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Archive for the ‘Massage’ Category

Invigorate a Massage Session with Aromatherapy

Monday, June 17th, 2013

One of the most exciting aspects of massage therapy is that there are endless possibilities that can make a session more unique and powerful.  Many seasoned massage therapists like to add their own twists to their therapeutic massage sessions, making them more memorable and effective.  Presenting each client with some options helps to make things more interesting for both the client and the person performing the massage.

Therapeutic massage is designed to cater to the mind and the body simultaneously.  This multifaceted healing art is already stimulating a person’s entire being, so why not take that concept a step further?  By using other alternative healing options that are based on other senses, it is possible to add a new dimension to a massage therapy session.

Aromatherapy is a perfect choice because it is a natural healing tool that can be used effectively in conjunction with massage therapy.  By using concentrated aromatic plant compounds and essential oils, it is possible to provide clients with an enjoyable and soothing healing experience.

Before performing aromatherapy, it is important to get familiar with it.  Like any holistic healing method, there are nuances and subtleties that should be acknowledged.  For example, some essential oil blends are made specifically for helping a person with sinus problems.  Others may bring about certain emotions or feelings.  Being able to present the client with a list of options based on their individual preferences is ideal.

Aromatherapy has gained much traction in the past few years as research has proven that there is a synergy between the mind, body, and the essential oils that promotes true wellness.  Some oils can have a direct pharmacological effect, and can stimulate the immune system, destroy fungi and bacteria, and activate thermal receptors in the brain. (1)

In addition to being a wonderful healing tool, aromatherapy is – quite simply – very pleasant.  Some scents can bring feelings of pleasant nostalgia, providing warm feelings of well-being and safety.  Others can invigorate the imagination and whisk away a person’s mind to daydreams of far-off lands and magical adventures, as they enjoy being physically stimulated by the therapeutic massage.  Aromatherapy truly offers an exciting twist that makes a massage session different than the average rubdown.

Of course, there are some people who may be more sensitive to certain scents, and some people may even find them unpleasant.  It is wise to have a client smell the oils first, so as not to have them interrupt a session.  Although reviews of aromatherapy massage sessions are generally favorable, there are some who may feel overwhelmed or find certain scents not to their liking.  Like anything else, reactions to aromatherapy differ according to individuals’ tastes.

Most massage therapists like to start out with a basic aromatherapy kit, which will usually include a variety of essential oils, a diffuser, and perhaps some candles, carrier oils, or other accessories.  Aromatherapy is truly a wonderful addition to a massage therapist’s practice because both parties involved can enjoy the healing benefits, as well as the simple pleasures, of a natural therapeutic scent.

For more than 10 years, Massage Warehouse has been the leading full-service distributor of massage supplies and equipment.  Rely on Massage Warehouse for quality products at competitive prices for an unparalleled one-stop shopping experience so you can focus on serving and healing your clients.

(1) – http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/10884.php

 

Tennis Ball Massage for Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Saturday, July 31st, 2010

As you may know,  we are big fans of the Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by Clair Davies. Joe Weir and I were talking about one “humble” but very popular tool for trigger-point self-therapy and for self-massage in general, as is discussed here:

Tennis Ball Massage for Myofascial Pain Syndrome

You can find a great deal of information on trigger points on that site, btw. Both Joe and I know how useful it is but we were also discussing it’s limitations.

The thing is most people use a tennis ball on the floor. They roll around on it to target the thighs and glute medius..things like that. While I have done this quite a few times myself there are a few problems/limitations:

1. If you weigh a lot the tennis ball will collapse.

So, you can use a lacrosse ball or you can purchase a self-massage ball of some kind, which are available in different degrees of firmness. This could be useful because if you are new too to self-massage something like a lacrosse ball may be too hard for you.

The website I just linked mentions a “Kong” pet toy as a massage tool. Which may work also but I would think this would be awkward since they are not perfectly round. But whatever the case:

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5 Reasons You Should Have A Post Natal Massage

Thursday, July 29th, 2010

Lots of people have thought about getting their pre-pregnancy figure back. Many of them actually acted on that thought. For most it is simply a passing speculation, not really a serious thought, so they just dismiss the idea. Frequently it’s because they don’t know how to start. Other times it’s because it’s a big unknown. In other cases they drop taking that approach simply because they think that they can’t get it done.

Wait a moment! Are those really valid reasons? Was the positive side included? Was that balanced? The negatives were covered okay, but what about the positives? Maybe we should take a more balanced approach.

There are actually 5 reasons why one should have a post natal massage which should maybe be examined.

First, post natal massages provide relaxation for the exhausted body after child birth. I completely understand your objection regarding this. I agree that that’s a very valid objection, but please consider, the tiredness of pregnancy and the subsequent child labour. And moreover, one should consider the aches on shoulders and neck from carrying and feeding the baby after childbirth

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