Posts Tagged ‘massage techniques’

Massage Therapy - Neuromuscular Massage Technique

Thursday, March 4th, 2010

Neuromuscular massage is a massage technique which is fast gaining popularity all over the world. This massage technique is based on the principle of trigger points, which are also the underlying principles of many ancient techniques like the kundalini massage, acupuncture, and acupressure. These trigger points are known to be small areas in the neuromuscular network that trigger painful sensations in the nearby areas when stimulated.

It is now believed that pain in the muscles of the body is not caused by an external or internal stimulus to the entire length of the muscle. The stimulus is only to a specific trigger point which transmits signals of pain to the brain. If the trigger point receives a spasm, it may reach other areas of the body, some of which may not be in close proximity to the trigger point.

Trigger points are strategically located all over the body and receive a healthy amount of blood flow. However, if for some reason there is a spasm in the trigger point, blood flow decreases significantly, causing discomfort and pain. As the blood flow decreases, there is an excessive buildup of lactic acid. Such a buildup causes soreness, not only in the trigger points but also in the other muscles which receive blood circulation through the trigger points.

Often, this pain doesn’t get contained, and instead becomes a vicious circle, in which the body automatically reduces the oxygen flow in order to compensate for the pain being experienced. However, it is not necessary for you to suffer from this continued buildup of lactic acid. A neuromuscular massage can help stimulate the trigger points so that the spasms can be removed and the body can function normally.

To perform a neuromuscular massage, the affected area of the body is first heated up so that the tissues in the area are loosened up. When the tissues and the muscles loosen, the blood vessels also expand, increasing the flow of blood through the body.

After heating the area, start massaging it gently using smooth long strokes. This is only the warm up. As you progress, increase the pressure of the strokes, making sure that the person receiving the massage is not feeling pain.

Using only your fingers; probe the tender area till you discover the trigger point. The trigger point will be a specific area on the body which is a little raw and is more tender than the rest of the area. Massage the trigger point using a little pressure. Initially, the recipient of the massage may feel uncomfortable because the pain will seem exaggerated. However, as you continue massaging, release the pressure. The symptoms will begin to subside.

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Massage Therapy - Hand Massage Therapy

Wednesday, August 26th, 2009

Our hands and arms are the most overstressed parts of our body on account of the high dexterity of these organs of the body. As these organs are over exerted, it is quite obvious that these parts of the body become enervated. In order to regain the vitality of these organs, massage therapy is a good way out.

Hand Massage Techniques

You may use various massaging techniques to completely relax your hands and arms and relieve pain. Some of the massaging techniques for arms and hands are:

  • A soothing massage after bathing with hot water can do wonders for aching hands. A hot water bath is supposed to relax and sooth the muscles of arms and hands. You are then recommended to undergo a gentle hand massage with olive or castor oil to alleviate pain from these parts of the body.
  • You can employ various herbal oils to massage your hands. You may use mustard oil, avocado oil, or olive oil for the massaging purpose. Take two to three drops of oil, use the thumb of one hand and apply pressure on the palm of the other hand, preferably in circular movements.
  • Flexing your arms at regular intervals is also a good method to alleviate pain in the hands. Flexing of hands causes complete contraction and relaxing of the arm, thereby relaxing the arm muscles.
  • You may soak your hands in lukewarm water for a span of 15-20 minutes. You may also add salt in the hot water. This will relax and sooth the muscles of your arms, thereby relieving pain and alleviating fatigue in the hands.
  • Pulling your fingers until they ‘pop’ or cracking your finger bones is another good way to relieve tension from your hands. Don’t be too hard on yourself and avoid keep in mind that although quite harmless, cracking your fingers and knuckles can irritate other people and is not considered to be good manners.
  • You can also use a dab of herbal balm to effectively cure pain in the arms and hands.
  • You may also use various essential oils like neroli essential oil or various other citrus essential oils like lime or orange essential oils to relieve pain in arms. These essential oils soothe your muscular system, thereby alleviating pain in the arms and joints of the hands.

These are a few massage techniques that are used to cure pain in the hands. You must follow these methods even if you do not sense pain in your arms as these techniques will protect you from any incidence of pain in the hand

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Massage Therapy - Hot Stone Massage

Friday, June 26th, 2009

As the name suggests, a hot stone massage is a massage given through heated basalt stones of various shape, sizes and weights. The stones are immersed in heated water and left so that they can absorb the heat and become heated themselves. Many people find the massage given through hot stones very comforting and relaxing. Also since the stones are hard, the therapist can use the stones in specific problem areas. A heavier stone can be used in places where more pressure is required.

A hot stone massage is generally used for relaxation purposes. The massage is especially beneficial for those who tend to have cold or chilly feet. The shot stone massage is also very light and therefore well suited for those who do not like intense massages or deep muscle pressure usually given in a traditional massage, but want to relieve the tension in their muscles using a  very light massage.

A hot stone massage can relive you of poor circulation by heating specific areas where the veins may be depressed. It also helps in curing back aches and other back problems. The heat relaxes the muscles and allows the built up tension to be released.

The pain caused in arthritis can also be remedied through this massage. Hot stone massage has also proved advantageous for those suffering from mild or chronic neurotic disorders like depression, stress, insomnia and anxiety.

The good thing about using basalt stones is that because they are well rounded, they are smooth and take in heat easily. They also retain heat for a longer time and feel excellent when placed on the body. The stones can also be heated in special heating units that are constructed in various spas. The thermostat however, has to be constantly adjusted because the stones should not be too hot or too cold.

To make sure that the stones are of the right temperature, the massage therapist will always hold the stones first to ascertain the temperature. The therapist will also ask you if the heat bothers you. Since every one has their own comfort level of dealing with temperature, it is always important to confirm the comfort of the person receiving the massage.

During the therapy, the stones are used in two manners. One is by laying the heated stones under a layer of fabric and then asking the client to lie down on them and the other one is by directly placing the stones on the client’s body.

In a typical therapy session, the stones are placed on either sides of the spine and on the energy chakras, which are actually points of concentration of life force within the body. Along with laying these stones, the therapist also keeps massaging the hands, legs and torso of the client with strokes from a heated and oiled basalt s

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Aromatherapy Massage Techniques

Tuesday, April 14th, 2009

Aromatherapy is a form of alternative therapy that utilizes the therapeutic properties of essential oils. An essential oil is an aromatic essence which is obtained from a natural botanical source. Essential oils have different therapeutic effects on the body, mind, and soul. Some essential oils can be analgesic or antispasmodic in nature, yet others are antibacterial. They can act as a sedative or a stimulant and are beneficial aid in skin care and the healing of wounds.

There are many different methods in which these essential oils can be used as a form of therapy. These oils may be used in baths, saunas, foot baths, inhalations, compresses, creams, lotions, or in an aromatherapy massage.

What is aromatherapy massage? An aromatherapy massage is a form of massage therapy that combines the benefits of aromatherapy with those of massage to promote wellbeing and healing. This form of massage therapy utilizes the aromatherapy essential oils as massaging agents. The added medicinal powers of these oils greatly enhance the efficacy of the massage. It must be borne in mind that essential oils should never be applied directly to the skin for massage purposes. This is because pure essential oils are extremely concentrated and may lead to burns and rashes. Instead, the essential oil should be mixed with base oils, also known as carrier oils.

Aromatherapy Massage Techniques. A full body massage is not necessary in order to benefit from the essential oils.  Blended essential oils may also be rubbed locally onto a specific area to alleviate muscular aches and pains, stiffness in the neck or congestion. You can also perform the massage on your own. Just ensure that you utilize gentle strokes leading towards the heart. This improves blood circulation.

Aromatherapy may also be used in conjunction with other traditional massage techniques to offer greater benefits. Some of the massage techniques that are compatible with aromatherapy are:

Swedish massage. This is the most widely practiced form of European massage. When combined with aromatherapy, it not only contributes to physical wellbeing but also helps to reduce emotional and stress.
Neuromuscular massage. Neuromuscular massage is the most commonly used form of massage therapy in conjunction with aromatherapy. Most aromatherapy massages are neuromuscular massages that are administered with essential oil blends. This massage therapy helps to restore balance to the autonomic nervous system.

Lymphatic massage. Lymphatic massage, as the name suggests, helps to improve the flow of lymph. Lymphatic massage helps to detoxify the body and boosts the immune system. When combined with aromatherapy, it offers numerous additional be

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