Types of Massage Styles

SELF MASSAGE

Most of us prefer to be massage by someone else, but practising massage strokes on yourself, is often just as Therapeutic and can help you to Learn what the movements feel like to receive.Self massage is a wonderful way to give yourself a Present -

Boosting energy levels when your are feeling exhausted.Easing away aches and pai.Banishing the tension of the day.Providing you with opportuntiy to spend time on yourself

Self-massage can be particularly uselful if you suffer from chronic or short term pain.It helps to stimulate the release of Endorphins - the body's natural pain-killers and diverts your attentions away from the pain

FACE & SCALP: The face and scalp are especially suited to self-massage.We instinctively stroke away headaches and naturally hold our foreheads when concentrating.The scalp can store a surprising amount of tension and become very tight.If relaxed you should be able to move the skin failry easily. The face contains and enormous number of nerve receptors and therefore face massage can have profound effects throughout the body, changing our moods, enhancing relaxation, and controlling pain

NECK & SHOULDERS: Most people suffer tension from time to time in the Neck, Shoulders and Chest area.Our heads are heavy and no wonder that our necks often feel strained with muscles becoming taut and rope-like. Bad posture carrying heavy bags and slouching can worsen the problem.Focus on the areas that feel most tense and work slowly and deeply

LEGS & FEET: Use skin-deep strokes on the legs to encourage Lymphatic drainage and use deeper movements to affect the Venous flow and to boost the Circulation.Always stroke more firmly as you work towards the body and use oil or fluidity.Foot massage is not only incredibly relaxing - but is believed by some practitioners - like Reflexologists - to stimulate the whole body

ABDOMEN & LOWER BACK: You can massage your Abdomen while you are sitting up, but it is more relaxing and better to do it while you lie down.Lie somewhere that is comfortable, with a small pillow placed under your knees so that both your back and abdomen are relaxed. You can massage your lower back by sitting cross-legged - or by lying down on your side, with you top knee bent infront of you .The movements are designed to release muscular tension and will and will aid relaxation

ARMS & HANDS: Any one who spend long periods of time at a computer, typing or playing the piano or playing a racket sport will benefit from massage in these areas.Tension in the arms can create aches and pains in the shoulders and neck, so use strong movements to unlock tightness in the upper arms and forearms. The hands contain numerous nerve endings and massage here benefits the whole body. In Reflexology the hand is thought to map the body with parts corresponding to reflex areas

SWEDISH MASSAGE

Massage became popular in the West during the 19th Centuary through the influence of the Swede Pir Hendrik Ling (1776 - 1839) He used a knowledge of Physiology to develop a system of treatment combining massage with Physical Exercise. This became known as Swedish Massage

A sequence usually starts with effleurage - followed by petrissage - friction - vibrations - tapotement, effleurage again and passive movements.The aim of the Swedish treatment is, by a careful manipulation of muscles and joints, to restore to good health such as are in any way diseased.The massage traditionaly takes place on a massage couch. Whatever suface you decide to use, it is essential that you keep your back straight throughout the massage and that you use your body weight to achieve depth of movement. The massage usually begins on the feet and legs, followed by the hands and arms then the abdomen and chest and finished on the back

SHIATSU

Shiatsu literally translated as 'finger pressure' evolved in Japen

It has its origins in traditional Chinese medicine. It is based on the Eastern principle that energy of life - ki in Japanese - qi in Chinese) flows through longitudinal meirdians in the body. The aim is to apply pressure along these meridians usually with the thumbs or the heels of the hands, to influence the flow of ki and maintain harmony and good health. Shiatsu is usually performed through the clothes

Like Chinese massage, Shiatsu is based on the theory of meridians. Applying pressure along these meridians is said to influence the flow of ki, dispersing energy from where there is an excess of ki (jitsu) and replenishing areas that are depleted (kyo).This is said to re-establish balance and harmony in a person and so remedy ill health. Some practitioners work on whole meridians while others focus more on specific Shiasu points. There are about 600 points arranged symmetrically on the body.Shiatsu is usually performed on the floor and it is essential that you use your body weight correctly to apply pressure

THAI MASSAGE

Traditional Thai massage is believed to have its origins in Indian medicines, with techniques handed down from teacher to pupil in th 3rd centurary BC

Chinese settlers may also have been influential in its development. Like other Eastern medical traditions, Thai massage is based on the concept of energy lines in the body and it is closely connected with Buddhists teaching. It is sometimes known as Thai Yoga Massage because many of the stretches involved resemble yoga postures

Good health is said to depend on a balanced flow of life energy called - Prana - through an invisible network of channels in the body.These channels are called sen lines and can be likened to the Chinese concept of meridians in the body. Out of 72, 000 sen lines in the body, there are 10 that are considered to be the most important in Thai massage

A thai masseur tries to achieve perfect energy balancing by stretching the sen lines and by using the hands, feet and elbows to apply pressure to key points along them. The belief is that the physical body is the vehicle through which the emotional or psychic body can be reached. The masseur traditionally performs the massage in a meditative mood, beginning with a prayer and working with full awareness and fulness. A sequence usually takes between 2 - 2 1/2 hours

CHINESE MASSAGE

In China massage is one of the centuries-old folk therapies, with Acupuncture and Herbal medicine, that still plays and essential part in Chinese medical care today.Different systems co-exist, including 'tuina' ( pushing and grasping) and 'anmo' (pressing and rubbing) and there are numerous regional styles. In the warm south the massage tends to be - Gentle and Slow , while in the colder north it is Strong and VigorousTraditionally the massage is performed through clothes

Traditional Eastern medicine is based on the belief that life energy flows along channels or meridians in the body

In traditional Chinese medicine this energy is shown as qi an the aim of all treatments, including that of Massage is to create and unobstructed flow of qi in the body - thus promoting harmony and well-being

There are 12 regular meridians each one influencing a major organ and its associated functions.Another two meridains track the midline of the front of the body - Ren, and the back of the body - Du. In a healthy person, qi is balanced between the opposite but complementary qualities yin and yang.Yin signifies darkness, cold and passivity. Yang signifies light, warmth and activity. Yin meridians run along the Front of the body, the abdomen and the insides of the arms and legs and Yang meridians run mainly on the back and outsides of the arms and legs. A massage will aim to balance the left and right sides - the top and bottom and the front and back into a cohesive energetic whole

INDIAN MASSAGE

In India massage is part of everyday life.Almost everyone knows how to give a massage

A typical sequence may incorporate a mixture of slow, gentle strokes, brisk, ivigorting movements and warming techniques such as rubbing an squeezing

The major healing systems in India are Ayurveda and Unani. Both consider massage a vital part of life - a means of preventing illness, improving circulation and attainng physical & spiritual harmony. Accoriding to both systems all living organisms are defined by fluctuating vital energies known as 'humours'. Each humour is made up of a combination of five essential elements, Ether, Air, Fire Water and Earth

The purpose of all therapeutic treatments, including massage is to bring these life forces into harmony. If the humours are out of balance, the flow of Prana - an invisible life energy that is believed to enter the body through the food and breath - is also believed to be disrupted .Most Indian massage includes tapping, kneading, rubbing and squeezing movements and there amy also be work on pressure points. There is said to be 107 points on the body called 'marmas' in Ayurveda and 'mugam makhoos' in Unani. Stimulating these points with circular pressures and other massage techniques is believed to affect the body's internal organs and systems - a concept similar to that of Thai massage and of Shiatsu

INDIAN BRIDAL MASSAGE

Traditionally in India, a bride and groom receive regular massage for 10 days before their wedding. This is thought to aid relaxation in the bride and give a healthy glow to the skin and to increase vigour an virility in the groom. The bride is massaged with ubtan - a blend of herbs, spices, and jasmine essential oil. This leaves the skin smooth, radiant an impregnated with the scent of jasmine

****MAKE YOUR OWN UBTAN BLEND FOR GLOWING SKIN***

(mix all ingredients into a creamy paste - for a full-body treatment)

4tbsp - gram flour / 2tsp ground sesame seeds / 1tsp turmeric powder / 1tsp fenugreek powder / 1tsp mustard seeds / 45ml sesame seed oil / 5ml mustard seed oil / 2,5ml wheatgerm oil / 10drops jasmine essential oil / 5drops sandalwood essential oil

INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE

This is extremely popular throughout the East - India, China, Singapore and Turkey

Most barbers and hairdresser there will automatically offer a scalp mssage. The word 'shampoo' derives from the Hindi word 'capna' meaning to 'press or rub'.This ten-minute massage is quite energetic and is done on dry rather than wet hair - to avoid stretching the hair. Walk around your seated partner as you work. The technique consist out of Compressions, Palm pressures, Finger pressures, Brisk rubs, Zig-zagging, Sawing strokes, Percussion, Jiggling, Gentle hair pulls and Combing to finish the massage

TURKISH BATHS MASSAGE

Turkish Baths or 'hammams' have a timeless allure and the very words conjure up visions of luxury. The first baths dating back to the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans had three main purposes - relaxation, refreshment and the promotion of health. Today msaages are still given with a confidence and strength that is totally invigorating. Soap Suds greatly enhances the effect of Turkish Bath massage sequence by encouraging the hands to slip and slide with depth and energy over the skin

MOROCCAN MASSAGE

In Morroco as in much of North Africa massage is offered at the local baths - hammams, and is also given by midwives. Afull-body massagecan be performed in just 15 min and consists mainly of fast stroking. The vigor of the strokes forces the body and mind to let go and this kind of massge is useful for revitalizing rushed, hyperactive people. You will need a fair amount of energy to do the massage, but with practise you will be able to relax into its rhythm

REFLEXOLOGY

Reflexology is based on the theory that applying pressure to specific areas on the feet, and less commonly on the hands and ears - can affect internal organs and body systems and therefiore promote good health

It evolved from the work of Dr.William H.Fitzgerald a US ENT surgeon who was interested in the theory of energy lines or meridians and developed 'zone therapy' in around 1913. Accoring to 'zone therapy' the whole body can be divided into longitudianl zones or energy chanels that run through the whole body, terminating in the feet and hands. Any part of the body can be stimulated by working on the reflex area of the foot in the same zone

A reflexology treatment tends to be extremely relaxing, not only do most people enjoy having their feet massage, but stimulating the extensive nerve endings in the feet, is beneficial in itself and can have profound effects throughout the body

The theory of energy zones was developed further by Dr. Fitzgerald's followers including Eunice Ingram, who produced charts in the 1930's that mapped the soles, sides and tops of the feet to indicate the location for every part of the body.Reflexology is very relaxing and is often used to treat stress-related conditions. it is possible to give yourself an effective treatment by exploring the foot with static and walking pressures

ANTI-CELLULITE MASSAGE

The unsightly 'orange peel effect' caused by dimpled skin can develop on the thighs, hips and stomach and is a sad fact of life fo a great may women. Women's thighs and stomachs are said t obe especially susceptible to fat storage just below the skin. The way in which skin is attached to muscle is rather like a mesh-like structure of a string vest. When fat builds up, it fills the gap between the skin and the muscle and this is though to cause the dimpled appearnce associated with cellulite

Whatever cellulite is, self-massage can improve its overall appearnce, making it look firmer and smoother. If cellulite is solid and had, you can use firm movements to soften the area and stimulate circulation. If cellulite feels soft and watery, your movements should more gentle to encourage lymphatic drainage Brush the skin regularly especially before a bath or shower with a natural fibre skin brush or glove. Start at the thigh and work down the leg, using circular upwards movements.This helps to stimulate the circulation and lymphatic system and removes dead skin cells. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. Eat a balanced, healthy diet that includes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables dn avoid too much salt, sugar and processed food

MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE (MLD)

A gentle yet powerful technique that consits of slow delicate repetitive movements.Manual Lymphatic Drainage was developed by a Danish massage therapist Dr. Emil Vodder and his wife Estrid.They discovered that gently palpating and moving the skin - could stimulate the Lymphatic System and improve Congestive conditions. This led them to develop a system to treat the whole body. The technique has many applications, from self-help treatment or minor swellings to professional treatment for chornic oedema

HYDROTHERAPY MASSAGE

Hydrothrapy or Water Therapy , techniques mak a great addition to massage and can be easily incorporated into a shower or bathtime routine. Water affects the body in different ways according to its temperature. Hot water - encourages the muscles to relax by raising the temperature and cold water - helps to stimulate the circulation and reduce inflammation and has an invigorating effect on the skin

**MAKE YOUR OWN SALT SCRUB**

(Blend the ingredients in a small bowl)

1tbsp - ground sea salt / 1tbsp powdered kelp / 15ml sweet almond oil

To remove dead skin. Stand in the bath or shower and apply the mixture to moist skin. Massage the whole body with circular strokes, paying extra attention to the elbows, knees and feet. Rinse well

BABY MASSAGE

It is the most natural thing in the world for new parents to stroke, cuddle and rock their babies. Massage is no more than an extension of this desire to hold, touch and provide comfort. Not only is massage pleasurable -a bonding experience for both parent and child, but it also encourage the baby to become responsive and sociable.Calm soothing strokes help to ease anxiety and minimize crying and research has shown that massage can boost a baby's immune system, lower stress levels, relieve colic, and encourage sleep. Baby massage is commonplace in more traditional cultures, such as India and Africa

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