A Lesson in Acupressure Massage
Acupressure is an ancient Chinese healing method that involves applying pressure to certain meridian points on the body to relieve pain. The human body has fourteen "meridians" that carry energy throughout the body. These meridians start at the fingertips, connect to the brain, and then connect to the organ associated with the specific meridian.
Acupuncture and Acupressure use the same points, but acupuncture uses needles, while Acupressure uses the gentle but firm pressure of hands. There is a massive amount of scientific data that demonstrates why and how acupuncture is effective.
Acupressure is the most effective method for self-treatment of tension-related ailments by using the power and sensitivity of the human hand. Acupressure deals with all the aspects of a person as a whole: body, emotions, mind, and spirit as one, not as separate parts. It relaxes muscular tension and balances the vital life forces of the body.
Common Benefits:
• Relieve stress and tension
• Relax mind and body
• Increase blood circulation
• Aid in the removal of toxic wastes
• Provide relief from head, neck and shoulder aches
• Promote the healing of injuries
• Increase energy levels
• Increase overall feeling of well-being
• Decreasing labor pains
Acupressure uses the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body's natural self-curative abilities. When these points are pressed, they release muscular tension and promote the circulation of blood and the body's life force to aid healing.
Acupressure can be effective in helping relieve headaches, eyestrain, sinus problems, neck pain, backaches, arthritis, muscle aches, and tension due to stress. There are also great advantages to using Acupressure as a way to balance the body and maintain good health. The healing touch of acupressure reduces tension, increases circulation, and enables the body to relax deeply. By relieving stress, acupressure strengthens resistance to disease and promotes wellness.
Acupressure focuses on relieving pain and discomfort as well as on responding to tension before it develops into a "disease," that is, before the constrictions and imbalances can do further damage. By using a combination of self-help methods, you can improve your condition as well as feel more alive, healthy, and in harmony with your life.
This treatment involves stimulating the vital-energy points along the meridians on our body to effect maximum energy flow. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, there are over 800 vital energy points along the meridians that run from the head down to the heels, especially along either side of the spinal column. (The meridians connect the interior and exterior of the body). Every point has specific therapeutic effects on the related organ. By massaging these points, the corresponding body area receives specific therapeutic treatment. It can be used to treat internal organ diseases, relieve internal discomfort, and relax yourself; or to promote overall well-being of the body.
Western scientists have shown that many of these points are located at key crossways of the autonomic nervous system. This may explain in part why they can affect pain that the patient experiences in a part of the body far from where the pressure is applied.
It's important to drink plenty of warm water after the massage, to help clear away toxic substances in our body.
Caution: If you have a serious illness, or life-threatening illness such as heart disease, or cancer, please consult with your physician before practicing Acupressure.
http://www.herbalshop.com/Acupressure/Acupressure.html
What is Hot Stone Massage?
Typically a Hot Stone massage begins with a Swedish massage technique because it begins the process of loosening the muscles and allows oil to be applied, which makes the movement of the hot stones easier to glide along the skin. This massage can be very relaxing and the heat of the stones warms tightened muscles so the therapist can apply deep pressure and really relieve and loosen the muscle more quickly.
Hot stones were originally used by Native Americans who would warm the stones by fire and apply to the muscles to relieve soreness. This technique has been modified by a Tuscon, AZ massage therapist name Mary Neslon who created the technique of LaStone Therapy in 1993, which is now the technique that we know today as a Hot Stone massage. Many spas today offer their own unique version of the Hot Stone massage. This massage requires a lot of skill and sensitivity for the client. Please view the video on Hot Stone massage to learn about what to expect when receiving this treatment.
Please also visit http://video.about.com/spas/Hot-Stone-Massage.htm
to learn more about Hot Stone Massage Therapy.
Shiatsu Massage 101
Shiatsu is a Japanese holistic bodywork technique that means "finger pressure". It is a pressure technique that uses the fingers and palms along with the thumbs, elbows and knees. Unlike western massage it does not use any rubbing motions; and oils or lotions are not applied. In fact, this massage is often performed with the client's clothing on.
The Shiatsu massage stems from ancient Chinese medicine and acupuncture and was passed on to the Japanese culture at the turn of the 20th century. Instead of using fine needles as acupuncture is known for the therapist uses deep tissue finger pressure on the twelve body meridians. The Meridian System is essentially a pipeline of energy that flows throughout the the body from the scalp to the toes. This system provides life sustaining energy to every critical organ in the human body.
Shiatsu massage promotes health and strengthens the body's healing capabilities. It is a very relaxing experience that stimulates the circulatory, lymphatic and hormonal systems. This massage helps promote healing and helps with the following conditions:
Back pain
Headaches
Neck stiffness
Muscular tension
Joint pain
Sports injury
Depression
Anxiety
Menstrual pain
Digestive problems
You can also receive Shiatsu massage that target particular areas such as:
Shiatsu Neck and Shoulder Massage
Shiatsu Back Massage
Shiatsu Foot Massage
Zen Shiatsu Massage
I am so excited to give Shiatsu massage a try! And when I do I will report back on the experience. I have lots of pain in my shoulder and neck area so I am hoping the can Shiatsu-it out of me. Stay tune.
View this video to see the technique in action
An excellent website to learn more about the practice: http://www.topshiatsumassage.com/
