A massage is arguably one of the best things one can have after a very stressful day. Nothing relieves the body of the aches and pains that it experiences other than a well given massage.

Touch therapy is proven to be one of the best stress relievers because it invigorates not only the body, but also the mind and the soul. A massage clears the passages towards the harmonious function of one's mind and body, thereby unifying the two elements.

In the physical sense, a massage will definitely induce relaxation and good blood circulation. The motion from the massage also induces the excretion of toxins from the body.

People go to massage therapists every now and then to be able to experience a good massage. However, learning how to administer massage to other people is definitely something wonderful. Just think about giving a massage to your loved one and effectively relieving her of the pains in her muscles and joints.

There are many ways of giving massages. If we are going to be strict about it, there are more than 30 formally recognized types of massage all over the world. Which one do you use? Which one shall you opt to learn?

This chapter tries to give some basic tips on how to properly execute massages over the different prominent parts of the body. We shall discuss how to massage the back, foot, leg, hand and arm, neck and chest, face and head.

Back massage

One major body part that usually needs massaging is the back. The back usually hurts because of the posture and body structure of the person. A person who works all day in a chair will surely feel some stress on his back after a hard day's work. A person who has a big belly can also expect to feel pain in his back because of the unwanted weight that it supports.

In giving a back massage, remember that the three parts that benefit most from a back massage are the spine, the shoulder blades and the hipbones. You can employ smooth circular presses along the shoulder blades to relax the muscles around the area. Smooth straight slides can be used to relax the muscles in the spine area. The hipbones are to be massaged with slow circular presses.

Foot and leg massage

An average person takes thousands of steps per day. Those who come to work with high heels or hard shoes will definitely suffer from foot pains after their work and will definitely want to have a foot massage. A good foot massage will allow for better circulation of blood in the foot. Stroking in an upward motion from the ankle to the leg will relieve the tension from the blood vessels. Ankle rotation is also one good way of relieving foot stress. And of course, one should not forget to gently massage the sole of the foot by giving circular presses around the painful areas.

Hand and arm massage

Making smooth stroke patterns along the arm and the hands will induce better blood circulation. Rotate the arms in a circular motion as well to loosen the joints. The hands should always be massaged gently to avoid causing further pain.

Neck and chest massage

Bad posture can lead to pain in the neck and chest area. Starting from the area below the ear, one should make smooth downward strokes up to the shoulder area. This would relieve the tension from the neck. Double-handed circular motion finger presses should be employed at the neck area at the back.

Face and head massage

Yes, the face can be massaged as well and a face and head massage can be very relaxing indeed. One of the best parts to massage in the face and head area is the pair of temples. Give some pressure while pressing the temples in a circular motion. Massage the cheekbones and the forehead as well for added comfort.

These are some pretty basic tips on how to give a whole body massage. At the end of the day, technical know-how and massage execution are very important, however, it's the love and willingness to relieve your loved one from his or her body pains that really counts.

Life has become busier and too complicated. People work so hard that they usually have no time to take care of themselves. This kind of lifestyle, although not easily recognized stresses the body a lot and makes the person more and more prone to diseases and other medical conditions.

If the muscles of the body are stressed, for example, the flow of oxygen becomes poor. Likewise, the nutrients are just wasted and not absorbed by the body. Thereafter, inflammation occurs and accumulates toxins in the muscles making some movements painful.

This is not limited just to the elderly. People from all ages are vulnerable to the implications of stress to the body. No matter how strong your body seems to be, if you abuse it, there will certainly be negative effects.

Indeed, the body needs pampering from time to time. Besides, it will not be productive anymore if it is overworked and so stressed out. There are several ways of combating stress and tension and one of them is called deep tissue massage.

Deep tissue massage is yet another technique that targets and concentrates on the inner layers of the muscle tissue. Its main objective is to loosen the tension in the body through the application of strokes that are slow and finger pressure on contracted areas of the body. Doing this is said to e eliminated because of this.

Deep tissue massage resulted from years of study. It has been matched well to the needs of a tension-filled body. Instead of going for a plain massage, this appears to be a better option.

As the target of such massage is more specific, there may be soreness during the procedure as well as some hours after. The uneasy feeling may be gone after a day or two especially if it was done correctly. The pressure must be directed across the muscle grains.

Deep tissue massage is beneficial in several ways. It makes you feel good by loosening the muscle tissues, releasing the toxins from the muscles, and making blood and oxygen circulate properly throughout the body. You must drink lots of water before and after the procedure since water will help flush out the toxins.

A build up of toxins in the body will no doubt have a negative impact on the various parts of the body. Sometimes, the symptoms may not be that obvious but you start feeling bad when it has become a major problem already. Thus, it is essential that you monitor closely your lifestyle and the way it has been affecting your health.

Moreover, the best thing about deep tissue massage is that it targets deeply seated traces of tension in the body. With this, most consider it as corrective and, at the same time, therapeutic. What are normally not addressed by simple massages is easily targeted by this.

The techniques and movements may be comparable to that of a Swedish massage but there is more pressure. Such intensive pressure on affected areas is necessary to release adhesions, which are called chronic muscle knots. The entire process may be a little painful and uncomfortable but is all worth it. You can always request to lessen the pressure a bit if you feel that it is too much already.

Although results are promised to be really good, do not expect that you will achieve them immediately after just one session. You may feel better but if you intend to correct something, some more sessions may be necessary. As with any form of treatment, patience and commitment are very important. You have to believe that the treatment can do something about your condition.

Likewise, it is also important that you check on the knowledge and capacity of the person doing it. Survey for institutions that are well known to deliver good services. Otherwise, you may just be exposing yourself to greater harm and damage.

Deep tissue massage is indeed a good option for those seeking to remedy the negative effects of stress. However, the procedure must also be coupled with a change of lifestyle. If you continuously go back to your old ways, deep tissue massage may not work no matter how often you go for treatment.

Aromatherapy FAQ

What Is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is a gentle but powerful healing art that uses Therapeutic Grade pure essential oils in a way that can positively effect our physical, emotional and mental health.

Certified Aromatherapists will recommend massage (introduction through the skin) and inhalation (introduction through the respiratory system) as the most effective methods of introducing these wonderfully balanced and holistic gifts from nature into the human body. For massage, a good quality Carrier Oil, lotion, cream or salve is used to deliver the essential oils to the area needed. For inhalation, a simmering pot, Diffuser, hot tub, sauna - or something as simple as a common cotton ball is used.

While modern science can in some cases duplicate the fragrance of some essential oils, they have been unable to duplicate the benefits each can deliver. Each essential oil is made up of between 50 to 500 different chemicals that occur in nature. Essential oils can be used for pleasure only, to scent your environment, or be used in an effective natural way to enhance beauty and health.

What are essential oils?

Essential Oils are very volatile substances produced from botanical sources. They are the concentrates of sromatic molecules of the plant or its parts. The molecules can be considered the hormones of the plant, as they control certain functions of the plants life. Many people think of essential oils as the spirit of the plant.

Pure essential oils are naturally occurring substances found in different parts of plants - the Blossom, fruit, leaf, stem, Bark, wood or resin. Through a complicated and often expensive process of distillation or solvent extraction, these precious oils are captured and bottled. The essential oils are then measured and combined according to the quality each oil possesses, and this blend is then administered to the recipient.

What are essential oils made of?

Essential oils are compositions made of the basic Organic elements; carbon, oxygen and hydrogen, forming alcohols, Esters, ketones, oxides, phenols, and terenes. An essential oil can contain between 10 to 200 components and other minor trace compounds that are very difficult to analyze. Essential oils form very interesting and specific molecules that react against such microorganisms as bacteria and viruses. Such molecules can sometimes form a vitamin composition or a hormone-type chemical.

How do Essential Oils Enter the Body?

Three ways%u2026 1. Through our skin. The largest organ in the human body, and accessible to Essential Oils because the molecular structure of the essential oils is so small they can enter through the skin and enter the blood steam. A modern application of this principal is used by many people today and is known as the patch. To Quit Smoking, or to raise estrogen levels in post Menopausal women, medication is introduced at a gentle and consistent level into the body through the skin. Massage is another way essential oils are introduced into the body. Essential oils in salves, creams, oils, perfumes all are vehicles of delivery. Essential oils take about half an hour to be absorbed.

Through smell. The olfactory system, (nose) sends the chemical message of the essential oils through the limbic part of our brain, which is the oldest part of our brain. Here the message is telegraphed to our central nervous system and to our glands, which control how our body functions. Methods to use here are in baths, Diffusers, humidifiers, hot tubs, steams, perfumes, on a hanky, or pillow. Takes only seconds for the message to be received.

Ingesting. In North America, ingesting can never be suggested. It is not the best method, in any case, as the essential oils end up reacting with the other materials in the digestive tract, and are often of very little use to the client.

How is a skin test performed?

We recommend testing essential oils by applying a small amount of diluted essential oil to a small skin area. If irritation or burning occurs, dilute the area with Massage Oil and discontinue use.

Are Essential Oils used by doctors or hospitals?

Hospitals in England and France make a great therapeutic use of essential oils. There are many medical studies that support therapeutic results from the use of essential oils. The US utilizes Essential Oils less than most other countries for therapeutic assistance. In the US, massage therapists, reflexologists, accupressurists, nail salons, skin specialists and homeopathic practitioners generally make use of essential oils.

How long do Essential Oils last, once purchased?

Most essential oils will last 1-2 years if kept in a dark bottle in a cool place. Some of the resinous oils are more like wine, in that they actually get better with age! Because citrus oils are top notes and highly volatile, they should be used up within one year, and once oils are blended with Carrier Oils they should be used up within 1 to 2 months as the therapeutic value starts to diminish.

Essential oils can be classified into top, middle, and base notes, signifying the length of time an oil's scent can be detected.

Top notes (oils like Bergamot, Petitgrain, citrus bases) tend to last 2-3 hours and are the first part of any blend that you smell first. Top notes give the first impression of the blend.

Middle notes (oils like Lavender, Chamomile, Geranium) give blends body and help to round out the sharp edges of the top notes. Typically these scents (and effects) can last upward of 2-3 days.

Base notes or fixatives (like Patchouli, Clary Sage, Myrrh, Cedarwood) help to deepen the blend and create a lasting aroma. When smelled directly from the bottle they may have very little scent, but once used in a blend and applied to the skin, they react strongly and release their power. These scents (and effects) can last from several days to a week, depending on the oil.

What are the benefits of Aromatherapy?

Odors bring back memories and influence our behaviour. Depending on the fragrance, odours can calm, relax, stimulate associations, evoke, frighten and arouse us. In fact, we have the capacity to distinguish up to 10,000 different odours that influence our memory and feelings and impact our quality of life.

In addition to the mind-emotional benefit, many oils have been scientifically proven to have Antibacterial, Antiviral, Antimicrobial, antifungal and Antiseptic effects. Oils are also capable of exerting effects on various body systems and organs.

Can a person be allergic to a scent?

NO, there are no allergens present in an aromatic chemical. However, if a person has an allergy to grass for example and smells something similar, they can react with similar sensitivities because of the scent memory.

What scent makes people buy more?

There is no particular scent. It depends on many factors, such as overall atmosphere, customer service, lighting and design. Scent compliments a marketing theme to create a better environment. In fact, recent tests have proven that people will stay longer in a store with pleasant odours, that it has a positive effect on the perception of a product and will influence the purchase decision.

What scents are most conducive to relaxation and passion?

According to certain research it was discovered that women really like the smell of Granny Smith Green Apples, and Cinnamon Rolls and other baked goodies. They feel more relaxed and at home with sweet and spicy smells such as these. They are more encumbered to be more passionate, because such smells remind them of a homey atmosphere? They dont like strong smells such as cherry or strawberry. Men favor a more woodsy aroma with hints of spice, like cedar, and Myrrh. Walk into a real cedar cigar humidor and you will understand.

To learn more about how to heal with Aromatherapy, visit the Alternative Healing Academy!

Although such measures are not a substitute for medication, they may be all that is necessary or appropriate to relieve episodes of pain lasting only seconds or minutes.

In instances of severe pain that lasts for hours or days, combining non-pharmacological interventions with medications may be the most effective way to relieve pain.

The gate control theory of pain proposes that the stimulation of fibers that transmit non-painful sensations can block or decrease the transmission of pain impulses.

Several non-pharamacological pain relief strategies, including rubbing the skin and using heat and cold, are based on this theory.

Massage, which is generalized cutaneous stimulation of the body, often concentrates on the back and shoulders. A massage does not specifically stimulate the non-pain receptors in the same receptor field as the pain receptors, but it may leave an impact through the descending control system.

Massage also promotes comfort because it produces muscle relaxation.

Hence, with the growing popularity of the positive effects of massage, many people are encouraged to learn massage therapy. In this way, they can both render positive effects on people and at the same time reap positive effects on their selves.

Through this activity, massage therapists can relieve the pain and discomfort that other people are experiencing. Hence, most massage therapists consider this activity as an invigorating experience. The feeling of helping other person lighten their burden is good nourishment for the person rendering the comfort.

However, becoming a massage therapist is not that easy. It is important that you know what you are getting into before deciding to become one.

So to get you started, here are some great tips on how to become a massage therapist. These things will help you decide whether massage therapy is beneficial for you or not.

1. Evaluate yourself

The key to becoming a good massage therapist is to analyze your potential of giving out comfort and support to those people who are in pain. If you cannot voluntarily render comfort and relaxation, you will never be an effective massage therapist.

Massage therapy is not just plain non-pharmacological technique of reliving the other person's discomfort and pain. It is more of giving a part of your energy to enlighten the burden.

Hence, if you think you cannot give a part of yourself, becoming a massage therapy may not be a good choice for you.

Moreover, becoming a massage therapy requires little or no supervision at all. Hence, it is best that you can work on your own without much supervision.

It is also important to learn effective communication skills because this will be your primary tool in reaching out to your clients.

2. Educate yourself

Becoming a massage therapist is not a joke. It is more than just physical relaxation and pain reliever. It is more on applying the right techniques and principles to effectively relieve the other person from pain and discomfort.

Before you become a massage therapist, it is best that you undergo a comprehensive training especially built for massage therapist. In this way, you will be able to apply the best technique, thereby, allowing you to practice massage therapy in your area.

3. Do your homework

Before opting to become a massage therapist, it is imperative that you learn what you are getting into in the first place.

There are many types of massage and learning them will require time and dedication. Do some research regarding massage therapy and learn the fundamentals of each type of therapy. Keep in mind that information is vital in making well clued-up decisions.

4. Identify the requirements for massage practice in your area

Before you can practice massage therapy, certain requirements must be followed and obtained. Try to identify the specific requirements in your area.

Keep in mind that requirements vary from one state to another. Hence, you can never practice massage therapy in other areas.

Helping other people is already a rewarding experience, but helping them through massage therapy is more invigorating. Becoming a massage therapy is not just a skill or a career. It is more like a vocation, giving a part of you just to help others ease the pain.