Reflexology - Massage Techniques and Types

Reflexology has its origins in acupressure. This ancient therapy was very popular in ancient China. There are also artifacts that suggest that reflexology therapy was also popular in ancient Greece. Modern day reflexology was introduced by Dr. William Fitzgerald in the early 1900s.

According to the principle of reflexology the entire body is divided into ten zones. These zones correspond to various parts of the body such as the head, neck, chest, and digestive system. Each of these zones have corresponding reflexology pressure points. These pressure points are located on the hands, feet, and outer ear. When these pressure points are stimulated, they affect the corresponding reflex zone. For example, pressing the fingertips is said to stimulate the head, and can help to relieve headaches.

Reflexologists stimulate the various reflexology pressure points by massaging the reflexology pressure points. During a typical session of reflexology massage therapy, the therapist will first ascertain what your medical problems are. He or she will then stimulate the corresponding reflex zones by pressing the pressure points on your hands, feet, or outer ear. The massaging of these pressure points can be done using the thumb, fingers, or through the use of special reflexology instruments. There are special reflexology charts that show the location of these reflexology pressure points on the body.

Reflexology massage can be used to treat a variety of ailments including asthma, constipation, headaches, sinusitis, and pain and stiffness in the muscles and joints. In addition to treating common ailments, reflexology therapy can also be used to pep the functioning of the body’s vital organs. So even if you are not suffering from any ailments, a relaxing reflexology massage can do you a lot of good.

The most common form of reflexology massage therapy is the reflexology foot massage. This relaxing massage therapy not only helps to soothe aching feet, it also helps you to de-stress and promotes good health. If you are strapped for time and space, a relaxing reflexology hand massage is also a good option. This massage can be performed anywhere, while you are in office, commuting, or relaxing at home. Ear reflexology is not as popular as the other forms of reflexology because it requires precise application of pressure to the outer ear, due to the small area in which these reflex points are contained. It should only be attempted by an expert reflexologist.

Tags: massage therapy and reflexology, reflexology massage therapy, reflexology Pressure Points, reflexology therapy

This entry was posted on Monday, March 23rd, 2009 at 12:33 am and is filed under Massage Therapy. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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Shiatsu Foot Massage Techniques and Benefits

Standing on your own feet is an oft heard cliché which we may have heard at some time or the other. But in our ever so busy fast paced lives, we find no time to rest our weary feet. Here’s where shiatsu foot massage steps in. This massage will leave your feet revitalized.

Shiatsu means `finger pressure ‘in Japanese. This technique has been followed for centuries and is based on the philosophy that vital energy flows through various body points called meridians. The massage involves the use of fingers, thumbs, palms, elbows, knees, and feet to massage the body. Whenever blood circulation is stimulated through the process of massage, it releases essential nutrients and takes away the toxins. This purifies your systems and makes you feel refreshed.

Shiatsu foot massage therapy involves the application of pressure at the appropriate meridian points to promote the proper functioning of the related body systems. Initially, your feet are gently rubbed to loosen the feet and prepare them for a massage.

The feet are lightly stroked to induce the blood vessels to produce a little heat. This is called stroking, to get the blood flowing better. Then your ankles are massaged in a clockwise and anti clockwise direction to relax them. Your feet are then swiveled and pressure is applied to relieve fatigue in the ball of the foot. Knuckles are used from your heel to the toes in a kneading motion. To relax your toes the therapists will slip their fingers between two toes and pull them, squeeze them, and rotate them. There is yet another technique in which the therapist use their bare feet to massage your feet and the soles. For this you may have lie on a mattress. The therapists will stand with their back to you, placing their heel on your foot and their toes on the ground. They slowly work up to your toes.

To start with, the massage relaxes and revives your feet. It also reduces or puts off headaches. Eyes strain and stress are also lessened. It eases stomach aches and helps in improving the functioning of the kidneys, bladder, and the excretory system. It alleviates pain in the spine and improves posture. The massage stimulates the lymphatic system, thus clearing the toxins in your body. It also energizes the nerves that control the lungs and the complete bronchial system.

With all these benefits, you feel pampered and all the tensions melt away. Now, with zest and life in your feet, go ahead and stand on your own feet.

Tags: shiatsu foot massage, shiatsu foot massage benefits, shiatsu foot massage techniques, shiatsu foot massage therapy

This entry was posted on Monday, March 23rd, 2009 at 12:20 am and is filed under Massage Therapy. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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Shiatsu Massage Techniques and Benefits

Developed by the Chinese in around 530 BC, the Shiatsu massage technique evolved and later moved on to Japan, Southern Asia, and Korea, where it was predominantly practiced. Shiatsu is derived from the Japanese word `shi’ and `atsu’ literally meaning finger pressure. It does not stop with the use of finger pressure but also incorporates the use of thumbs, palms, knees, elbows, forearms, and feet. This massage technique is meant to unify the spiritual, philosophical, and medical aspects of its patients.

Shiatsu balances the body’s natural energy centers. It removes any blockages by applying pressure on the energy lines, or meridians, and promotes good health. It restores the normal flow of essential bio-energy in the body. The `chi’ brings in fresh, strong energy and bears away the spent energy along with the toxins. Shiatsu is done not only for relaxation but also to relieve a wide range of ailments and symptoms. Some of them are rheumatoid arthritis, muscle pain, migraine headaches, pregnancy, and ailments of the circulatory and digestive system.

A shiatsu massage therapist first makes diagnosis about how the energy flows, where it is blocked and where it is needed be released in your body. The therapeutic process begins with a gentle massage by stretching and manipulation of the skin to invigorate and relax the muscles. Gentle or high pressure may be used while massaging, but it is never painful. The session can last from four minutes to an hour.

When you go for a massage session, wear loose comfortable clothing such as linen or cotton. You may be asked to lie on a padded mat on the floor. It could also be a beaded mat or a futon. Allow yourself to relax and let the masseuse know about any medical conditions or areas of concern so that you can obtain the maximum benefit from the massage session.

Shiatsu stimulates blood circulation in the capillaries of the skin’s soft tissues, and excites the sebaceous glands keeping your skin soft and supple. When shiatsu massage is applied on the hands and legs it gets rid of the symptoms of arthritis and eases muscular pain. It also lessens migraine headaches. It aids women during labor and also inhibits menstrual pain. The massage assists in proper digestion of food and the removal of waste products.

Tags: shiatsu massage, Shiatsu massage benefits, Shiatsu Massage Techniques, shiatsu massage therapist, shiatsu massage therapy

This entry was posted on Monday, March 23rd, 2009 at 12:16 am and is filed under Massage Therapy. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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Baby Massage Therapy & Techniques

While baby massage has been prevalent in the East for centuries, the West is only now waking up to its therapeutic effects. There is no doubt that massage is a good therapy for infants, leading to improved physical, mental and emotional development.

There are many techniques and methods of massage, as there are various oils that are recommended.

Baby massage oil: Therapists recommend natural unscented vegetable oils for infant and baby massage. Olive oil and grape seed oil are popular across the world, while in India, mustard oil is usually the first choice. Creams, lotions and baby oils, containing mineral oils and chemicals, are best avoided. They can not only cause allergies, babies have a habit of putting their hands in their mouth, and licking these minerals can be harmful. While some therapists recommend essential oils because of their aroma and therapeutic benefits, others think it is best to avoid them, because their strong smells can be overpowering for a baby.

Baby massage techniques: There are many techniques for massaging a baby. But a baby is not particular whether you are using acupressure or a Swedish or a Kerela massage. For baby massage therapy, just use gentle strokes, and adjust the pressure of your hands according to the age of the infant.

• Use gentler strokes for a month-old baby than, for say, an eight-month old.

• The room must be pleasantly warm, because the baby will be unclothed and may catch a cold if the temperature is low.

• Keep all your massage related items – such as oil, towels, wipes - handy before you start the massage.

• Lay the baby down on a soft towel or blanket. You can use a table or you can even stretch out your legs and place the baby on it.

• Place the baby face up, on the surface of the massage area.

• You can use soft music for your massage therapy as this will help to create a calm and soothing atmosphere.

• Start by pouring about half a teaspoon of the oil on your palms and rubbing them gently together, before applying. The baby’s bare skin is very sensitive to heat and cold and rubbing your hands together warms them up.

• Baby massage therapists usually recommend starting from the head, using circular strokes of the hand on the chest and stomach, up-and-down strokes on the legs and arms, and upward strokes on the back.

• The massage should not last for more than 30 minutes, and you must stop even earlier, if you feel that baby is feeling uncomfortable for whatever reason.

Massaging your baby is one of the best therapies and promotes well-being. It is considered by many to be as important as any nutrients and food, so try to do it every day.

Tags: baby massage, baby massage oil, baby massage techniques, baby massage therapist, baby massage therapy

This entry was posted on Thursday, March 19th, 2009 at 5:27 am and is filed under Massage Therapy. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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Benefits of Amma Massage Therapy

Origin: Amma Massage is a very ancient therapeutic form of massage which is more than 5000 years old. It has its foundation in traditional Chinese medicine. Amma is actually a very old Chinese word, which means ‘push-pull’ (am-ma). It has been adapted as Amma Massage Therapy, and is practiced in China, Japan, as well as in the West, one such place being Bethesda.

Principles: According to ancient Chinese medicine, Qi or Chi, is the life force flowing through our entire body. When this flow is interrupted or blocked for any reason, the person suffers from some ailment or disease. The aim of Amma Massage is to remove these blockages by applying pressure at specific points (just like in acupuncture), in order to re-start the smooth flow of chi, so that the person becomes healthy again.

Benefits: Amma Massage Therapy has proved beneficial in preventing and treating diabetes, arthritis, sprains, hypertension, chronic fatigue, gastrointestinal and circulatory ailments, neuromuscular disorders, respiratory diseases such as asthma and bronchitis, as well as auto-immune diseases such as scleroderma. It also benefits those with back pain, headaches, insomnia, irritable bowel, edema, while being effective in cases of infertility and for reducing stress and anxiety. It also helps to build and fortify the immune system and so results in a reduction of health problems.

Some massage therapists also claim that they have used these techniques effectively in cancer treatment.

Many hospitals also provide Amma Therapy as an additional holistic treatment along with allopathic treatment.

Principles: Amma Massage therapists use a combination of stroking, stretching, kneading, vibrating, pressing and tapping on the 361 pressure points of the body in order to remove the blockages and restart the free flow of chi. While the therapist relies mainly on the strength and sensitivity of their hands, in some case they may also use their elbows, arms, feet and knees for the massage.

Diagnosis: A good practitioner will carry out a thorough assessment to diagnose the specific ailment. They will enquire as to what the patient likes or dislikes, diet, bowel movement. They will feel the pulse, observe complexion, and even the smell and color of the tongue.

After the diagnosis is over, the patient changes into loose clothing and undergoes a massage session of approximately one hour.

Amma massage goes beyond mere massage - the therapist also makes various dietary and nutritional recommendations, along with exercise requirements.

Bethesda in Washington DC offers certified and licensed professionals, with massages tailored for each individual.

Tags: amma massage, amma massage bethesda, amma massage therapy, amma massage therapy bethesda

This entry was posted on Thursday, March 19th, 2009 at 5:23 am and is filed under Massage Therapy. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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Benefits of Baby Massage

In Asia, the benefits of baby massage have been recognized for thousands of years. Sometimes a maid is employed for this purpose, but now, more and more mothers, and fathers too, prefer to do it themselves. Every day a time is set aside for the infant to be gently with oil.

Bonding: First and foremost, massaging helps to increase bonding between parent and baby. Bonding is not an automatic process; it is created day after day, and the best way is interaction through this non-verbal language of touch, which is one of the major senses. This also sets up a channel of body communication, and many experts feel that babies who have been massaged since birth have better communication skills. As the mother spends time massaging her baby, both get to know each other better.

Relaxation: Baby massage benefits also include a feeling of relaxation, not just for the baby, but also for the parent. Although we may think that a baby’s life is the ultimate in relaxation, the transition from a warm, dark and tranquil womb to an outside world full of light and sound can be quite stressful. Massage helps to relax the muscles, and when done on a regular basis, ensures restful and longer sleep at night. Blood pressure and heart rate too slow down and stabilize with a massage, helping the baby to relax. Stroking and touching also releases a feel-good chemical called oxytocin, which benefits and de-stresses the parent as well as the baby.

Stimulation: Another infant massage benefit is that it also provides stimulation for the baby. While certain muscles need to be relaxed, there are some muscles which need to be stimulated for better performance. Some babies have poor circulatory systems and their hands and feet are always cold. A few minutes of gentle massage helps to increase blood flow, warm them up and make them more comfortable.

Better digestion: Massage also benefits the baby by stimulating their digestive system. A gentle massage encourages the expulsion of colicky gas and can provide immense relief.

Relief from pain is another benefit of baby massage. Other than colic pains, there can be other pains which parents could be unaware of and massage provides relief from these.

Weight gain: Baby massage has also been known to result not only in resistance to disease, but also in weight gain and is thus especially beneficial for pre-term or underweight infants.

Tags: baby massage benefits, benefits of baby massage, benefits of infant massage, infant massage benefits, the benefits of infant massage

This entry was posted on Thursday, March 19th, 2009 at 5:30 am and is filed under Massage Therapy. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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Acupressure Massage: Study These Acupressure Points To Treat Certain Ailments

Acupressure is an ancient healing art. Acupressure techniques were first practiced in India and China. Practitioners apply pressure by using their fingers, thumbs or elbows, (and sometimes even simple tools such as a pencil or metal ball), on certain acupressure points, in order to relieve pain or to treat certain ailments.

According to ancient Oriental medicine, the body’s health is based on the smooth flow of Qi (energy) through channels which run below the surface of the skin. These channels are called Meridians, and each is linked to a specific organ, such as heart, liver and kidneys.  Each Meridian also has pressure points called acu-points located on them.

When these Meridians are blocked, free flow of Qi is not possible, leading to various health problems. Depending upon the ailment, practitioners diagnose which Meridian is affected and apply pressure on that related acu-point, in order to relieve the congestion. Pressure is applied either by massaging or by pressing or vibrating for about 10 minutes.

Sometimes, they may even squeeze, tap or rub that spot. This technique is called acupressure massage therapy or Shiatsu, and is completely non-invasive.


The number of acupressure points in the body number more than 300, and it is very important for practitioners to study these acupressure points charts, in order to effectively diagnose and treat the problem.

Benefits of acupressure:

Acupressure massage therapy improves circulation of blood, which helps to flush out toxins, and increase absorption of oxygen and nutrients.Back aches, headache, tension, stress and anxiety benefit greatly by the practice of acupressure.Acupressure weight loss is another facet of this treatment. Acupressure is applied to the relevant points connected to the hands, feet, body, ears, kidney, intestines and adrenal glands.

This helps to relieve water-retention, curb excessive appetite and aid proper elimination of food and toxins.Maternity acupressure is another aspect which is gaining increasing popularity. Nausea, an unwelcome part of most pregnancy, can be significantly reduced by applying acupressure on the specific acu-points located on the wrist.

Other acu-points can be massaged to activate the immune system, which is essential for the continued good health of the mother and fetus.Another aspect of maternity acupressure is labor acupressure. Tests have proved that acupressure helps in quicker deliveries, because it helps to stimulate labor contractions, helps the cervix to dilate and the baby to descend.

Many expectant mothers prefer to take recourse to acupressure in order to relieve pain during child-birth, rather than take medicines.In all cases, it is advisable to go to an experienced and skilled practitioner. If you wish to practice it on yourself, study the pressure point chart carefully. Pressure must not be applied for too long. Stop immediately if you feel any pain or soreness.

Tags: acupressure massage, acupressure points, acupressure points charts, acupressure techniques, acupressure weight loss, labor acupressure, maternity acupressure


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Benefits of Shiatsu Facial Massage

The face that launched a thousand ships, a famous figure of speech, would leave us craving for some such splendor in us. However, with the strain and stress that we go through each day in addition to the pollutants in our environment, having healthy skin seems more impossible each day. Fortunately, a shiatsu facial massage can ensure not only improved skin tone but also rejuvenates and relaxes facial stress.

In Japanese, `Shi’ means fingers and `atsu’ means pressure. This massage technique is exceptionally effective for achieving glowing, healthy, and younger-looking skin. The therapist uses his or her fingers, thumbs, and palms to loosen up tension. The massage also enhances blood circulation and replenishes the skin. A facial massage involves a blend of mild strokes applied on the face and neck region. It should be noted that no oils or lotions are used in this type of a massage.

The mild strokes applied by the therapist restore the flow of vital energy and correct imbalances within the skin.
Apart from the obvious cosmetics benefits of a facial massage, such as younger-looking, softer, healthier, and glowing skin, a shiatsu facial massage also helps alleviate health problems related to the face area. However, the most significant benefit of a shiatsu facial massage is the total relaxation of the mind and body that one experiences during and after the session.

A shiatsu facial massage also helps in enhancing blood flow to the face area, thereby improving skin tone. The mild, circular strokes help in relaxing the face and eye muscles, which, in turn, relieve stress and ease eye strain and stiffness of the neck. Shiatsu facial massages are also known to be extremely beneficial for people suffering from insomnia; this is because they reduce nervous tension and alleviate anxiety and its related symptoms.

Since a shiatsu massage ensure that all the trigger points are massaged correctly, it also helps in treating nasal congestion. In fact, this kind of massage has been known to be extremely effective for people affected by sinus problems.
Strangely, a shiatsu facial massage also improves and restores the functioning of the liver and gall bladder.

The benefits of a shiatsu facial massage are multi-fold; in fact, by applying pressure to the key trigger points, a facial massage of this kind can ensure that you remain stress-free, completely relaxed, younger-looking, and above all, healthy.

Tags: eye muscles, nasal congestion, shiatsu facial massage, sinus problems, total relaxation

This entry was posted on Monday, March 23rd, 2009 at 12:25 am and is filed under Massage Therapy. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
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How to Do Reflexology Foot Massage

Relaxing and invigorating, a foot massage is what we all need at the end of a hard day at work. Perfect for draining away the tensions and relaxing the body, a foot massage can be done at home on a personal level or can be administered by a trained therapist. When it is administered by a trained therapist, it is known as reflexology, and it is more than just a massage. Reflexology foot massage is about pressure therapy and is done by applying pressure at reflex points in the foot to prevent diseases or heal the body.

Foot reflexology is based on the belief that the reflex points or the nerve zones go all the way from the bottom of the feet to the top of the head, connecting all the vital organs. An expert in reflexology can put pressure or massage the various meridians on the sole as well as on the side of the feet to tackle the root cause of the illness.

Ambience: Ideally reflexology feet massage is done in a relaxing environment. The person should be comfortably seated or can recline on a sofa or a divan, without his/her shoes and socks. Soft meditation music and a calm environment are beneficial. It is necessary for the feet of the patient to be clean and dry. A foot soak is a good idea before beginning. Massage can be done with aromatic essential oils diluted in massage oils.

Stroking: This is a technique that stimulates the blood vessels in the feet and can induce warmth. In this, the therapist holds the foot and massages the top part, using his/her thumbs to make slow, stroking motions. He/she starts from the toes and moves to the ankles, and then reverses the process. Then the same process is done on the soles.
Ankle rotation: In this, the therapist will move the ankles from side to side to loosen the joints of the ankle. Then he holds the heel in a cupping motion and the ball of the foot in the other hand. Then the foot is rotated clockwise and anticlockwise a few times to de-stress the senses.

Pivoting: In this, the therapist gently massages the area below the toe, and then rolls the big toe back and forth.
Kneading: The therapist uses his finger tips to knead the sole back and forth, and then he kneads the knuckles at the joints.

Finger Walking: In this the therapist visualizes the foot as a few squares and walks his fingers horizontally.
You can use various ‘tools’ to give a reflexology foot massage. These include reflexology mats, gloves, reflexology foot chart, socks, hand and foot reflexology charts and reflexology kits.
Tags: foot reflexology, hand and foot reflexology chart, reflexology feet, reflexology foot chart, reflexology foot massage
This entry was posted on Thursday, March 19th, 2009 at 5:20 am and is filed under Massage Therapy. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
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Shiatsu Massage Chair and Relives Back Pain

Over the years, shiatsu massage has become popular as an effective and beneficial massage therapy. Having its origins in the Chinese art of acupuncture, in a shiatsu massage pressure is applied to the trigger points by using either the finger or the thumb. This kind of massage is widely used owing to its numerous benefits both for the body and mind. In particular, the shiatsu back massage relieves back pain, relaxes muscles, eases shoulder strain, and improves flexibility.
Perhaps, the first shiatsu massage chair was made in Japan. In fact, shiatsu was probably the first massage therapy that was successfully available as a massage chair. A shiatsu massage therapist essentially massages the trigger points located in the body so as regulate the energy flow; this is turn results in relaxation and rejuvenation. Similarly, a shiatsu massage chair has components that are able to apply pressure on the trigger points of the body, stimulating the muscles and reducing soreness.

A shiatsu massage involves different kinds of techniques to apply pressure to the trigger points; this allows the pressure level and type to be changed depending on the individual’s needs. A shiatsu massage chair is installed with software in which one can feed in requirements. The components that are installed in the shiatsu back massage cushion then apply pressure based on the information provided.

Shiatsu massage chairs are ideal for those who work long hours and suffer from increased anxiety and stress. The massage action of the chair smoothens out all knots in the muscles, reducing pain and alleviating tension. In fact, with today’s technological advancements, most back massage chairs are crafted such that the thumbs and fingers on the chair can provide excellent coverage and feel very similar to human touch.

The most significant benefit of a shiatsu massage chair is that it helps to alleviate back pain, apart from relaxing and refreshing the mind and body. Sitting back in the chair and allowing the robotic thumbs and fingers to apply pressure to the key points on your back is the perfect way to relieve strain and reduce stress. Moreover, since the massage chairs can be programmed to suit your needs, you can manipulate the pressure as well as the kind of action that is performed. Shiatsu back massage chairs have become widely popular for treating back pain and back related problems owing to their superior quality and versatility.

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