Soothing Massage Hands

Some 2,500 ago and during Lord Buddha’s time in ancient India, a physician named Jivaka Komarabhacca developed a complex massage system which somehow ended up in Thailand where it was pass on by word of mouth from one generation to the next and is still practiced today in much the same way as it was so many centuries ago.  When the Thai alphabet was developed under King Ramkamhaeng the Great, scholars began recording all aspect of Thai society, culture and healing practices which, of course, included massage therapy.  Unfortunately,  future generations had little left as almost all was destroyed when Thailand’s capital of Ayuthaya was captured by the Burmese invaders in 1776.  All that remained of the recorded ancient traditions was that which, under the directives of King Rama III who wanted to preserve as much as possible, was engraved on the walls of WatPoh, one of the most famous temples in Bangkok. Based on the ancient teachings regarding massage therapies,  many different kinds are practiced in modern day Thailand.  The Foot massage is one of the most interesting of them all due to the fact that its principles are simple while its practice is quite a bit more complicated as the force which is applied to the foot by the soothing  massage hands must be exceedingly accurate as it is directed toward particular nerves of the foot.  The Thai believe that each part of the foot has a direct link to another remotely located part of the body such as a vital organ or a system.  Therefore, applying pressure and massaging a certain area of the foot influences the soft tissues of that particular area of the foot as well as the other. As a general rule, the Foot massage is much more effective when  the foot is bare as opposed to being clad with socks or stockings.  There are several basic techniques that are used by just about every Foot massage therapist and they are: * Sweeping and Rubbing.  Most Foot massages begin with bringing an increased supply of blood into the foot by rubbing its surface lightly but long enough to create the desired warmth and the rhythm of movement. * Thumb Walking.  The thumbs are used to apply more direct and firm pressure to various parts of the foot as well as to loosen the tense tendons which run along the its outside edge. * Toe Rotation.  The toes are very sensitive and care should be taken when manipulating them by either rotating each toe individually or by gently pulling them upwards and outwards while squeezing gently. * Kneading.  Kneading is accomplished by firmly but not harshly pressing and rotating the knuckles of a fisted hand back and forth across the sole of the foot, from its heel to its toes. * Cupping.  This is a simple squeezing of the entire foot with an up and down motion of one hand while cupping it with the other. The benefits of a good Foot massage are many: * Firmly pressing and massaging the base of the fourth toe heals an ailing heart. * Pressing and massaging the base of the second toe stimulates the lungs and the bronchial system for improved breathing. * Pressing and rolling the area between the first and second thumb relieves headaches. * Massaging between the third and fourth toe relaxes tired eyes and improves vision. * Stretching and pulling the big toe alleviates pain caused by sinusitis. * Rotating pressure at the ball of the foot will ease stomachaches and heal the kidneys, the bladder and the entire excretory system. * Applying pressure to the front of the heel delivers remedial effects to the male and female genital glands. * Stretching the skin backwards and forwards under both sides of the anklebone is therapeutic to the reproductive tracts of men and women. * Pulling the knuckle of any toe backwards along the instep eases spinal pain and improves posture. * Holding the foot between two hands and rubbing the top of the foot between the first and second toe with one thumb which rubbing the top of the foot between the fourth and the fifth toe with the other, relieves pain of the inner ear and the chest. * Massaging the inner and outer edges of the foot is beneficial to the diaphragm. * Pushing and massaging the soft spot beneath the anklebone reduces the pain from the sciatic nerve and stimulates the lymphatic system to cleanse the body of bacteria and toxins. * Enfolding and rotating the toes achieves overall relaxation and a sense of well-being. * With so much pressing, massaging, rolling, gyrating, pulling, stretching and stroking; all the soft tissues of the foot itself become relaxed and invigorated.

Health Alert: Robots Massage Away Pain

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Who better deserves and needs a good soothing massage hands therapy than a mother to be?  I cannot think of anyone, can you?  Pregnancy is  a very stressful time in a woman’s life; on the physical level as well as on the emotional.  By increasing the blood and lymph circulation, by lowering the heart rate, by relaxing the body and by easing the mind,  massage therapy can be very beneficial on both of these levels as it relieves common symptoms of this delicate feminine condition:  muscle cramps, spasms and myofascial pain of the lower back, neck, shoulders, hips and legs; the excess stress on weight-bearing joints; the swelling of the extremities (arms, hands, legs and feet); sleep difficulties and the psychological turmoil (stress, anxiety, fear and restlessness).  Many independent studies have conclusively shown that the positively beneficial effects of massage therapy during pregnancy also benefit the growing child in the mother’s womb as well as resulting in an easier labor and in a less painful delivery.

What is the difference between Pregnancy Massage and any other massage?  Well, there are a number of very important differences which should not be overlooked.  And due to those differences, therapists who perform massage therapy on pregnant women must be specially trained and certified accordingly, and they must always take those extra few precautionary measures:

* Pregnancy Massage should not be performed until the first trimester of the pregnancy has been concluded because the increased blood circulation may lead to dizziness and a worsening of the existing morning sickness symptoms.

* Positioning of the pregnant woman is detrimental to her safety and the safety of the child she is carrying.  If using a massage table for the Pregnancy Massage session, it must be a semi-reclining table.  In the event that such an appropriate table is not available, the pregnant woman should lie on her side and switch sides in mid session to make both her hips available for the massage treatment.  A wide variety of pillows (body pillows, wedge pillows and extra padding pillows) set in a few strategic places under the pregnant woman’s body can greatly add to her comfort.

Important safety measures:  The pregnant woman must never lie directly on her belly and the flat, horizontal table with the hole for the belly must never be used as it inflicts too much stress on her lower back.

* There are certain parts of the pregnant woman’s body that must never be massaged or pressed; both sides of the ankles as well as the webbing between the thumbs and the index fingers are pressure points that can induce early labor when exposed to sustained pressure.

For  the great majority of the time, Pregnancy Massages are perfectly safe and much advised.  However under certain very specific conditions Pregnancy Massages should not be attempted without consulting a medical specialist and those conditions may be: women who are at risk of preterm labor and women with blood clots or related blood clotting disorders.

How are Pregnancy Massages and any other massages similar to one another?  Every human being, (pregnant or not, female or male, young or old, rich or poor) enjoys the touch of anther humans soothing massage hands as it conveys comfort, love, awareness, caring, security and too many other wonderful sensations to name in this single short oration.  Pregnancy Massage as well as any other kind of massage provides all that and more.

The oldest known Facial massage with soothing hands in human history dates back to the third century B.C. where it was written about in an ancient Chinese medical text.  Scientists have discovered many subsequent ancient medical records in archeological digs conducted in Greece, Persia, Japan and India.  All these early-day writings have one thing in common; their Facial massages were described in vivid details but always as part and parcel of total body massage therapies in which specific pressure points on areas of the face and neck were depressed sufficiently to loosen obstructions in the flow of the vital energy which is also known as gi.  The standalone Facial massage of the recent Western world was popularized in the twentieth century Europe before it was inducted into the North American world of cosmetic and beauty treatments.  As a result, Facial massage came purchase viagra online | where to buy cialis | order online levitra to be regarded as the job for estheticians, cosmetologists and makeup artists rather than massage therapists.

In the cosmetic and beauty arena, the Facial massage is administered with the intent to slow down the natural aging process and to attain younger, healthier and more vibrant looking and feeling facial skin.  However, Facial massage also has therapeutic benefits as it can relieve and mitigate stress,  migraine headaches, premenstrual syndromes (PMS) as well as sinus congestion.

In spite of their growing demand as entire massage sessions of their own, Facial massages are not precluded from  total body massage treatments.  Needless to say, Facial massage treatments which are performed the entire session are much more comprehensive and include many elements which are not included in Facial massages that are part of full body treatments.  In both instances, though, gentle yet stimulating upward strokes are used in circular or semi-circular gliding movements.  A typical and basic Facial massage will include the following procedure and usually in that same specific order:

* With the client comfortably reclining on his or her back on a treatment table and the professional seated closely to the client’s head, the face is thoroughly cleanses and wiped dry.

* A lubricant such as a cream, a lotion or oil is applied to the entire face and neck area.  The Facial massage will begin with repetitive rounded movements and will include every part of the face as well as the neck, ears and scalp.  Crucial pressure points will also be stimulated in the process.

* The face, neck and ears are cleansed of the lubricant used for the massage and a facial moisturizer is applied.

Facial massages may also include the removal of facial hair as well as the removal of blackheads and whiteheads which will necessitate a moist steam treatment.  These three elements will be included right after the massage session and before the application of the moisturizer.  In addition, the entire process may be culminated with the application of full or partial makeup and sometimes even a hairdo.

The benefits of the Western style Facial massage are:

* Improvement of the facial skin and its muscle tone.

* Relaxation buy cialis daily of the facial and eye muscles.

* Alleviation from tension headaches and general facial pain.

* Relief from stress and cheap clomid online anxiety.

* The overall release of stress from the body and mind.

Facial massages are part of full body treatments in Eastern therapies where pressure is applied to points on the face which correspond to various internal organs such as the stomach, the liver and the gall bladder.  With such different techniques, it is not surprising therefore, that the benefits of the Eastern Facial massages are very different from those of the West:

* The stimulation of meridian points on the face.

* Relief from eyestrain and neck tension.

* Correction of liver and fall bladder imbalances.

* Recovery from nervous disorders on line diet of the stomach.

* Release from premenstrual water retention.

Facial massages, Eastern or Western, are not recommended under the following circumstances:

* While clients are wearing contact lenses.

* Open sores, boils, cuts or recent scar tissues in the face or neck areas.

* Inflamed, infected or bruised skin of the face and neck.

*  Acne, psoriases or eczema, all of which can be worsened by the treatment.

Facial buy levitra online massages are most often performed with soothing bare hands that are lightly lubricated by oils or lotions to help them glide more smoothly over delicate facial skin.  However, there are some mechanical devices that may also be used instead of the hands or in addition to them.  Best of all, in my opinion, Facial massages can very easily and effectively be self administered just about any time and anywhere, and there are countless resources on the Internet that will instruct interested persons how to master the art.

Occasionally referred to as an orthopedic massage, Clinical massage is an entire array of manipulation techniques online levitra designed to assess and then to minister to soft tissue injuries and these may include but are not limited to:  massage therapy, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, muscle-energy techniques, craniosacral therapy, deep tissue massage and so on.  The Clinical massage therapy is usually based on a physician’s prescription and directives as a series of treatment sessions to be performed over a set period of time and at specified frequency as related only to a specific need.  In that regard, this therapy is most often performed with a particular and purposeful outcome in mind, and its first and foremost objectives are to relieve pain, to increase the range of motion and to help repair and restore soft tissues such as muscles, tendons and ligaments to their normal and healthy functions.

The first of the doctor-prescribed set of sessions is predominantly devoted to assessment or diagnostics of the client’s true condition and with all the data collected an action plan can be formulated:

* By using various levels of palpation or touching of the ailing body part, the massage therapist will pinpoint the exact location as well as determine the levels of pain.

* The range of motion and the strength of the muscles is tested through a sequence of movements such as a passive movement which involves the massage therapist moving the relevant muscle groups while the client is inert; an active movement which involves the client’s own movement of the muscles in questions; and the resisted movement which involves the clients’ movement against a resisting force.

* If clinical data related to previous soft tissue injuries and massage therapy is available, it will be reviewed for comparison to the current situation and the phase of healing will be determined.

* The findings are closely reviewed along with the doctor’s orders and a customized Clinical massage therapy is drawn up.

Most every condition of the soft tissues can benefit from Clinical massage to some extent, but the following list displays dysfunctions which respond most advantageously to its application:

Myofascial Pain.  Pain and physiological dysfunctions are known to begin at specific points within muscles and their connective tissues which are also known as fascia.  These are appropriately referred to as trigger points because they tend to set off or trigger reactions at remote locations.

Scientists and researchers have successful recorded comprehensive map systems of myofascial trigger points and they have been able to identify dozens of dysfunctions relating to them.  The most common of these are:  carpal tunnel syndrome, TMJ dysfunction, buy brand viagra PMS, headache, diarrhea, dizziness, cardiac arrhythmia, indigestion, tennis elbow, urinary frequency, sinusitis, deafness and blurred vision.

Fascial Plane Dysfunction.  Fascia covers nearly the entire body in large endlessly connected sheets which can be distorted and bound to themselves and nearby tissues when inflicted with injury, misalignment or a chemical imbalance.  To promote optimal health, the fascial sheets and the blood vessels and nerves which follow them must be in good conditions.

Neuromuscular Dysfunction.  Even the simplest and the tiniest of movements of the cheap ampicillin body requires armies of nerve impulses to be sent to the muscle which is directly involved, as well as to the adjoining and opposing muscles.  And it must all be accomplished with precision buy cialis pills of timing and proportions.  When the mechanics of any part of these functions break down, muscle fibers or entire muscles lock.

Tonus System Dysfunction.  Overused muscles become hypertonic or lose their ability to relax.  Consequently, they tighten and cause stress on opposing muscles and on the joints they cross.

DermatomicDysfunction.  When nerves are pinched anywhere along their path, pain will be delivered to the area low price levitra they serve.

Spondylogenic Dysfunction.  When joints of the spine are impaired or compressed, pain will occur in that specific area.

Stated more simply, people suffering from muscle or joint pains or tightness, muscle fatigue or tension, shooting or spreading pains, allergies or asthma, anxiety or depression, irregularity of the digestive system, arthritis or circulatory problems, sleep disorders, headaches, immune function disorders or stress, they can be helped as their symptoms can be relieved through Clinical massage.

If you are anything like me, you probably prefer staying away from providers of conventional ampicillin sodium Western medicine as much as possible and I cannot say that I blame you.  Although I have full medical coverage for that “you never know when you might need it” time of my life, I have not seen any of my Blue Cross doctors in well over ten years, and I hope to continue not seeing them for the rest of my life.  Please do not misunderstand me and think that I am some sort of superhuman creature who never gets ill.  I do have my weak moments of pain and sniffles just like everyone else, or at least everyone else who takes good care of him or herself.  So, when my body seems to need a boost, I visit one of my two favorite practitionersof alternative medicine;  my massage therapist or my chiropractor.

I know that it all sounds very simple and straight forward but it is, in fact, somewhat challenging at times, because I do not always know which one of these wonderful professional to seek out.  So, I often first opt to visit my chiropractor for a good therapeutic session of adjusting and aligning my skeletal structure and then, as an extra bonus to me and my one and only body, I also make an appointment with my massage therapist for some hefty digging and rubbing.  Between the two of them, I come out feeling like a million bucks although my finances are sadly depleted.  I figure that we, my body and I, are worth it.

Now, buy cialis pills online you might ask and rightfully so, “What is the difference between a massage therapy and chiropractic therapy?”  Well, I will be happy to tell you:

* Chiropractic Therapy.
- For the most part, chiropractic therapy focuses on the hard tissues such as the spine and other joints for adjusting and realignment.  Chiropractors have some training in massage techniques but that is never their first and foremost priority.
- Chiropractors are authorized to make medical diagnosis, levitra pills order x-rays or blood works.
- Chiropractors cannot prescribe conventional medications but they can sell supplements or homeopathic remedies.
- Chiropractors do not need medical referrals to perform their work.

* Massage Therapy.
- Massage therapists perform wonderful work on the soft body tissues such as the muscles, tendons and ligaments but they have not been trained nor are they licensed to adjust the spine or any other joints.
- Massage therapists may not legally make medical diagnosis, order x-rays or any blood work.
- Massage order online levitra therapists are not permitted to dispense medications of Western medicine but they can and do provide or recommend alternative herbal remedies.
- Massage Therapists do not required referrals from anyone to conduct their massage sessions.

A highly acclaimed national non-profit magazine recently buy cialis fast shipping conducted a study in which more than 34,000 participants in the United States were asked to rate which alternative treatments worked best for their two biggest health problems for the past two years and the overwhelming majority voted just as I would have; for deep tissue massage therapy and chiropractic therapy in equal measures for such conditions as back pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, respiratory problems, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, depression, insomnia and prostate problems.

Of course, as far as alternative medicine is concerned, one should not discount acupuncture and reflexology for they too are beneficial in their own very special ways.

Having originated on the exotic island of Bali, the Balinese soothing  massage hands therapy is one of a number of ancient traditional massage techniques of Indonesia which had been carried down from one generation to another as a method of curing a wide variety of complaints.  The Balinese massage is extraordinarily unique in that it brings together several alternative medicine practices such as massage therapy, acupressure, reflexology and aromatherapy with the use of essential oils scented with striking aromas of jasmine, rose,sandalwood,coconut, cempaka, sandat or frangipani into a Asingle massage session.  As it is true with most massage techniques, the Balinese massage strives to reach the ultimate state of relaxation of the body and the mind.  What sets it apart is that the Balinese believe that, in order to attain that heightened state of relaxation, blood and oxygen must flow freely and only then will the gi or energy flow without restraints as well.

The Balinese massage therapy is performed on a conventional massage table or on a soft mat on the floor and a great deal of attention is paid to the scented oils which are generally applied at room temperature.  For restorative purposes of an ailing or painful body part, warmed oil with an added mixture of lemon grass, cloves or ginger is applied.  Overall, the bouquet of fragrances used in the Balinese massage therapy is intended to induce relaxation, to promote indulgence of the body and to drive away nervousness and unhealthful tension.

To reach the deeper tissues of the muscles, the Balinese massage therapist alternately applies vigorous kneading, cross fiber mobilization as well as skin rolling with gentle motions to every muscle of the body.  To enhance results with long lasting effects, robust acupressure movements such as hardy press point and strong palm pressure are generously applies in addition to the prevailing massage techniques such as sliding, long and short exploration and manipulating.

The Balinese massage therapy is far from being gentle or delicate and it is, therefore, time and time again compared to Ayurveda, an Indian holistic medicinal method which is considered by most as being extremely intense.  And it is due to the inherent intensity of the Balinese massage, that this therapy is so successful in reaching deep into tense and strained muscles to sooth and calm their spasms.  As a matter of fact, the Balinese massage therapy is quite frequently prescribed for sports injuries as well as for stiff and achy joints due to various injuries or ailments, for easing migraines and other kinds of headaches, for relieving sleep deprivation and insomnia, for mitigating chronic and acute breathing maladies due to allergies and asthma, for boosting blood circulation and the lymphatic system, as well as for alleviating stress and easing anxiety and depression.  In essence, the Balinese massage is a rigorous yet lavish therapeutic system that aims to bring the body and mind in full synchronization of optimal health, well being, tranquility and spiritual renewal.

In preparation for a Balinese massage treatment, you should give yourself plenty of time to savor the entire experience and its afterglow.  Under certain circumstances, your soothing massage hands therapist may need to modify the treatment or the oils which are used and you should, for that reason, let him or her know if you:

* Know that you are pregnant or think you might be.
* Have any pains or stiffness in your joints or limbs.
* Have had a recent injury or underwent surgery.
* Are suffering from high or low blood pressure.
* Have any kind of heart problems or any other medical condition and are going through some form of treatment.

Bali is just one island out of the 17,508 islands which comprise the Republic of Indonesia, a nation located in Southeast Asia and the world’s largest archipelagic state.  Many of the other Indonesian islands adopted their own massage techniques which are similar to the Balinese massage in their endeavor to heal the physical body and the spiritual mind, yet they are also distinct and bear their own unique characteristics.  And they are:

* Sasak massage.
* Lombok massage.
* Urat massage.
* Balinese Boreh.  A paste of ground spices is used to relieve pain and this massage technique was conceived by local rice farmers.
* Javenese Lulur Ritual.  This is customarily executed on brides in preparation of their wedding day.

Have you decided to give the Balinese soothing massage hands a try?  Good choice!  Relax, enjoy the process and come out smelling heavenly.