Blessings Readers,
We are well and truly into the new year of 2012 and fully in the age of Aquarius! What a great year of potential for all of us! So important to keep up regular healthy practises to balance as we undergo the planetary changes that are upon us in these times.
January has been a busy month for me and have been working lately with a Feldenkrais practitioner for some of my own health concerns. I had heard of this therapy before but hadn't a depth in understanding. I now love this therapy!
The Feldenkrais Method aims to improve movement repertoire, aiming to expand and refine the use of the self through awareness, in order to reduce pain or limitations in movement, and promote general well being.
The way I perceive it is the Feldenkrais practitioner encourages your body to remember how it naturally is, when we were perfectly aligned and in mind-body harmony (When we were babies and small children). The practitioner does this through exercises given to do, and on table bodywork. I found this very effective and worked for me.
I will be going into more depth with this therapy next post.
*Here are a few tips on how to get the most from your massage/bodywork before your appointment.
1. When you make your appointment make it a point to know as much as possible about the massage style and techniques used to be sure you will be comfortable with it. You may wish to discuss with the practitioner their qualifications and years of experience.
2. Try to clear your mind of worries before you show up for your appointment. If its possible try to clear the entire day of your scheduled massage and devote the day to relaxation and healing. If this is difficult to do perhaps an afternoon or even a few hours.
3. Be aware of your appointment time and show up a little early, ten minutes is good. This will prevent you arriving stressed out about rush. If you know you will be arriving late or have to rush off somewhere straight afterwards, its probably best to reschedule your appointment for a better time. Check out the cancellation policies of your therapist beforehand though.
4. Oils. Do you want scented or unscented oils? Find out what the practitioner is using and let them know what you would prefer. Most practitioners would have both available. If you are allergic to an oil the practitioner may be using or prefer something else, don't hesitate to ask if you can bring your own.
Monday, 30 January 2012
Thursday, 15 December 2011
Angie's Basics of Massage. Week 6. Lomi Lomi (Kahuna) Massage
Blessings Readers,
Welcome back to the final Basics of Massage. This week I will be giving you insight into Hawaiian Lomi Lomi or Kahuna Massage. This is a beautiful massage with beautiful intention and philosophy.
Lomi Lomi means masseur, masseuse, or massage in Hawaiian language, and the word today is used to describe this Hawaiian massage. The early Polynesian settlers brought their own form of massage and it became something uniquely Hawaiian. It was an indigenous practise that evolved over hundreds of years in isolated villages throughout the island chain. Lomi Lomi is now a common and popular massage modality throughout the world.
To understand the depth of Lomi Lomi massage it helps to have an understanding of the Hawaiian philosophy called Huna. A fundamental aspect of Huna is that everything seeks harmony and everything seeks love. Lomi Lomi massage works gently yet deeply into the muscles with continuous flowing strokes, totally nurturing the body and enabling the recipient to relax, give in and simply be. The focus of the practitioner on the client is deep and complete using nurturing and loving intention.
The massage is given in fluid, rhythmic motion using forearms as well as hands. Another feature is that different parts of the body may be massaged at once. This assists the recipient in totally relaxing as its difficult for the brain to focus on two things at once. By not working on areas in isolation a deep sense of balance and harmony is achieved.
A major difference from other massage is that the person lays directly on the vinyl of the massage table and not on a towel and rather than being covered by towels is covered by a small sheet or towel, leaving most of the body exposed whilst maintaining the recipients modesty. This makes it easier to perform both underbody and full body strokes without interrupting the flow of the massage. In colder weather the room will be heated to a warm level.
Gentle stretches of the body and rotations of the joints are also incorporated to assist the release of tensions and flow of energy. The practitioner may even hum to facilitate energy flow!
Whilst technique is important the priority of Lomi Lomi is of nurturing the recipient, using intuition so the massage is 'right' for the client. Its important to remember that the practitioner does not heal but is the facilitator for the healing! The Hawaiians look at things in terms of energy flow, following the idea that ideas and beliefs can block energy flow as much as muscle tension can. Lomi Lomi helps release these blockages. Thus Lomi Lomi is not just a physical experience, it also facilitates healing on the mental emotional and spiritual levels as well.
On the physical level through Lomi Lomi stress and tension are relieved, blood and lymph flow assisted, and the elimination of wastes and toxins from the body stimulated.
If your feeling stressed, have emotional issues that are troubling you or are just not feeling your usual happy vibrant self, a Lomi Lomi massage (alongside other treatments) may be a fantastic support therapy.
If you would just like to pamper yourself and get back the 'spring' Lomi Lomi massage would be an ideal treat!
This is my last week of Basics of Massage, I hope you found the weeks informative and interesting. The Basics of Massage was an introduction of myself to you, and the therapies I use as part of my practise, plus others that you may wish to incorporate as part of your health programme.
I will be dropping in regularly with lots of interesting information. I still will be covering different massage and bodywork modalities including Remedial and Sports Massage Therapy, plus information on Energy work, tips for wellness physically, mentally, and spiritually.
I'm off to the country for my Christmas holiday break! Am really looking forward to seeing friends and family. Ill be back in the very early new years. I have one day available at my Preston clinic, that being Friday's. I am happy to mobile it to your home as well.
See you January!!
Have a lovely Christmas and an awesome New Years!!
Welcome back to the final Basics of Massage. This week I will be giving you insight into Hawaiian Lomi Lomi or Kahuna Massage. This is a beautiful massage with beautiful intention and philosophy.
Lomi Lomi means masseur, masseuse, or massage in Hawaiian language, and the word today is used to describe this Hawaiian massage. The early Polynesian settlers brought their own form of massage and it became something uniquely Hawaiian. It was an indigenous practise that evolved over hundreds of years in isolated villages throughout the island chain. Lomi Lomi is now a common and popular massage modality throughout the world.
To understand the depth of Lomi Lomi massage it helps to have an understanding of the Hawaiian philosophy called Huna. A fundamental aspect of Huna is that everything seeks harmony and everything seeks love. Lomi Lomi massage works gently yet deeply into the muscles with continuous flowing strokes, totally nurturing the body and enabling the recipient to relax, give in and simply be. The focus of the practitioner on the client is deep and complete using nurturing and loving intention.
The massage is given in fluid, rhythmic motion using forearms as well as hands. Another feature is that different parts of the body may be massaged at once. This assists the recipient in totally relaxing as its difficult for the brain to focus on two things at once. By not working on areas in isolation a deep sense of balance and harmony is achieved.
A major difference from other massage is that the person lays directly on the vinyl of the massage table and not on a towel and rather than being covered by towels is covered by a small sheet or towel, leaving most of the body exposed whilst maintaining the recipients modesty. This makes it easier to perform both underbody and full body strokes without interrupting the flow of the massage. In colder weather the room will be heated to a warm level.
Gentle stretches of the body and rotations of the joints are also incorporated to assist the release of tensions and flow of energy. The practitioner may even hum to facilitate energy flow!
Whilst technique is important the priority of Lomi Lomi is of nurturing the recipient, using intuition so the massage is 'right' for the client. Its important to remember that the practitioner does not heal but is the facilitator for the healing! The Hawaiians look at things in terms of energy flow, following the idea that ideas and beliefs can block energy flow as much as muscle tension can. Lomi Lomi helps release these blockages. Thus Lomi Lomi is not just a physical experience, it also facilitates healing on the mental emotional and spiritual levels as well.
On the physical level through Lomi Lomi stress and tension are relieved, blood and lymph flow assisted, and the elimination of wastes and toxins from the body stimulated.
If your feeling stressed, have emotional issues that are troubling you or are just not feeling your usual happy vibrant self, a Lomi Lomi massage (alongside other treatments) may be a fantastic support therapy.
If you would just like to pamper yourself and get back the 'spring' Lomi Lomi massage would be an ideal treat!
This is my last week of Basics of Massage, I hope you found the weeks informative and interesting. The Basics of Massage was an introduction of myself to you, and the therapies I use as part of my practise, plus others that you may wish to incorporate as part of your health programme.
I will be dropping in regularly with lots of interesting information. I still will be covering different massage and bodywork modalities including Remedial and Sports Massage Therapy, plus information on Energy work, tips for wellness physically, mentally, and spiritually.
I'm off to the country for my Christmas holiday break! Am really looking forward to seeing friends and family. Ill be back in the very early new years. I have one day available at my Preston clinic, that being Friday's. I am happy to mobile it to your home as well.
See you January!!
Have a lovely Christmas and an awesome New Years!!
Saturday, 10 December 2011
Angie's Basics of Massage. Week 5. Shiatsu and Rolfing
Blessings Readers,
Welcome to week 5, Basics of Massage. This week we are going to look at Shiatsu and Rolfing. These are both bodywork therapy's.
Shiatsu is a system based on the body's energy meridians. Shiatsu is normally done fully clothed and
involves pressing points on the body and stretching and opening the energy meridians. The view of Traditional Chinese Medicine is that 'chi' or energy circulates along these meridians. Free flowing chi brings strong fresh energy and carries away spent energy along with toxins. Headaches, sleeplessness and depression is all viewed as blocked or diverted chi which must be cleared and restored.
Shiatsu is deeply relaxing and helps you release muscular and emotional tensions. It is excellent to re-charge your batteries and can be of great benefit for pregnant women and new mothers.
Additional benefits include:
Stress reduction and management
Release of toxins from the body
Reduced blood pressure
Reduces mental anxieties
Increases mental and spiritual awareness.
I have had a Shiatsu performed when I was feeling run down and lethargic. The therapy really did improve my energy levels and the benefits stayed with me for a good two weeks. I was able to find the energy to make some changes to my health (the reason i had become tired). This is only one reason to have a Shiatsu so check it out and see if it works for you.
Rolfing is a form of hands on manipulation and movement therapy. Rolfing works on the connective tissue (fascia) to release, realign and balance the whole body. Rolfing enhances your posture and freedom of movement. It may bring about very effective results including:
Injury recovery (including Repetitive Strain Injury)
Pain reduction (including back pain)
Stress relief
Increased flexibility
Headache relief
Better balance and ease
Rolfing is also an excellent complement to Yoga, Palates, and other personal wellness practises.
I haven't had a Rolfing session yet, but am definitely thinking of trying it out. I think it sounds wonderful and have had friends who have been very happy with the results. If you would like to share any of your experiences of any of the therapy's I cover, please post a comment.
I'm hoping you are starting to get a feel for what therapies may or may not be suitable for you. Alot of therapy's complement one another, for example you may try Deep Tissue Massage Therapy, alongside Bowen Therapy for maximum benefit if you are experiencing muscular tightness. Swedish Massage Therapy with Shiatsu as part of a stress reduction programme.
Next week is the last week of my Basics of Massage. I will be looking at Lomi-Lomi Massage. This massage is a real treat and a great way to indulge yourself (A lovely gift too).
Wishing you well.
Welcome to week 5, Basics of Massage. This week we are going to look at Shiatsu and Rolfing. These are both bodywork therapy's.
Shiatsu is a system based on the body's energy meridians. Shiatsu is normally done fully clothed and
involves pressing points on the body and stretching and opening the energy meridians. The view of Traditional Chinese Medicine is that 'chi' or energy circulates along these meridians. Free flowing chi brings strong fresh energy and carries away spent energy along with toxins. Headaches, sleeplessness and depression is all viewed as blocked or diverted chi which must be cleared and restored.
Shiatsu is deeply relaxing and helps you release muscular and emotional tensions. It is excellent to re-charge your batteries and can be of great benefit for pregnant women and new mothers.
Additional benefits include:
Stress reduction and management
Release of toxins from the body
Reduced blood pressure
Reduces mental anxieties
Increases mental and spiritual awareness.
I have had a Shiatsu performed when I was feeling run down and lethargic. The therapy really did improve my energy levels and the benefits stayed with me for a good two weeks. I was able to find the energy to make some changes to my health (the reason i had become tired). This is only one reason to have a Shiatsu so check it out and see if it works for you.
Rolfing is a form of hands on manipulation and movement therapy. Rolfing works on the connective tissue (fascia) to release, realign and balance the whole body. Rolfing enhances your posture and freedom of movement. It may bring about very effective results including:
Injury recovery (including Repetitive Strain Injury)
Pain reduction (including back pain)
Stress relief
Increased flexibility
Headache relief
Better balance and ease
Rolfing is also an excellent complement to Yoga, Palates, and other personal wellness practises.
I haven't had a Rolfing session yet, but am definitely thinking of trying it out. I think it sounds wonderful and have had friends who have been very happy with the results. If you would like to share any of your experiences of any of the therapy's I cover, please post a comment.
I'm hoping you are starting to get a feel for what therapies may or may not be suitable for you. Alot of therapy's complement one another, for example you may try Deep Tissue Massage Therapy, alongside Bowen Therapy for maximum benefit if you are experiencing muscular tightness. Swedish Massage Therapy with Shiatsu as part of a stress reduction programme.
Next week is the last week of my Basics of Massage. I will be looking at Lomi-Lomi Massage. This massage is a real treat and a great way to indulge yourself (A lovely gift too).
Wishing you well.
Friday, 2 December 2011
Angie's Basics of Massage. Week 4. Bowen Therapy
Blessings Readers,
Welcome to week 4 of Basics of Massage. Its been a busy week as I'm sure yours has been. Its now officially summer! Winter has its own beauty, but its great to be able to put the rugs away for a season or two!
This week Id like to give an insight into Bowen Therapy. This very effective therapy was developed by Australian Tim Bowen (from Geelong actually). He believed that the underlying source of many health or pain problems could be found in the soft tissue or fascia of the body. Bowen Therapy, through specific soft tissue or fascial release and integration techniques, stimulate specific receptors that enable the body to correct dysfunctions and restore balance.
Note: *Fascia is a specific type of connective tissue that forms a three dimensional web surrounding every tissue of the body. Fascia is the body organiser embracing all nerves, bones, veins, arteries and muscles. Therefore fascial dysfunction can affect every structure, muscle, nerve and organ in the body.
To receive a Bowen Therapy can seem quite unusual. The Bowen practitioner will usually use thumbs to roll across particular muscles and or tendons, seemingly quite briefly, then usually leave the room for a minute or two, then repeating the rolling technique across muscles elsewhere before once again leaving you for a brief time period. I must say that the first time I received a Bowen treatment I wasn't sure what was happening, as I think I had expected more of a massage. But soon, during the treatment and afterwards, I felt a lovely relaxation and an obvious and almost immediate relief to to the discomfort the the tight muscles I had presented with.
If used wholistically, Bowen Therapy will allow the body to repair itself from a wide range of chronic, long term health conditions and can be used to improve the performance and well being of people. This therapy can be used to treat a whole range of acute problems, such as sport and work related injuries. For example, Bowen Therapy will provide immediate relief to a sprained ankle.
Through treating the cause rather than the symptoms Bowen Therapy has consistently shown it can have profound and permanent healing and pain relief outcomes.
Bowen Therapy treats the whole body, and its wholistic effects are apparent in patients who find resolution to problems above and beyond those for which they sought treatment, for example lack of energy, stress or emotional issues.
Bowen Therapy has also been effective for some people who haven't found much success with other modalities.
I hope you found this week on Bowen Therapy informative and interesting. I personally love Bowen and it has been a health modality I have turned to at different times in my life with positive outcomes.
Next week I will be covering briefly a few basics on some forms of body work, such as Rolfing and Shiatsu.
Until then,
Take care
Welcome to week 4 of Basics of Massage. Its been a busy week as I'm sure yours has been. Its now officially summer! Winter has its own beauty, but its great to be able to put the rugs away for a season or two!
This week Id like to give an insight into Bowen Therapy. This very effective therapy was developed by Australian Tim Bowen (from Geelong actually). He believed that the underlying source of many health or pain problems could be found in the soft tissue or fascia of the body. Bowen Therapy, through specific soft tissue or fascial release and integration techniques, stimulate specific receptors that enable the body to correct dysfunctions and restore balance.
Note: *Fascia is a specific type of connective tissue that forms a three dimensional web surrounding every tissue of the body. Fascia is the body organiser embracing all nerves, bones, veins, arteries and muscles. Therefore fascial dysfunction can affect every structure, muscle, nerve and organ in the body.
To receive a Bowen Therapy can seem quite unusual. The Bowen practitioner will usually use thumbs to roll across particular muscles and or tendons, seemingly quite briefly, then usually leave the room for a minute or two, then repeating the rolling technique across muscles elsewhere before once again leaving you for a brief time period. I must say that the first time I received a Bowen treatment I wasn't sure what was happening, as I think I had expected more of a massage. But soon, during the treatment and afterwards, I felt a lovely relaxation and an obvious and almost immediate relief to to the discomfort the the tight muscles I had presented with.
If used wholistically, Bowen Therapy will allow the body to repair itself from a wide range of chronic, long term health conditions and can be used to improve the performance and well being of people. This therapy can be used to treat a whole range of acute problems, such as sport and work related injuries. For example, Bowen Therapy will provide immediate relief to a sprained ankle.
Through treating the cause rather than the symptoms Bowen Therapy has consistently shown it can have profound and permanent healing and pain relief outcomes.
Bowen Therapy treats the whole body, and its wholistic effects are apparent in patients who find resolution to problems above and beyond those for which they sought treatment, for example lack of energy, stress or emotional issues.
Bowen Therapy has also been effective for some people who haven't found much success with other modalities.
I hope you found this week on Bowen Therapy informative and interesting. I personally love Bowen and it has been a health modality I have turned to at different times in my life with positive outcomes.
Next week I will be covering briefly a few basics on some forms of body work, such as Rolfing and Shiatsu.
Until then,
Take care
Wednesday, 23 November 2011
Angie's Basics of Massage. Week 3. Trigger Point Therapy
Blessings Readers,
Welcome back to another week of some basics of massage and particularly, welcome back to an introduction to Trigger Point Therapy. Last week I covered basics on Deep Tissue Massage, and working with trigger points is usually part of this massage. As part of my practise, I use alot of Trigger point Therapy work within a Deep Tissue Massage for maximum benefit for relief of the presenting condition.
To go into more depth I will start by explaining what Trigger points are: Trigger points are related to hard lumps or knots in the muscle tissues. The lumps are caused by small areas of active spasm in the muscle. These trigger points refer pain to other areas in the muscle and attached tendons, and sometimes even further away.
Trigger point Therapy has been used for decades by doctors, pain specialists, and massage therapists to quickly stimulate the flow of oxygen and promote rapid pain reduction.
The technique involves applying short, repeated massage strokes to trigger points, places in the muscle tissue where lack of oxygen causes referred pain. The stimulation of the point causes an increase in the oxygen level in the area and produces an often instant relief. (Blood flow back to the area is also encouraged, helping with recovery).
Trigger point Therapy can be used for alleviating chronic pain caused by a variety of conditions including muscle ache, arthritis, back pain, carpel tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, headache, and repetitive strain injuries.
I hope this information helped to broaden your understanding on muscle trigger points and how Trigger point Therapy works.
*Note: I would also like to cover in this week's post;
The Primary Reasons for People to Drink Water after a Massage
The first has to do with substances released by the muscles as the massage therapist manipulates them, and the second has to do with ensuring the muscles of the body are properly hydrated.
Water after a massage helps flush out any accumulated materials in the muscle which were released during the massage. Especially in the case of Deep Tissue Massage and Trigger point Therapy.
Massage stimulates circulation in the body while expressing water, salt, and other minerals from the muscle, and circulation is designed to carry away these waste materials; otherwise they may build up, causing muscle aches and soreness after a massage.
So please, drink up!!
Next week i will cover some basic information on Bowen Technique.
Bowen Technique is a form of Bodywork that you may find interesting.
I don't actually use Bowen Technique in my practise but I feel its important to have insight into other therapy's on offer.
I believe in an integrated approach to health and its great to have information on whats out there, helping you make informed choices about your health concern choices. Different therapy's can certainly compliment one another!
Until next week I will leave you with a quote to ponder.
Welcome back to another week of some basics of massage and particularly, welcome back to an introduction to Trigger Point Therapy. Last week I covered basics on Deep Tissue Massage, and working with trigger points is usually part of this massage. As part of my practise, I use alot of Trigger point Therapy work within a Deep Tissue Massage for maximum benefit for relief of the presenting condition.
To go into more depth I will start by explaining what Trigger points are: Trigger points are related to hard lumps or knots in the muscle tissues. The lumps are caused by small areas of active spasm in the muscle. These trigger points refer pain to other areas in the muscle and attached tendons, and sometimes even further away.
Trigger point Therapy has been used for decades by doctors, pain specialists, and massage therapists to quickly stimulate the flow of oxygen and promote rapid pain reduction.
The technique involves applying short, repeated massage strokes to trigger points, places in the muscle tissue where lack of oxygen causes referred pain. The stimulation of the point causes an increase in the oxygen level in the area and produces an often instant relief. (Blood flow back to the area is also encouraged, helping with recovery).
Trigger point Therapy can be used for alleviating chronic pain caused by a variety of conditions including muscle ache, arthritis, back pain, carpel tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, headache, and repetitive strain injuries.
I hope this information helped to broaden your understanding on muscle trigger points and how Trigger point Therapy works.
*Note: I would also like to cover in this week's post;
The Primary Reasons for People to Drink Water after a Massage
The first has to do with substances released by the muscles as the massage therapist manipulates them, and the second has to do with ensuring the muscles of the body are properly hydrated.
Water after a massage helps flush out any accumulated materials in the muscle which were released during the massage. Especially in the case of Deep Tissue Massage and Trigger point Therapy.
Massage stimulates circulation in the body while expressing water, salt, and other minerals from the muscle, and circulation is designed to carry away these waste materials; otherwise they may build up, causing muscle aches and soreness after a massage.
So please, drink up!!
Next week i will cover some basic information on Bowen Technique.
Bowen Technique is a form of Bodywork that you may find interesting.
I don't actually use Bowen Technique in my practise but I feel its important to have insight into other therapy's on offer.
I believe in an integrated approach to health and its great to have information on whats out there, helping you make informed choices about your health concern choices. Different therapy's can certainly compliment one another!
Until next week I will leave you with a quote to ponder.
'Compassion is the heart that never stops loving others'
'Love, Nurture and Forgive'
Ryuho Okawa
Tuesday, 15 November 2011
Angie's Basics Of Massage. Week 2. Trigger Point Massage
Blessings Readers,
Its been such a lovely week so far, sunny days (a few rainy days for our gardens), brightening our spirits.
I hope you found last week's entry on the basics of Swedish Massage interesting.
This week I will be covering the basics of Deep Tissue Massage. This should not be confused with Deep Pressure Massage. Deep Pressure Massage uses sustained deep pressure strokes through the entire massage where Deep Tissue is somewhat different. Deep Tissue Massage is certainly a therapy I use in my practise to help my clients, as it really is a very effective form of massage for certain complaints and conditions. Please read on and I'll explain......
Deep Tissue Massage aims to relieve tension in the deeper layers of of muscle tissue. It can be a very firm pressure that releases chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on contracted areas, either following or going across grains of muscles, tendons and fascia.
It is also a highly effective technique for releasing chronic stress areas due to misalignment, repetitive motions and past lingering injuries.
Deep Tissue massage is used to treat particular muscular-skeletal disorders and complaints and employs a dedicated set of techniques and strokes to achieve a measure of relief.
The sessions are often quite intense as a result of deliberate focused work.
It is not uncommon for people who are not familiar with this type of massage to mistakenly believe that a Deep Tissue Massage will be painful! This isn't always true! Most clients refer it to a pain that 'feels good'. If at any time during your massage session, the sensation becomes uncomfortable or painful in a 'doesnt feel good' way please communicate this to your therapist.
*Note: It is important to drink plenty of water after a Deep Tissue Massage to help flush lactic acid out of the tissue. If you don't, this could result in additional post massage soreness. Its important to drink plenty of water after any massage or body work treatment (I will explain that in next week's post,,so stay tuned!).
It is possible you may feel some soreness the day after a Deep Tissue Massage even if you DO drink extra water. This should pass in a day or so.
I hope you found this information enlightening to your awareness of massage styles and what best suits you!
Next week i will be covering Trigger Point Therapy. This really does go hand in hand with Deep Tissue Masaage and is often used as part of a Deep Tissue Massage. So please drop in next week for some interesting info.
Have a wonderful week!
Angie
Its been such a lovely week so far, sunny days (a few rainy days for our gardens), brightening our spirits.
I hope you found last week's entry on the basics of Swedish Massage interesting.
This week I will be covering the basics of Deep Tissue Massage. This should not be confused with Deep Pressure Massage. Deep Pressure Massage uses sustained deep pressure strokes through the entire massage where Deep Tissue is somewhat different. Deep Tissue Massage is certainly a therapy I use in my practise to help my clients, as it really is a very effective form of massage for certain complaints and conditions. Please read on and I'll explain......
Deep Tissue Massage aims to relieve tension in the deeper layers of of muscle tissue. It can be a very firm pressure that releases chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on contracted areas, either following or going across grains of muscles, tendons and fascia.
It is also a highly effective technique for releasing chronic stress areas due to misalignment, repetitive motions and past lingering injuries.
Deep Tissue massage is used to treat particular muscular-skeletal disorders and complaints and employs a dedicated set of techniques and strokes to achieve a measure of relief.
The sessions are often quite intense as a result of deliberate focused work.
It is not uncommon for people who are not familiar with this type of massage to mistakenly believe that a Deep Tissue Massage will be painful! This isn't always true! Most clients refer it to a pain that 'feels good'. If at any time during your massage session, the sensation becomes uncomfortable or painful in a 'doesnt feel good' way please communicate this to your therapist.
*Note: It is important to drink plenty of water after a Deep Tissue Massage to help flush lactic acid out of the tissue. If you don't, this could result in additional post massage soreness. Its important to drink plenty of water after any massage or body work treatment (I will explain that in next week's post,,so stay tuned!).
It is possible you may feel some soreness the day after a Deep Tissue Massage even if you DO drink extra water. This should pass in a day or so.
I hope you found this information enlightening to your awareness of massage styles and what best suits you!
Next week i will be covering Trigger Point Therapy. This really does go hand in hand with Deep Tissue Masaage and is often used as part of a Deep Tissue Massage. So please drop in next week for some interesting info.
Have a wonderful week!
Angie
Tuesday, 8 November 2011
Angie's Basics Of Massage. Week 1. Swedish Massage Therapy
Blessings Readers,
I hope to find you well and happy!
Over the next weeks I will be identifying for you different styles of massage and bodywork. Im hoping this may help when making decisions of which type of therapy best suits your health and wellbeing needs.
Just a note before I start *The term bodywork is often used to refer to therapies that are often combined and confused with massage eg, Shiatsu, Rolfing, Polarity and Reflexology.
This week I'll start with some basic information on Swedish Massage. I use Swedish Massage as part of my therapy to clients and call it Relaxation Massage as it's relaxation benefits (along with many other benefits) are very effective. I hope this helps enlighten you on this lovely, gentle and effective massage.
Swedish Massage
Swedish Massage refers to a group of hands on massage techniques primarily used to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and rubbing in the same direction as blood flow returning to the heart. Lighter pressure is applied as opposed to Deep Tissue Massage techniques (which I will cover next week).
Friction is reduced by the use of oil. Swedish Massage can relax muscles, increase circulation, remove metabloic waste products, help the recipient obtain a feeling of connectedness, a better awareness of their body and the way they use and position it. Swedish massage also stimulates the skin and nervous system while at the same time relaxing the nerves themselves. As it can help reduce emotional and physical stress it is often recommended as a regular programme for stress management.
I hope this information gives a better understanding of Swedish Massage and if it is for you.
Any questions or comments please dont hesitate to put them forward.
Next week I will cover Deep Tissue Massage.
Have a lovely week.
Blessings,
Angie
I hope to find you well and happy!
Over the next weeks I will be identifying for you different styles of massage and bodywork. Im hoping this may help when making decisions of which type of therapy best suits your health and wellbeing needs.
Just a note before I start *The term bodywork is often used to refer to therapies that are often combined and confused with massage eg, Shiatsu, Rolfing, Polarity and Reflexology.
This week I'll start with some basic information on Swedish Massage. I use Swedish Massage as part of my therapy to clients and call it Relaxation Massage as it's relaxation benefits (along with many other benefits) are very effective. I hope this helps enlighten you on this lovely, gentle and effective massage.
Swedish Massage
Swedish Massage refers to a group of hands on massage techniques primarily used to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and rubbing in the same direction as blood flow returning to the heart. Lighter pressure is applied as opposed to Deep Tissue Massage techniques (which I will cover next week).
Friction is reduced by the use of oil. Swedish Massage can relax muscles, increase circulation, remove metabloic waste products, help the recipient obtain a feeling of connectedness, a better awareness of their body and the way they use and position it. Swedish massage also stimulates the skin and nervous system while at the same time relaxing the nerves themselves. As it can help reduce emotional and physical stress it is often recommended as a regular programme for stress management.
I hope this information gives a better understanding of Swedish Massage and if it is for you.
Any questions or comments please dont hesitate to put them forward.
Next week I will cover Deep Tissue Massage.
Have a lovely week.
Blessings,
Angie
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