Friday, December 2, 2011

The Different Massage Techniques Available at a Spa


Massage is one of the most natural methods of healing and stress relief. While many people choose to reduce stress with prescription medications, many others visit a day spa weekly in order to relax after a hard week at work. Additionally, massage can also be very healing. Many athletes undergo massage treatment for sore muscles, twisted ankles, and torn ligaments.

All day spas offer massage treatment. However, not all offer a wide variety of massage types. This article explains the different massage techniques available at different spas:

Swedish Massage

A Swedish massage is meant to relieve muscle tension and loosen sore joints. It is performed over the entire body. There are five major strokes used in Swedish massage. The first is effleurage, or stroking. The second is petrissage. This is a grabbing and lifting of the muscles. The third is friction. This is where the massage therapist massages the thickest parts of muscles by working their fingers and thumbs in a circular motion. The fourth is tapotement, or tapping and chopping strokes. The final major stroke used in Swedish massage is vibration. This is where the massage therapist flattens their fingers on a muscle and then shakes rapidly in order to create a vibration.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage is a massage technique that targets the parts of muscle that lie far below the surface. All muscles in the human body have many layers, and the lower levels cannot be reached by normal massage techniques. Deep tissue massage therapists use their fingers, thumbs, and, occasionally, elbows to reach the deepest layers of muscle. Deep tissue massage generally involves quite a bit of pressure and friction.

Neuromuscular Massage

Neuromuscular massage is a form of deep tissue massage that is used to increase the blood flow in individual muscles, release pressure on nerves, and reduce pain. Neuromuscular massage therapists search for knots in muscle that can cause pain not only in that individual muscle but also in other unrelated parts of the body.

Sports Massage

A sports massage is not only used to relieve pain -- it is commonly used to prepare muscles prior to activity. Using techniques comparable to that of a Swedish massage, a sports massage can prepare muscles for activity and heighten an athlete's energy. After activity, a sports massage can cool muscles and prevent injury.

Rolfing

Rolfing is a massage technique designed to restore a person's posture. Rolfing massage therapists use their hands and elbows to massage the connective tissue that surrounds muscles. The end result is a noticeable improvement in posture.

Hellerwork

Hellerwork is a massage technique that expands on the posture improvement offered through Rolfing. In addition to improving posture, Hellerwork uses techniques that educate a person's body on breaking bad posture habits. Many claim that persons who have undergone the eleven-week Helenwork session have even noticed an extension of their height.

Lomi Lomi

Lomi Lomi is the most common stress-relieving massage technique. Lomi Lomi massage therapists use large, broad strokes, often with hands, forearms, and elbows. Often, Lomi Lomi massage therapists say a prayer before beginning the massage that addresses the type of healing the patient is hoping for.

Thai Massage

Thai massage is different European massage techniques in that it focuses on circulation and pressure points. Thai massage promotes internal health and muscle flexibility through peripheral stimulation. Thai massage therapists use their hands, elbows, knees and feet.

Shiatsu

A Shiatsu massage consists of a finger-pressure technique that utilizes acupuncture points. Shiatsu massage is performed with the client in a reclined position. The massage therapist then applies varying degrees of pressure with their fingers, thumbs, palms, elbows or knees. Shiatsu treatment relaxes the body while stimulating blood circulation and lymphatic flow.

The massage techniques listed above are the most common forms of massage offered at day spas. However, there are many other massage techniques, and many go by alternate names. To determine what massage technique is best for your needs, discuss what you're looking for in your massage treatment with your spa of choice.




Melissa Steele is a freelance writer for BestDaySpas.com This site features local and far away day spas, luxury spas, medical spas, spa resorts, dental spas, weight loss spas and more.




The Benefits of Massage For Animals


Animal massage can benefit all animals from companion pets such as cats and dogs to horses and livestock and even zoo animals. The benefits of massage for animals mirror those for people, including decreased stress and improved circulation.

For many, pet massage sounds like a luxury for pampered pets only. However, many canines receive massage to help recover from surgery or injury and athletes such as racehorses or agility dogs receive sport massage to improve performance. Service dogs and dogs used in police or military service have high stress jobs where massage can mean the difference between early retirement and more time on the job.

Many studies have been conducted to verify the benefits of massage. For instance, massage has been proven to lower blood pressure, increase appetite and reduce the perceived pain and discomfort of arthritis.

For those with aging dogs and cats, animal massage therapy provides one more tool in the management of age-related conditions and helps to improve the quality of their pet's life. Pet health care has moved beyond the age of grocery-store dog food and once-a-year vaccinations. Today, pet health supplies include vitamins, specialty food and treats, hydrotherapy, acupuncture and chiropractic and, yes, pet massage therapy.

The focus of animal massage for many years was horses, particularly racing and show horses. The benefit of massage for horses is well recognized among horse owners. Massage certification has been offered in equine massage therapy for years, but only recently has the focused turned toward pet massage certification. With literally billions of dollars flowing into the pet care industry and pets living longer and more active lives, pet massage therapy is now being offered at veterinarian clinics, grooming salons and doggie daycare establishments all over the country.

One of the benefits of massage for animals mentioned was improved circulation. Better circulation can contribute to improved digestion and better metabolism, a tremendous benefit for the large number of pets suffering from obesity and gastrointestinal disorders. Additionally, improved circulation can slow the degenerative process of arthritis and improve energy levels in geriatric pets. Better circulation means better immune function, helping to reduce the risk of infection or illness and assisting in the rapid recovery from injury or illness. Better blood flow also contributes to improve healing post-surgically.

Two of the most common conditions plaguing our dog population today are hip dysplasia and soft tissue injuries to the knee such as ACL tears (ruptures or strains of the anterior cruciate ligament in the stifle joint). Both are generally corrected by surgery and, particularly in the case of ACL tears, have a high rate of reoccurrence and post-surgical development of arthritis. Pet massage therapy can play a crucial role in optimal and rapid recovery from such surgeries and may play a role in reducing the risk of re-injury. Post-surgical confinement also causes boredom and restlessness for many animals and diminished the health of the immune system which is dependent on activity for optimal health. Animal massage can be used to reduce boredom, decrease stress and increase relaxation for dogs and cats during periods of confinement.

Equine massage therapy has a long history in the United States and abroad. For racehorses, massage can mean reduced recovery time between races and reduced incidence of injury due to improved flexibility of soft tissues. For investors, time off for recovery or lay-up due to injury is expensive and can reduce the career of a horse dramatically. In this case, the benefits of massage for animals is not only physical and psychological, it is also economical.

Even exotic species and wild animals have experienced benefits from animal massage therapy under the skilled hands of specialized animal massage therapists. The benefits of massage for animals in a zoological park fall under three categories: training, enrichment and health. Veterinarian staff can use massage to minimize the time that an exotic species spends in the hospital following surgery or illness, a critical element in the success of the animal's return to the wild or onto exhibit. Specific massage techniques can be used to improve the production and movement of lymphatic fluid and assist in metabolism of anesthesia and related medications.

Animal trainers can use certain massage techniques as reinforcement for performed behaviors when food rewards are not safe or effective. Massage can improve nerve function and brain function as well, making training easier. Enrichment involves providing activities to captive animals that stimulate them physically and psychologically and improve their quality of life. Studies indicate that enrichment programs in zoological parks may contribute to the longevity of individual animals and may reduce safety concerns with animals that may become aggressive due to stress or boredom. Massage can be a valuable tool in enrichment programs for many species.

In closing, the benefits of massage for animals are as numerous and varied as those for people. In the last decade more and more people have added massage to their own health care regimen and seen tremendous benefit. Many of these same people have seen the power of massage add quality and time to the lives of their adored pets. Considering all that animals contribute to our lives through companionship, sport and service; a massage now and then serves as a powerful sign of gratitude.




Lola Michelin, owner of the Northwest School of Animal Massage, has been a force in the field of animal massage for over 20 years. She has provided massage for a wide range of species including giraffe and primates, horses, dogs and even the occasional human! She studied pre-veterinary medicine and genetics at Michigan State University and worked in zoological parks and the biotech industry before dedicating her career to massaging animals. She serves as the Official Guide to Pets on Selfgrowth.com. For more information, visit www.nwsam.com or call toll-free 877.836.3703.




Thursday, December 1, 2011

Use Erotic Massages to Make Every Date an Instant Success


Gentleman, start her engine

As an athlete I get massages to soothe sore, tired muscles all the time. Massages not only soothes muscles, it also soothes the mind, causing you to relax--much like meditation. But with a slight change in technique, you can turn regular massages into erotic massages. This type of massage can be used to turn on any woman. Even if it's just for a single night, the women you give these erotic, full-body massages to will be mentally connected to you. Hence, making orgasms an easier objective.

Here is why you should learn how to give erotic massages

An erotic massage is an excellent seduction technique. I have learned how to become a good masseur and because of this I have the ability to turn almost any date into an instant success. Everytime I massage the women I'm with we usually end up having unforgettable sex. It seems as if women get ultra-sensitive to the touch after an erotic massage; everything is heightened--from her emotions to her body sensitivity.

Being patient pays off

You must be patient when dealing with women. Massages go hand in hand with the way a woman's mind and body operates: they both should be worked slowly and with care. Since women can take anywhere from 20-45 minutes to get fully aroused, a massage is the perfect way to get her "juices" flowing.

Just imagine starting off with a harmless massage: "You mind if I give you a foot massage, Ruby?" then gradually moving into an erotic massage. You will be having super hot sex with her by the time you're halfway through your routine because she will be so aroused. Sounds great doesn't it?

Warning!

Before you move from a regular massage to an erotic massage, ask her if it's ok. Usually she will say yes if she is into you. But if you are not sure if you should transition into an erotic massage, stop and then ask her if it's all right to touch here or there to avoid any embarrassing and awkward moments.

Improving your massage technique

You must add erotic massaging to your "woman pleaser" repertoire if your goal is to seduce and satisfy women. Now to work on your technique you are going to need some help from the professionals. What you can do is pick up a couple of dirt-cheap books on Half.com and learn the basics of erotic massages. I actually make recommendations on my site.

Some massaging tips for beginners

Always be prepared...

If you are planning a massage please be sure you can go through your entire routine uninterrupted. No phone calls or similar types of disturbances. Assure yourself that you will have at least an hour of free time (maybe more because sex usually follows erotic massages).

Be prepared before giving a massage. Set the perfect atmosphere by making sure the room is warm and some pleasant music (i.e. Sade) is playing in the background. If you are going to play music, make sure you use a CD and have it programmed to repeat disc(s) so that it plays right through without stopping. Once again it's about rhythm... there nothing worst than having to reach over and change the song or station.

When you have everything set up nicely she will see that you are a romantic man who puts a lot thought into pleasing a woman. That's more than she can say about any other man she has been with, I bet.

Don't forget your heat warming massage oils. Keep the massage oils in an easy-to-reach location just incase you have to reapply. You don't want a break in rhythm.

You must also remember to have clean hands. Make sure your hands are clean and fingernails are cut.

Wear light clothes (if you decide to wear any) when giving or receiving a massage.

I usually massage women on a bed or table; but you can also do it on the floor so long as you have plenty of towels, sheets, and pillows to make the surface as comfortable as possible.

Before you start a full-blown erotic massage, your goal should be to get her as relaxed as possible. Tell her to close her eyes and breath deeply. Ask her once every so often if it feels good or if there is anything she wants. For example, ask her if you should go faster or slower-- use more or less pressure. When you pay attention to what a woman wants she will be even more turned on.

You have to always have at least one hand on her body; never lose contact. Move very slowly while building a nice rhythm.

Remember, the key is to go from a regular massage (back, neck, and arms) into an erotic massage (focusing on her breasts, inner thighs, clitoris, and G-spot). Start on the non-sexual regions then move you work closer and closer to her erogenous zones. You want her to anticipate your touch as much as possible.

As you get to the more sensitive areas try using your fingertips to slowly glide over her skin to get those goose bumps going. Use your thumbs and palms for the larger portions of her body. As you gain experience you will find that some places need to be touched more firmly (the buttocks and thighs), while other places will only need light touches (breasts and vulva).

"So where should I start?"

While there is no right or wrong place to start a massage, I found the best place to start massages is with the feet. You'll want to start at her feet and then work your way up her body. Because the feet has thousands of nerve endings, she will feel many sensations if you massage her feet the right way. Use your thumbs in circular motions on the bottom and top of her feet.

Her back is another area that you need to pay attention to. Using your palms, slowly make circular motions in opposite directions while applying slight pressure with your body.

The next target should be the back of her thighs (so have her lie on her stomach for this). This is an extremely erotic region that usually goes unnoticed.

Tease her genitals and breasts as you pass them by. For example, if you are massaging her back (or stomach) slowly touch and rub her labia as you move towards her thighs. Teasing her in this manner will make her feel like the Nile is running between her legs.

Massaging her genitals

You should use water-based lubricants to massage her genitals.

Since every woman is different you should ask her how she would like to be touched in terms of speed and motion. Some women like it when you directly stimulate their clitoris with your tongue and fingers; some women prefer you rub and lick their inner and outer labia because their clit is too sensitive.

The best way I found is to stimulate and work on the clitoris first then move into to some G-spot stimulation.

Be gentle when massaging her clitoris. First, rub the shaft of the clitoris and then gently rub the top of the clitoris. Always use circle, zigzag motions to stimulate her clitoris, then adjust as necessary. Use lots of lubrication.

Final thoughts...

Erotic massaging is a seduction technique that you must learn. Women just loved to be touched; it stimulates their minds and draws them closer to her partner.




Learn how to seduce women with exclusive secrets tips and strategies that few men use. Gain the upper hand and get any woman you desire with ease. Seducing women is something that has to be learned and I show you exactly how. For part 2 of this article, as well other important seduction methods, please visit http://www.show-me-how-to-get-laid.com

Chris Walker is the owner of all said material in this article. You can distribute his material on a non-exclusive, royalty-free basis, while he retains full rights to his work. You can use his article as long as you do not change any of the content without his permission.