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Reflexology - Massage Techniques and Types

Monday, 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.

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Shiatsu Massage Chair and Relives Back Pain

Monday, 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.

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Benefits of Shiatsu Facial Massage

Monday, 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.

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Shiatsu Foot Massage Techniques and Benefits

Monday, March 23rd, 2009

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.

What does Shiatsu mean?

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.

What are the shiatsu foot massage techniques?

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.

Shiatsu Foot Massage Benefits

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.

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