effect. Nausea induced due to motion sickness is probably the most common occurrence of all. Flu, morning sickness, food poisoning and vomiting are some of the other exceedingly common causes of nausea. There are also times when nausea may be an indication of some ailment that is far more serious, as it can at times indicate a heart attack or be symptomatic of liver or kidney disorder. Nausea is also often caused as side effect of chemotherapy in cancer patients.

Aromatherapy is believed to be a valuable natural solution to this problem, and can help deal with nausea irrespective of the causes. It is in fact used as a complimentary therapy in a number of treatments. Keeping in mind that nausea is not a disease but is merely a physical condition and generally symptom it would be unwise to consistently suppress the problem, while ignoring the root cause. If aromatherapy does not solve the problem or it requires recurrent usage you need to consult a medical professional. If you suffer from any pre existing conditions too, it would be wise to consult your health care provider, before indulging in any home remedies.

Aromatherapy for nausea can be administered using different methods:

  • Massage the abdomen with a few drops of essential oil added to a carrier oil.
  • Add 10 drops of essential oil to a warm bath.
  • Add a few drops of essential oil to a compress and apply to the affected area.
  • Used for inhalation with various devices including vaporizers, steam inhalers or burners.

Here are some effective treatments that use aromatherapy for nausea:

  • Peppermint is an effective remedy for nausea or vomiting. Just add a drop or two to a sugar cube and suck on it slowly until it melts completely. Likewise a glass of water spiked with a drop or two of the oil can cure nausea.
  • Ginger oil is one of the most popular remedies for nausea, and simply inhaling it with either an inhaler or by placing a few drops on a tissue can relieve the nausea.
  • Spearmint and Roman Chamomile are two other potent remedies for nausea. Coriander, Fennel and Cardamom are also believed to help.
  • Inhaling or breathing in any of these oils or a blend, just before or whilst traveling, can help prevent motion sickness.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Treatments | 1 Comment »

« Older Entries