Managing by Massage

The next part of Holistic treatments that I want to address is Massage. Massage is muscle manipulation, and it includes many types, such as acupressure, reflexology, polarity, effleurage, stroking, kneading, friction, rocking and others. Massage is used to stimulate circulation, reduce stress, increase suppleness and ultimately promote relaxation. Below are descriptions of some of the many types available.

Acupressure is an ancient Chinese technique that is based upon the theory that there are pressure points (called meridians) on the body and these points correspond to organs in the body. When pressure is applied to these points the energy pathways are stimulated and the corresponding organ and the connecting muscles are encouraged to relax.

The Alexander Technique is a bodywork system that is meant to improve posture and correct bad (physical) habits that cause stress on the body. It was named after its creator, F.M. Alexander, an Australian, in the 1890's.

Cranial Massage is the soothing manipulation of the pressure points of the spine, head, neck, and shoulders. It is meant to improve the floe of the cerebral spinal fluid through the nervous system, thereby relieving teeth grinding, headaches and back problems.

Effleurage is a massage term that is used to describe a long stroking motion that is intended to calm the nervous system.

In Energy Balancing, a powerful current of healing energy comes through the therapist's hands to heal areas of illness and injury. This technique is said to clear and charge the seven major chakras and auric the body.

Esalen Massage is a more modern variation of the Swedish massage. Its focus is on creating deep states of relaxation, beneficial states of consciousness and a general well-being. Developed by the Esalen Institute of Big Sur, California, unlike the Swedish massge, this massage is not focused on the relieving of muscle tension or increased circulation, it is more rhythmic and hypnotic and focuses on the mind/body as a whole. The Swedish massage, by contrast, is more brisk and focuses on the body.

Foot/Hand Reflexology is a technique which divides the body into ten zones which correspond with a specific reflex area on the foot or hand. When you apply pressure to a particular massage point on the foot or hand it helps circulation, promotes relaxation, and releives pain in one of these ten body zones.

Gommage is a cleansing and rehydrating treatment that utilizes creams which are applied to the body in long, massage type movements.

Developed by Joseph Heller, Hellerwork is a system of deep-tissue body work to reduce stress and offer movement re-education.

Hydrotherapy is one of the oldest methods known to man. It refers to all water treatments such as underwater massages, hot and cold showers, mineral baths and jet sprays, for example. These help in the healing process of almost any ailment as they provide both stimulation and relaxation at the same time.

Jin Shin Jyutsu is a gentle Japanese massage. This technique is based upon synchronizing the pulses in two body parts (called meridians), which then releases the body's natural pain relievers and rejuvinates the immune system.

Lomi-Lomi is a Hawaiian massage that utilizes a rythmical rocking method.

Lymph Drainage utilizes a gentle and pulsating massage or pressure to specific areas of the body which are located around the lynph nodes and toward the heart. It is used extensively for the head, neck, and shoulders during facials, and is meant to increase the lymphatic flow, which in turn increases the body's internal cleasing, aka toxin drainage.

Myofacial Release restores proper function and bio-mechanics to the body's facial system through manipulation of its soft tissue.

Pfrimmer Therapy, developed by Therese Pfrimmer, is a technique that is designed to stimulate circulation and regenerate lymphatic flow in order to detoxify and oxyginate stagnant tissues by manipulating deep tissues.

Founded by osteopath Dr. Randolf Stone, Polarity therapy is a massage technique that combines deep pressure massage with gentle stretching and rocking which is used to achieve correct body alignment

Reflexology is a system of massage specifically for the feet and hands . It promotes healing, improves circulation, and relieves stress in other parts of the body.

Reiki, while not a massage, involves touch so I will include it here. In Reiki, the therapist places their hands on (or just above) 12 areas of the body. The hands gently rest on (or over) each area for 3-5 minutes without any manipulation at all. It is an erergetic approach to healing and is meant to induce a deep relaxation by creating a nurturing and calming effect.

Rocking is a massage technique where where the hands gently rock or shake the body back and forth.

Created by Ida Rolf, the Rolling technique is an intensive, oft times painful, massage that is used to realign the skeletal structure, improve the energy flow and relieve stress caused by emotional trauma.

The Russian massage technique requires percise angels for the muscles and joints deep-tissue massage. It stretches the muscles out.

Shiatsu is a Japanese massage technique where gentle pressure is applied to the meridian points of the nervous system's energy paths. It balances and revitalizes the immune and the endocrine systems of the body and stabilizes its energy flow.

Sports massage is a deep tissue massage used for treating specific muscle groups. It is often utilized around the joints.

Structural Integration utilizes the manipulation of deep and superficial connection tissue in addition to movement education. It is a system that relieves the patterns of stress and impaired body functioning due to poor posture, acute or chronic conditions (such as low back pain, neck or shoulder injury).

Swedish massage is a European technique that has been around since the late 18th century. It combines many massage techniques, including, stroking, kneading, manipulation, and tapping of the muscle tissue. This massage is meant to increase the flow of the venous blood from the extremeties, thereby shortening the recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissues of lactic and uric acid, and other metobolic waste. It increases circulation without increasing the workload of the heart, relaxes muscles, and improves overall circulation.

Tapotment is a massage that involves a light, steady tapping that causes a slight vibration of the muscles.

Vodder Massage was developed in 1950 by Emile Vodder, a Danish born man. It involves manual drainage of lymph.

Watsu is an underwater Shiatsu massage.

Zen Shiatsu is a Japanese art that utilizes acupressure (finger pressure) to unblock and release energy channels, producing a generilzed well-being.

Electrotherapy Treatments utilize short waves, ultrasound, infrared rays and various other forms of electricity for its results.

Now that you have the basics of massage, next posting will be all about Herbal Treatments

What's That Touch?

Does the winter gray and cold have you down? Why not set some time aside and treat yourself to a home spa treatment? Look in the back posts and you will find detailed instructions for the ultimate home therapy day, including which essential oils to use for what! There are many treatments and forms of therapies, and some overlap into more than one category. I am going to try and break these into managable segments, but you will need to bear with me as I create my own categories and try to decide which is most appropriate for each therapy. As I mentioned, some will probably fit into more than one, but for now, I am going to begin with ones that require body manipulation/touch of some kind, meaning mainly massage types. No matter how they are divided, you need to understand the basics before you can decide what you want to try, and what may work for your needs. I strongly encourage you to be bold and adventuresome, to try something new. You never know when that new thing may become your next favorite thing!

Massage/Body Manipulation

• Acupressure is an ancient Chinese technique that is based upon the theory that there are pressure points (called meridians) on the body and these points correspond to organs in the body. When pressure is applied to these points the energy pathways are stimulated and the corresponding organ and the connecting muscles are encouraged to relax.
• Acupuncture is an ancient Asian technique that also targets the energy meridians, but this one utilizes ultra fine needles. It is used to relieve arthritic, urological and muscular tensions.
• Electro-Acupuncture utilizes low voltage electrical current instead of the fine needles, but operates under the same principles.
• The Alexander Technique is a bodywork system that is meant to improve posture and correct bad (physical) habits that cause stress on the body. It was named after its creator, F.M. Alexander, an Australian, in the 1890's.
• Cranial Massage is the soothing manipulation of the pressure points of the spine, head, neck, and shoulders. It is meant to improve the floe of the cerebral spinal fluid through the nervous system, thereby relieving teeth grinding, headaches and back problems.
• Effleurage is a massage term that is used to describe a long stroking motion that is intended to calm the nervous system.
• Electrotherapy Treatments utilize short waves, ultrasound, infrared rays and various other forms of electricity for its results.
• In Energy Balancing, a powerful current of healing energy comes through the therapist's hands to heal areas of illness and injury. This technique is said to clear and charg the seven major chakras and auric the body.
• Esalen Massage is a more modern variation of the Swedish massage. Its focus is on creating deep states of relaxation, beneficial states of consciousness and a general well-being. Developed by the Esalen Institute of Big Sur, California, unlike the Swedish massge, this massage is not focused on the relieving of muscle tension or increased circulation, it is more rhythmic and hypnotic and focuses on the mind/body as a whole. The Swedish massage, by contrast, is more brisk and focuses on the body.
• Fango Therapy combines hot parafin wax and natural volcanic ash which is then used to cover the whole body or just some parts. Fango is the Italian word for mud and it is used to increase muscle and joint mobility, promote relaxation, and allieviate aches and pains due to illness or injury.
• The Feldenkrais Method, a movement therapy, utilizes gental muscle manipulation to help program them to work more effeciantly. Subtle changes are introduced to the client through touch in an effort to break up old patterning. This system was developed by a Russian born Israeli educator, Mosche Feldenkrais.
• Foot/Hand Reflexology is a technique which divides the body into ten zones which correspond with a specific reflex area on the foot or hand. When you apply pressure to a particular massage point on the foot or hand it helps circulation, promotes relaxation, and releives pain in one of these ten body zones.
• Gommage is a cleansing and rehydrating treatment that utilizes creams which are applied to the body in long, massage type movements.
• Developed by Joseph Heller, Hellerwork is a system of deep-tissue body work to reduce stress and offer movement re-education.
• Hydrotherapy is one of the oldest methods known to man. It refers to all water treatments such as underwater massages, hot and cold showers, mineral baths and jet sprays, for example. These help in the healing process of almost any ailment as they provide both stimulation and relaxation at the same time.
• Jin Shin Jyutsu is a gentle Japanese massage. This technique is based upon synchronizing the pulses in two body parts (called meridians), which then releases the body's natural pain relievers and rejuvinates the immune system.
• Lomi-Lomi is a Hawaiian massage that utilizes a rythmical rocking method.
• Lymph Drainage utilizes a gentle and pulsating massage or pressure to specific areas of the body which are located around the lynph nodes and toward the heart. It is used extensively for the head, neck, and shoulders during facials, and is meant to increase the lymphatic flow, which in turn increases the body's internal cleasing, aka toxin drainage.
• Massage is muscle manipulation and includes many types, such as acupressure, reflexology, polarity, effleurage, stroking, kneading, friction, rocking and others. Massage is used to stimulate circulation, reduce stress, increase suppleness and relaxation.
• Myofacial Release restores proper function and bio-mechanics to the body's facial system through soft tissue manipulation.
• Pfrimmer Therapy, developed by Therese Pfrimmer, is a technique that is designed to stimulate circulation and regenerate lymphatic flow in order to detoxify and oxyginate stagnant tissues by manipulating deep tissues.
• Founded by osteopath Dr. Randolf Stone, Polarity therapy is a massage technique that combines deep pressure massage with gentle stretching and rocking which is used to achieve correct body alignment
• Reflexology is a system of massage specifically for the feet and hands . It promotes healing, improves circulation, and relieves stress in other parts of the body.
• Reiki, while not a massage, involves touch so I will include it here. In Reiki, the therapist places their hands on (or just above) 12 areas of the body. The hands gently rest on (or over) each area for 3-5 minutes without any manipulation at all. It is an erergetic approach to healing and is meant to induce a deep relaxation by creating a nurturing and calming effect.
• Rocking is a massage technique where where the hands gently rock or shake the body back and forth.
• Created by Ida Rolf, the Rolling technique is an intensive, oft times painful, massage that is used to realign the skeletal structure, improve the energy flow and relieve stress caused by emotional trauma.
• The Russian massage technique requires percise angels for the muscles and joints deep-tissue massage. It stretches the muscles out.
• Shiatsu is a Japanese massage technique where gentle pressure is applied to the meridian points of the nervous system's energy paths. It balances and revitalizes the immune and the endocrine systems of the body and stabilizes its energy flow.
• Sports massage is a deep tissue massage used for treating specific muscle groups. It is often utilized around the joints.
• Structural Integration utilizes the manipulation of deep and superficial connection tissue in addition to movement education. It is a system that relieves the patterns of stress and impaired body functioning due to poor posture, acute or chronic conditions (such as low back pain, neck or shoulder injury).
• Swedish massage is a European technique that has been around since the late 18th century. It combines many massage techniques, including, stroking, kneading, manipulation, and tapping of the muscle tissue. This massage is meant to increase the flow of the venous blood from the extremeties, thereby shortening the recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissues of lactic and uric acid, and other metobolic waste. It increases circulation without increasing the workload of the heart, relaxes muscles, and improves overall circulation.
• Tapotment is a massage that involves a light, steady tapping that causes a slight vibration of the muscles.
• Vodder Massage was developed in 1950 by Emile Vodder, a Danish born man. It involves manual drainage of lymph.
• Watsu is an underwater Shiatsu massage.
• Zen Shiatsu is a Japanese art that utilizes acupressure (finger pressure) to unblock and release energy channels, producing a generilzed well-being.

REACH OUT AND TOUCH SOMEONE OR TOUCH YOURSELF

The art of massage therapy can be painted by any, not just the master artists! With a few simple tips you can treat your self, your partner, or be treated by your partner, to a fantastic and therapeutic massage.

**MASSAGE TIPS**

• If you do not have a massage table don't worry! Just cover your firm mattress with a towl or bath sheet.
• Put on some relaxing music, light the aromatherapy candles, dim the lights
• Make sure that the room is warm and the phone is unplugged. If you have children, make sure that they are cared for and that they won't disturb you. In other words, lock your door! lol
• Use natural oils or cremes, as they are nourishing to your skin and create an easy glide on the skin to help with the actual massage.
• Cold pressed oils maintain their natural vitamin content. These nutritive values will lubricate your skin and also will be absorb into the skin when you are finished with the massage, moisturizing it.
• Aromatherapy assists by providing therapeutic benefits, especially when combined with essential oils that are noted for evoking relaxation responses. The fragrance you use should bring to mind pleasant memories. This, then stimulates positive and healing emory patterns.
• The main reason for a massage is to activate the nerve endings in the body and stimulate the bloods circulation through the stroking of the skin, albeit gently or a bit more roughly.
• When you use the right essential oils in massage therapy, you can relieve anxiety and stress, increase lymph production in the system, improve blood flow, detoxify the system, ease pain and soothe sore muscles.
• You can custom blend essential oils to meet your needs, or just ask your herbalist to make you a blend.
• The power of caring human touch is a healing catalyst, both to help release tension and lactic acid build up in mucles. Touch is a comforting, caring signal to the mind and the body.
• A massage that is too painful will not yield effective results. There are many different types of massage techniques. Kneading, deep friction, rocking, compression, skin rolling, fingertip brushing, and percussion to name a few. Whichever you use will depend upon what feels best to you and what works best on you. Your preferences may change with your moods and that is okay too!
• Do not get a massage immediately after exercising. The body continues the process of eliminating toxins through perspiration for a time after you exercise and this will interfere with the absorption of the oil by the skin.
• Remain warm and relaxed after your massage for at least 20 minutes.
• Since warmth is so important in keeping muscles relaxed, you may need to add a space heater to the room when getting a massage. At the very least, keep a few extra blankets nearby for after the massage.
• Pour the massage oil into the palm of your hands first, then onto the skin to warm the oil.
• Replenish body fluids and help to cleanse the body and remove toxins from it after the massage by by drinking 8 ounces of water or herbal tea.

In future posts I will cover more about essential oils and their therapeutic properties, but for this post, I am detailing some recipes for general health and well being. For the most part, you can change the essential oil in the recipes to fit your mood and needs. In this first recipe, the clary sage helps to alleviate fatigue, irritability and depression. The lavender is known for stress reduction, alleviating headaches, and stimulating the circulatory system, not to mention that it is very arromatic. Alone, or mixed with other oils, lavender is also known for inducing relaxation and promoting rest, but mixed with the clary sage, this blend is ideal for cleaning the body systems and ridding it of toxins and impurities. It promotes total physical and spiritual relaxation.

**RECIPES**

**LAVENDER SAGE MASSAGE OIL**

Grapeseed oil is a great oil to use for a massage blend because it is high in polyunsaturates. It is very light and very easily absorbed by the skin. Mix 1/2 cup grapeseed oil with 4 drops of lavender essential oil and 4 drops of clary sage essential oil. Blend them well, then massage into the skin. Try using the pit of the avocado that you used in other recipes as a massage tool. It is a great, natural massager! Remember to rest for 20 minutes after your massage. **VETIVER MASSAGE OIL** Jojoba oil is actually more like a wax than an oil. It is very rich in natural vitamin E and is very similar to natural human oil secretions, sebum. It is very easily absorbed by the skin and is suitable for all skin types, making it one of the most popular carrier oils. Jojoba oil blends well with most essential oils, and has the added benefit of having a longer shelf life than most carrier oils (2-3 years). Vetiver essential oil has a rich, woodsy scent and is known for calming and grounding properties. This recipe is good to use for full body aromatherapy massages or for local applications to sooth tired and sore muscles. Mix 1/2 cup of jojoba oil with 40 drops of vetiver essential oil. Mix the oils well and stor in an amber glass bottle. **MOISTURIZING MASSAGE OIL** You can add whatever essentyial oil blend to this recipe that you need. Here, the oil blend iteslf is the main focus. This recipe is for normal to very dry skin and will leave you with mositurized, amazing feeling skin! 1/2 cup sweet almond oil 1/4 cup coconut oil 4 Tbs. avocado oil 3-5 drops of essential oil(s) Store for 3-6 months in an aber bottle. Make sure to keep out of direct light and away from extreme heat.

**THE ART OF SELF MASSAGE**

Begin by taking some time to quiet yourself and prepare mentally. Once practiced this may only take three to five minutes of quiet time in a softly lit room, but in the beginning you may need longer. Start by focusing on the center of your diaphragm and quieting yourself by concentrating on your breathing. Deep breathing will help you to relax and focus yourself, drwing your attention to the task at hand. Take a few deep, slow, cleansing breaths. Relax and focus on your breathing. Clear your mind of any other thoughts. Breath in through your nose and out through your mouth, slowly and steadily. Do not let yourself think of anything besides your breathing. Push all other thoughts away. Take as long as you need. Once you are relaxed, it is time to begin your massage. Begin at your feet. Pour some massage oil in the palm of your hands, then take both of hands and massage the bottom of your feet by applying pressure in a circular motion from the center of the foot outward. Then massage upward on each foot, from the ankle to the toes, using the thumbs to press firmly. Massage each toe, then massage the tops of the feet, moving up your legs to the calves, then the upper legs. Continue to apply oil as you go, and as needed. Use a kneading technique on sore muscles. After the upper leg move on to the shoulders and your neck. Start on one side, using your fingertips. Work down yoru arms and then massage your hands and fingers. Be sure to do each finger, just as you did the toes. Once you have finished, stay warm and relax for an additional 20 minutes. Remember to drink your replenishing fluids noted in the tip section above.