The holiday season is officially here, and with it can come added stress. Chair massage is a fast and affordable way to alleviate stress and keep you in good spirits. Many people have high expectations for the holidays—we want to give the perfect gift, or host a wonderful party or dinner. Many families are traveling a long distance or are having guests stay with them. The pressure we put on ourselves to please friends and family can create tension and anxiety, making the holidays less enjoyable. Taking a short time out with a chair massage can release tension, improve mood, reduce aches and pains and help you to regain your stamina.

Taking a break in the midst of holiday planning and events may seem like a difficult or even impossible task. There are more errands to run, more treats to bake, more presents to buy, and very little time to accomplish it all. However, just 15 minutes with a chair massage therapist can provide valuable physical and emotional benefits that can make all the difference. An on site chair massage is performed in a relaxing setting and can be combined with aromatherapy to enhance the positive effects. The chair massage therapist concentrates on the upper body and back, working out the kinks and improving the body’s circulation. Massage has also been shown to aid immune system function, which can help you to fight off nasty winter colds.

With the economy faltering, and added holiday expenses, a chair massage might seem like a luxury that just isn’t in the budget. However, for the cost comparable to a bottle of wine or a night at the movies, you can receive the healing benefits of therapeutic massage. Chair massages are very affordable, often priced around a dollar per minute. The sessions last between 15 and 20 minutes, which allows clients to receive the benefits of massage therapy at a fraction of the cost of a traditional massage. And, instead of buying gift cards for those on your list who seem to have everything, why not treat them to an enjoyable and relaxing chair massage?

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Office massage, once considered a luxury, is gaining in popularity among over-stressed professionals who are working harder due to corporate downsizing and who are experiencing increased injury and illness as a result. Therapeutic massage is a proven method to alleviate stress and physical discomfort, and is becoming more popular among companies trying to keep absenteeism at bay. Rising unemployment and the deteriorating economic situation in the United States coupled with election year politics is causing a surge in anxiety for millions of Americans. The associated rise in feelings of irritability, depression and sleeplessness are helping to increase the demand for Chicago corporate massage, even in tough economic times.

The 12th annual consumer survey conducted by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), released in August 2008, shows that nearly 60% of Americans feel more stressed than last year. The study confirmed that stress is one of the top reasons for getting a massage and that the increased demand for massage occurred in both higher and lower income brackets. Doctors who were queried said they were referring patients to massage therapists at an increasing rate, which points to the medical community’s increased awareness of the physical, emotional and cost effective benefits of therapeutic massage.

Corporate massage is being integrated into employee wellness programs as well as an incentive or as a reward for hard work. Heavy workloads make finding time for offsite stress relief a difficult task, and many professionals are unable to travel to a spa or dedicate the hour or more that a traditional massage requires. A Chicago chair massage is an ideal solution, because it imparts healing benefits in a short session and is performed on site, without the need for oils or for the client to disrobe. Clients of Chicago office massage experience a release of tension, improved mobility, lowered blood pressure, and improved emotional status, which can be considered a significant benefit for employers through a marked decrease in sick days.

In a tough economic climate, Americans are finding it necessary to cut back and re-prioritize, and companies are searching for ways to reduce their bottom line. For workers who do not receive corporate massage through their employer, it is important to keep personal health at the top of their agenda. For less than a night out at the movies or dinner at a restaurant, a chair massage can provide important and lasting health benefits to those who need it most.

21st October 2008Author: Brandon Thomas

Tags: stress relief, finding time, massage therapy, therapeutic massage, physical discomfort, chair massage
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Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_669550_17.html

Being educated about the irritating parasites you and your family members may bring home from work or school is the best form of protection. See how aromatherapy can offer a unique and effective way of treating unwelcome head lice.

by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.

The head louse is a wingless parasitic insect that lives among human hair, feeding on extremely small amounts of blood drawn from the scalp. Although they are not dangerous and do not spread disease, lice are contagious and their bites typically cause the scalp to become itchy and inflamed. Persistent scratching may lead to skin irritation or infection.

Some important facts about head lice include:

• Lice can only live 24 hours off of a human host.
• Daily shampooing will not protect against head lice.
• Head lice do not jump or fly; they are spread from person to person by direct contact or sharing of recently infested items.

Treatment
The most effective way to control head lice is through diligence and mechanical controls, which typically involve removing lice from hair one by one with a nit comb. A pesticide-laden lice shampoo followed by fastidious nit combing is the most common treatment recommendation.

Some experts believe the greatest harm associated with head lice results from the well-intentioned but misguided use of caustic or toxic substances (pesticide shampoos) to eliminate the lice. As published in the June 2006 edition of Archives of Disease in Childhood, researchers found that 80 percent of lice were resistant to the chemicals in commonly used lice shampoos. The head louse’s resistance to pesticides is just one reason why alternative treatments for lice are sought, the other being the forethought to spare children from exposure to caustic chemical preparations.

Effective Alternative Treatment
When it comes to head lice, the essential oils used in aromatherapy are proving to be one of alternative medicine’s best kept secrets. When applied to the hair, oil coats the exoskeleton of adult lice, basically preventing them from getting oxygen and ultimately suffocating them. A study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health found that lice submerged in olive oil for two hours died but those submerged for only one hour recovered. To effectively coat the lice, thoroughly saturate the head with olive oil mixed with essential oils. After a minimum of two hours, the oil can be washed out and the remnants removed with a nit comb. To account for the life cycle of the head louse, this process may be repeated every four days to kill emerging lice before they mature and can lay new eggs.

*Note: synthetic oils, such as kerosene or motor oil, are dangerous and should never be used.

When using essential oils, perform a skin test to determine a person’s sensitivity to the oils you plan on using. If the skin test uncovers any irritation, choose a different treatment. If irritation is experienced during treatment, shampoo the mixture out immediately. Various sources have touted the use of the following essential oils for the treatment of head lice:

• Tea Tree
• Lavender
• Rosemary
• Lemon
• Geranium
• Ylang ylang

The Proof
In addition to countless reports from moms and healthcare practitioners everywhere, scientific research confirms the superiority of essential oils in treating head lice:

• In a study published in the March 2004 edition of Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Irish researchers investigated tea tree essential oil’s ability to kill head lice. The results concluded that the insecticidal activity of tea tree oil made it an ideal ingredient in fighting lice infestation.

• In 2002, Israeli researchers conducted a clinical study comparing a natural remedy with a known pesticide spray to halt head lice infestation. The natural remedy used was a commercial preparation with the following ingredients: coconut oil, anise oil and ylang ylang oil. Of 940 children with lice, treatment was successful with the natural remedy in 92.3 percent of subjects, while treatment was successful with the pesticide spray in 92.2 percent of subjects. Researchers concluded that the natural remedy using essential oils was just as effective in controlling louse infestations as a pesticide, and it caused no serious side effects.

• In a 1996 study, researchers in Iceland looked into the use of essential oils of aniseed, cinnamon leaf, red thyme, tea tree, peppermint, nutmeg, rosemary and pine to treat lice. This study found all of these oils except rosemary and pine to be effective against head lice when applied in an alcoholic solution, followed by a rinse the next morning with an essential oil/vinegar/water mixture.

At least one of ten children will contract head lice before they reach the sixth grade. As these pests become increasingly resistant to chemical pesticide solutions, alternative treatments must be sought. In addition to the scientific support, people who have persevered through a louse infestation are grateful for the wonders of essential oils. Being prepared for a personal plight against these critters, advising clients how to best handle them or playing a role in preventing their transmission can all benefit from an education in aromatherapy.

Recommended Study:
Aromatherapy Essentials

References:

Cleary, BJ, Gilmer JF, et al., Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase by Tea Tree oil, The Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, March 2004.

Main, Emily, It’s Okay to Nit Pick, The Green Guide, August 1, 2006.

Mumcuoglu KY, Miller J, The in vivo pediculicidal efficacy of a natural remedy, The Israel Medical Association Journal, October 2002.

Veal, L., The potential effectiveness of essential oils as a treatment for headlice, Pediculus humanus capitis, Complementary Therapies in Nursing and Midwifery, August 1996.

Wormwood, Valerie Ann, The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, New World Library, Novato, CA, 1991.

www.alt-medicine.allinfo-about.com, Natural Head Lice Treatments, Anne Helmenstein, PhD, All Info About Ltd., 2006.

www.dhope.org, Head Lice Facts, Department of Health Promotion and Education, 2006.

www.headlice.org, Factoids, The National Pediculosis Association, Inc., 2006.

www.hsph.harvard.edu, Head Lice Information, Richard J. Pollack, PhD, Harvard School of Public Health, 2006.

www.kidshealth.org, Infections: Head Lice, Nemours Foundation, 2006.

Posted by Editors at 04:22 PM
© 2009 Institute for Integrative HealthCare Studies. This work is reproduced with the permission of the Institute. www.Integrative-Healthcare.org <http://www.integrative-healthcare.org/>

A great massage therapist is both skilled and compassionate. Included are 11 tips to sincerely convey your healthful and caring intentions to your clients.

The indulgence of a mint on your pillow at a hotel or the practicality of handi-wipes at the entrance of a grocery store to clean your shopping cart are examples of thoughtful and considerate marketing gems that encourage repeat business. Similarly, those small thoughtful and considerate actions that originate from your heart make your massage noteworthy. Because massage therapists span across the service industry from health and rehabilitation to relaxation and luxury, there are many opportunities for you to come from the heart and communicate, “I’m here for you.”

To keep your clients raving about your massage and service, booking more sessions and referring new clients, consider implementing the following heartfelt touches:

1. Use your massage room for treatments, not for chatting with your clients. Set up your massage room as a sacred healing space with soft lighting, music and all the tools that you need to perform your work. When your client arrives for a massage, talk outside the massage room, catch up on their life since you saw them last, and talk about what needs working on today. Communicate to your client that when they enter the massage room, they are entering a space that holds the intention for their healing.

2. Select the music you will use before your client arrives and have it playing when they enter your massage room. The client will feel the difference as they step from the busy world into your healing space.

3. Create a small dressing area in your massage room that provides clients with a place to adequately hang their clothing on hangers, a small table to place their jewelry and other belongings, a mirror for grooming and a chair to sit in to remove their shoes. Provide a towel to wrap up with when going from the dressing area to the table. First time massage clients appreciate clear instructions about what clothing to take off and/or leave on, and what position to assume on the massage table.

4. Flannel sheets are the epitome of comfort and warmth, and are thicker than your regular cotton or poly-blend sheets and provide a substantial barrier when draping. A bonus for the therapist is that flannel lasts longer, and since the fibers are natural, oils are easier to remove in the wash.

5. When in the prone position for an extended time, a client’s sinuses can get congested. A tissue or a few cotton balls with a drop or two of eucalyptus essential oil placed just under the headrest can pleasantly open your client’s nasal passages and maintain clear breathing. Check with your client first to see if they find the eucalyptus essential oil an acceptable aroma, and substitute peppermint or ginger if necessary.

6. When working on your client in the side-lying position, provide them with a body pillow to support their upper arm and leg. This positioning will keep the brachial plexus and inguinal areas open and maximize circulation in the extremities. Pregnant women require this support as your entire massage will be performed with them in this position and it is very important to maintain circulation.

7. If your client must use the restroom during a session, have a clean robe and slippers for them to wear, especially if the restroom is outside of your massage room. Many therapists have the client use the top sheet or towel to wrap up, but this may not be very comfortable if your client must walk down a busy hallway to the restroom.

8. Check in with your client about their massage lubricant preference and remember to use their choice each time you give them a massage. Some people find oils unpleasant, particularly if they are heavy and are not absorbed completely. Feeling a slippery residue on the body after a massage can make the client feel the need for a shower before dressing. If this is the case, consider a cream or lotion that is absorbed quickly and leaves no residue.

9. At the close of your massage, make certain that your client steps down off the table onto a warm, soft surface. A small fluffy rug to envelope your client’s feet will be a welcome transition back to earth.

10. As you exit the treatment room after the massage, leave a bottle of water for your client on the table near his/her belongings. This small contribution to your client’s health and well-being goes a long way in communicating your care and concern.

11. Everyone loves a free gift – especially when they are useful. Leave a small container of Epsom salts scented with your client’s favorite essential oil on the table next to his/her belongings. Include a small card with personalized instructions for a therapeutic post-massage bath to help release toxins and alleviate muscle soreness. Use your creativity and personalize each gift.

Listening to what your clients have to share before the massage can not only give you direction in your therapy, but can also help you personalize it for each person. When you begin to listen and think from your heart, thoughtful and considerate actions are likely to arise effortlessly.

Please click here to send us your heartfelt touches. We will select from these contributions to share them in a future article.

Posted by Nicole at 12:06 PM
© 2009 Institute for Integrative HealthCare Studies. This work is reproduced with the permission of the Institute. www.Integrative-Healthcare.org <http://www.integrative-healthcare.org/>

More than a quarter of those diagnosed with epilepsy cannot control the disorder through medication. Learn to identify this disorder’s symptoms and discover which types of bodywork have been shown to provide the greatest benefit to epileptic clients.

by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.

Rooted in the central nervous system, epilepsy is a relatively common seizure disorder. Typically diagnosed by a physician after a person has had at least two seizures, epileptic seizures are not caused by a known medical condition like alcohol withdrawal or extremely low blood sugar. Seizures can be genetic, related to a brain injury, or due to an unknown cause.

Affecting how a person feels or acts for a short period of time, a seizure is a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain’s outer rim, called the cortex. Ranging from mild to totally disabling, there are many possible symptoms of a seizure. While not everyone experiences these, some of the more typical seizure symptoms include:

· Blacking out
· Confusion
· Feeling spacey or dizzy
· Sensation of being out of the body
· Convulsions or twitching
· Feeling of fear
· Loss of motor control
· Difficulty talking
· Eyes rolling up into head
· Incontinence
· Drooling, teeth clenching, or tongue biting
· Memory loss

Seventy percent of those with epilepsy can control their disorder with medications, however the remaining 30 percent are not as lucky. Additionally, the medications for epilepsy can have severe side effects. Although a massage therapist should never advise a client to abandon their prescription, regular bodywork and communication with a client and their doctor could lead to a physician-guided reduction in medication.

Most experts agree that while there is no definitive cause for epilepsy, seizures are provoked by stress. In vulnerable individuals, stress causes brain cells prone to hyper-excitability to fire abnormally. In addition to the logical conclusion of reducing stress through seeking avenues of relaxation, cranial-sacral therapy and aromatherapy have both demonstrated remarkable results for reducing seizure occurrence and severity.

Cranial-Sacral Therapy
The brain, the heaviest of our organs, floats within the sugar, salt and enzyme-rich cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF). This internal sea has its own ebb and flow which is normally between 10 to 14 cycles per minute. According to cranial-sacral therapists, a likely theory explaining epilepsy is the misalignment or compression of the skull bones and congestion within the CSF. Because fluid is a terrific conductor of sensations, any turbulence, erratic movement or asymmetry can reveal blockages within the enclosed cerebral-spinal system.

Many reported case studies claim that the application of cranial-sacral therapy helps clients with epilepsy. The release of stuck skull bones gently flushes the cerebral-spinal system with CSF. This circulation of fluid restores the skull’s internal sea flow and stretches the brain’s membranes just enough to release any restrictions or adhesions contributing to seizure activity.

Aromatherapy
Despite compelling research, conventional medical practitioners have not yet incorporated elements of aromatherapy into epilepsy treatment. In a study conducted at the University of Birmingham in England, Dr. Tim Betts revealed a successful treatment for those with intractable epilepsy. Comprising approximately 20 to 30 percent of all epilepsy cases, intractable epilepsy describes epilepsy that is unresponsive to drug therapy.

Dr. Betts trained 50 epileptic patients into learning self-hypnosis, designed to encourage relaxation at the start of a seizure. At first, the patients showed little, if any, improvement. Then, Dr. Betts arranged half of these patients to have aromatherapy massages with whatever essential oil the patient found to be most pleasant. These patients were then told to take a whiff from a bottle containing the chosen oil whenever they felt a seizure coming on. The patients using self-hypnosis alone continued to show no improvement, whereas all but one of those who had aromatherapy massages became completely seizure-free. Dubbed the “smell-memory technique,” the use of essential oils used in aromatherapy massage became a trigger for a conditioned relaxation response.

When choosing an essential oil for aromatherapy massage, there are some specific oils to avoid. Rosemary, sage, camphor, fennel and hyssop are known to have convulsant effects. Do not experiment with these oils on a person with epilepsy. Jasmine is a good essential oil to begin with, as it is known for its anticonvulsant properties.

For bodyworkers seeing clients with epilepsy, being familiar with the most effective techniques will increase the therapeutic value of your session. While a relaxation-based massage will have benefits of its own, adding techniques from cranial-sacral therapy or using aromatherapy can actually help clients with this potentially debilitating condition.

Recommended Study:
Aromatherapy Essentials
Cranial-Sacral Fundamentals

References:

Upledger, John DO, OMM, Easing Seizures, Massage Today, August 2006.

Williams, David, MD, Rubbing Out Epilepsy, Alternatives, October 1997.

www.acupunctureworks.co.uk, Cranio-sacral Therapy, Roisin Golding, Los Angeles Times Syndicate 2000.

www.epilepsy.com, Epilepsy, epilepsy.com, 2006.

www.epilepsy.org.uk, Complementary Treatments, British Epilepsy Association, June 2006.

www.essentialoils.co.za, Epilepsy and Essential Oils in Aromatherapy, Esoteric Oils CC, 2006.

www.healthy.net, Cranial Osteopathy, Leon Chaitow, ND, DO, MRO, HealthWorldOnline, 2006.

Posted by Editors at 09:35 AM
© 2009 Institute for Integrative HealthCare Studies. This work is reproduced with the permission of the Institute. www.Integrative-Healthcare.org <http://www.integrative-healthcare.org/>

In case you don’t know, one of the most popular benefits that’s offered to employees in the U.K. is workplace massage. An office massage takes only 10 or 15 minutes and has innumerable positive effects like improved creative thinking, fatigue relief, improved circulation, increased energy, relieves tight muscles and induces relaxation. In this workplace massage article, you’ll find some of the top tips that address an employer’s concerns.

Concern: We know our employees would enjoy workplace massages, but we’re concerned about the possibility of injury and about our liability in case this happens.

Tip: Be sure to choose massage therapists from companies that are insured and licensed, if licensing is a requirement in your location. You also might want to have employees sign a waiver before receiving their massage.

Concern: We’ve heard that massage at work is a great way to get and keep good employees but we’re concerned about the cost.

Tip: The cost of massage in the workplace is more than offset by its tremendous benefits. Many employers who have corporate massage programs report that such programs are very helpful in recruiting quality employees and in keeping job satisfaction high. Just check through the job listings on any major Internet site and you’ll find that office massages are an extremely popular perk. The cost can be as little as 8 or 9 pounds per employee.

Concern: Isn’t massage therapy in the workplace a luxury for companies that are seeking to keep costs under control?

Tip: Not really. The more stressful and high-pressure your work environment is due to cost cutting, budget trimming and layoffs, the more you need a strategy for keeping morale high and absenteeism low. Massage in the workplace will help relax muscle tension, reduce anxiety and help prevent conflicts because employees are relaxed and invigorated. Providing this cost- effective benefit is a great way to communicate your care and concern to your employees.

Concern: Will our employees have to undress for the massage? Do you use oils or creams that would be difficult to wash off?

Tip: Employees remain fully dressed for our workplace massages. The employee sits comfortably in the chair and receives a massage of back, shoulders, neck and arms. We do not use any creams or oils.

Concern: We have very strict security in our company. Should we be concerned about letting massage therapists into the workplace?

Tip: If security concerns are paramount, be sure to choose a workplace massage therapy provider that performs thorough background checks on its employees. Most large and reputable massage therapy service providers should have more than a few security-cleared employees on staff. Implementing a workplace massage program for a company in the U.K. is neither expensive nor complex, especially when you consider all the tangible and intangible benefits that accrue to both the employee and the employer.

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Chair massage, also referred to as seated massage, corporate massage or on-site massage, is a form of therapeutic massage that is performed in a time-condensed session. A licensed massage therapist using a special, ergonomically designed massage chair performs the massage. The massage chair is designed to elongate the muscles of the back and is designed to accommodate clients of all body types.

The chair massage therapist performs the massage without oils, which eliminates the need for the client to disrobe. The massage is generally concentrated on the muscles of the neck, shoulders, back, arms and hands, with sessions lasting for five to fifteen minutes. Chair massage sessions can be accompanied by aromatherapy, which is the use of essential oils to help promote deeper relaxation as well as physical and psychological well-being. Reflexology can also be part of a chair massage session. Reflexology involves applying pressure to specific zones of the foot in order to have a positive effect on related organs and tissues throughout the body.

Chair massage has many important benefits, the most obvious being its convenience for the client. The portability of the massage chair allows the therapist to perform the chair massage in a variety of settings, which is why it is often termed on-site massage. The massage chair takes up a small amount of space and a chair massage station can be set up in a matter of minutes. Since there is no need for the client to undress, privacy is less of an issue than with traditional table massage. However, for those who wish to have a more private setting, a screen can be set up around the chair, or the station can be located in an empty room or office.

Other far-reaching benefits of chair massage are the enhanced sense of physical and emotional well-being that results from the deep relaxation that the massage provides. Chair massage effectively reduces feelings of anxiety and soothes away the tension that is primarily held in the muscles of the shoulders, neck and back. Such benefits are immediate and long lasting, enabling the client to carry on with their day feeling refreshed and pain-free.

Chair massage also helps to increase circulation, which is important in maintaining healthy and nourished muscles, joints and tissues. Those who work in office environments often do so in poorly designed workstations, which can contribute to the onset of repetitive stress injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Office massage can reduce the pain associated with repetitive stress injury by gently lengthening muscles and separating adhesions caused by scar tissue.

The effectiveness of chair massage in lessening muscle tension has a positive effect on a client’s range of motion and flexibility. Reduced muscle tension allows for greater flexibility, which is an important factor in injury prevention. Those who receive regular chair massage also benefit from improved posture and decreased back pain.

Additionally, corporate massage has been shown to have a significant effect on a recipient’s cognitive function. Studies have shown that chair massage enhanced problem solving skills and creativity, and that those positive benefits were long lasting. Chair massage’s ability to relieve stress and anxiety is also useful in curtailing the onset of chronic tension headaches and has been shown to be useful in the treatment of sleep disorders such as insomnia.

Finally, it should be noted that chair massage is very affordable, making it an accessible form of treatment for people in a wide range of economic situations. Chair massage sessions are generally priced around one dollar per minute, and because the sessions are concentrated, the cost for a typical chair massage is analogous to a movie ticket or lunch at a restaurant, but with healthful benefits that last much longer. The immediate and far-reaching benefits of chair massage have made it an increasingly popular choice for those who need an affordable, effective and convenient way to reduce stress and improve their overall physical and emotional well-being.

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08th January 2009Author: Brandon Thomas

Traumatic experiences such as war, assault, abuse or devastating loss, can cause post-traumatic stress. Post-traumatic stress affects those who are unable to relegate their traumatic experiences to the past. Trauma survivors often become acutely aware of humans’ inability to control their circumstances. A traumatic experience also reinforces the unsettling notion that life is delicate and can be taken away or permanently altered at any time.

Unfortunately, many who experience severe trauma develop recurring symptoms that have a negative impact on their spiritual, emotional and physical well-being. Many victims of trauma cease to be comfortable in their own bodies. The repeated negative effects that occur as a result of a past trauma can be defined as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD. Although talking with a counselor or therapist can help to bring the traumatic experience into perspective, the physical manifestations of PTSD can remain. Therapeutic massage is now being used to help those with PTSD to feel more secure and comfortable in their bodies, and help to re-establish proper feelings of closeness and intimacy with others.

The discomfort and anxiety that those with PTSD associate with touch can serve as an obstacle to their acceptance of massage as a form of treatment. It is not uncommon for survivors of assault or abuse to feel vulnerable or ashamed when having to expose their bodies. Chair massage can be extremely useful in such situations, as it does not require the client to disrobe. A chair massage is performed without oils and the short duration of the chair massage session can be a less threatening introduction to therapeutic touch.

Massage conveys encouragement, affirmation, comfort and positivity through touch. Clinical research on the effectiveness of massage therapy for PTSD has increased in the past several years and the analysis of data from recent studies points to the effectiveness of massage on a patient’s delayed evaluation of pain.

Chair massage provides a safe way for clients to appreciate touch and to gradually let go of physical pain. The respectful nature of the client-therapist relationship creates a safe environment in which the recipient knows that they are in complete control. This means that they can change or cease any part of the therapy at will. The client is empowered to take control of the ways in which they prefer to be touched, which allows them to safely experience feelings of intimacy. This can help those with PTSD to put their traumatic experience in the past by helping them to recognize that they can control the present.

Chair massage and full body massage sessions that are methodical and routine can be very reassuring for those with PTSD. Establishing boundaries and goals for each session and splitting the session into distinct phases aids the recipient in their acceptance of healthy touch. The client has the opportunity to recognize feelings that may have surfaced during the session and to begin to process them in a positive manner. Massage can help those with PTSD to be aware of their bodies in the present and to develop a nurturing method of self-care in their daily lives.

PTSD is a complex problem with a host of symptoms that can cause difficulties in the daily lives of those who suffer from it. Massage, performed by a therapist who is educated and respectful of the special needs of trauma survivors can provide comfort and help to foster a sense of hope for those who have been severely impacted by traumatic events.

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Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_742582_23.html

It is the end of a tumultuous year, and the holidays are upon us. Many people are experiencing added stress due to the present financial situation and are struggling with feelings of depression and anxiety. In these difficult times, it is important to keep stress from building to a point that it interferes with physical and emotional health. Chair massage is an effective and affordable way to alleviate tension and stay healthy.

Massage may not be on the priority list, as the depressed economy leads the daily news, and the situation seems more dire as time goes on. Americans are seeing their savings accounts dwindle while the cost of living rises, causing sleepless nights spent worrying about the future. These days, we are all looking to stretch our dollars to make ends meet and many people consider massage therapy to be too expensive. This nation of free-spenders is now becoming a nation of belt-tighteners who are searching for the best value for their hard earned cash. Massage therapy is often considered a luxury, and many people are hesitant to spend money on something considered non-essential.

However, the benefits of therapeutic massage are undeniable. Massage reduces the release of the stress hormone cortisol, which is a factor in weight gain and depression. Therapeutic massage stimulates the release of serotonin, which combats the effects of increased cortisol and helps to maintain a state of emotional well-being. Massage is also an effective treatment for insomnia, and can help to reduce pain stemming from injuries or poor posture. The immune system benefits from the enhanced drainage of lymphatic fluids, which carry toxins from the body. Massage improves circulation, which helps to nourish the body’s muscles and tissues. These combined benefits can help to promote emotional and physical health.

For those who consider a traditional massage to be too expensive or time consuming, a Los Angeles chair massage is a wonderful way to receive all of the benefits of massage therapy without breaking the bank. A licensed therapist, who uses a specially designed massage chair, performs chair massage in a concentrated session, generally lasting 10-20 minutes. Oils are not used directly on the skin, which allows the client to remain fully dressed. The massage chair can support clients of all sizes and is designed to elongate the muscles of the back. The therapist concentrates on the back, neck, shoulders, arms and hands, relieving pain and releasing tension. Aromatherapy can be added to enhance the rejuvenating effects of the chair massage. Chair massages are very affordable, commonly priced at $1 per minute, which makes it accessible to anyone on a budget. For a price comparable to a pair of gloves or a pizza, you can use chair massage to take control of your stress and make a positive impact on your physical and emotional health.

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Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_712009_17.html

04th February 2007Author: Terry McDermott
Views: 49
If you engage in any regular athletic activity then you have likely experienced the consequences of your attempt to maintain a level of fitness. Muscle strains, pulls and aches are common occurrences of both professional and amateur athletes alike. Sports massage can help reduce the frequency and severity of these ailments. And that’s just the start of the benefits.

Whether you are participating in competitive sports or simply exercising to stay in shape, massage will help you to remain in better condition in general and will help to prevent injuries during competition or workouts. Massage can help an athlete to train more effectively, perform better and recover more quickly.

Vigorous training can lead to muscles that are rigid and inflexible. These muscles may look terrific on your frame but they are vulnerable to injury and may hinder performance. Muscle tension may result in an imbalance within the musculo-skeletal structure and may add stress to joints, ligaments and tendons. A well-trained sports massage therapist can detect these irregularities and, by applying proper techniques, help to restore the flexibility and elasticity that reduces these potentially harmful stresses.

Sports massage is essentially a form of Swedish massage that is designed to relax muscles by applying pressure in a manner that improves circulation in the muscles and flushes out toxins and waste. When muscles are tight circulation is restricted and when blood is not reaching all areas of the muscle properly the tissues are missing out on vital nutrients important for muscle repair. By using massage to loosen muscles, lactic acids, uric acids and other waste will not be restricted in the muscle tissues where they can cause damage.

Massage can be an integral part of anyone’s training regimen. Incorporating massage into an overall fitness program can insure that muscles remain supple and healthy thus insuring the maximum effectiveness during workouts and peak performance during events. Regular massage during training is essentially a maintenance program and helps insure that optimal results are achieved during training by promoting flexibility and avoiding debilitating injuries.

Sports massage can be a crucial component during a specific athletic event. A brief massage session prior to an event will increase the blood flow to the muscles and reduce tension. This will improve flexibility and performance. Massage applied during a sporting event can address any tightness or cramping that may occur and promote recovery from prior activity. After the event, massage helps the athlete to relax and assists in the repair of tissues slightly damaged during the event.

Even with all of the preventive measures taken to avoid muscle damage, it is inevitable that extreme levels of activity will result in aches, cramps strains and pulls. Sports massage is an excellent method for rehabilitating damaged muscles and insuring that training is not disrupted due to severe injuries.

One thing is certain, building a relationship with a sports massage therapist will be of great benefit to an athlete or anyone else interested in maintaining good physical conditioning. A massage therapist that is familiar with your routines, your goals and the tendencies of your muscular system will be able to help you stay fit and perform effectively.

J. Terrence McDermott is the administrator of Massage Schools Guide at http://www.massageschoolsguide.com, a website offering resources for prospective massage therapists. He specializes in online continuing education resources and also administers Access Online Degrees at http://www.accessonlinedegrees.com.

Tags: peak performance, maximum effectiveness, workouts, fitness program, ailments, irregularities, muscle tension, elasticity, muscle tissues, sports massage, massage therapist, vital nutrients, muscle strains, swedish massage, ligaments and tendons, competitive sports
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