Acupressure Massage: Study These Acupressure Points To Treat Certain Ailments

April 13th, 2009

Acupressure: An Ancient Healing Art

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: , , , , , ,
Posted in Massage Therapy | No Comments »

Reflexology - Massage Techniques and Types

March 23rd, 2009

What is reflexology?

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.

What is the principle of reflexology?

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.

Massage Therapy and Reflexology

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.

What are the benefits of reflexology massage therapy?

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.

What are the types of reflexology massage therapy?

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.

Resources:

  • Lifecell Skin Care - Lifecellanti wrinkle cream is the best all-in-one anti-aging solution to better skin, less wrinkles & more youthful appearance.
  • Defense Soap - Defense Soap is both an antibacterial soap and antifungal soap. When you use Defense Soap you not only use a 100 percent natural based soap but give the best protection to your body.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Massage Therapy | No Comments »

Shiatsu Massage Chair and Relives Back Pain

March 23rd, 2009

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.

Back Pain

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.

Resources:

Good specialist in Otolaryngology Dr. Charles Kimmelman specializes in the pillar procedure. Dr. Kimmelman was one of the first doctors to perform the pillar procedure to help patients in the NYC to stop snoring. Snoring cure also renders effective treatments to sleep apnea

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Massage Therapy | No Comments »

Benefits of Shiatsu Facial Massage

March 23rd, 2009

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.

What is a shiatsu facial massage?

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.

Benefits of a Shiatsu Facial Massage

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.

Resources:

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Massage Therapy | No Comments »

« Older Entries