Tag: Massage Therapy

Massage Oils Provide a Therapeutic Effect

Massage therapists know best. They make use of special massage oils to bring forth the feeling of rejuvenation that each and everyone asks for.

The Benefit of the Oils as Employed in Massage Therapy

As used in the science of massage therapy, the oils are the best additions to a relaxing and healing experience. They don’t only bring you into such a relaxing state in the course of the massage session but they trigger healing, so to speak. There is nothing new in the use of oil because it has been practiced since time immemorial. In fact, the great men Plato, Homer, and Socrates had mentioned in their writings the benefits of the oils in assisting in the relief of body pain. The latter is also one of the main reasons why oils are utilized during the execution of massage. Other benefits of which include the enhancement of the skin condition and of course, the improvement of the overall health.

Selecting the Type of Oil to Use

Is there a particular guideline in selecting the oil to be used during the therapy itself? Well, it is best to remember that people’s skin type varies. One kind of oil may be safe for one but it may irritate another person’s sensitive skin. There are also individuals who may not find the scent too pleasing to their sense of smell.

More so, when choosing the oil it is important to get those that are expeller-pressed or cold-pressed. They have gone through an extensive processing so they are known to last longer. Likewise, you may combine the essential oils of your choice but just ensure that they will produce a good scent. Your massage therapist is likely to ask you of your preferred combination.
Different Types of Oil to Use

For massage therapy, you have a wide range of options. Stated below are the various oils that are commonly used.

The sweet almond oil bears the anti-inflammatory components. It is light and applicable generally for many skin types. It works best for people who have dry skin.

The apricot kernel oil is known to employ balance in the skin. It heals the prematurely aging skin too.

The avocado oil is defined as heavy so it is important to dilute it in lighter oil.

The Castor oil is sticky and thick yet is best in drawing out the toxins. It is best used to treat the scar tissue.

Coconut oil has to be warmed first. It treats cracked skin.

Emu oil is good for sore muscles, arthritis, eczema, and bruising.

Grapeseed oil is safe to use because of its non-allergenic components.

Jojoba oil and kukui nut oil contain anti-bacterial elements.

Olive oil provides relief to stiffness due to its warming effect.

The wheat germ oil is high in vitamin E component as well as in the essential fatty acids. It aids in the healing of scar tissue, stretch marks, sun damaged skin, in improving the circulation of the blood, and in treating the symptoms of dermatitis.

Holy oil is best recognized for its molecular structure. It goes deep into the skin.

Hazelnut oil is a best moisturizer which tightens and tones the skin while assisting in the regeneration of the cells and enhancing the capillaries.

Massage oils are simply therapeutic. They don’t only soothe your tired and tight muscles but they are also able to make you feel better emotionally and mentally.

How Massage Therapy Benefits Autistic Children

The massage therapy is a well-loved session of many. Celebrities, public officials, workers, students, and people from all walks of life succumb to their cravings to experience the soothing effect that massage promotes. Imagine a day of hard work, stress, and pressure. Wouldn’t it feel so nice to be subjected to the therapeutic human touch? However, it has been found out that massage doesn’t only benefit the normal individuals. Studies show how helpful and therapeutic it can be to the autistic children. This may be new to you but it is a fact. After all, these children also deserve the best that life may offer.

Autism Explained

Autism is a kind of brain disorder which normally gets tracked when the child is aged 2. The symptoms become recognizable at such a tender age basically because he falls short in developing the language along with the pertinent social interaction skills. Children should be able to start saying a few words and socializing. If they don’t, then there is a reason for the parents to start panicking. Among the common indicators of autism are withdrawal from the surrounding people and some other abnormal behaviors. There are some people who believe that this is a circumstance that can be cured while some strongly refuse to accept this possibility. Whatever is the case, concerned parents normally travel far and wide to discover the proper alternatives and treatment to address such condition.

Autism’s Impact on Parent-Child Relationship

There is nothing more painful for the parents than to see their children being heaped on with a very challenging disorder. They usually end up thinking that their children are innocent and that they don’t deserve it. Who deserves such illness after all? It is truly heartbreaking. A child who is said to be autistic fails to understand the difference between what is acceptable and what is not. He is unable to express his thoughts and feelings by means of words, gestures, or even facial expressions. He has his own world wherein no one can penetrate. Thus, there is no parent-child relationship that gets bonded.

Again, studies reveal that an autistic child can get attached to his parents yet he fails to react and respond properly. Many of these unfortunate children are even confronted with the tactile and sensory issues so they don’t readily respond to the sounds, sights, touches, and smells. They often seem oblivious with what is going on.

The Role of Massage in Cases of Autism

A large number of autistic children are being subjected to the therapeutic method of massage. In fact, many therapists and parents are finding out good results so far. These children react positively to massage and they are able to establish their connection to their parents because they love being touched by them. However, there is an exception. Not all autistic children respond in a similar way.

It is advisable that parents learn the basic techniques and a lot other methods which they may use prior to starting with the massage session. The mood of the child has to be set by letting the word “massage” sink into his consciousness. It has been discovered that those children who are given the therapy show lesser unacceptable behavior and are turning socially attentive. They are less likely to withdraw from their environment too.

Autism may be very frustrating but give the massage therapy a chance too. It can do wonders on the child.

The Soothing Secrets of Massage Oil

What is massage? What is the essence of using massage oil? By and large, massage involves the techniques of kneading or rubbing the body parts by means of the use of either lotion or oil. These mediums help in stimulating the nerves, improving the blood circulation, and in relaxing the muscles. Known to be therapeutic, massage is practiced in every part of the world. It is known to bring about peace of mind and emotion apart from the physical benefits that it provides. Massage therapy, as it is often addressed, promotes a healing effect that lets go of stress. To further contribute to an overall healing effect to the body, mind, and heart, special oils are utilized.

Each of the oils contain their special properties. Some of them are comprised of the calming properties, relaxing properties, erotic properties, and of course, the healing properties.

The Breakdown of the Different Types of Oil
For the most common and general problems related to the health, the following types of oil are used:
The apricot kernel oil is best for stress reduction because it produces such a relaxing state for the mind and body to enjoy.

The olive oil is used for stiffness remedy. It is also recognized to improve the skin and complexion.
The borage massage oil is used to treat psoriasis and eczema.
The kukui nut oil and almond oil both contain the anti-inflammatory properties.
The emu oil is practical to use to cure joint pain, arthritis, and back pain.

If the main aim of the massage is to enliven some erotic passion, the aromatherapy oils stated below must be utilized. They are further known as the aromatherapy oils that awaken the sensual side. They act like aphrodisiacs since their properties are able to provoke the pituitary glands. It is highly advised to blend the oils that suit your taste.
Rose and chocolate scents
Jasmine
Ylang Ylang
Sage
Patchouli

For tantric massage, the following oils are advisable. They are recognized for their aphrodisiac, numbing, calming, and drowsy effects.
Ginger
Black Pepper
Geranium
Fennel
Pine
Juniper
Rosemary
Sandalwood

Massage Therapy and Aromatherapy
When combined, massage therapy and aromatherapy are able to generate exemplary effects in taking off stress, relaxing, and stimulating a good mood. In fact, the massage that is employed with some exotic and sweet oils are essential in setting a romantic and sensual mood. All that has to be done is to prepare the essential oils along with the rest of the necessary props and background to elaborate on the sweet and very romantic atmosphere.

Other Benefits of Massage
Apart from relaxing the entire body, massage is also helpful in weight loss, hair loss, and pain relief. Head massage is meant to enhance the blood circulation within the scalp. The full body massage aids in fighting off depression, soaring high blood pressure, infertility, back problems, diabetes, and in boosting the immune system. There is no doubt, massage is truly therapeutic!

Parting Words
It is necessary though that you find out if the massage oil may cause you or your partner some allergic reactions. If you are going to work on your own recipe, be sure to mix those oils that are safe for the skin type of the recipient. Furthermore, it is always soothing to experience the benefits of massage therapy.

The Common Types of Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is a science of healing that has been existing for several hundreds of years now. This is the typical resort of people who want to be free from their daily stressors. People from all walks of life see this as an ultimate solution to their aching muscles and as an escape from the pressure which their busy lifestyle imposes on them. For sure you have already tried one after the other. In reality, there are more than eighty recognized kinds but this article is about to cover ten of the popularly used types of massage therapy. Read on and find out what they are and what they are comprised of.

The first one is called the Swedish massage. This is a typical find in the United States. It is known to be done in such a relaxing and gentle way. With this kind of massage therapy, the masseur or masseuse makes use of the long strokes that are basically made up of the circular and kneading movements on the muscles by using either oil or lotion for a more relaxing effect.

The next one is termed as Aromatherapy. This is the term used simply because the professional masseur or masseuse uses one or more of the known scented plant oils in the execution of the massage session. You will be asked to choose the oil of course. Among the many plant oils, the lavender is one of the most sought-after because of its recognized effect in the alleviation of stress, both physically and emotionally.

Have you heard of the hot stone massage? Well, this is another kind. With this, smooth stones are heated and then placed on particular points of the body which need to loosen up the tight muscles. The stones also help in balancing the energy centers of the body. If you experience muscle tensions, you may request the professional to apply some gentle pressure.

The deep tissue massage is known to heal the deeper muscle layers and the connective tissues. Slow strokes are used across the muscles. The strategy is also referred to as the friction technique. This kind is employed on people who experience painful or chronically tight muscles, repetitive muscle strain, problems with the posture, and to help those who are recuperating from serious injuries.

Then you also have the Japanese massage therapy that is called Shiatsu. This therapy utilizes the localized finger pressure following some rhythmic sequence as what is done in acupuncture. The points are held for about 2 up to 8 seconds because the massage is meant to enhance the energy flow within the body.

Thai massage actually resembles Shiatsu in such a way that it re-aligns the energy in the body by applying the gentle pressure on some points. Stretches and compressions are done as different postures are followed.

The pregnancy massage is perfect for the expecting women. It is crafted to lessen swelling, aches, stress, depression, and anxiety.

Reflexology or foot massage includes the use of pressure as applied to particular areas on the foot. The practitioners believe that every point on the foot is associated with an organ in the body.

Sports massage is used on the athletes who need to get their physical injuries treated and prevented.

The back massage is of course another popular one. It is applied to relieve the tension in the back as caused by improper posture, lifting of heavy objects, and long sitting.

There you go with the types of massage therapy. Choose one which best applies to you!