So what is reflexology?

Reflexology is a form of foot massage that was first introduced to the United States by William H. Fitzgerald, M.D. in 1913. At that time, he called it “zone therapy” because he divided the body into ten bio-electrical zones and believed that our bio-electrical energy all flowed through points in our hands and feet.

Eunice D. Ingham later developed reflexology into what we see today, the practice of stimulating the natural healing response of our body by applying pressure to specific reflex zones in the feet, hands, ears and face.

However, it is important to note that versions of this style of practice have actually been around for centuries, as far back in fact as 2400 BC in ancient Egypt and ancient China.

How does foot reflexology work?

Well, each reflex zone corresponds to a specific part of the human body and pressure applied to these different zones stimulates healing in that corresponding part or area. It does this by increasing the circulation of blood and also ‘Qi’ (chi), our vital energy into that area.

So pressing on the reflex zone on the foot that corresponds to the liver for example, would increase blood flow and Qi energy into the liver region, helping it to perform its most important function, to detoxify the body.

So how can reflexology help?

Well, aside from increased circulation and releasing the blockage / restoring the flow of Qi (vital energy) throughout the body, reflexology treatments assist in overcoming or alleviating a broad range of specific health problems including…

- Stress
- Neck, back and shoulder pain
- Panic Attacks
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- PMT
- High / low blood pressure
- Migraine /headache

However, even if you do not suffer from any ’specific’ ailment, regular reflexology sessions will definitely help to keep you rejuvenated, refreshed and balanced, and therefore more able to maintain a constant state of good health and well being.

Is reflexology painful?

When performed by the hands and fingers of a skilled and caring practitioner, working the reflex zones on the feet actually feels wonderful, especially if your feet are sore, tired or aching.

Any initial pain or discomfort experienced after a reflex point is pressed is usually quickly alleviated and it is not uncommon to experience waves of warm energy move through your body as blockages are dissolved and your Qi is allowed to flow freely again along the meridians.

These meridians are the energy lines (or pathways) through which your Qi flows throughout your body.

What can I expect during a reflexology session?

A typical reflexology session will usually commence with a consultation in regards to your health history and current health situation so that a ‘focus’ for the session can be decided. Some practitioners like to place your feet in a nice warm foot bath so you can relax during the consultation.

It is important to note that reflexology may not be appropriate if you are experiencing certain health conditions for example foot infections or sores and also if you are in the first trimester of pregnancy. Your practitioner will discuss these contra-indications with you and decide if it is appropriate to continue with the treatment or perhaps a ‘modified’ version.

When it is time for the treatment to begin, you will be asked to lie on a massage table or sit on a reclining chair depending on the facilities of the practitioner. Unlike other styles of massage or bodywork, there is no need to remove any clothing beyond your shoes and socks, and typically no massage oil is used, though there are exceptions to this.

Techniques used throughout your treatment:

Next the treatment begins with the practitioner gently holding your left foot at either the ball of the foot or at the ankle (note: the left foot is worked on first as this compliments your digestion and circulatory patterns). The practitioner will then gently rock your foot forward and backward about an in inch or so. This is a common ‘warm up’ technique (although it can also be used mid-session) called ‘cradling’ and it feels absolutely wonderful.

Next your practitioner will start working on your reflex zones/points and the most commonly used technique for this is called ‘thumb walking’. Here your practitioner will place their thumb so that it is flat against your foot and apply pressure while creeping up the sole of your foot, not unlike an inch warm.

This technique can be applied with one thumb working the reflex zones and the other hand holding your foot or two thumbs working the reflex zones at the same time, while the top of the foot is held in place with the fingers.

Your practitioner should check in with you periodically to see if the pressure needs adjusting. However, you should always let your practitioner know if something they are doing is painful or uncomfortable.

Other techniques include ‘wringing the foot’ which is where your practitioner will grasp your toes in one hand and your heal in the other and give a gentle twist in opposite directions. Your practitioner may also do some ankle circles and also stretch your toes back and forth.

These are just a sample of the different techniques that may be applied during a typical full foot reflexology session, which can last anywhere between 60-80 minutes. One thing that remains a constant is that your treatment should always finish off with a big glass of water. Drinking water after your reflexology treatment will help the body to rid itself of toxins that may have been released during the treatment, while minimizing any side-effects.

Ultimately, nobody knows exactly why reflexology works, but the truth is it is often very effective in treating a wide range of ailments. Who would of thought that there is a world of healing right at your feet?

–Tania Hodder is a remedial massage therapist and holistic counselor with a passion for natural healing methods and the law of attraction. (www.woodstovepipes.org)

Sea shells have been thought for centuries to have a positive uplifting energy to them and have been utilized in many different ways.

They have been important in many cultures over the centuries for a number of reasons. But massage? Read on to see how.

For a long time in a number of Indian and Pacific Ocean islands they were the main form of currency, being traded for food and other items. The cowrie shell in particular was seen to be very valuable as currency.

The Dutch East India Company gained a large part of its fortune in trading shell money in exchange for spices and gemstones all of which were valuable in Europe at the time.

Sea shells have also been used as tools, with the large clam shells being used to shovel dirt, and also used as bowls and carrying instruments.

Some such as oyster shells, when ground down, have been used to condition and raise the PH in the soil.

Sea shells have also been used as part of cultures and religions for thousands of years.

Christians see the scallop shell as the symbol of St James the Great, whilst Hindus see the left handed chank shell as sacred to Vishnu.

Cowrie shells are often linked to female fertility with the idea that the dome of the shell resembles a pregnant belly. In Kerala, the home of Ayurvedic medicine, cowries are often used to make astrological predictions.

Ripple Massage uses sea shells in a totally unique way, incorporating them into a massage style.

Using a mix of reef shells, including speckled cowries, ginger scallops, lions paw fans and elegant sun dial shells, this style of massage taps into the energy of the shells whilst giving a deep and calming massage.

The shells are used in a mix of ways. Some like the cowries are heated, and aromatherapy oils are poured into the crevasse to warm before being trickled onto the body.

The smooth domed surface is also used with hands on massage to release muscles. The shells are used both to de stress and for deeper tissue work. The domes are used to work deep into the trapezius muscles and erector spinae muscles.

Other shells like the lions paws and scarlet coloured scallops are heated and placed on the body to warm the chakras and also the hands during the massage.

Smaller more delicate sun dial and cockles are used to release lines in the face, whilst cones and olives unlock tension in the neck and shoulders.

Further details on how sea shells are used in sea shell massage are at http://www.ripplemassage.com.au or by calling 0438 567 906.

Alison Shaw is a qualified mobile massage therapist in Queensland Australia and owns Ripple Massage.

sea shell massage cowrie shell

This is the first installment of our free online aromatherapy class at GiveBestMassageEver.

To start, let’s talk about what is aromatherapy and what are essential oils.

Aromatherapy is really a very misleading term. It leads one to believe that aromatherapy only works through the olfactory senses, in the brain, making us feel good, making us feel relaxed, or even energized. But science has proven that aromatherapy is much more than this. Aromatherapy is becoming a comprehensive holistic science of mind and body, which makes it a perfect compliment to massage therapy.

Aromatherapy definition: The inhalation and bodily application of essential oils from aromatic plants to relax, balance, rejuvenate, restore and enhance you mentally, emotionally, physically and physiologically.

So what are essential oils?

Essential oils are the very concentrated extracts of plants. They are the precious liquids that give plants their wonderful aroma. They reside in sacs and ducts in all parts of plants. They can come from any one, or a combination of the plant’s parts.

For example, jasmine, neroli and ylang ylang essential oils are extracted from flowers. Rosemary, lavender, rose and peppermint essential oils are distilled from the flowers and leaves. Geranium, patchouli and petitgrain are distilled from leaves and stems. Sandalwood and cedarwood from wood. Bergamot, orange and lemon from the rind of the fruit. Juniper from berries. Myrrh from resin. Vetivert from roots.

The special thing about essential oils is that all of them, to a greater or lesser extent, exhibit the following characteristics:

Antiseptic (prevents or combats infection locally)
Bactericide (kills bacteria)
Bacteriostatic (inhibits growth of bacteria)
Cytophylactic (promotes cell regeneration when applied to the skin)

But essential oils aren’t really magic potions. Although is fun to think that they are. Without knowing the science behind them, they truly do seem to work like magic. But their chemical makeup is what gives them their special transformative properties.

Below, read some of the major categories of chemicals found in essential oils:

Acids – kill bacteria
Alcohols – destroy bacterial and viral infections and are skin toners
Aldehydes – reduce inflammation and destroy bacterial infections
Coumarins – thin the blood and are calming and uplifting emotionally
Esters – soothe muscle spasms and irritated skin and kill fungal infections
Ester oxides – release lung congestion and mentally stimulating
Hydrocarbons – reduce bacterial infections, inflammation and intestinal gas
Ketones – promote wound healing and thin out bronchial and lung congestion
Phenols – stimulate blood flow, warm the skin and are powerful antibacterials

Now that we know what essential oils are capable of doing to help us with our health, in our next lesson we will learn some of the best essential oils to own and why. You will learn how to make your own essential oil first aid kit and how to determine a great quality oil.

Stay tuned. The next lesson will come by the end of this week.

As the staff aromatherapist here at GiveBestMassageEver, I thought I
would take today to talk about how you can incorporate aromatherapy essential oils into your life.

A lot of people have heard of essential oils and know that they’re supposed to make you feel good, relieve stress, and smell good, but don’t know much else, like how to use them or how to blend them. What are the best oils and how do I know I am getting a quality oil that will actually work for me.

So this month at least once or twice a week I will publish a little lesson of sorts, on the “art” of aromatherapy so you can see just how easy it is to benefit from these seemingly magical essences.

You’ll learn how to use essential oils in your bath, make your own aromatherapy massage oils, make your own aromatherapy bath salts, the best types of burners and diffusers to use, what oils are good for what, how much to blend and use in whatever you are making.

Using essential oils is like sampling the life of luxury. In the moment you are using them, you feel rich and pampered. When taking an aromatherapy bath or enjoying an aromatherapy massage, you come out feeling brand new, clean and smelling of roses, wood and some interesting and aromatic spices from all over the world.

Sampling and using essential oils is an adventure, sort of like going on a safari or a tropical vacation only you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars.

So stay tuned to this spot. The first aromatherapy lesson will come by the end of this week!

In this aromatherapy video tutorial you will learn 3 essential oils that are good for stress relief and how to use them.

If doctors knew the true causes of health and healing, they’d be prescribing massage therapy to most of their patients rather than prescription drugs. Massage therapy is good medicine, and it’s a far more potent healing therapy than most people realize. In fact, I believe that every person, healthy or otherwise, should receive a massage therapy treatment at least once a month.

Why is massage therapy such good medicine? Because it helps move lymph, blood and oxygen to the various organs and tissues in ways that normally don’t happen in the bodies of most people. This is especially true for those who don’t exercise: for them, massage therapy is critical for maintaining any degree of health.

There’s also the “touch factor” of massage therapy that I believe to be remarkably healing. There’s something almost magical about the human touch, and its qualities can’t be measured with scientific instruments (yet), but researchers know very well that it has powerful physiological effects: touch calms people. It reduces blood pressure, it boost immune system function, and it makes people feel loved. These are very important for those seeking health and healing. (And if you don’t believe me, just volunteer at a nursing home some time and offer free hand massages to the patients. I’ve done this, and you’d be amazed to see the different it makes in the people you’re touching.)

The human touch is powerful medicine, which is why I find it so bizarre that doctors seem so afraid of touching their patients. But you don’t need a doctor for this kind of healing: find yourself a good massage therapist and get some healing on a monthly basis.

–Mike Adams is a natural health researcher and author with a passion for teaching people how to improve their health. He serves as the executive director of the Consumer Wellness Center, a non-profit consumer protection group, and regularly pursues cycling, nature photography, Capoeira and Pilates. Known on the ‘net as ‘the Health Ranger,’ Adams shares his ethics, mission statements and personal health statistics at www.HealthRanger.org

Free Hot Stone Massage Info!

Want to learn more about Hot Stone Massage? Mariah Hunter, owner of Hot Stone Hut, is offering a free ebook “Hot Stone Massage Made Easy” of all you ever wanted to know about Hot Stone massage.

Included are over 100 photos in 39 pages of how-to information.
Learn what stones work best for Hot Stone Massage.
Learn what shapes of stones work best for hot stone massages.
Learn how to heat and clean your stones.
Learn the contraindications for hot stone massage.

It also includes a 90 minute Hot Stone Massage routine, and much more!
Go here to download the ebook and see all of the beautiful stones that she has for sale.

www.hotstonehut.com

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.