Say Yes to a Swedish Massage

If you thought that a Swedish massage was something peculiar to Sweden then you were mistaken! It is known as Swedish massage not because it is a Swedish way of massaging but because a Swedish named Per Heinrik Link developed it.

What is a Swedish Massage?
A Swedish massage is a form of bodywork that makes use of specific movements and strokes on the body tissues and muscles in order to loosen the muscles. Here the rubbing is in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. Thus the primary aim of it is to soothe the tensed muscles and increase the flow of blood.

The Origin
This technique emerged in the late 18th century by Per Heinrik Link. He suffered from rheumatoid arthritis and travelled all over Europe seeking a cure. Ultimately he landed up in China where he learned the eastern techniques. He thus merged and combined the eastern practices with the western thoughts, specifically the gymnastic rehabilitative exercises to form this extraordinary massage.

It's techniques
Swedish massage strives to relax the tensed muscles by rubbing the deeper muscles and bones. Care has to be taken that rubbing is in the same direction as the return of blood to the heart. There are different kinds of strokes used that include:

1. Effleurage
This is generally given at the start of the session. It means "touching lightly" and the palms of both the hands usually give the strokes. However many a times the thumb, fingers and knuckles too are used. The stroke is given in the same direction as the return of blood to the heart. This stroke aims to relax the soft tissues, muscles, ligaments and tendons. It also helps the therapist know your body better so that he knows how to give the treatment.

2. Petrissage
This means "kneading" and in this stroke the muscles are kneaded, squeezed and rolled with the help of the hands, thumbs and fingers. This stroke aims at the deeper veins in the body and strives to increase the blood circulation in them so that the cells are rejuvenated.

3. Friction
Also called "rubbing", this is the strongest of all strokes. In it the pads of the thumbs and the fingers are used to stimulate the layers of tissue and rub them against one another. This stroke aims at increasing the blood flow and circulation so that the muscle fibers are realigned and get some nutrition. Thus this stroke breaks down the tissues that are scared and puts life back in the dead ones.

4. Tapotement
Tapotement means "tapping". The masseur cups his hands, fingers or the edge of the hand and pounds the body. Thus short, gentle but firm blows are given to the body. The main aim of this is to stimulate the circulation but when given for more than 10 seconds they assist in relaxing the body too.

5. Vibration
This involves "shaking" the body. The practitioner puts his hands on the body to shake them vigorously up and down. Vibration aims at stimulating the circulation and if done for a longer period at relaxing the body.

Benefits of a Swedish Massage

Though the primary aim of this massage is to relax the body, there are many other benefits too:

• Improves the blood circulation in the body
• Helps remove metabolic waste products
• Helps get over muscle aches and pains
• Stimulates the skin
• Helps in getting over stress and fatigue
• Improves the joint mobility
• Improves the immune system
• Helps fight insomnia
• Leads to a feeling of general wellness.

Now that you know the benefits of this massage, just go for it.

Shiatsu Massage: Stay Stress Free

Want to go in for a massage? Try Shiatsu.

What is shiatsu?

Shiatsu is a traditional oriental therapy that had its origin in China, traveled to Japan and then finally to the West. The word 'shiatsu' is of Japanese origin and is made up of two words "SHI" meaning "FINGER" and "ATSU" which means " PRESSURE".

The basic concept of this massage is to encourage a positive outlook to life. According to Shiatsu, the working of our body is guided by a 'vital force' which is energy or 'Qi'. Thus in this massage, the fingers are used to apply pressure on various parts of the body to cure many diseases and ailments. Sometimes even the thumb, palm, elbow, knees and feet are used. Walking barefoot on the patient's body too is not an unknown thing!

This technique is very similar to acupuncture however in acupuncture needles are used but in shiatsu it is the parts of the body that are used to apply pressure. Pressure is applied on the acupuncture points link to 915 as well as on general areas. Shiatsu is a much wider concept that includes stretching, joint rotation and manipulation and also very light holding techniques for spiritual healing. It thus helps create flexibility and restores balance in the body.

It can help

Shiatsu not only helps us get over specific ailments but also maintains overall health. It is known to be very effective in rectifying problems such as:

• Insomnia
• Back pain
• Headache
• Constipation
• Skin irritation
• Circulatory problems
• Multiple sclerosis
• Arthritis
• Menstrual problems
• Respiratory problems
• Reproductive problems
• Emotional problems
• Nervous system ailments
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Posture problems
• Behavior imbalances

The treatment

'Touch' is an integral part of shiatsu. It is the way in which the practitioner can communicate his love and compassion, in other words positive energy, to the patient so that the body balance can be restored.

The treatment takes nearly an hour or more each time and 3 or 4 sessions are spaced out in a time period of 4 to 6 weeks. However it is also guided by the nature of the problem.

The two basic techniques are:

• Stimulating, and
• Sedating
• Pressure is applied for may be 2-3 minutes to a particular area. Sometimes the practitioner will apply pressure in different forms like rotating some part of the body, stretching some limb or simply holding. The end of the session will result in a relaxed and at times a sleepy person. So go ahead and take some rest.

After effects and cautions

Shiatsu is generally a very safe treatment that can even be practiced on children, pregnant women and the elderly. However, sometimes you may experience some after-effects like:

• Cough and cold
• Tiredness
• Emotional ups and downs
• Headache or some aches and pains

This is a sign that the treatment has had an effect. In fact, what it means is that the body is getting rid of unwanted foods, stress and tensions.

Keep these cautions in mind:

• It should not be practiced or taken if there is high fever
• It should not be practiced or taken if there is some infection
• It should not be practiced or taken if there is a cut, bruise or inflammation of any sort.
• Never take or give shiatsu after a large meal.
• Always wear comfortable and loose fitting clothes.
• No pressure at any time should be applied to the varicose veins.
• The room in which it is practiced should always be quiet, warm and clean.

Try this oriental therapy and stay relaxed and stress free.

Aromatherapy Massage for Good Health

Take a minute to answer this question. Which is the quickest way to relax your tired mind and boost your sagging spirits? If your answer is a massage, then you are dead on target. Undoubtedly, a massage can be a highly soothing and stimulating activity to rejuvenate you. But no ordinary massage will do the trick entirely. What you need is a therapeutic, long and luxuriant aromatherapy massage.

The Massage

An aromatherapy massage using essential oils is a therapeutic treatment for both the mind and body that works mainly on the nervous system. More effective than any other massage, aromatherapy can either relax or stimulate the body and mind. The highly potent essential oils penetrate the body via the skin and are also inhaled as the massage progresses. For the massage, you need to dilute 1 or 2 drops of essential oil in a base oil (coconut, sweet almond and jojoba) of your choice and then gently massage it all over your body. If you have a dry skin, add some avocado or wheatgerm oil to the base oil. Find a friend or your partner and get started on the magic of aromatherapy.

Setting up

Any massage is relaxing but you can enhance the experience by following a few simple steps to help create the right mood. An aromatherapist uses a massage bench, but at home you can work comfortably on a cushioned floor. Prepare the floor or surface with a large cotton sheet covered with a bath towel. You should keep a pillow, a large wraparound towel for the body and a warm blanket by the feet.

Getting your partner ready

Creating the right ambiance is a must before you start the actual massage. You could fragrance the room with incense or spray a whiff of perfume and switch on some soothing background music. Keep the room temperature warm, draw the curtains and dim the lights. It is important that you keep outside noises such as traffic, telephone or even children screaming, at bay. Make sure that your partner is comfortable, so cover parts that are not being worked on if you think your partner may be getting cold. A top to toe aromatherapy massage takes close to an hour so make sure that you are undisturbed for that period.

Tips to give the massage

If performed correctly, a massage can work wonders. Apart from your hands and fingers, your whole being must be totally involved in the process of giving a massage. You also need to remember the following tips:


Try out the movements on parts of your own body to get a sense of how the strokes should feel and how much pressure to use.

Massage movements should be slow and gentle to help relaxation and eliminate tension that tightens the muscles.

Remember that the movements should flow into each other. If you find you have missed out a step or gone on to the wrong part of the body, don't panic. Finish the part you are working on before going back to it, or leave it out altogether, rather than interrupt the flow of the massage.

When you give the massage, make sure you are relaxed and comfortable, or you will transmit your own tensions to your partner and it will not be an effective massage.
Try to maintain contact with your partner's body as much as possible even as you move into a different position.

When massaging different parts of the body keep the areas not being worked on covered with a large towel or blanket. The heat helps the body to absorb the oils.
If the recipient's back is stressed in any way, place a pillow under the knees when lying on the back, and under the pelvis when lying on the stomach.
Wear loose comfortable clothing to give the massage, so your movements are not hampered.

For complete relaxation, avoid chatting during the massage. But do encourage feedback from your partner - you must be told if something doesn't feel good.
Tips to receive the massage
Your masseur may be perfect, but if you are not prepared to receive the massage, then the massage will lose its efficacy. Here's how to make the most of your massage:

Before the massage:

Have a cool shower or wash before a massage. Do not soak in a hot bath or the oils will immediately seep into the skin.
Don't use an underarm deodorant or body spray during the treatment, as this will block the effect of the oils.
Don't have a large meal just before an aromatherapy massage as your system will be too busy digesting to be thoroughly relaxed.
Don't drink alcohol before a treatment.
Don't have a massage if you have flu or a fever or any serious ailment.

After the Massage:

Drink a glass of water immediately after a treatment.
Lie still for at least 5 minutes before getting up.
Don't bathe or shower for at least 12 hours after a treatment, to allow the oils to be absorbed by the skin and begin the all-important work of detoxifying the body.
Drink plenty of water for the rest of the day as the kidneys will he active in eliminating the toxins.
Avoid alcohol for at least 12 hours after the treatment to give the body a chance to detoxify thoroughly.
An aromatherapy massage, especially done with your partner, will leave you feeling relaxed and stimulated at the same time. It will relieve you of your stress and fatigue and give you a new lease of life. What's more, it has no side effects, is natural, safe and the perfect prescription for good health.

Self Massage: Power Of Healing In Your Own Hands

You can massage any specific area that you feel is tense, such as the scalp, the back of the neck, temples, shoulders, hands, lower back, calves and feet. Self-massage is particularly helpful in relieving aches and pains accumulated during the day, such as headache or tired feet. It is better if you can work directly on the skin but it not necessary. Massaging while having a bath or watching television is ideal.


Here’s how you can massage different parts of your body:


1. Face massage:

Sit comfortably on a chair, preferably which has a back rest.
Hold your palms over your eyes for a few seconds.
Now move your hands up to your forehead and stroke firmly with your fingertips from the center outward.
Repeat this several times.
Place one or two fingertips on your temples and gently rub or use circular pressing movements.
After a few seconds on each spot, move your fingertips up or down or behind a little.
Repeat the movements.


2. Scalp and neck:

Spread out your fingertips over the scalp.
Press firmly and try to move your scalp.
Now place the middle three fingers of each hand on either side of the spine, starting just below the head, and firmly stroke outwards for a few seconds.
Move your fingertips lower down and repeat the movements until you have covered your entire neck.


3. Back:

Place your hand on either side of the lower back with the fingers first pointing downward and make deep stroking outward movements several times.
Repeat the process after moving your hands gradually upwards.
Use kneading movements and squeeze a small portion of areas of the right palm and wrist using squeezing movements.
Knead your fingers and thumb up or down.
Now turn the hand palm downwards and rub the knuckles and all the areas of your hand.
Repeat the movements as you move a little further up each time, thus covering the entire arm.
Repeat on the other side.


4. Legs and thighs:

Sit on the floor and bend your right knee with your foot resting firmly on the ground.
Start low down on the calf and work gradually upwards as far as you can go on the back of the thigh.
Stroke deeply upwards and downward with both hands.
Rub with the thumbs or fingertips to relieve localized tension.
Rub by moving the fingers and the thumb in the opposite direction.
Repeat on the other side.


5. Feet:

Rest your right ankle over your left knee.
Hold the foot in one hand and with the thumb of the other hand rub the entire sole, moving the thumb little by little after three to four seconds of rubbing over each spot.
In addition, give deep strokes with the heel of your right hand while supporting the foot in your left hand.
Grasp each toe between the thumb and the index finger.
Pull it outwards and stretch the muscles and tendons. Repeat on the other foot.
For the purpose of reducing stress, the most useful part of the body to concentrate on is the neck, shoulders and forehead.


6. Forehead:

Sit in a relaxed position.
Place the fingertips of your right hand on your right eyebrow.
Using good pressure, slowly slide your fingertips outward along each eyebrow until you reach the temple.
Using small circular movements, massage this area.
Bring fingertips back together and repeat the process, working your way up the forehead until you reach the hairline.
Finally spend a few minutes with your hands cupped over your eyes, with fingers resting on your overhead.


7. Neck & shoulders:

Sit in a relaxed position.
Place your right hand on your left shoulder.
Using a kneading action, massage your tense and knotty muscles in the neck and shoulder area.
Repeat several times.
Change arms and repeat on the other shoulder.
Again, using opposite hands and shoulders, place your right hand on the top of your left shoulder and make small circular movements with your fingertips on the back of your shoulder working outwards from the spine to the top of your arm.
Repeat several times and then change arms and repeat on the other shoulder.

Try any of these massages and rediscover that the power of healing lies in your own hands.