MASSAGE BENEFITS AND STYLES

What is massage therapy?Massage therapy is the manipulation of soft tissue to relieve muscle soreness and pain and increase circulation and flexibility, using tools such as hands, thumbs, fingers, knuckles and elbows. It is one of the oldest forms of healing and has been used in ancient cultures all over the world as part of their traditional medicine. References to massage appear in writings from ancient China, Japan, India, Arabic nations, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Massage may assist you to heal on all levels - physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

BENEFITS OF MASSAGE
Massage is very beneficial for your WHOLE system. It not only helps to alleviate pain, stress and tension, but it completely boosts your immune system and is an excellent way to detox. Making it a regular part of your life will help you to live more healthily and happily. Massage can speed the healing of injured muscles by increasing the oxygen supply to the damaged muscle and speeding the rate at which waste is carried out of the muscle. With all massages, be sure to drink plenty of water after treatment to replenish lost fluids and aid in detoxification.

Some of the benefits include boosting and balancing the:

• immune system - encourages production of white blood cells
• circulatory and respiratory systems – helps oxygen to circulate
• lymphatic drainage and circulation system – helps to unblock and detox
• muscular and skeletal systems – helps to release toxins from muscular tissue
• hormone and endocrine system – helps to balance your hormones
• nervous systems – helps the free flow of messages to and from the brain
• releases toxins and blocked energy – awesome for detoxing mind, body & spirit
• digestive system – helps the absorption of nutrients and minerals and eases constipation
• reduces stress  - helps to release all of your feel-good hormones and endorphins
• strengthens left/right brain functions and co-ordination and much more....

Plus, it feels great! Having regular massages can help to prevent injuries and illness from occurring or progressing. Do you need any other excuse? Book a massage treatment today!

MASSAGE STYLES
Therapeutic massage is often a combination of many different styles, depending on your individual needs and the practitioner’s qualifications. They may include Remedial, Relaxation, Lymphatic Drainage, Acupressure, Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Hot Stones, Energy Balancing techniques and much more.

Some of the more popular and well known massage styles and their descriptions are:

Acupressure massage This is a popular massage technique following the same principles used in acupuncture, except fingertips, thumbs, elbows or other tools are used to apply pressure to the points instead of needles. It works on unblocking your meridians, or energy lines of your body, and is very beneficial at treating a wide range of conditions, as practised by the Chinese for thousands of years.

Aromatherapy Massage This massage uses aromatic essential oils to give you a therapeutic and relaxing experience. Different types of essential oils have various effects on the body and mind. They can be used to help you relax or feel more energised; help to relieve sinus problems, release muscle tension and much more. The therapist will use different oils depending on what your physical problems are and what types of smells you like. This therapy is very relaxing and gentle.

BodyTalk Massage This is a gentle form of mind – body – energy work that can be used to treat a large range of ailments. Practitioners of this form of bodywork believe that all the systems of the body communicate with one another. When the communication of these systems is knocked out of line the body gets sick. Practitioners work to re-establish communication of these systems. This sets the body on the path to healing. During a session you will remain fully clothed or this may be combined with other modalities such as massage. You will lay face up on a massage table as the therapist taps various points on your body to bring them into alignment.

Bowen technique This is one of the gentlest types of therapy and is very effective. This technique is so gentle that it can be use on the elderly and newborn infants safely. The Bowen move is a gentle rolling move that manipulates soft tissue. These moves set the natural healing of the body into motion. Bowen massage can be used to treat a variety of conditions. You can wear loose comfortable clothing and treatments usually last 30 minutes to an hour. Most people only require one to two treatments, although often you don't feel the effects of the treatment until the following day.

Chair Massage This seated massage can be done anywhere and is popular for corporate massage in the office. A typical chair massage is short relaxing massage that re-energizes tired muscles and eases aches and pains. You generally stay fully clothed and the massage is given with or without oil.  Most massages last about 10 - 15 minutes and use a combination of massage techniques. The therapist can do quick massages at offices, stores, festivals or any place you can imagine.  

Corporate Massage Mobile Massage therapists come direct to your office or corporate event as a great incentive bonus, and make a great gift to thank your staff or corporate clients. Short seated chair or table massagesfrom 10 – 30 minutes long can resolve pain as well as prevent future injuries in the workplace. These are short massages focused on relieving stress and tension from key areas such as neck, shoulders, scalp, arms and hands and are done fully clothed, with or without the use of oil. Some therapists offer the added experience and benefits of different healing techniques, such as Reiki Energy flowing throughout the massage, crystals or aromatherapy oils, to further balance your mind, body and emotions. Massage can de-stress your staff for optimum performance and they help everyone feel happier and healthier so they can be more productive! 

Deep Tissue Massage This bodywork involves quite deep pressure to work underlying layers of muscle tissue. The therapist uses forearms, elbows, knuckles and fingers to work deep muscle tissue and can be quite painful but beneficial for releasing deep muscle knots.

Energy BALANCE massage therapy includes all the types of energywork therapies that exist. Energy massage therapy is among the gentlest types of massage therapy and may be hands on or off. Energy work concentrates on manipulating energy in and around your body to achieve health.  This energy is referred to as “Prana” in India, “Ki” in Japan and “Chi” in China. This energy travels through the body’s energy systems, such as the aura, chakras and meridians. When the energy in these chakras or meridians is blocked, sickness and pain may result, so unblocking the energy helps restore health and balance.

Face Massage This soothing treatment releases the tense muscles in the face, scalp and neck, giving your face a younger look and is sometimes referred to as face-lift massage. Our emotions and thoughts all contribute to our facial expressions, so when the muscles of the face relax, the skin that covers those muscles smooths out.

Foot Massage This massage is used to treat a variety of ailments and is also great at easing tired and aching feet and calves. The theory is that all the nerves in the body end in the feet and the therapist can balance all areas throughout the whole body by massaging various points on the feet and ankles. Generally, you sit in a reclining chair and the therapist uses his hands, thumbs and fingers to massage and apply pressure.

Group Massage Invite a massage therapist or two along to your next gathering as an exciting and fun way to celebrate any event! Gather a few friends and loved ones together for a small fun pamper party, or entertain a large group of friends and family for a special occasion. Share a few drinks and some yummy nibbles and enjoy great conversation, good music– and a massage, clairvoyant reading, beauty treatment or more- and you have the perfect recipe for laughter and success! A luxurious mini treatment from 10 – 30 mins or a full body massage will relax and invigorate you and your guests before, during or after the party. Massage may be accompanied by other wonderful pampering treatments such as beauty therapy, clairvoyant and tarot readings, astrology, reiki, mini workshops - or perhaps combine different styles of massage for your special event. It’s up to you and there is no limit to how much pampering you can indulge in.

A Pamper Party is a Great idea for..... Hens parties, a girls night in, Birthdays, Mothers day, Engagements, Weddings- Pre, post or during, bridal showers, romantic weekends in or away, holidays or weekends away, baby showers, celebrations, anniversaries, reunions,get-togethers, spiritual and health retreats, leaving work and Bon Voyage Parties, corporate or office events, pre or post sporting events, charity pamper events .... Or simply because you deserve it! 

Hand Massage Our hands are one of the most used parts of our body, and often the most neglected, so a hand massage is amazingly effective at releasing stress and tension. The theory is that all the nerves in the body end in the feet and hands, so the therapist can balance all areas throughout the whole body by massaging various points on the hands, fingers, forearms and wrists with flowing massage techniques and acupressure points. Generally, you sit in a reclining chair and the therapist uses his hands, thumbs and fingers to massage and apply pressure.

Hawaiian massage is often called Kahuna or Lomi Lomi massage. This massage is deep, flowing and relaxing and incorporates Hawaiian spirituality into bodywork. The therapist uses forearms, elbows, hands and fingers to do long flowing, gliding strokes.

Hens Party Massage Invite a massage therapist or two along to your hens party or hens night as an exciting and fun way to celebrate your event! Gather a few friends and loved ones together for a small fun pamper party, or entertain a large group of friends and family for this special occasion. Share a few drinks and some yummy nibbles and enjoy great conversation, good music– and a massage, clairvoyant reading, beauty treatment or more- and you have the perfect recipe for laughter and success! A luxurious mini treatment from 10 – 30 mins or a full body massage will relax and invigorate you and your guests before, during or after the party. Massage may be accompanied by other wonderful pampering treatments such as beauty therapy, clairvoyant and tarot readings, astrology, reiki, mini workshops - or perhaps combine different styles of massage for your special event. It’s up to you and there is no limit to how much pampering you can indulge in.

Hot Stone Massage An ancient healing massage with deep, flowing, Hawaiian-style strokes. This luxurious massage uses smooth black stones that are heated. Using hands, fingers, forearms, elbows and smooth, hot volcanic stones to massage your body, this can be as relaxing or as deep as you like. Heat penetrates deeply right down into your core, instantly helping tight muscles to release and relax and soothing your aches and pains. Hot stones increase all the regular benefits of massage to alleviate pain and stress more easily. Hot Stone massage is extreme relaxation therapy that completely immerses you in a warm hug from Mother Nature and creates an experience you will never forget – in my opinion, quite possibly the best massage in the world!

Kahuna massage is a luxurious massage that was traditionally given to Hawaiian royalty. This massage is deep, flowing and relaxing and incorporates Hawaiian spirituality into bodywork. The massage is said to deepen your awareness of self and your connection to your ancestors. The movements of the massage come from a traditional Hawaiian dance based on the movements of a large bird. The therapist uses forearms, elbows, hands and fingers to do long flowing strokes. This massage usually lasts between 1 1/2 hours to 3 hours. You are asked to remove all of your clothes and only have a towel to cover you so that the therapist has access to your entire body.

Kinesiology Massage is a form of bodywork that uses muscle testing to diagnose a range of physical problems and a combination of methods found in other alternative therapies to treat them. Principles are borrowed from conventional medicine, osteopathy, acupuncture, nutrition and biochemistry, among others. During a session you will remain fully clothed or this may be combined with other modalities such as massage to enhance the benefits.

Lomi lomi massage This is a traditional Hawaiian healing art and has been practiced for generations. Traditionally, Hawaiian massage was practiced by Kahunas (traditional healers). It involves both physical and spiritual aspects of healing. Hawaiians believe that memories are stored in all the cells of the body, not just the brain. Negative memories can block the flow of energy in the body. Lomi lomi therapists work to relieve muscle tension while releasing negative memories from cells, allowing energy to flow freely through the body. The therapist uses flowing strokes that are done with the hands and forearms, and multiple areas of the body are massaged as one. Sometimes it is performed by two therapists at once, allowing the mind to fall into a deeply relaxed state. This is an intuitive form of massage so sometimes it is fast and vigorous and sometimes it's slow and relaxing. You will be naked during the therapy, except for a sheet that may cover you minimally.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage This gentle massage technique is used to clear up blockages in the lymphatic system, allowing lymph to flow more freely and therefore boosting your whole immune system. These techniques involve gently stroking your skin in the direction of your lymph nodes. The lymphatic system balances the body's fluid levels and carries toxins and waste products to their respective organs and lymph nodes to be destroyed. It also supplies the body with important immune cells. When this system becomes blocked, swelling in the blocked areas occur; severe swelling is called lymphedema..

Mobile Massage Get massaged in your home, office or holiday accommodation – anywhere! Massage therapy is often done at markets, clinics, chiropractic offices, spas, health clubs, festivals and even hospitals. The therapist brings their own massage table, towels, oil and even music to your place for the massage. You don't have to go anywhere or worry about driving anywhere afterwards. Get a few friends together and have a fun pamper party you will never forget! Expect to pay more for a mobile massage than you would if you got massaged in the therapist's place of work. For great Mobile Massage Sunshine Coast please visit Heavenly Massage and Natural Therapies www.heavenlytouch.com.au

Office Massage This massage introduces the healing powers of massage and energy into the workplace. Mobile Massage therapists come direct to your office or corporate event as a great incentive bonus, or make a great gift to thank your staff or corporate clients. Short seated chair or table massagesfrom 10 – 30 minutes long can resolve pain as well as prevent future injuries in the workplace. These are short massages focused on relieving stress and tension from key areas such as neck, shoulders, scalp, arms and hands and are done fully clothed, with or without the use of oil.

Some therapists offer the added experience and benefits of different healing techniques, such as Reiki Energy flowing throughout the massage, crystals or aromatherapy oils, to further balance your mind, body and emotions. Massage can de-stress your staff for optimum performance and they help everyone feel happier and healthier so they can be more productive! 

Pamper Parties Massage Invite a massage therapist or two along to your next gathering as an exciting and fun way to celebrate any event! Gather a few friends and loved ones together for a small fun party, or entertain a large group of friends and family for a special occasion. Share a few drinks and some yummy nibbles and enjoy great conversation, good music– and a massage, clairvoyant reading, beauty treatment or more- and you have the perfect recipe for laughter and success! A luxurious mini treatment from 10 – 30 mins or a full body massage will relax and invigorate you and your guests before, during or after the party. Massage may be accompanied by other wonderful pampering treatments such as beauty therapy, clairvoyant and tarot readings, astrology, reiki, mini workshops - or perhaps combine different styles of massage for your special event. It’s up to you and there is no limit to how much pampering you can indulge in.

A Pamper Party is a Great idea for..... Hens parties, a girls night in, Birthdays, Mothers day, Engagements, Weddings- Pre, post or during, bridal showers, romantic weekends in or away, holidays or weekends away, baby showers, celebrations, anniversaries, reunions,get-togethers, spiritual and health retreats, leaving work and Bon Voyage Parties, corporate or office events, pre or post sporting events, charity pamper events .... Or simply because you deserve it!

Pregnancy Massage This is a good way to relieve some of the aches and pains experienced during pregnancy and should usually be avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy. The added weight and relaxing of the ligaments that occur during pregnancy is stressful on the joints, especially the pelvis and lower back. Carrying the baby before and after birth puts pressure on the spine and lower back, as well as stress on the neck, shoulders, upper back, legs and feet. Getting massaged during pregnancy can help to reduce anxiety and symptoms of depression, relieve muscle and joint pains, regulate hormones, relieve nerve pain and sciatica, reduce swelling and improve newborn health. Pillows and cushions are used during the massage to make you comfortable on the massage table and the safest position is lying on your side supported by pillows.

Reflexology This foot massage is used to treat a variety of ailments and is also great at easing tired and aching feet. The theory is that all the nerves in the body end in the feet and the therapist can balance all areas throughout the whole body by massaging various points on the feet and ankles. Generally, you sit in a reclining chair and the therapist uses his hands, thumbs and fingers to massage and apply pressure.

Reiki Massage This is a gentle form of energy work has been used by Asian cultures for years, but was rediscovered and developed in Japan by Dr. Mikao Usui in 1922.  Usui fasted and meditated on a mountain top for three weeks. During that time he discovered a way to heal by channelling energy from the universe. The word Reiki is actually the combination of two Japanese words. “Rei” means higher power and “ki” means life energy.

Reiki is sometimes combined with massage for greater stress reduction, pain relief and healing. Practitioners believe that low life force energy causes sickness, so channelled energy from the universe flows through the practitioners hands to balance your levels of energy. Reiki can be used to treat all kinds of physical, emotional, mental and spiritual imbalances. The practitioner lays his hands on or off various areas of your body and energy field, and is often done intuitively. Reiki is very relaxing and usually takes place in a calm, relaxing environment.

Relaxation MassageThis gentle soothing massage that helps to calm the nerves and melt any stress away. The therapist massages your entire body with flowing, gentle strokes using light to moderate pressure. The massage is usually done in a dimly lit room with relaxing music for a calming atmosphere and essential oils are also often used to promote deeper relaxation.

Remedial MassageThis is a deep massage done to assist the body to return to normal health after injury. It is used to treat injuries such as strains, sprains and bruising. This deep tissue massage help remove blockages, damaged cells, scar tissue and adhesions left after injury, speeds up recovery and encourages more complete healing. Remedial massage is also used for conditions created by lifestyle such as repetitive strain injury and back pain. The results are usually immediate or a big improvement will be seen within a few sessions.

Shiatsu This Japanese form of bodywork uses the same principles used in acupressure. The massage is performed on the floor. You remain fully clothed and no lotion or oil is used. The therapist uses finger pressure and gentle stretches to unblock the energy in your body. The therapy is very relaxing and leaves you feeling relaxed yet invigorated.

Seated Chair Massage Short massages in a specially designed chair are very relaxing and focus on relieving stress and tension from key areas such as back, neck, shoulders, scalp, feet, arms and hands. They can be done fully clothed or unclothed, with or without the use of oil, andcan resolve pain and help to release all of your feel good hormones so everyone feels healthier and happier. Seated chair massage is often done at work, markets, offices, special events, festivals and even hospitals. Get massaged in your home, office or holiday accommodation – anywhere! The mobile therapist brings their own massage table, towels, oil and even music to your place for the massage. You don't have to go anywhere or worry about driving anywhere afterwards.

Some therapists offer the added experience and benefits of different healing techniques for pain relief and to relieve stress, such as Reiki Energy flowing throughout the massage, crystals or aromatherapy oils, to further balance your mind, body and emotions. Get a few friends together and have a fun pamper party you will never forget!

Sports Massage Sports massage is used to treat muscle pain and injury. It is very deep and usually only focuses on the area that is experiencing pain. This type of therapy is used commonly for before or after athletic events. Before the event it helps to prepare and warm up muscles for the upcoming challenge. After the event, massage helps push lactic acid out of the muscles and is used to treat injury. Sports massage can be done with or without oil and is very therapeutic.

Stress Relief Massage This is usually a gentle soothing massage that helps to calm the nerves, help you relax and can melt any stress away. Gentle massage slows the heartrate and causes your breathing to deepen. It loosens tight muscles and decreases the amount of cortisol your body releases. Stress is a natural response to anxiety, fear and danger, whether imagined or real.  Your body goes into what's referred to as the “fight or flight”response. It starts kicking out hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which speed up your heart rate and make your muscles work faster and stronger. This is great for fleeing danger or even fighting for your life and surely helped keep our earliest ancestors alive, but in the modern world we learn to live with it on a regular basis. Many types of massage therapy can be used to reduce stress and human touch can have a profoundly relaxing effect.

Swedish Massage This fluid massage is given with oil on a massage table. The therapist uses four basic strokes during a session and is the basis for a number of massage styles. Swedish massage is usually thought of as a relaxation style massage, but it does have all the therapeutic benefits too. It helps increase circulation, regulates hormone production and loosens tight muscles.

Thai Massage This therapy is performed on a mat on the floor and usually you are fully clothed for the session. The therapist begins by giving you a rhythmic massage that is similar to shiatsu. Then you will be moved into yoga-like positions that relax and stretch the muscles. This therapy is very relaxing and increases your muscle flexibility leaving you feeling great.

Therapeutic massage Therapeutic massage is a name given to various massage therapy techniques that provide pain relief, and can be used to treat many ailments and disorders. Massage treats a variety of problems such as musculoskeletal disorders, like back pain, to autoimmune diseases, like fibromyalgia. The act of massaging is in itself therapeutic and research has shown that general touch can promote health and well-being. Therapeutic massage is usually focused on correcting a problem that is causing pain or illness and can be gentle or deep, depending on your particular needs and the practitioners training.

Zen thai Shiatsu is an offshoot of traditional shiatsu and helps you feel calm and relaxed. Therapists use fingers, fists, elbows, and knees to balance the energy in the body and unblock the meridians. The patient is asked to relax and stay completely passive during the therapy. The therapist moves the client around in a set pattern and some light stretches are also done. A meditative state is often attained by the therapist before starting the session so they are in tune with the needs of their client. Therapists practice mediation daily to heighten their awareness. During a session you will lay on a mat on the floor in loose comfortable clothing. This massage is very relaxing and helps to relieve stress.

Note: This is not in any way a complete list of massage styles and benefits and is only my own opinion through research, knowledge and experience, and thus may not always be correct. Please consult with your massage therapist to be sure they are qualified to assist you with your personal needs and please see a qualified medical practitioner before engaging in massage therapy if you have any conditions or concerns about your health..

 

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