Enjoy this free massage video, a beautiful, flowing Hot Stone Massage demonstration by Tania Hodder of touchofaloha.org.

Here is a short video demonstration of the beautiful flow of Lomi Lomi (kahuna) massage performed by Tania Hodder of touchofaloha.org

In lomi lomi (or kahuna) massage there is no set format or sequence for the massage and no two massages will ever be identical.

The lomi lomi massage is given in fluid, rhythmic motion using the forearms as well as the hands. Some people have described this as feeling like gentle waves moving over the body. Another feature is that different parts of the body may be massaged at the same time, for example one arm or hand may be working on a shoulder and the other hand may be working on the opposite hip. Hands, forearms, knuckles, elbows, or stones may be used to stroke different parts of the body simultaneously. This assists the recipient in totally relaxing as it is impossible or at least extremely difficult for the brain to focus on the two different areas at once. By not working on areas in isolation a deep sense of balance and harmony is achieved.

Another major difference from other massage is that the recipient lies directly on a vinyl massage table with a small sheet draped over his body. This enables the practitioner to stroke the underbody without interrupting the flow of the massage. Following ancient Hawaiian healing principles, the practitioner uses special breathing techniques and hula dance movements to encourage the flow of energy. It is the “dance of massage,” and is as wonderful to give as to receive.

We present here a unique massage technique some people believe to be very beneficial for helping with fertility problems. It is such an interesting concept I couldn’t help but post it here to share with you all. It is a natural therapy that uses aromatherapy, massage and acupuncture to unblock the fallopian tubes and help with healing scar tissue caused by infections, endometriosis and fibroids. If any of you have ever used this let me know how you got on with it. Or if you try it let me know how it works out for you. It seems like a wonderful relaxing massage nontheless that could be used by anyone.

Chinese Fertility Massage – Massage techniques for blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, female fertility and fibroids.

Learn about the Energetic Integration Massage -
Nicole experiences the healing properties of a special massage called Energetic Integration in this emotional episode. Energetic Integration is a unique type of massage that fuses Reiki, Swedish tissue massage, and cranio-sacral therapy.

So, you are not feeling 100%. Work is full of stress, family life is running you ragged, and the bills are never ending. If you could just have a ‘time-out’ to recharge and refresh, life would be wonderful!

Well, when was your last Massage? When did you last take time away from the pressures and responsibilities of the world – to either sort the physical niggles in your body (the stiff neck, the headaches, the sore lower back) or to pamper or reward yourself for the effort you have applied elsewhere in your life. When did you last succumb and surrender to the healing hands of a trained therapist, enter their sacred healing space, with the dim lighting and soft music? You are due aren’t you?

But there are a few things to consider when choosing a massage. Firstly, and most importantly… what style of massage do you want? Traditionally, if you call a clinic and book a massage, you get a Swedish massage. Put simply, a Swedish massage is a sequence of techniques that systematically progress around the body. Starting with the back, it is uncovered, worked on, and re-covered. Then the back of one leg is uncovered, worked on, then recovered, etc. A Swedish massage is great… don’t get me wrong. But…

Originating in the Polynesian Islands (Hawaii) A Kahuna Massage (also called a Lomi Lomi Massage) was first performed by the Kahuna of the village as part of a coming of age / passage of rite ceremony. It is an amazing experience that thrills everyone who lies on my table. Once you have had a Kahuna, You Will Never Go Back!

A few differences to mention that make it unique. Firstly, there are no towels on the table. This enables what we call ‘under-body’ work. The therapist’s hands slide under the body and the weight of the body applies the pressure of the technique. Secondly, instead of working on just one body part at a time, the entire draping is folded between the legs so all of the skin that will be worked on is exposed at once. The massage strokes travel around the body in continuous motion, with the hands never leaving the body or ceasing movement. A Kahuna massage uses a lot of forearms and elbows compared to a Swedish massage. This enables a lot of contact at one time, and greater pressure can be used without it feeling intense or localized. It is a completely different experience to a Swedish massage. Kahuna has been called the Rolls Royce of massage – and rightly so!

The long flowing strokes work along the energy meridians of the body so a transformational experience is often encountered. Blockages are released and energy flows freely! This can often bring insight into a problem the client hasn’t been able to solve, or bring to the surface emotions that have been buried or denied. A Kahuna massage is like driving a Ferrari after a Mini!

Each therapist brings their own style to this massage, as the footwork and coordination is like dancing around the table. Just as we all dance differently each massage is unique.

So if you are familiar with traditional massage and are looking for something new, or are new to massage and want to jump in the deep end, I definitely recommend trying a Kahuna Massage.

More information about Nigel Coates and Kahuna Massage can be found at goldcoastmassage.net.au.
Nigel is a moderator of Explore Meditation, a site with free MP3 guided meditation downloads, exploremeditation.com.

Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil is the most widely used oil for body massage. It is finely textured, smooth and free-flowing. It is high in linoleic acid (E.F.A.) and contains some vitamin E.. This will nourish the skin and allow it to store for longer, vitamin E. being an antioxidant prevents rancidity.

Advantages

• Smooth hence good for full body massage.
• Provides good slip and is easily absorbed.
• Suitable for all skin types and areas
• Cheap and readily available.

Disadvantages

• Usually produced by hot extraction, has lost a lot of its beneficial properties.

Sweet Almond Oil

Sweet almond oil is a pale yellow, thick liquid that mixes well with most other carrier oils and essential oils. It is rich in nutrients, such as unsaturated fatty acids (EFA), and also contains a high percentage of vitamins such as A, B1, B2, B6, D and E. It is excellent in treating psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis due to its vitamin E. content. It also has some anti-inflammatory properties, which allows it to be beneficial to conditions such as sunburn.

Advantages

• Stores well due to vitamin E. content
• Cold pressed therefore relatively pure.
• Has protective and nourishing qualities to the skin

Disadvantages

• Not suitable for full body massage on its own, becomes too sticky.
• Expensive
• Contra-indicated in diabetics, and those suffering from nut allergies.

Wheatgerm Oil.

Unrefined wheatgerm oil has a strong odour, which many people find unpleasant. It contains high levels of vitamin E., which is a natural antioxidant. Although expensive wheatgerm oil is the richest food source we have of vitamin E.

Advantages

• Moisturisers dry/mature Skin.
• Good for reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
• Relieved symptoms of dermatitis.
• When added to an aromatherapy blend will help prevent oxidation.

Disadvantages

• Too thick and sticky for use on its own.
• May cause allergies, as it is a protein.
• Contraindicated with celiac sufferers.

Evening Primrose Oil.

Evening Primrose oil is an expensive oil, but has excellent moisturising benefits. It contains linoleic acid, and gamma linoleic acid (GLA). Also contains some vitamins and minerals.

Advantages

• useful for dry skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and dandruff.
• Useful for PMT, period pains, arthritis and rheumatism.

Disadvantages

• Too expensive for use on full body.

Avocado

Avocado oil is a highly penetrative oil, rich in essential fatty acids, and also has a high vitamin content. It contains vitamin A. vitamin B. and vitamin D.. It also contains proteins and fats, and the minerals potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and calcium. It can be mixed in a small ratio (10%) with other carrier oils, and is commonly used in beauty care.

Advantages

• Stores well.
• Emollient
• Unrefined,
• Viscous-but still penetrates the skin deeper than most carrier oils.
• Has healing properties-helps reduce inflammation (beneficial to psoriasis/eczema).

Disadvantages

• Can become too sticky during massage-blend with another carrier oil.
• Has a strong smell.

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba is actually a liquid wax, not on oil. It is a nutritious oil containing vitamin E., minerals and proteins. It is beneficial to many conditions as its structure is similar to sebum, therefore it can be used on oily or dry skin. Unlike many oils, it can be heated to high temperatures and still retain its nutrients.

Advantages

• Nourishing-beneficial to all skin types.
• Highly penetrative with anti-inflammatory properties-excellent for acne, psoriasis, eczema and arthritis.
• Helps control the release of sebum, useful for seborrhoeic skin conditions.
• Stable-does not evaporate or react with air.

Disadvantages

• Very expensive-use small amounts, mixed with another carrier oil.

Calendula

This is an infused oil produced by maceration for its medicinal properties. It contains anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and healing properties. It is generally used for medicinal purposes on specific areas.

Advantages

• Very suitable for skin problems-chapped skin, eczema, bruising and sunburn.

Disadvantages

• Very expensive.
• Not as pure as cold pressed oil due to maceration process.

Macadamia

This is a stable, fine textured cold pressed oil, and is available either refined or unrefined. In either case solvents are not used and the oil retains its natural properties.

Advantages

• Emollient
• Contains palmitoleic acid (found in sebum), good for oily and dry skin conditions.
• Help prevent ageing, good for driving wrinkled skin.
• Good keeping properties, lasts a long time before becoming rancid.

Disadvantages

• Very expensive.
• Has slight aroma, nutty smell.
• Contra-indicated on clients with nut allergies.

Peach kernel.

This is cold pressed from the kernels of the fruit. It is similar in appearance and chemically to apricot oil and sweet almond oil. It is finely textured and rich in vitamins a, B1, B2 & B6. It is especially ideal for facial blends, since it is kind to the skin and easily absorbed.

Advantages

• Keeps well.
• Protects, nourishes and moisturises the skin.
• Useful for dry skins and eczema.
• Helps relieve itching, so can be useful for psoriasis.
• Good for sensitive skin.

Disadvantages

• Expensive

– by SynergySkinCare — Offering massage oil lotion and natural massage oils. Visit synergyskincare.ie.

What sets a Thai massage apart from other massages is that it does not work on a particular organ or a couple of muscles, but strives to work on the whole body. The Thai massage is a form of bodywork that has developed from the Chinese practices as well as from the Indian Ayurveda. It works on the pressure points, energy lines and the basic body forces.

Beat Your Blues with a Thai Massage There are 6 essential components of a Thai massage

1. Yoga
2. Exercise
3. Meditation
4. Reflexology
5. Acupressure
6. Healing art

How is it done

The normal time for a massage can range anywhere between 1 – 2 hours, and may even extend for 3 hours. A Thai massage is always given on a mat on the floor, there is no oil used and it is performed fully clothed. Before starting, the master recites a short chant that is said to help him focus his energy and concentration on the individual.

The masseur exerts pressure on the energy lines which are called “sen.” Pressure is exerted by the palms, thumb, fingers and feet. The points worked on are treated on a superficial level and not a specific level as in acupressure. They are used to induce relaxation. The thumb, finger or the palm movement is performed in circular motions. This is followed by some stretching movements, that are based on the yoga principles and increase the body flexibility as well as release body tension.

At the end of the session the master will again repeat the chant as a cool down exercise Always remember that the masseur will never work on any bone specifically, especially the knees as they are considered to be very fragile and delicate.

A Thai is best if your purpose is general relaxation and stress relief as the massage works on the whole body. Also, the pressure and the movements are very gentle and not taxing on the body.

Benefits

The benefits of a Thai massage are immense. It helps you maintain the energy and vitality of your body as well as keeps you stress free.

* Helps energize you on the whole
* Relaxes you
* Improves the blood circulation in the body
* Increases flexibility
* Balances the nervous system
* Gives relief form muscle pains
* Strengthens the body and the mind.

So if you want to beat those blues, then a Thai massage is for you.

by Eric Dexter, a mixed media artist and freelance writer.

Stone massage (or rock massage) is a massage technique that serves a variety of functions to treat the body and has become so popular that many companies offer stone massage kits to train therapists as well as to purchase for home use.

Before purchasing a hot stone (hot rock) massage kit it is important to know the basics characteristics of stone massage and what to look for in choosing a stone kit that is right for your needs. The heated massage stones are very effective at penetrating the muscles with warmth, which allows the massage therapist to perform a lighter massage. If the person prefers a massage with deeper pressure, the hot stones will improve the benefits because they have warmed the body before the therapist’s hands are used. Occasionally oils are used to coat the stones and help them slide over the body better or to massage into the client’s skin. Using stones during a massage, to help warm the body, allows the oils to be absorbed better by the skin and increases their effectiveness.

In addition to the proven effects of traditional massage, hot stone massage has several unique therapeutic benefits. Because the stones are gently heated in water, this technique provides a form of hydrotherapy for both the client and the therapist who places his or her hands into the water to retrieve the stones. Hot stone massage is also a form of thermotherapy for its use of a heat application to treat the muscles of the body. Improvements in circulation and blood flow in the body’s tissues are both benefits of thermotherapy.

Using cold stones during massage also has its own benefits, including treatment of inflammation and use for toning body functions such as the immune system.

When purchasing a massage stone kit, all massage stones should be smooth and polished although it’s not necessary for them to be completely without blemishes. As long as they have no rough spots or sharp edges that will hurt the person receiving the massage then the stones are acceptable. Also, it is not necessary for all stones to be a uniform size and shape. Because massage stones are used on the back, face and all over the body, it makes sense that stones may vary in size. It’s important to use the size of stone that is appropriate for the area of the body being massaged, the level of pressure used and the muscles being worked.

Although it is best to visit a reputable school to take a live instructional course on the proper technique for stone massage, there are instructional materials available to help a person learn this technique on his or her own time. Educational massage videos can help teach the home user how to incorporate hot or cold stones into his or her massage routine. Some also demonstrate basic techniques on how to use stones for facials, manicures and pedicures and reflexology treatments. Although an at-home hot stone massage kit is not a complete substitute for live, hands-on training, it is a convenient way to learn and practice the art of massage. The benefits of stone massage are literally waiting on your own fingertips.

Sara Ryan regularly writes for TIR Massage Stone. They provide hot stone massage kits and many other accessories for massage. (www.tirmassagestone.com)

A Swedish massage is characterized by long flowing strokes given over the entire body. A demonstration of Swedish massage therapy with tips by Gretchen Revas (relaxwilmington.com).