Archive for October, 2009

The massage consists of rubbing or kneading the body using a cream or oil that is designed to stimulate circulation and nervous system and relax the muscles. Therapeutic massage, a very popular term, refers to treatment with virtues both physical and psychological.

Massage has a great healing potential, removes tension and improves circulation. Done with oils, it is particularly effective in relieving the whole body. Each oil has its virtues, be they curators, soothing, even erotic.

The massage oils and their benefits:

• The apricot kernel oil: relieves stress and provides relaxation both physically and morally.
• Borage oil: treats eczema and psoriasis
• Olive oil: relieves stiffness and improves skin texture
• Emu Oil: treats arthritis, back pain and joint
• The Kukui nut oil: anti-inflammatory
• Almond Oil: anti-inflammatory

Combined with aromatherapy, massage is a great way to relax. It stimulates while eliminating stress. Soft oils and aphrodisiacs help you create a romantic atmosphere and boost your libido.

Massage can help you lose weight, relieve pain and even limiting the loss of hair , through the cranial massage, which improves blood flow to the scalp. Hair follicles are stimulated, which beautifies the hair.

But massage is also good for inside the body: it helps the organs to function healthily. A full body massage combats depression, infertility, blood pressure, back problems, diabetes ... It also strengthens the immune system.

Before applying any oil massage, you should know if you can or can not be allergic. If this is your case, check with a qualified therapist who can offer you alternatives.

Disclaimer: This article does not constitute medical advice and is only intended to inform. Before attending a treatment program, always consult a specialist.

A remedy against insomnia?

Since I am twelve years, I suffer from disorders of sleep occasionally. As soon as I change my usual schedule, or I no longer sleep, although I'm exhausted or I manage to fall asleep but wake up several times during the night.
I have long since accepted my condition, my bad mood, my eyes swollen and my chronic fatigue, convinced that I should do with the rest of my life. But a few months ago, while I paced the aisles of a COBigelow, I found the massage oil "Sleep" from Bath & Body Works, lavender and vanilla.

From what he had written on the bottle, this oil promotes sleep as "the lavender has soothing vanilla and eliminates feelings of anxiety that rob us of sleep. "

I first read the ingredient list: This oil is composed of vanilla and lavender and sunflower oil, known for beautifying the skin with vitamin E it contains.

So I decided to buy it and see for myself if the lavender was really effective enough to help me sleep.

Just got home, I was running a bath in which I shed a few drops of this oil, and the power of lavender and vanilla is indisputable: the bath was so relaxed that I went directly to the bath in bed to sleep in five minutes that followed. I did not even woken up once during the night.

Since then, I used this wonderful oil, which has always had the desired effect. Moreover, it is so effective that I fell asleep more than once in the bathtub! This is probably a bit dangerous and uncomfortable, but hot water associated with this divine scent soothes me so that I can not worry about it.
I also use it for direct application to the skin just before going to sleep, the smell and work just as well give me a good night's sleep.

I recommend this product to anyone suffering from stress or sleep disorders; finished spending hours counting sheep and fix the ceiling. Twenty out of twenty for this miracle product.

The massage oils make this already wonderful experience even more memorable. They are always used to multiply the benefits of massage and are still part of the accessories essential to the practice of this art. There are many different oils, which all have their own virtues.
Some examples of massage oils: sweet almond oil, coconut oil, Aloe Vera and even emu oil. But they can be used as ingredients in another massage oil, for their virtues add up to one another.

To choose the oils you need, it is very useful to know the character and use of different oils available. For example, some oils are designed to treat eczema, while others relieve muscle pain.

If you choose scented oils, you'd better learn about the additives they contain. It can be essential oils, natural and highly concentrated, or fragrance oils, less expensive, but also lower quality and often mixed with synthetic products. The essential oils are therapeutic and rajoutent the benefits of massage , there are many, and they can be mixed with the base oil. Moreover, they are of good quality and less risk of reaction to fragrance oils.

To choose the right massage oil, we must consider all aspects of it. Firstly, the oil that will form the basis for the final: it must not only satisfy you in terms of texture, but also in terms of virtues which are recognized. We must analyze each ingredient in its composition and ensure that all meet your needs. And it is important to choose an oil whose scent is pleasant, it is equally important to ensure the quality of the compounds that emerge.

Everybody does not know what does the term "ergonomic," but everyone knows that is best ergonomic chair to a chair base. Thus even Joe Newbie rather buy a chair labeled "ergonomic."

The problem is that many stores manufacturers stick this label on all their products, even those who have nothing better ergonomics. Because this term does not refer to a simple padding.

What is an ergonomic chair?

Ergonomics is the study of equipment designed for humans to reduce the factors of fatigue and discomfort. Thus, an ergonomic chair should be highly adjustable, and not simply a button for adjusting the height of the seat, the backrest and armrest height should also be adjustable. In addition, the skeleton of the chair should be resistant (avoid plastic structures), the support offered must be optimal, especially in the low back, and padding that supports the body without losing its shape.

True chairs ergonomic cost several hundred dollars. Look for specialized manufacturers and recognized for the quality of their products (Herman Miller, Neutral Posture and Bodybilt). Avoid fancy chairs, unless you have tried and they seem to support your body. Remember that a chair that seems comfortable when you sit on it may no longer be in a few hours.

Why and how to buy an ergonomic chair?

To improve posture, reduce fatigue associated with long prostrate position, and reduce the risk of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and other disorders associated with repeated stress (all these issues hands and wrists that are due to poor posture front of the computer).

All those who spend an hour or more before the computer every day should think about buying a good ergonomic chair. If you are working on the computer eight hours or more per day, you should buy one.

When I talk to people of reflexology, I am often confronted with frowns. Then I know that once again, the person in front of me does not know this wonderful therapy! If at first I was skeptical that a massage of the feet could make me feel better, I quickly appreciated the benefits of reflexology, where my ex has caused me. Let me introduce you to this therapy and the effect it had on me but on my stepfather!

To begin, we must know that this technique stimulates the nerves of the feet, hands and ears, though the feet are most frequently treated areas only. Reflexology believes that feet are a map of various parts of the body, and that by stimulating areas that correspond to them, they can be treated indirectly. Reflexology assists the natural healing process.

The effects of this therapy are legion and can be short or long term. There are two categories of short-term benefits: those that occur during treatment and those occurring after. During treatment the client feels relaxed, maybe even tired, i can also feel a slight tingling in the feet. Reflexology explains these sensations that the body releases toxins and eliminates accumulated energy blockages in the body. After treatment, the subject is less stressed, perfectly relaxed, and enjoys a better circulation!

Who can not feel any improvement after a foot massage? Personally, I love it! The long-term effects are less stress and more energy! In addition, regular meetings make the stronger immune system and gives more energy.
Turn next to explanations of these benefits. My ex was massaging my feet constantly and as soon as I had a stomach ache or elsewhere, I was massaging the feet, where the bodies of which I complained were represented.

The very next day I felt a big improvement. But this is not what has made me a believer in reflexology! My stepfather had suffered from kidney stones that did not come out is could not be destroyed by ultrasound! He went to a reflexologist who worked sometimes at his feet. After a few days, my stepfather was feeling better and when it went back to his doctor, it was announced that these calculations were gone! I do not know what you think, but I think that evidence of the effectiveness of reflexology is more than enough, because my stepfather would have felt the calculations, if they had been disposed of course!

It is a therapy that deserves to be known. Not only is it a gentle and relaxing treatment, but in addition, it restores your health! So next time you have pain somewhere or you do not feel well, consult a reflexologist, or do you massage your feet with your better half, you will not regret it!

According to the Merriam-Webster, massage involves the manipulation of tissues such as kneading and friction, for therapeutic purposes. Aromatherapy is defined as " massage using a preparation of fragrant oils extracted from plants, flowers or fruit. "

In general, the benefits of massage go beyond the simple relaxation. Some of the different methods of massage:

• Swedish massage: The most popular form, using techniques developed by Professor Ling. Among others, this massage increases the feeling of well-being and reduces the emotional and physical stress.
• Neuromuscular massage: it is the foundation of aromatherapy massage. Created by Stanley Leif, it is also called Myotherapy and aims to make the nervous system balance and autonomy.
• The lymphatic massage: stimulates lymphatic flow, this method created by Marguerite Maury helps eliminate toxins and strengthen the immune system.
• The acupressure and shiatsu : These methods focus on the energy channels and eliminate bottlenecks by exerting pressure on certain points of the human body. The client remains fully clothed and no needle is used, unlike acupuncture.
• Reflexology: it manipulates the feet and target specific points which correspond to organs.
• Rolfing: it was created by Dr. Ida Rolfland and focuses on the fascia, the connective tissue surrounding muscles; Rolfing also helps realign the body.

The aromatherapy massage is a more holistic approach to massage, the techniques used are designed primarily to relax. The key of this massage lies in the choice of essential oils , which each have something special, not just the scent.

Here are some examples of techniques commonly used:

• The light touch: it can heat the muscles and connective tissue before further processing. This is a continuous movement performed in the palm of one or both hands and exerting pressure.
• The technique of the spectrum: this movement is used on the back, chest, legs and arms to stretch muscles and relieve tension.
• Kneading: it target some muscles, where tissues can be caught and worked on the surface or at depth. The deep kneading to stimulate circulation while relaxing muscles stiffened.
• Friction and pressure: it is used especially around the joints to stimulate circulation. The masseur's fingers do not slip on the skin. When it comes to sports massage, this technique called transverse friction.
• Vibration: the therapist can either tap body parts (the bony parts) of the fingertips, or put his hands flat and move them all along the muscles (great for sore muscles).
• Percussion: jerky movements performed on the wide parts of the body, like the back.
• The fist hammering or percussion: tapping the client's body with the outside of the closed fist, but cowardly.
• Tapping: the edge of the hand struck on light and fast, just like karate, fingers are slightly apart. This technique can be used on the fleshy parts, such as shoulders or legs.
• Slam: Hands are dug for the bodies hit the fingertips and the base of the wrist.

Here are the precautions for an aromatherapy massage:

• Do not get a massage after a meal Therefore, intake of alcohol or additive substances.
• Unless otherwise advised by the doctor, do not get a massage after surgery.
• For people who just endured a heart attack or stroke, massage should be gentle to stimulate circulation.
• Do not massage someone with cancer.
• Do not massage in case of fever or infectious disease.
• Do not massage the affected areas of varicose veins. Never massage someone suffering from blood clots or phlebitis.
• Do not massage the joints of those suffering from arthritis, gout, rheumatism, or inflammation.
• Consult a doctor before a massage when you are pregnant.

A good massage is a wonderfully relaxing experience. It removes tension and soothes sore muscles from a long day of work, but also stimulates blood circulation and revitalizes the body. A gentle massage oil and scented can complete this magical moment.

First, you must create an environment conducive to relaxation. Dim the lights and make sure the room is adequately heated (also without the overheating). If you feel like it, put on soft music. Heat oil then massage by running hot water on the bottle or by pouring a few drops in the palm of your hands before rubbing. But do not heat the oil otherwise!

The best is yet to create one's own massage oil from quality ingredients to decorate your kitchen. Start with the sweet oil of your choice (almond, canola, safflower, corn or olive), But of course, other oils more interesting may be used: oil, apricot kernel oil coconut oil, sunflower oil, hazelnut oil, peach kernel oil and nuts have pleasant aromas.
The plants that you add to this preparation varies according to need: some oils are relaxing, energizing others, such as oregano, which stimulates circulation. Mint is also a good stimulant. Rosemary is good for memory and combat apathy.

Chamomile, a plant with soothing, helps to find sleep . Basil helps with concentration and decision making, but is also a plant uses relaxing under stress and nervousness. Lavender is very soothing, also promotes sleep.

Mix the herbs you've chosen with the base oil at a rate of one tablespoon per half cup of oil. Heat the brew without the boil, you can use the oven, stove or microwave. Then let sit for thirty minutes before going into the brew a coffee filter or cheesecloth.

Pour your oil massage in a bottle or a clean bottle and you can decorate the bottle with a dip in the oil one or more strands of fresh plants which comprise it. You can also use it as bath oil.

Depending on the scent you choose, you can create different atmospheres and try different products. You will be able to fill one of your loved ones a massage special, since you yourself have prepared the massage oil .

Who does not love a good massage?

Therapeutic massage addresses muscular and soft tissues of the body. More and more people are using to improve the quality of their physical and emotional state. Among the many benefits of massage, we will:

Strengthens the immune system, massage stimulates the hormones of defense, known as the lymphatic, and increases the rate of white blood cells that fight infection and foreign bodies in the body. By stimulating blood circulation throughout the body, massage can increase the oxygen supply to vital organs.

Relieves pain, whether it's lower back, arthritis or migraines, massage relieves pain by relaxing the entire body.

Combat the symptoms of depression, anxiety and tension, massage involves the production of serotonin and endorphins in the brain, thereby slowing the rapid respiratory rate commonly encountered with these diseases. The improvement in lung function resulting limits the appearance of symptoms of asthma in children.

Facilitates digestion and bowel function by stimulating the production of saliva and gastric juices, but also other juices that slow metabolism.
Relieves menstrual pain and may also shorten hospital stays for mothers and reduce the pains of childbirth.

There are over 80 different types of massage, we will present the five most familiar forms:

The Swedish massage is by far the most popular. Better to start with Swedish massage before discovering other types of massage. This improves blood circulation and can be very relaxing, eliminates pain and muscle tension, increases flexibility and reduces tissue and joint stiffness. The techniques used are targeting the upper layers of the muscles. Swedish massage uses oils and massage creams.

Massaging the back : some muscle tension such as sports injuries, falls or lifting weights too large can cause back pain. The large muscles that make up the back are inflamed and painful. Therapy is the most common cold therapy and is used in cases of back pain or neck and sometimes in conjunction with other treatments. This therapy provides a great relief to those suffering.

The massage with hot stones: the stones used are smooth, which is usually of basalt, a volcanic rock that absorbs and retains heat well. As the stones are hot enough, a towel is placed between them and the client's body, then the stones are arranged along the column to heat and relax the muscles. It also helps to balance the chakras and energy centers. While the stones are acting on the back of the client, the therapist massages the torso, arms and legs with massage oils .

Deep tissue massage: it treats the affected muscles of chronic pain, recurring tensions, posture problems or injuries and focuses on the deeper muscle tissue. Chronic muscle tension is often a sign of a certain type of membership. Membership can cause pain by blocking the circulation in connective tissue. This massage is designed to destroy these accessions to regain flexibility and range normal tissue.

Aromatherapy massage: Massage is a classic embellished with essential oils , mostly lavender, known for its soothing properties. This type of therapy is to treat mental or emotional stress. The oils penetrate the skin and spreading the benefits of their own. Other essential oils are those with soothing chamomile or geranium. For an effect rather conditioner, choose oils of sage, ylang-ylang and rosemary cleanse and revitalize, while Eucalyptus is a decongestant.

A massage relaxes muscles and other connective tissues, relieves muscle pain, but also the joints and balances the body physically and emotionally.

The following information has been collected and compiled over several years, through personal experience, travel, courses I have given, whether T'ai Chi, Qi Gong, Aromatherapy, martial arts or other subjects related to health. You'll also find student comments and anecdotes from some of my readers. This article discusses the inferences and conclusions that I drew from these sources.

In oriental medicine, meridians, also known as channel acupressure, are energy channels and it is a network of invisible energy body that runs and activates the body. The meridians are deeply related to inner self and can be considered as roads linking the most important points of the body. Along these meridians are located on specific acupressure points, if a blockage occurs on these meridians, or if a body is under-or over-energized, some manipulations can rebalance this flow.

Meridians are Yin or Yang depending on the direction in which they run: the Yang meridians of the fingers to go face to face or feet, the Yin meridians of the feet start to go in the chest or chest to the fingertips inside the arm, the Yin side.

When I was a professional athlete, my wife was studying kinesiology and applied Letouche For Healing (Therapeutic Touch). After an intense training or competition, so I liked the massage of meridians in traditional massage, a massage of the meridians, the manipulation itself is not obligatory: it is enough to hand over the area, the touch or touch it by marking the route of the meridian flow. Know where they are located and in what direction they travel to increase or decrease the flow of energy or eliminate blockage.

After learning the map of meridians, I discovered that I could handle my own problems of fluids, even if I remain less efficient than my wife. This massage helps especially during recovery phases.

Every organ of the body is a meridian and a fluid Yin or Yang. When one knows where the meridians and in which direction they travel, it is possible to balance the fluid energy. The massage must be done at certain sequences, otherwise the result may be contrary to that expectation.

The ancient theory of yin, the energy is predominantly female, and Yang, a male energy, is that everything in the universe is composed of both. Yin and Yang, the sun and Earth, up and down, hot and cold, birth and death. This 3000 year old theory linking the Yin and Yang in the physiology and pathology of the human body.

Practitioners who follow the precepts of this theory believe that combining the two aspects of Yin and Yang, you can directly reach these principles and therefore a state of consciousness that marks the beginning of a new attitude towards life. They also believe that the meridians and energy flows free revitalize be physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Acupressure and meridian massage can increase energy, strengthen muscles and the immune system, relieve stress ... I have myself seen these effects, and students whom I taught these techniques.

The massage therapy has long been regarded as a general layout for the athletes so we know it is an effective way to remove the lactic acid produced by muscles tired and sore. But few people with fibromyalgia know that massage helps relieve pain and stiffness arising from their illness.

Pain associated with fibromyalgia occur because the subject never goes in phase 4 sleep, namely the deepest phase and restorative, during which the muscles heal the damage occurred during the day. It was also during this phase that lactic acid is excreted by the body. Those who suffer from fibromyalgia this phase are truncated, preventing the natural process described above to occur. Therapeutic massage is a way to artificially eliminate the lactic acid in muscles.

Fibromyalgia also causes stiffness of the fascia, the connective tissue located directly under the skin, a special technique of massage (myofascial release) is used to treat these fabrics and I have tried this technique, which is gentle and relaxing, and so effective that not only I fell asleep on the massage table , but I also felt for several days the feeling of having a whole new body!

Therapists often combine heat therapy and massage (hot stones and towels or water bottles) to treat fibromyalgia. It has been proved that the heat eased some painful areas, in addition, therapists seek at all costs to offer their patients the ability to move without pain.

The key to a painless and beneficial massage is the therapist's choice: it must have a license, but also be specialized in the treatment of fibromyalgia. I can not stress this enough. Some massage techniques are not compatible with this disease (deep tissue massage, Rolfing and similar treatments), a therapist who does not know enough about this disease can completely ignore this and try to relieve a node or stiff muscles, which patients all suffer from fibromyalgia, using techniques more vigorous or intense as it takes. A good therapist knows that he must first discuss with the patient to discover the one hand what his expectations, and also exert pressure soft and firm, which remains superficial and does not increase risk patient's suffering
.
New research has revealed that those who suffer from fibromyalgia have less blood flow to muscles. Therapeutic massage, even if only a limited friction, obviates this problem, the massage has many more virtues which make the treatment most appropriate and effective at the moment of fibromyalgia.

Before and after the massage, be sure to drink plenty of water to help remove toxins that massage expels muscles also think relax after the massage (at least as long as the duration of the massage), as well as 'to make some yoga stretches, which will maintain your flexibility.

How often do you get a massage? As often as you can afford it. When I enjoyed two massages a week, I felt almost normal, but it only lasted the time when my therapist agreed barter. Unfortunately, this treatment is very expensive, and unless you find a masseur who is willing to haggle, you'll probably find it hard to offer more than one massage per month, but it's still better than nothing, in my opinion. Massage effectively relieves, and the slightest benefit is always worth taking.