How Indian Massage Can Make a World of Difference in Your Life

Indian massage can be your solution for looking gorgeous, smelling splendid and feeling on top of the world! Read this article to find out how this ancient art of touch can help you in your complete rejuvenation.

Touch is the most basic mode of communication between two human beings. Massage involves this magic of touch; thus massage promotes health---both psychological and emotional.

How?

Massage improves circulation, supports neurological functions, helps in digestion by providing gas relief and strengthens overall immunity.

Massage act as stimulant for the skin receptors and the nerves and triggers off the 'feel-good' hormones, especially the endorphins. This helps the nerves and muscles relax. Massage also helps alleviating pain simply by refusing to receive pain signals from brain.

The end result is: you get a feeling of complete relaxation---both in your body and mind. With tensions and stresses gone, you gain back the keenness of your senses.

How Indian Massage Therapy is different from any other massage therapies of the world

Massage takes different approaches in different parts of the world. The Indian massage therapy or the Ayurvedic massage has been practiced since antiquity. Massage has always received a scientific perception in the writing of the Scholars of ancient India. This traditional Indian technique was based on Ayurvedic Doshas and Marmas---the pressure points in the Western reflexology. Here are some basic points:

The focal point in Ayurvedic massage technique is: different pressure points of the body. As a healing agent, Indian massage involves the use of:


Different types of touch

Pressure or flowing movements Ayurvedic massage is applied to the skin in a way so that the tissues underlying it are relieved of muscular tension and pains.

This form of massage may involve either particular parts of body---as for example, Indian head massage---or full body massage.

Indian massage often involves the use of different types of aromatherapy oils---hot or cold.

All of these result in relaxation of the body and promote a sense of overall well-being.

Indian Massage---an experience of lifetime

In the interior of India, you will get to see people receiving massage in the corners of the streets for a few rupees; although they often lack formal training, they have acquired the art as a part of community tradition.

But for a life changing experience, you should visit a luxury Indian spa where trained and experienced masseurs will offer you traditional Ayurvedic massage for a holistic rejuvenation. Here are some of the varieties of Ayurvedic massage you can experience in the different parts of India, especially in the Spa Resorts in Kerala, in southern fringes of the peninsula.

Panchakarma treatment

The gentle process that promotes deep cleansing without discomfort. This is a massage technique that helps eliminate toxins from the body accumulated in areas like the lymph, circulatory, and immune systems.

Abhyanga Massage

The fastest toxin expelling technique - this is a luxurious full body indulgence with medicated oils containing herbs and ingredients that pacify the unbalanced Vata, Pitta, and Kapha energies.

Ayurvedic Head Massage

The technique that ends mental fatigue - this massage is done with oils containing herbs that pacify the nerves and stimulate the brain for better functioning. This massage can be your ultimate solution for getting rid of emotional fatigue, confusions and for enhanced clarity of mind.

Full Body Steam

Expelling toxins with the help of steam - this is a full body massage technique, much different from ordinary sauna; here the steam contains vapors of detoxifying and balancing herbs. However, the head and neck areas are excluded in this massage. In addition of relieving body from toxins, it also moisturizes and dehydrates the skin giving it a baby soft glow.

Shirodhara

The ultimate stress reliever - this amazing technique involves trickling of a warm stream of mixture of cooling and balancing herbal oils and medicated ghee over the forehead in a continuous flow. To enhance the effect, the treatment is carried on in a quiet, soothing atmosphere. If you happen to suffer from any one of these: chronic neuro-muscular disorders, hypertension, insomnia, depression, anxiety, headaches or restlessness---- Shirodhara is the technique you must give a try to get rid of these menaces for once and for all.

For generations, Indian massage has been trusted for having a powerful effect on the mental and emotional well being of the individuals.

Come and experience the difference yourself!

Tania Penwell provides information on Indian massage and other types of massage for Savvy Cafe - your guide to living life to the fullest!

Massage Therapy Education

For those who are interested in a Massage Therapy Education, comprehensive schools of massage and vocational massage schools have taken innovative steps to extend this unique healing art to students everywhere. In the United States alone, there are hundreds of natural healing schools that provide Massage Therapy Education in a vast assortment of massage modalities.

For inquisitive minds or career-oriented individuals who are seriously contemplating a Massage Therapy Education in order to establish a foundation for professional practice, it is important to evaluate all options prior to applying to the massage school of choice. With several massage techniques that one can explore, the selections are nearly unlimited. In today's Massage Therapy Education, students can choose to earn a certificate, diploma, or even a degree in massage therapy. In addition, curious folks can opt to partake in community workshops and seminars that also offer informal Massage Therapy Education. Clearly, the field of practical learning is vast and full of opportunity.

In a standard Massage Therapy Education, most students will encounter general studies in anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, ethics, and hands-on training in deep tissue, sports massage, or Swedish massage therapies. In a more advanced Massage Therapy Education, prospective candidates may elect to learn more in-depth and varied styles of massage, such as acupressure, Alexander technique, Bowen technique, core energetics, hot stone massage, lymphatic massage, structural integration, tuina, reflexology, Rolfing, and zero balancing - to list just a small number of available applications.

With the field of massage continually expanding, a strong, quality Massage Therapy Education proves to be a valuable resource to meet and beat stiff competition in today's workforce. Whether students desire to open their own private day spa or practice, or choose to work in a health care setting, it is imperative that future therapists be prepared through an appropriate Massage Therapy Education. In particular, students who wish to work in an acupuncture clinic may consider a Massage Therapy Education that incorporates Chinese medical massage (tuina), acupressure, or shiatsu. A helpful hint for prospective sports medicine and rehabilitative clinic practitioners would be to gain an in-depth Massage Therapy Education in sports massage, neuromuscular therapy, and cross fiber technique.

Other ideal techniques that can be learned through a Massage Therapy Education include lymphatic drainage and geriatric massage. Students who aspire to work in natural health oncology clinics and geriatric centers would find these studies to be quite useful in their career objectives.

Depending on the specific massage school, the Massage Therapy Education you receive may lead you through weeks or months of practical and academic studies. Some Massage Therapy Education institutes provide day and evening classes, as well as weekend classes. Students enrolled in a Massage Therapy Education will find that they will most likely have to sit for the National Certification exam to receive professional certification in massage therapy. In many states, this is preferred, if not required. While LMTs (Licensed Massage Therapists) who have received an in-depth Massage Therapy Education will almost always earn slightly more than regular massage therapists, the field of massage therapy promises to be rewarding no matter which choice of modality or Massage Therapy Education you choose.

To learn more about Massage Therapy Education and additional learning programs, search our site for more in-depth information and resources.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

Copyright 2006 - All Rights Reserved

Michael Bustamante, in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc. for SchoolsGalore.com

Notice to Publishers: Please feel free to use this article in your Ezine or on your Website; however, ALL links must remain intact and active.

Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Find Massage Schools, Massage Therapy Schools, Colleges, Universities, and Vocational Schools at SchoolsGalore.com; your educational resource to locate schools.

An Introduction to Aromatherapy Massage

Touch is important to all living beings, being one of first and most basic means of communication. Massage is just one way of communicating sensations, hopefully of a pleasant nature.

Just as the body stores up the tensions of the day, both physical and emotional, in the muscles of the neck, back, head and limbs, so massage is a way of removing these muscular tensions, and as a result associated mental tension should also be eased. In addition massage can stimulate the circulation of the blood: the intended purpose of the massage should always be considered - if a massage is given to aid sleep, an invigorating rub down may have the opposite effect!

Aromatherapy massage adds an extra sense - that of smell - to the basic benefit of massage. Fragrances have the power to evoke feelings and memories independently of conscious thought. Combining aromatherapy with massage makes for a powerful experience - essentially the massage giver passes on their energy and touch to the receiver.

Contrary to popular belief, massage is not complicated or difficult and can, by following a few simple rules, form an important part of the healing process.

Always massage with the flow of your body, which is towards your heart. When massaging the abdomen the flow is in a clockwise direction, using circular movements that follow the flow.

Be aware of the needs of the person whom you are massaging, to ensure that it is a both a comforting and soothing experience, especially where the young and the very old are concerned.

The following is a simple guide to the different types of massage and the strokes that can be used to ensure the best results.

What Will I Need?

Aromatherapy massage is one of the simplest ways of using essential oils, but it still helps to prepare your tools and working space in advance.

It is important to have a warm, draught free and quiet environment, where you won't be disturbed, and where all of your oils and accessories, such as clean towels, are easily to hand.

All essential oils need to be diluted in a carrier, or base oil, before being massaged onto the body or face. As a general rule of thumb the ratio of essential oil to base oil should be:

10 - 15 drops of essential oil in 60ml (12 teaspoons) of base oil.

(Click here to see our full range of carrier oils for use in Aromatherapy massage)

The Basic Massage Strokes

Aromatherapy massage requires long slow strokes maintaining contact on the body at all times, alternating with short fast friction rubs that warm the oils and help spread them evenly over the skin. Delicate areas such as the abdomen, pelvic region and bony areas should be stroked fairly lightly, while greater pressure can be applied to the heavier muscle areas such as the shoulders, buttocks and back. The basic massage strokes listed below comprise the main movements required for Aromatherapy massage.

Effleurage (Stroking Movements)

This is a series of gentle strokes enabling the massage oil to penetrate the body, helping to bring about a state of calm and relaxation. Use the whole hand to do short or long strokes, these can be firm or gentle depending on how you feel. This type of massage helps to increase circulation, relaxation of the muscles and relieve the body of stress and tension.

Petrissage (Kneading Movements)

Petrissage is gentle kneading movements, like kneading dough. The art of petrissage is never to cause pain or discomfort and should be performed slowly and carefully. It is usually used on the back, muscular and fatty areas, and is good for releasing trapped toxins, relaxing muscles and encouraging the lymphatic system to flow. As you perform each kneading movement put a slight pressure on your thumbs.

Friction (Circular Movements)

Especially beneficial for areas that are cold or of poor circulation. Rub the skin in circular movements with the flat of the hand in short, fast movements.

Raking Movements

Hold the fingers stiffly at the joints to resemble the ends of a rake, or as if to play the piano, and with fingertips touching the skin, make firm, raking movements with one or both hands, backwards towards your body.

Pummelling Movements

Make one or both hands into fists and, keeping fingers loose and relaxed while held in a fist, bounce them up and down the body in a fast drumming movement. Pummelling can also be carried out with the hands flat, and fingertips down, or with the sides of the hands, or even with the palms turned upwards.

The Five Main Areas for Massage

Hand Massage

Head, Neck & Facial Massage

Foot Massage

Shoulders & Back Massage

Full Body Massage

>> Hand Massage

This is especially appropriate for older people and people for whom back, foot or facial massages are not appropriate. Touching the hands gently can be very calming - the fingers are packed with nerve endings, and can be as attuned to different parts of the body as the feet.

A quick de-stresser is to gently stroke the recipient's hands, from wrist to finger tips, using a light flowing touch with all five fingers.

>> Head, Neck & Facial Massage

Place your chosen essential oils on your fingertips and use the fingers to massage around the head. Use only your fingertips to gently but firmly pass around and over the head in a smooth controlled movement.

For Headaches it's best to start at the base of the neck and work upwards to the base of the scalp. Use the fingers in firm, but not hard effleurage strokes. Continue for as long as necessary. It may also help to include the upper shoulder area which is also often tense, and may in fact be the cause of the headache.

A self- facial massage of the jaw line up to a point immediately below the ears can also help to prepare us for stressful situations such as sitting exams, interviews etc.

To continue the massage onto the neck area, move the hands to the base of the neck, placing a hand on each side of the vertebrae (never put pressure on the vertebrae).

Use small but firm circular movements, working from the base of the neck, and continue upwards to the base of the scalp and then down the sides of the neck. Work around the sides of the neck using gentle but firm movements.

>> Foot Massage

Massage in an upwards direction form the toes to the ankle; if you are lucky enough to have someone do this for you, thumbs should be on the sole of the foot with the fingers on top, if you are doing your own feet you may find it easier to have your thumb on top with you fingers underneath.

>> Shoulder & Back Massage

Before you begin the massage, ensure the recipient is comfortable, preferably lying face down on a well padded floor, bed or mattress, with a rolled up towel or bolster pillow under the upper chest, to ensure that the head and neck will be relaxed in the face down position.

Beginning with the shoulders, use the thumbs and palms to massage with effleurage and petrissage actions, moving from the base of the neck outwards to the shoulder. You may also find it beneficial to take in the shoulder blade area by making large circular movements around the top of the shoulder to just under the shoulder blade.

Moving down towards the lumbar region of the back, use effleurage strokes, placing one hand either side of the vertebrae, using the whole hand, flat against the back stroke up towards the shoulder around and over the shoulder blade and slide down again the sides of the back. Repeat as often as is wished.

Note: Do NOT massage over the vertebrae, as the spine is very sensitive. Always move the hands, fingers and thumbs over either side of the spine.

>> Full Body Massage

The full body massage should incorporate all of the above massages, while also including the arms, legs and abdomen.

The Arms - Using upwards strokes from the wrist to the armpit. Using petrissage on fatty and muscular areas as appropriate.

The Abdomen - using effleurage strokes, use circular movements in a clockwise direction only.

The Legs - always massage the legs upwards from the ankle to the thigh using effleurage strokes. Where appropriate use petrissage on the fatty or muscular areas. (Never over varicose areas)

Lower abdomen and hips - using effleurage strokes start at the lower back and slide over the hips, then slide each hand over the abdomen. Use the whole of the hand flat against the skin.

Margaret McGoverne is the founder of The Holistic Shop.com website http://www.theholisticshop.com where you can buy gifts and products for the wellbeing of mind body and soul.

Kentucky Massage Therapy Schools

If you would like to learn the ancient art of massage, but don't know what to expect, Kentucky massage therapy schools can lead you in the right direction. They can teach you the professional methods of massage therapy to ensure a successful massage career, and help you avoid associated problems of fatigue and injury.

Massage therapy has been practiced for thousands of years to bring a multitude of benefits to the mind, body, and spirit. Kentucky massage therapy schools teach muscle relaxation methods as well as healing techniques and properties of massage. Classroom and clinical massage are incorporated into the curriculum, providing students with a comprehensive massage education. Graduates are prepared for certification examinations as well as for rewarding professions in various areas of massage therapy.

The various massage therapy schools in Kentucky offer topics of anatomy and physiology as well as plenty of practical hands-on experience in a clinical setting, under the supervision of trained instructors. Graduates will have had many opportunities to study the benefits of therapeutic touch, chiropractic massage, orthopedic massage therapy, sports massage, deep tissue massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, and much more.

The aim of Kentucky massage therapy schools is to prepare aspiring massage therapists for employment in doctors' offices, clinics, hospitals, chiropractic offices, health clubs, nursing homes, spas and salons, cruise ships, and shopping malls. Students may choose advanced studies, such as infant massage, pregnancy massage, sports massage, lymph massage for cancer patients, and Eastern methods of massage therapy.

Before enrolling in any of the Kentucky massage therapy schools, you should be aware that Kentucky has specific regulations and licensing requirements for massage therapists. Take a few minutes to decide what kind of massage practice you think you would enjoy, and what region you will most likely work in upon graduation. This preparation will help you choose the right massage therapy school to perfectly match your personal and professional goals.

If you would like to know more about Kentucky Massage Therapy Schools [http://www.schoolsgalore.com/categories/1/kentucky_massage_therapy_schools.html], you can start right now. Visit our website today and submit a request for information to schools that appeal to you. You will soon be on the path to an exciting new career!

If necessary, you may wish to look into massage therapy schools in other states, such as:

- Minnesota Massage Therapy Schools

- Pennsylvania Massage Therapy Schools

- Michigan Massage Therapy Schools

- Arizona Massage Therapy Schools

- Colorado Massage Therapy Schools

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

Copyright 2007 - All rights reserved by Media Positive Communications, Inc.

Notice: Publishers are free to use this article on an ezine or website, provided the article is reprinted in its entirety, including copyright and disclaimer, and ALL links remain intact and active.

Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. Find Massage Therapy Schools in Kentucky and other states, such as Georgia Massage Therapy Schools, at SchoolsGalore.com, your educational resource to locate schools.

Massage Chair Review - Omega Montage Premier With Mp3 Player

The Omega Montage Premier massage chair with MP3 player is one of the top chairs in its class ($4,000 to $5,000--see actual rank below). As with many of the chairs we have reviewed, the Omega Montage Premier has too many features to fully explain each one here. But let me describe the chair's most important features, qualities, and limitations, and especially those features that will not be found on other chairs.

As always, our review starts with the company that makes the chair. In our experience it is very clear that no massage chair is worth buying if the company that makes it will not stand behind it. Omega has shown an extremely high level of commitment to its customers and chairs, perhaps the best in the industry. Returns are rare, because of the quality of its chairs, and, within the restrictions of its returns policies, Omega honors its commitments without hassling its customers. Omega is responsive to customer inquiries and helpful if any problems arise. We give Omega a 10 out of 10 for its outstanding commitment to customer service.

Omega's commitment is reflected in its five-year warranty on the frame and three-year warranty on parts, which give the customer a high degree of confidence. These warranties sets this chair apart from some of the other leading chairs in this class.

Now to the features of the chair itself. I'll start with the weaknesses. As with every massage chair in the world, the technology simply isn't advanced enough to make a mechanical massage as good as a personal massage. Chair makers who claim to give you a massage as good as a personal massage are simply blowing smoke. Such a claim is much like an electronic razor manufacturer telling you the shave you get will be as close as a blade--baloney!

Having said that, some of these chairs (especially this one) are getting very close. And since it simply is impossible to have a human massage every time you need to relax, a massage chair can be a good substitute for the real thing (and in some ways, even better, since it never gets tired and never needs a massage in return).

Along with the inherent weaknesses of any massage chair, the Omega Montage Premier also uses air bags for the lower body massage. This can be a good thing, as it allows for greater flexibility and coverage. However, as the owner of one manufacturer of mechanically-based massage chairs told me, those air bags can never quite measure up to the force of a mechanical massage. This may be true, although the advancing technology is increasingly giving mechanical chairs greater coverage and air bag chairs greater pressure, so the difference between the two is definitely shrinking. I personally would prefer the flexibility and coverage of air bags over a deeper, more forceful massage.

Now to the positives--and there are many of them. The Omega Premier Montage offers several unique features. As a wannabe techie and music enthusiast, my favorite feature is the MP3 with headphones. All you need to do is download your favorite music onto the USB music stick and plug it into the chair. The chair can synchronize its massage to the music you choose. This is one of those extra little touches that makes a big difference.

As with the other chairs in this class, the Omega Montage Premier can deliver heat everywhere on your body. When you sit in the chair, it performs an infrared scan of your back to detect the location of your acupoints and customize the massage accordingly. The chair can accommodate users up to 6' 5" with a back massage length of 30 inches, which is very good coverage (although not quite as good as Sanyo's 31-inch Zero Gravity chair).

One excellent feature of this chair is the lower body traction function. The chair is able to grip your feet and calves in the footrest and stretch your legs from the hips down, which is intended to stretch your joints and ligaments in order to increase your range of motion. I don't know about any health claims the manufacturer might make, but stretching like this can really feel nice and add to the overall relaxation benefits of the chair.

Also in the lower body, this chair contains what Omega calls "reflexology nodes" for the feet and Footflex Massage Technology. This is a great feature that focuses the massage on refloxology points in the foot. Clearly, Omega has gotten the message from customers that the foot massage is an important part of the overall massage experience.

Working our way up, the Omega Montage Premier has a hip vibration feature that can be great for a limited time (but irritating if overused). As with all massage functions, overdoing it is a real risk, so paying attention to your massage is important. This chair includes pads that can be added to soften the massage until your body becomes accustomed to the massage "workout" delivered by the chair.

The Omega Montage has five pre-programmed massages named Relaxation, Activation, Vitality, Morning, and Night. It also has four manual massage courses for the entire back, upper back, lower back, and waist. The chair uses a back-lit LCD screen and sub-remote control so you don't have to move to adjust the chair. The chair can be reset to its original position with one touch.

The chair is covered with a high-quality leather-like material that acts like leather without the cracking and breaking that can plague real leather chairs. Its recline angle is up to 175 degrees, which is very close to a flat recline, and this full range of motion provides a very high-quality and complete massage.

The Omega Montage Premier massage chair is almost the same chair as the Omega Montage Elite massage chair, except for the look and the arm rests. Personally, I prefer the look of the Premier. Its silver body with complementary trim gives it a sleeker and more modern look, while the Elite provides a more classic appearance. However, the Premier is slightly more expensive, so the customer has to make that call.

In our experience, all the Omega chairs are well-built. They are constructed in China with Japanese components, so the customer gets the quality of the Japanese components without the high costs of Japanese assembly. Returns have been rare, and the manufacturer is responsive when concerns do arise. We've been very impressed with Omega.

Overall, (and largely because of its reliability and warranty) we rate the Omega Montage Premier massage chair a very close second in its class ($4,000 to $5,000 range). (In fact, for those who desire the lower body stretching function, the Montage would rank number one.) It is exceeded only by the Sanyo Zero Gravity massage chair, which is more expensive but has a few features that are lacking in the Montage. We'll discuss those features in the upcoming article devoted to the Sanyo Zero Gravity massage chair HEC-DR7700K.

This product was reviewed for http://massagechairs.com , which sells most massage chair brands and attempts to provide unbiased reviews for its best massage chairs. Reviews for the rest of the MassageChair.com Top 25 can also be found on the same site. More information on this specific product can be found at http://massagechairs.com/Montage-Elite-Massage-Chair-w-MP3.html

Massage Therapy Schools Teach Various Types of Massage

Though massage is often thought of as simple bodywork, it is actually quite diversified and is branched into several massage modalities and techniques. When you enroll in a massage therapy school, be sure to review the hands-on curriculum. While a great number of massage therapy schools offer practical training in Swedish massage, many schools offer massage training in numerous other varieties, including chair massage, deep tissue massage and medical massage, to name a few.

Some massage therapy schools prefer to provide an array of massage techniques to better accommodate the expanding field. For example, massage instruction can include deep tissue massage, which is unique bodywork used to release chronic muscular tension. The main difference between Swedish and deep tissue (as the name implies) is that deep tissue massage is administered with greater pressure at deeper muscle layers than Swedish massage.

Another type of bodywork taught at some massage therapy schools is sports massage. Sports massage is an integration of both deep tissue and Swedish massage, but is primarily used to promote healing in athletic injuries.

Two modalities that are most often offered at massage therapy schools are acupressure and Shiatsu. Interestingly enough, both techniques are based on acupuncture points (meridian channels), whereby pressure is applied to these particular points with finger, palm and thumb as opposed to acupuncture needling. The fundamental distinction between the two is that Shiatsu is the Japanese edition, and acupressure is a generalized adaptation of the technique.

Another form of bodywork that many massage therapy schools offer is reflexology. This specific massage style is commonly applied to the feet to stimulate reflex points that correspond to particular body organs. However, reflexology is not just limited to the feet; it is also used on the ears and hands. Like acupressure, reflexology is applied with the finger, palm and thumb to reflex points on these areas of the body to release stress, improve circulation and promote balance in the body.

While there are many more massage techniques available, standard massage training will typically cover fundamentals in anatomy; physiology, organ and tissue studies, kinesiology, body and motion mechanic studies, and, of course, practical massage training.

As with most massage therapy schools, students who successfully complete their training are often encouraged to take the national certification examination, which is given by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). Prospective massage therapists should review requirements for becoming Nationally Certified prior to enrollment, as this may vary from state to state.

Due to society's awareness of the beneficial health aspects of massage therapy and an increased interest in alternative medicine and natural healing, massage therapy schools that provide hands-on training in assorted massage techniques are gaining headway in today's educational system. In addition, many graduates will opt to continue their natural healing education, and specialize in a related field, such as chiropractics or acupuncture.

To learn more about Massage Therapy Schools, or even Online Massage Therapy Schools, we invite you to visit our Natural Healing Directory to find more in-depth information and resources.

Copyright 2006 - All rights reserved by Media Positive Communications, Inc.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

Notice to Publishers: Please feel free to use this article in your Ezine or on your Website; however, ALL links must remain intact and active.

Find Acupuncture Schools and Massage Schools, Colleges, Universities, Vocational Schools and Natural Healing Schools at SchoolsGalore.com, your educational resource to locate schools.

For Sports Massage - Planning Your Massage Does Make A Difference

With ten years of Massage Therapy experience and being the sole owner of Cassidy's Massage Clinic since 2003, I have been fortunate enough to build some great relationships with clients in tri-athalons and other sports. This has given me the opportunity to understand the inner workings of the athletic mind and body. Although I personally have been maintaining the "recreational tri-athlete" title, I find myself getting increasingly involved in the sport. My experience has proven that the proper scheduling and type of massage therapy not only decreases recovery time, but can be the deciding factor between a successful season and sitting injured on the sidelines.

So how can you implement a proper massage modality and schedule that corresponds to your training?

There are four main types of sport massage: pre-event, intra-event/training, post-event, and injury rehabilitation massage.

Pre-event massages are given directly before an athletic event, or for our sake, within 72 hours of a triathlon. They should be circulatory in nature; stimulating blood flow, opening up/increasing your range of motion, and helping the muscles get ready to fire. Assisting at races such as the Xterras and the Koz Enterprises race Series in San Diego , I have also found that mental relaxation is also a very beneficial component of the pre-event sports massage. It will calm the excitement and nervousness associated with being at the event, allowing for your stored energy to be used more efficiently. When you go to perform, you will be focused. It is absolutely critical that the therapist does not apply any deep tissue techniques, as it tends to leave the muscles sore and feeling heavy, which would impair the ability of your muscles to fire efficiently.

Intra-event/Training massage is the most common form of massage for triathletes. Regular treatments, when performed by a skilled sports massage therapist, can eliminate any chance of chronic or over-use injuries. Unfortunately, we usually have athletes come in for a massage after they have already started to feel the effects of an existing injury. The medical term for this (for those who are unaware) is "not-getting-massage-at-the-right-time-itis," or, inflammation as a result of not getting a massage at the proper time. All joking aside, in this situation, massage will decrease recovery time and get you back on schedule.

So, when should you plan your intra-event massage? Get your pens ready because this is very important. You should plan your intra-event sports massage the day before or on your day off. If you have a coach(which is not necessary for a recreational tri-athlete), talk with him/her about implementing massage into your training schedule. However, I am not a coaching expert ... just a massage expert, so it is best to work with someone you feel comfortable with and someone that is helping you achieve your desired results.

Post-event massage is given directly after the event, and is very effective in decreasing DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness), or soreness you feel after pushing your body to the limit. It, like the pre-event massage, is circulatory in nature, with focus on the lower extremities or specific trigger points that your therapist finds in spasm. The decreased recovery time will allow you to return to your training schedule sooner and more refreshed.

Injury rehabilitation massage is the massage that we all wish we will have no need for. I would much prefer working proactively than retroactively with an athlete. However, we do have the bodywork tools to help athletes free themselves from nagging injuries and get them back in training condition. For those that have not received this type of massage, please note that this type of massage does not feel relaxing. Injury Rehabilitation massage tends to be applied to the area around the injury. Please avoid this massage if possible by implementing more intra-event massage. I will go over injury-specific massages in future posts.

Chris Cassidy, LMT, owns and operates Cassidy's Massage Clinic out of La Jolla, Ca. Cassidy's Massage Clinic (formerly Elite Bodywork) has been providing high-quality sports and medical massages since 2003. Cassidy's Massage Clinic opened a new location in Solana Beach inside the Active Wellness Center. CMC has been voted the Best place to get a sports massage by Competitor Magazine [http://www.competitor.com] for the last 5 years. CMC is proud to provide massage for all the athletes at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, Ca. CMC is often seen at endurance events where they offer pre-, intra-, and post-event sports massages for athletes. For more information, visit Cassidy's Massage Clinic at http://www.cassidysclinic.com