Archive for the 'types of massage' Category

Ayurveda and Massage Therapy – What’s in a name?

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Terry
on March 24, 2010
in ayurveda, massage specialties and types of massage
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by Tiffany Cox. LMT

Thirty years ago most people in the Western world hadn’t even heard of Yoga, much less how to define it. We’ve since integrated it into our culture so thoroughly, you’d be hard-pressed to find even a single manliest of men who could deny having some knowledge of its existence.

There have been many new ideas introduced into our culture over the past few decades that are only now being revealed and adopted into mainstream consciousness. Not surprisingly, the practice of Ayurveda has eluded that consciousness to the extent that even the pronunciation is baffling to the unfamiliar.

(Phonetically) eye-yur-vay-dah, encompasses a way of life that is widely unknown in Western culture. Even the minority here in North America who participate in its practices are novices at best, administering the most basic of treatments and routines. The moniker itself is a testament to its intricate constitution, meaning literally: ayus~life, and veda~the science or knowledge of.

A true Ayurvedic lifestyle is a manifestation of meditation on comprehensive betterment, by directing intention through every thought and action, creating an existence of singular purpose ~ wellness in, and of, everything.

One reason Ayurveda is not as widely known is due to the complex contingencies applied within the practice itself. The culture in which Ayurveda unfolded is vastly different from American life, and many vital components within these customs can be considered absurd, “weird,” or even taboo by conventional assessment.

One of the more recognized Ayurvedic treatments known in the West is Shirodhara as a result of it now being offered in elite, luxury spas and wellness centers. I’ve worked in two spas that have provided this service, and only one exhibited a consistent, effective application of the treatment. When administered by an educated, experienced provider, Shirodhara can have a profound effect on both client and therapist.

A greater number of therapists are now being introduced to these practices while still in massage school, when they’re at a heightened level of receptiveness, encouraging a more in-depth pursuit of the native science upon which Ayurveda was developed over 4,000 years ago. Recognizing and preserving the significance of the Ayurveda name, origin, and meaning by becoming an authenticated student of customary Ayurvedic teachings is the best way to inspire the adoption of this standard of wellness.

Bringing these treatments into Western view incites intrigue among the alternative-lifestyle seekers, and introduces a dialogue between themselves and a (hopefully) well-educated practitioner.

Focusing attention on its benefits will help ease trepidation and increase acceptance, encouraging the introduction and integration of these unique methods of optimal wellness, so that one day we can all pronounce words like Ayurveda with the tongue of more than just a novice.

Lomilomi Massage Article

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Terry
on March 8, 2010
in lomilomi, massage techniques and types of massage
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On our main website, we have posted an article describing the ancient  practice of Lomilomi, a Hawaiian massage technique. For anyone (like me for instance) that is sick of cold weather and snow, reading about the history and philosophy behind Lomilomi, which addresses the spiritual and emotional well-being of the recipient as well as the physical aspects.

As you read this informative piece you will almost be able to feel the warm tropical breezes and the hear the gentle surf rush onto pristine beaches. You will learn something and I assure you that you will feel refreshed just reading about the art of Lomilomi massage.

Just click here to read the article about Lomilomi massage.

Beneficial Effects of Massage on Skin

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Terry
on November 9, 2009
in benefits of massage, massage and health, massage school and types of massage
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Massage schools offer courses dealing with the importance of massage on skin. These courses fall under the prerequisites of Anatomy and Physiology.

One of the things a massage school student will learn is that skin is generally of three types:  oily (this skin condition occurs when there is an overproduction of sebum), dry (aging and environmental pollutants drag the moisture out of skin, making it dry) and sensitive (people with allergies or are exposed to too many chemicals at work can have sensitive skin).

Skin is the first organ that a massage therapist comes in contact with.  After spending time consulting with her client, her instincts will guide her on how to massage the person.  When the client has a skin condition that is serious or contagious, the therapist should postpone the massage until the condition is completely healed.  In massage therapy, students learn about what the medical profession calls “skin contraindications.”  Doctors define “contraindication” (CI) as a condition or factor that can potentially increase the health risks of a person when that person takes a type of drug, undergoes a medical procedure, or receives some form of therapy like massage.

Three possible situations can result when a client has a skin condition.  The massage therapist can (a)  postpone the massage or request the client to present written permission from her doctor that it is safe to receive a massage; (b) still massage the client but will avoid the skin’s affected areas or (c) massage the client with protective gloves.  Massage schools will provide a list of skin conditions that students must be familiar with.  Some of these conditions include open wounds, sore ulcers, burns, frostbite, edemas, varicose veins, radiation sites and others.

For otherwise healthy patients with no history of skin disorders, massage delivers wonderful benefits to the skin.  It helps to eliminate the skin’s dead cells and improves circulation which in turn gives skin that healthy glow.  Massage helps to stimulate the sebaceous glands  to produce more sebum, the substance responsible for making skin soft and supple.  Thanks to massage, the sweat glands are able to release toxins from the body.  Massage also helps to expand the blood vessels enabling them to distribute essential nutrients to the body.

A synopsis from the Dermatologic Clinics journal (Vol. 24, Issue # 3, October 2005) highlighted the beneficial effects of massage on children with skin conditions.  The study was sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health and funded by Johnson and Johnson:  “In the first study children being treated on a burn trauma unit received 30-minute massages before debridement or dressing change. The children who received massage therapy were more relaxed during the procedure. In the study on children with eczema, those who were massaged during the application of their skin medication showed less anxiety after the massage sessions.”  Reading this extract from the Dermatologic Clinics journal led us to the Touch Research Institute in Florida.  We’ll do some homework and talk about it in our next post.  Stay tuned!

Massage Therapist: Just One Day (Part 2)

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Terry
on November 5, 2009
in massage and health, medical massage and types of massage
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medical-massageIn our last post, we talked about a typical day for a massage business owner.  Today, we’ll look at a massage therapist who gives massages in a hospital.  Ms. Shirley Vanderbilt wrote an insightful article in the June-July 2000 issue of Massage and Body Work Magazine where she featured two massage therapists – Lynn Daniels and Cynthia Swan.

Ms. Daniels starts her day at 7 in the morning and offers her services in Longmont United Hospital in Colorado.  Longmont is a hospital that has adopted the Planetree model that includes alternative healing options for patients.  “Beginning simply with massage therapy and t’ai chi, the center gradually added services and grew steadily with the support of the hospital and its clients to become one of the largest hospital-based alternative therapy programs in the country”, Ms. Vanderbilt said.

It’s not always smooth sailing for hospital-based massage therapists.  Ms. Vanderbilt wrote that therapists work long hours.  Add to that the challenges that come up unexpectedly.  But when Ms Daniels does her rounds, she is rewarded a hundred times over says Ms. Vanderbilt.  Getting a smile from a cancer patient, a “you made me feel so relaxed” comment from a new mother and a doctor’s nod of approval are strong incentives for her to continue what she loves doing.

Pre-surgical patients who undergo invasive surgery are offered massages to help them relax.  As a massage therapist, Ms. Daniels feels that she has a dual task:  to ease the patient’s anxiety and to help her cope mentally with the impending surgery.  It is the combination of gentle and compassionate conversation, light caressing movements and a mildly scented lotion that helps patients breathe more deeply, their surgery fears gradually diminishing.

Then there are the new mothers. Ms Daniels is either received with a “yes, please” or a “not now, maybe later” reply.  She makes sure that they know she’ll be back the next day or can resume the massage when breastfeeding time is over.  With new mothers, Ms. Daniels’ priority is relaxation.  Many brand new mothers feel lower back pain and that’s one area that Daniels pays special attention to.  She asks the mother how the area feels and then she proceeds to massage the back and shoulders alternately.  She knows the massage is working because the mother has stopped talking and has drifted off to sleep.

Cynthia Swan has her share of heartbreaking encounters – women who have lost their babies or mothers whose babies are born with a health disorder.  Cancer patients who are in the hospital for radiation/chemotherapy sessions are another special group; a massage therapist is expected to be tactful, diplomatic and armed with a strong sense of empathy. As one administrator explained, “bodywork is essential to this population while their bodies are being bombarded with radiation. We want to help them be back into their body before treatment…when you see these cancer patients, there’s a blank, empty look. We try to help them reconnect by giving them the space and atmosphere to bring their body and spirit back together.”

Massage Therapist: Just One Day (Part 1)

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Terry
on November 1, 2009
in massage career, massage employment options, massage techniques and types of massage
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We have to admit that we struggled for a few minutes about choosing an appropriate title for today’s blog.  Two reasons:  a massage session lasts an hour, so when people come out of the massage room feeling re-invigorated and more optimistic about the future, it’s really the 60 minutes spent under the healing hands of a massage therapist that make the difference.  But the intention for this blog was to describe “a day in the life of a massage therapist” type of story so we can give new students and graduates of massage therapy a peek into what their days will be like after massage school.

There is no such thing as a “typical day” for a massage therapist.  The profession, being a flexible one, offers massage therapists several options on how they want to structure their work hours.  A snapshot of a working day would depend on whether the person works part time or full time, the kind of working environment the therapist chooses to work in (as an employee in a health club, a freelance therapist working for a spa or resort, or working for physical and occupational therapist or doctor in a hospital or clinic) or as a business owner.

Jenny Platt owns a massage business in Virginia and her days can be hectic or relatively unhurried.  There are joys and challenges.  Some of these challenges arise when clients don’t show up for their appointments.  She says that clients need to provide two hours’ notice; if they don’t, they forfeit their session.  Ms. Platt says she often has to explain this to clients in an ethical and non-offensive way, and it can get tricky because many clients are on multiple session packages.  Clients tend to forget that some massage therapists who are hired are paid for actual work they do, not for hours sitting around waiting for clients.

Ms. Platt and her massage therapists reserve an extra half hour for each session to prepare:  changing linens, pulling out the client’s file, preparing the products, choosing the music and lighting candles.  As a business owner, she also has a myriad of administrative matters to look after.  Taking three to four clients a day, therefore, is the ideal client load for her.  When clients come in, they are offered water and directed to the washrooms.  If she is meeting clients for the first time, she spends 20-30 minutes for consultation.  Because client needs are different, the types of massage vary.  The variety is what she enjoys most;  it prevents her from feeling tired or burning out at the end of the day.  She could start her day applying a rigorous type of massage, but before lunch, she could be doing the raindrop technique or the Thai herbal compress - lighter forms of therapy.

Ms. Platt’s clients range in age from 20 to 70, but she says majority are in the 30-50 age range.  Regular or repeat customers account for 85% of her business.  Of those who come, 60% have a specific problem so they’re not getting a massage purely for relaxation.  Her center is open seven days a week and the last session is at 7:30 in the evening.  When she started, she was working seven days a week, but now she works only Mondays through Fridays from 11:00 am to 6:00 or 7:00 pm.

In our next post, we’ll peek into the day of a massage therapist working in a hospital setting.

Chair Massage: a Lucrative Specialization?

Published
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Terry
on October 27, 2009
in chair massage, massage business, massage equipment, massage specialties, sports massage, trigger point massage and types of massage
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Chair massage – or seated massage – isn’t exactly a new trend.  The ancient Chinese discovered trigger points in the body with healing responses so when the practice spread to India and Japan, the trigger point treatment method included a type of seated massage. Chair massage started catching the world’s attention in the 1980s when an entrepreneur called David Palmer actively promoted it.  His first major break came when Apple Computer hired him to give chair massages to employees.  When that ended, Palmer decided to launch his chair massage business.  It has since become popular, not only because of its simplicity and low overhead costs, but also because of the income potential.  Unlike a massage session, chair massage can be carried out within view of the public. Today, you see massage therapists at work in many public areas:  airports, malls, offices, hospitals, train stations and even in streets.  As Valerie Voner, LMT says, “for many folks, chair massage is their introduction into the healing world of skilled, compassionate touch.” (F+W Publications, 2004).

We looked for articles written by David Palmer, and we singled out this one which might be of special interest to students who are thinking of acquiring a chair massage franchise after graduation.  It’s an enlightening article that deals with fainting incidents of people receiving a massage while seated.  The fainting spells happened so frequently that questions were raised about whether or not chair massage could still be considered a viable practice. David Palmer decided to look into it because chair massage therapists were getting apprehensive.

David Palmer says that a person faints (medical term for fainting is “syncope”) when the vasovagal nerve reflex receives pressure, leading to a sudden drop in blood pressure and a decreased supply of oxygen to the brain.  When these two things happen, the person being massaged on a chair passes out and becomes unconscious.  David Palmer explains it fully in his article which you can read here:  http://www.massagetherapy.com/articles/index.php/article_id/310/Fainting-and-Chair-Massage.  After asking clients about their experiences, he discovered that those who fainted had low blood sugar at the time they were starting to be massaged because they had skipped a meal.  Also, a good number of those who fainted were just recovering from an illness like the flu.  Palmer points to the need for screening clients before therapists administer a massage.  Asking about medications, fainting spells and recent hospitalizations are good ways to screen clients.

Don’t let this piece of news change your mind about specializing in chair massage because there is high income potential in this line of work.  Opportunities are numerous.  Ms. Voner mentions conventions and meeting centers, charity events and schools.  “No matter the profession, just about everyone is willing to try a chair massage…massage of any type is fantastic, but there are many people who do not want to take off their clothes…Chair massage has no added expense, because you do not have to buy oils or use linens to drape,” she says.

While many schools offer chair massage as part of their program (the strokes used for chair massage are learned from Swedish massage, acupressure, stretching, petrissage and effleurage techniques) a few schools offer it as a distinct course or program.  The massage school in Marietta, Georgia – Everest Institute – specifically mentions seated massage as a course offering.  Also, the Potomac Massage Training Institute in Washington, DC offers it as a specialization. If you go to their web site http://www.pmti.org/index.php?id=3 and go to “About Us”, scroll down the page where you will see pictures of chair massage being done.

An Eastern Approach to Bodywork

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Terry
on September 24, 2009
in asian massage and types of massage
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By Courtney Slivka, LMT

Modern society typically approaches the human body as dictated by recent scientific discoveries. Body parts and systems have very official names, functions, and positions within a human. However ancient traditions often had a different approach to understanding the human body. Learning about the history of bodywork is an important part of understanding its role in today’s modern world. Due to its significance, many massage schools incorporate a great deal of bodywork history into their curriculum.

One of the more well known systems of medicine and body care is Traditional Chinese Medicine. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM as it is often called, the body is thought to be made up of a number of different meridians or energy systems. TCM utilizes body movements, massages, herbs, and diet to maintain balance within the meridians. In theory, when the energy moves freely through the meridians, the body maintains its health. Shiatsu is an example of massage practiced along with TCM that works on the system of the meridians.

Along with the older Chinese societies, the traditional Indian culture also has their own system of medicine. The Indian approach to medicine is known as Ayurveda. In Ayurveda, people are categorized as one of three doshas, or types. They are also thought to have a system of chakras, or energy centers. Daily massages are an essential part of maintaining health according to Ayurveda. More specific therapies are also used to open the different chakras, and to balance the energy.

Most massage schools make the history of massage a mandatory part of a student’s academic career. Learning the origins of massage, its evolution, and seeming endless methods of approach to bodywork helps students find their own personal style of massage. Do not hurry through your own massage history classes. Learn to understand and take pride in your profession’s roots, and you will be better able to play a great role in its progression into the future.

Massage Students Should Gain Exposure to Eastern and Western Techniques

Published
by
Terry
on July 22, 2009
in accupressure, asian massage, deep tissue, massage techniques, myofascial, swedish massage, thai massage and types of massage
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By Courtney Slivka

Put quite simply, most massage traditions are categorized as either Eastern or Western. Yet travel around the world and you will probably find both Eastern and Western offerings in each city, sometimes even offered within the same establishment, and even by the same therapist. So what differentiates Eastern massage techniques from Western massage traditions? The categories arise from the origins of each form of massage.

Eastern traditions of bodywork are often thought to be the oldest traditions in the world. Many of these techniques arose in the ancient civilizations of Asia, yet the traditions are still practiced even today. Eastern forms of bodywork include Shiatsu, Thai massage, and acupressure, though there are numerous other techniques as well. Many of these schools of thought focus on the traditional Asian ideas of medicine and the human body, which varies in many ways from today’s modern beliefs about human science.

The Western theories of massage are much newer in comparison to many of the Eastern techniques. Today the most popular form of Western massage theory is Swedish massage. It is a therapeutic form of massage meant to enhance overall well-being by promoting relaxation. In addition, deep tissue, sports massage, trigger point therapy, and myofascial release have all evolved from the basic techniques of Swedish massage.

Many American massage schools focus primarily on the Western techniques of massage since it is the one most commonly practiced in American spas, gyms, health clubs, and more. Nevertheless the Eastern bodywork traditions are also quite popular, and even schools with a Western based curriculum include at least basic introductions to some of the Eastern techniques.

As a student of massage therapy, it is advisable to at least get a taste of a number of different techniques. Then you will have the information and experience to choose a tradition to study further, or incorporate into your own practice. Along with learning each tradition in school, take time to schedule sessions with professionals in each of the different areas of massage. You can experience the different types of massage first hand, and see which type you would most like to perform on a regular basis.

Massage Therapy and the Elderly

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Terry
on July 20, 2009
in continuing education, massage specialties and types of massage
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massage-elderlyBy Courtney Slivka

When most people think about massage therapy, they picture the relaxing oasis of a spa. Though it is becoming increasingly popular as a therapeutic practice, some still view it as a luxury meant for those with extra time and money. However many nursing homes, hospitals, and doctors are recommending that the elderly get regular massages. Not only does it help to enhance their overall physical health, but it can also assist them emotionally in going through life changes as they enter the most mature stage of their lives.

Working with the elderly presents new challenges but also many rewards. Therapists must be careful to use less pressure so as to not injure their clients. It is important to remember that you are most likely working with a more sensitive individual. Often times, a very light effleurage is the most that one can do in a massage session with an elderly client. Sometimes this means that the therapist must exercise their creativity in order to keep the session from feeling monotonous for both the client and therapist.

It is also important to remember that many people lose mobility as they age. Be sensitive to your client’s abilities, especially when getting on and off of the table. Also take care to keep your client comfortable throughout the session, which may mean extra pillows or bolsters to support the joints. More mature skin may be more sensitive than that of younger clients, so take that into consideration when choosing an oil or lotion for the session.

While all clients need to fill out an intake form, informing the therapist of any medical conditions, this is oftentimes more significant with elderly clients. It is best to receive the approval of one’s doctor before beginning any sort of therapeutic routine. It will be most ideal for you and your client if you stay in contact with their doctor, especially if they are receiving medical attention for any conditions.

Geriatric massage is part of many massage schools’ curriculum but in order to work with the elderly, consider enrolling in classes beyond your primary massage school. There are many benefits to working with the elderly population, but there are many different things to learn and take into consideration before embarking on such a path.

Incorporating Energy Work into Massage Sessions

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Terry
on June 29, 2009
in massage specialties and types of massage
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By Courtney Slivka

Working in the field of massage therapy has countless rewards. Nevertheless like all things worth having in life, massage therapy also presents many challenges to those who pursue it for a living. Some of these challenges may be physical, while others might be mental or even emotional. Whether your body is tired from performing massages, or your mind is distracted due to other areas of your life, energy work can provide an invaluable opportunity to reconnect with yourself, your craft, and your clients.

It often goes untouched in the Western traditions of bodywork, but more and more people are discovering the benefits of incorporating energy work into their massage sessions. While there are a number of different techniques that fall under the category of energy work, many share a few different qualities in common.

First of all, energy work typically requires less in terms of physical capabilities and strength. Unlike Swedish, sports, or deep tissue strokes that can put strain on the wrists, thumbs, and shoulders, energy techniques usually requires a lighter touch.

Secondly, energy work can truly help to centralize your mind to the task at hand, and prevent it from wandering. Lastly, as you relax your body and mind for the work, you may find that your natural intuition begins to shine through. It is not uncommon to develop greater insight as to how to lead your massage session, or work through your client’s condition.

Often times, energy work is appropriate to begin and end a session. Dedicating a few minutes at the open of each massage can help you tune into your client, preparing both of you for the experience. Ending a session with energy work helps to quiet your minds, and make one final connection on the table.

Additionally, turning to energy healing at other points throughout the session can be extremely effective in deciding where to take the massage, regaining a sense of focus on your client, or calming a restless client.

There are many different energy modalities in the world today including but not limited to Reiki, polarity therapy, and chakra opening. The theories behind each tradition vary, as do the specific techniques. It is important to receive proper training in your desired technique because most forms of energy work have the potential to be quite powerful. Many of today’s massage programs do include introductions to the various techniques, and can be a great way to explore different forms of energy work.