Massage is defined as the act or art of treating the body by rubbing, kneading, patting, or the like, to stimulate circulation, increase suppleness, relieve tension. It has several purposes and uses—from medicinal to pure leisure. And in the past few years, it has transformed to become a staple for today’s busy men and women, hassled and frazzled from the demands of their everyday lives. Now, Largo residents can enjoy the benefits of this kind of relaxation therapy only at Massage Envy. Located within easy distance of Indian Rocks Beach at 10609 Ulmerton Rd, Largo, Florida, 33771, this will surely become the Belleair area’s hottest destination for rest and relaxation.

They have several types of massage available, all of them serving their own goals. Deep Tissue Massage, for one, is designed to relieve severe tension in the muscle and the connective tissues. Massage s is recommended for individuals who are in constant pain, are involved in heavy physical activity like local Largo athletes, and also patients who have sustained a physical injury. This technique focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. It aims to release the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the fiber’s of the muscles, tendons and fascia. This is used to release chronic muscle tension through slower strokes and more direct deep pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles and not with the grain. This also helps to break up and eliminate scar tissue. And because this kind of therapy usually focuses on more specific areas and is less concerned about total relaxation, it may cause some soreness during or right after the session. However, if it is done correctly the person should feel better than ever within a day or two.

On the other hand, Sports Massage is also offered for those who participate in athletics and other strenuous physical activities in and around Largo. When a person engages in frequent exercise, the muscles are worked and overworked and will eventually begin to tear down if not looked after. This kind of therapy is then recommended in order for these muscles to mend properly. This therapy involves several kinds of techniques: Deep Swedish, Compression, Cross-Fiber, Trigger Point/Tender Point, and Lymphatic. These methods can be employed to reduce the chance of further injury through proper muscle stretching and preparation. It also improves the body’s range of motion and muscle flexibility, shortens the recovery time between workouts, maximizes the supply of nutrients and oxygen through increased blood flow and enhances elimination of metabolic by-products of exercise.

There are obviously several benefits of regular visits to Massage Envy. Studies have shown that those who get massaged often are more alert, perform better and are less stressed. Now Belleair residents can join the lucky millions who’ve discovered the joys of massage. They can now enjoy decreased effects of anxiety, tension and depression. And, of course, it also provides relief from muscle pain, spasms and stiffness. Massage promotes deeper and easier breathing, better posture, improves circulation and reduces blood pressure.

And there are mental benefits as well. Touch therapy satisfies the need for caring and nurturing touch. It also fosters peace of mind, helps promote a relaxed state of mental alertness and eases mental stress. There is also an enhanced capacity for calm thinking and creativity, both vital in today’s busy world. And it goes without saying that the end result is a total sense of well-being, adding to complete serenity and happiness.

Massage Envy is now open to cater to all residents in and around Largo. Book your massage session today and experience for yourself the difference touch can make.

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Pregnancy provides unique physical and emotional changes in women that results from the increased weight, shifting centre of gravity, changing posture and gait and the huge hormonal adjustments. As a result mums-to-be can face a whole raft of physical conditions such as back pain, sciatic discomfort, headaches, swollen legs and ankles. When coupled with hormonal variations, nausea and emotional stress then attention is required.

Prenatal massage from a qualified and experienced massage therapist aims to alleviate these and other pregnancy-related conditions.

Benefits of Pregnancy Massage

Massage is considered to have many health benefits including stimulating blood flow and the lymphatic system, improving flexibility to muscles and enhancing the mobility of joints. As pregnancy progresses, then the body adjusts to a changing centre of gravity caused by the baby’s increasing weight. The change in posture puts increased strain on the legs, hips and back. Massage improves the flexibility and functionality of the muscles, which assists the woman to carry the extra weight along with some of the aches and pains associated with pregnancy.

The claimed benefits of pregnancy include:

- reduced stress through relaxation and pain relief
- maintenance/awareness of good posture
- relief of muscular tension and spasms (in particular in the hips, legs, back and neck)<br>
- reduction of stress on weight-bearing joints.
- assistance in pain relief for any sciatic pain that frequently arises during pregnancy
- reduced oedema in hands and feet
- medication free headache relief
- improved energy levels and reduced fatigue

Even just taking time out for oneself during pregnancy can be emotionally rewarding, particularly if there is emotional support through the nurturing touch of the therapist.

Studies from the Touch Research Institute have indicated that pregnancy massage provides more than just physical relief for the mum-to-be. A group of pregnant women were provided with either massage or relaxation therapy during a five-week study. The researchers found that massage group had fewer complications during labour and delivery. In addition, they also had a reduction in stress, improved sleep quality and less back pain than the relaxation therapy group.

Massage Cautions

Massage is normally safe during pregnancy for most women. However if the women is experiencing any of the following conditions or symptoms then massage is contraindicated.

- any discharge of blood or water
- contagious illness/fever/vomiting
- pre-eclampsia
- high blood pressure
- abdominal pain
- blood clotting disorders

This list is not considered to be complete. If you have any concerns about having a massage during pregnancy then you should contact your health care professional. Indeed some massage therapists will not perform pregnancy massage without the approval of their doctor and others will not massage during the first trimester.

In choosing your prenatal massage therapist then please make sure that they are suitably trained and experienced. Just because a therapists offers pregnancy massage in their brochure or website does not mean that they have the necessary training and skills. Some therapists use pregnancy massage tables that have a hole for the belly, however these are generally not recommended by experienced prenatal massage therapists as the lack of support causes additional muscle strain on the belly and stress on the lower back

It is important to provide all relevant information about your condition to the therapist during pre-massage discussion. The massage therapist can then adjust your pregnancy massage to make the rewarding and relieving experience you deserve.

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After a long hard day at the office wouldn’t it be nice to get a massage. Unfortunately you have to first find a certified or licensed massage therapist. If you’re lucky and happen to know someone or have a regular therapist you work with, you still have to schedule an appointment. After you call and set the time you’ll have to get back into your car and drive to therapist’s office.

In today’s world most of us want instant gratification and have limited time in our hectic life. If money was no object most of us would get a massage every week, or possibly two or three times a week.

Let me pause here for a moment. It is very ironic that I would be writing an article about massage recliners because I am a certified massage therapist. As a therapist my first goal is to help the client get healthy. Sometimes I refer a client to a chiropractor or to an acupuncturist that can better serve the clients needs. The same is true about massage recliners. With new technology massage recliners have advanced beyond clunky massage rollers to high tech massagers that can emulate the human touch.

There are many health benefits from a massage from a trained therapist or a massage recliner. A trained massage therapist knows how to get the kinks out of your back and relieve the muscle tension from everyday stress. Massage recliners have superior technology and do more than rub your back. New models from Human Touch, iJoy, Panasonic and Sanyo can also massage the legs, feet, arms and shoulders.

Health Benefits of Massage

* Improves lymphatic flow. The act of massaging and kneading the muscles increases blood flow. Health benefits are better circulation and absorption of nutritional elements into the muscles and tissues. In addition, kneading the muscles helps clear out toxins out of the muscles.

* Decreases muscle tension and improves flexibility. Body tension and stress causes the muscles to tighten and shorten. Health benefits include loosening tight muscles and restoring range and flexibility.

* Massage therapy produces the ‘feel good chemical’, the same endorphins that are increased after working out at the gym. This ‘feel good chemical’ helps speed recovery, reduces pain and reduces anxiety.

Another benefit seldom discussed is clearer thinking. When you are out of body pain and the range of motion is restored to your neck, your mind can better concentrate on your everyday tasks.

Rates for a massage therapist can range from $40 to $100 depending on the therapist’s level of training and the city they are located in. Massage recliners are not cheap and can cost thousands of dollars. But over time, a massage recliner can pay for itself and provide many health benefits. Other considerations of cost savings are other family members using the massage recliner. In addition, some massage recliners are very stylish and are a handsome addition to any home décor.

Another benefit of a massage recliner is the fact it is a recliner chair. Anybody who has ever sat in a recliner knows how comfortable it is. Even if you do not activate the features of the massage recliner, the recliner itself has health benefits. The simple act of just sitting in a comfortable chair relaxes your body and eases body tension.

It’s your choice. Buy a massage recliner or call a massage therapist. Either one that you choose will have many health benefits. To make your buying decision easy I’d suggest scheduling two or three appointments with a certified or licensed massage therapist. Then try several brands and models of massage recliners to compare results.

Copyright © 2006 Wayne McDonald. All rights reserved.

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Throughout the United States and Canada are hundreds of accredited massage therapy schools that provide hands on training programs and education massage training to health care specialists.

There is a difference between massage therapy and sensual massage as used in massage parlors. The health professionals of today are certifiable, insured and well trained at massage therapy schools so they are able to give massage therapy in relaxing, clinical atmospheres.

At massage therapy school, you discover that massage is part science and part art. A massage therapist applies lotion to the exposed area he/she is working on and manipulates the joints, tendons and ligaments, soft tissues and skin by using therapeutic strokes, pressing, tapping and squeezes. A session usually lasts about an hour.

Massage therapy is wonderful for soothing muscles, jolting the lymphatic system, enhancing circulation and quieting the nerves. Often massage will benefit people suffering with physical as well as mental disorders.

For anyone that has ever had a muscle spasm and knows just how painful it is, massage can mitigate the pain along with pain from cramps and tension. Stress can play havoc with your body and relaxation massages are a wonderful and beneficial way to treat stress.

At massage therapy school, you learn a variety of massages. Some of the different types of massages are:

1. Pregnancy prenatal massage

2. Swedish massage

3. Shiatsu

4. Neuromuscular therapy

5. Aromatherapy

6. Sports massage

7. Acupressure

Massage therapy schools not only teach therapists theory but also practical hands on massage. A therapist must pass a board examine and certification standards vary from state to state.

With the fast paced, contemporary lifestyles of people today, everyone needs a way to reduce stress, and relax not only their mind but also body. Massage is a healthful way to do this.

Massage therapy school might be the career you are looking for.

Learn more about extraordinary and lucrative careers by going to our massage therapy school section and Panasonic massage chair site.

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Massage: Helps In Obtaining Beneficial Health Response

When structured or unstructured pressure, tension or motion or vibration is applied either manually or with the help of mechanical aids to the body, it is called a massage. Massage is applied to the soft tissues of the body that includes muscles, connective tissues, tendons, joints, ligaments and the lymphatic vessels. A massage is given to obtain beneficial health response from the affected area and is a form of mental and physical therapy that may be applied to parts of the body or to the entire. Massgage is often used to help heal injuries and relieve psychological stress as well as manage pain and improve the circulation of the blood. Therapeutic massage is used to obtain physical as well as psychological benefits and may also sometimes be referred to as manipulative therapy.

Massage: A Part Of Lovemaking

Massage is often also associated with the part of lovemaking process, and one may receive erotic massage that often is involved in sex work. This forms a part of a health industry and clients should check out the credentials of the massager and judge for themselves which one is right for them. Most often, in a commercial environment, the client has to lie down on a table or chair or on a mattress on the floor to receive massage treatment and very often is unclothed. However, use of a towel or sheet is also quite common to cover the vital parts of the body. Some forms of massage treatments require the person to be face up or face down for the first session before rolling over for the second half and one should be relaxed in order to gain maximum benefit. Also, for it to be effective there needs to be good communication between the client and the massager. In commercial settings, the client is encouraged to specify the type of massage treatment required which may include pain relief or relaxation or full body massage, just to name a few varieties.

There are over one hundred and fifty types of massage therapy currently, and different styles of massages have evolved from different sources. There is the barefoot deep massage, Bowen therapy and breema as also chair massage and deep muscle therapy. The list of different types of massage goes on and on and one has a wide variety to choose from and it would be advisable to read up and be fully informed about the various types before choosing any one. There are also many massage therapist organizations spread all over the world that are associations of professional massage therapists which you can easily choose from.

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Massage is more than an indulgence—it can have major health benefits. So go ahead. Induge!

Michelle suffered from carpel tunnel syndrome. She worked on the packing line at Wampler Foods in Virginia trimming the bone and gristle for 330 chicken breasts a day. Her right hand began going numb and the wrist pain made it difficult to move her hand. Cortisone shots were unsuccessful. After visiting the company massage therapist, she was back at work in a few weeks. In 1990, the company instituted massage, job-specific exercises, and ergonomics. Repetitive-stress injuries decreased by 75 percent and work attendance increased. Nobody wanted to miss work on his or her massage day.

As Michelle experienced, massage is more than an indulgence—it can relieve pain. This gentle therapy has been around since the dawn of time. Hipprocrates, the father of medicine advocated massage. When combined with medical attention, it helps heal certain conditions and prevents their return.

In fact, new research suggests regular massage therapy can help major health benefits. Massage can enhance the movement of fluids through our systems, which is fundamental for the body to function well. This movement of blood and lymph supports each and every cell of the body, carrying nutrients, oxygen, hormones, antibodies and water to each cell, as well as carrying waste products away. Any call can be enhanced, weakened or destroyed by this movement, or lack of it.

By dispersing fluids, massage can ease the inflammation that follows sprains and other injuries (although it shouldn’t be used the first day or two afterwards). Skilled hands can increase the fluids after a competitive run, easing the pain of overuse. During a mastectomy, the lymph nodes are removed and lymphatic fluid can collect in the arm, causing swelling. “Other than massage, there is no really good treatment,” says Dr. Chester Plotkin, director of the Lymph Edema Center at the University Hospitals of Cleveland.

At the Touch Research Institute, massage has been researched on a variety of groups. In a groundbreaking study in 1986, Tiffany Field, Ph.D., showed that premature infants, who received massage for 15 minutes, three times a day, gained 47 percent more weight and got out of the hospital six days earlier. “Touch with pressure is a major stimulus to the central nervous system,” says Dr. Field. “It puts people in a very relaxed state; your heart rate slows down, your blood pressure decreases. Things that are aroused by stress are diminished by this rubbing that people feel when they are massaged.”

Massage can also stimulate nerves that carry messages from the skin and muscles to the brain. A five-week study done on the effects of massage in the workplace in 1996 showed it reduced anxiety and enhanced alertness. The individuals who were massaged twice a week completed a math test in half the time with half the errors and their stress hormones decreased by 25 percent in 1998, at Bowling Green State University, a 15-minute chair massage significantly reduced blood pressure.

Massage is not a single discipline, but a family of related arts, each offering different advantages. There are limitless ways to apply this ancient art. Swedish massage, with its long soothing strokes, can ease tension and stress after a long day at work. If you suffer a painful spasm or need to recondition an injured joint, “deep tissue massage” can provide relief. After warming the tissues, deeper pressure is used to identify tightness in the deeper tissues. Trigger-point or neuromuscular massage can help relieve pain by identifying the muscles, tendons and ligaments involved to locate the point of pain and release it.

Like exercise, massage does more for you when you engage in it regularly. Even a monthly treatment can help maintain general health. “Touch is basic to survival,” says Elliot Greene, past president of AMTA. Dr. Nancy Snyderman of ABC News says: “massage is to a body like a tune-up is to a car. Massage is a little bit of good medicine.”

To meet the needs of each person, most massage therapists combine techniques for the best results. Look for someone who is nationally certified and/or a member of a professional organization, which shows they completed a minimum of 500 hours of education and continuing education.

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Interested in becoming one of the many natural healing pioneers of today? Earn your education as a professional massage therapist through the extensive massage therapy program offered at the American Institute of Massage Therapy (AIMT), located in sunny Pompano Beach, Florida. Once you’ve successfully completed all required coursework and have achieved your certification through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, you can begin helping patients deal with chronic pain and other health disorders.

Boasting a 97 percent student pass rate, AIMT has an exceptional 720-hour massage therapy program that encompasses training in anatomy and physiology (basic medical terminology, cells and tissue, skeletal and muscular systems, circulatory, integument, nervous, endocrine, digestive, respiratory and urinary systems), CPR, massage theory and Practicum, manual lymphatic drainage, myofascial techniques, Rolfing, neuromuscular techniques, Western massage theory, aromatherapy, Asian bodywork, craniosacral therapy, geriatric massage, Lomi-Lomi, infant and prenatal massage, reflexology, stone massage, Thai massage, and Trager therapy, among others.

Included in the far-reaching massage program are allied health courses in holistic health, NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming), and additional relaxation techniques. Because AIMT offers this program both daytime and evening, working and full-schedule adults can still complete the massage therapy program in about seven months. Additionally, graduates of AIMT’s massage therapy program are awarded a diploma and are eligible to sit for the National Certification exam. As an added incentive, students requiring financial assistance can apply for any one of several Federal Aid programs in which AIMT readily participates.

If the detoxification and the digestive system intrigue you, then the American Institute of Massage Therapy extends a 100-hour Colon Therapy Program that may be completed in as little as six weeks. In addition to education in anatomy and physiology, students learn about pathologies, natural health principles, Practicum, equipment and sterilization techniques, as well as business practices. Upon successful completion of the Colon Therapy Program,graduates are prepared to take the Florida State Colon Therapy Board Exam.

A member of the Florida Association of Post Secondary Schools and Colleges and the International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy, the American Institute of Massage Therapy is also approved for Veteran’s training benefits, and is part of the Florida State Massage Therapy Association, the American Massage Therapy Association Council of School, and local area chambers of commerce.

AIMT’s mission statement is to “provide quality education which enables students to develop and exhibit the professional skills, personal behaviors and track record of reliability necessary to successfully obtain entry-level employment in the respective health care fields for which they are trained.” So what’s stopping you? With a proven track record of quality training and education for over two decades, invest a little time and review the massage programs available at the American Institute of Massage Therapy today.

Featured School of the Week: American Institute of Massage Therapy

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What is Face and Head Massage

The face represents the person and a healthy face reinstates a healthy mind and body. Though adequate attention is given to face care many massage therapists feel believe that the face is one of the most neglected areas of the body.

Headaches are a common symptom caused by tight and achy muscles on the face and the head. The answer to such aches and pains in the face and head area is to relieve the tight and tense muscles in the face and head region by undergoing a face and head massage session.

Types of face massages

Different types of face massage include aromatherapy, herbal and a variety of facials that can rendered at beauty clinics, spas or by professional massage therapists. Similarly, head massage is also practiced with various variations such as Indian head massage, Thai massage etc. and can also be customized to suit the persons requirements employing oils such as aromatherapy oils, relaxation blends, oils for arresting hair fall etc.

Benefits of face and head massage

Face and head massage is essentially done to relax the tense muscles in the face and the head region. The strokes, pressure and massage helps to break down and eliminate the accumulated toxins in the body and helps improve blood circulation which in turn brings vital nutrients to the head and brain, resulting in a clearer mind and greater concentration. A face and head massage is particularly known to relieve stress, tension, fatigue, insomnia, headaches, migraine and sinusitis. Other benefits may include better hair growth and improved hair and skin condition.

Moreover, the face and head massage also aims at increasing joint mobility and flexibility in the neck and shoulders, improving blood circulation and lymphatic flow, freeing the knots of muscular tension and relaxing connective tissue.

Most therapists use a variety of movements including application of deep kneading and compression movements over the neck, shoulder and scalp areas. For the face massage, the therapists gently stimulate and stroke pressure points on the face. A typical face and head massage session usually last from twenty to forty-five minutes and as a concluding part of massage most therapists prefer that after the massage one must relax for about ten or twenty minutes. Usually a face and head massage leads to sound sleep as one nears completion.

The face and head massage is a flexible form of massage and can be done either in a seated or a sleeping position. The face and head massage can either be done exclusively or in combination with a full body massage to have a complete massage experience. This type of massage can be done when fully clothed or one may choose to be draped around the shoulders.

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http://www.massagetherapy.com/articles/index.php/article_id/115/Breast-Massage

lol Ant
lol Jaysunproxie, I didn’t go yet. I leave the 15th. lol there is a video that I wanted to show but I think it’ll violate the terms here.

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What I don’t understand is this:
I am a pisces, and my part is the feet. Does this mean I have weak feet, strong feet, unique feet, feet prone to sickness, healthy feet, sensitive feet…? I just don’t really understand what it means for a sign to “govern” a body part or represent it. Everywhere I read just says that pisces like to have feet massages and comfortable (or no) shoes.

Thanks a lot!!

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