How much to tip a massage therapist can be a confusing thing. On one hand you have the spa massage therapist that can be put in the same group as nail technicians and hair stylists. Another group is sports massage therapists and medical massage therapists. Typically people in the medical profession don’t receive tips for their services. Lastly, what if you are not from the United States? Different countries have different customs. For example, Canada reimburses its citizens for massage, thus massage is seen more as medical service versus a pampering service.

Below are listed the basic rules of how to tip a massage therapist:

Table Massage Tips Basic Rules

Massage therapist in a spa or outcall massage (at your location) - 10-20% of the total bill.

Massage therapist in a medical environment, such as Chiropractor, etc. - normally no tipping*.
Chair Massage Tips Basic Rules

Chair massage that is paid by the customer - 10-20% of the total bill

Chair massage paid by an employer or trade show - normally no tipping*.
*If you do want to tip, ask what the establishment’s guidelines are. Tipping may be against the company’s policies or they might not mind. Each situation is different.

What if you don’t want to tip?

An exception to all of the above is when a customer doesn’t want to tip and it’s not a reflection on the services they received. Customers have a right to not tip because tipping is a courtesy. Many massage therapists I know are grateful for tips and don’t expect them. Tipping, and how much, is ultimately the decision of the customer.

Beware Hidden Tips

Lastly, a word of caution; in many tourist areas, a spa or salon will add a tip to the bill for the customer - without asking! This is an automatic process at many places. Then, because the customer is not aware of this, the customer will add a tip to the bill not realizing they’re double tipping! This is an unfortunate reality that massage customers need to protect themselves from.

Hopefully this has answered all your massage tip questions. Remember, if in doubt; ask the massage therapist or company. They will be pleased that you care enough to want to tip.

A-Team Massage Orlando trust your loved ones with us, the best Orlando massage therapists in town!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tina_Woodall

By Jan H Schiphorst

With the advent of old age, the bones start becoming feeble, muscles lose their tightness and the person becomes frail and lethargic. A number of diseases accompany with old age such as Arthritis, Alzheimer, Cardiac problems or joint pain. A person becomes weak and inactive, not able to move, sit or eat properly. He loses all his enthusiasm and just waits for his end to approach.

A massage can work as a magic or boon for these old people. It helps to give a new lease of life to them. It refreshes their body providing strength to their bones and muscles. It speeds up the process of healing in their body and helps make them much more active. A massage therapy directly lessens the effects of aging.

The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) has begun with the work of promotion of massage therapy to make people aware of its immediate benefits. A major sector of society still remains ignorant of the miracles of a massage.

According to a recent study conducted by the Touch Research Institute it has been found that massage is very helpful to cure Alzheimer patients. A massage provides relaxation to the body of the sufferers and also promotes communication. Arthritis patients can also be cured with the aid of a massage. Arthritis is the disease of bones. It makes the bones fragile and weak in the old age. A massage provides vigor to these weak bones, thus helping the person to recover faster. The mobility and the flexibility of the body get enhanced after a massage.

A massage also helps reducing joint pain; which is quite common during the old age. It improves the interaction of muscles with one another. The muscles of the aged people often become tensed; a massage helps to reduce tension from these muscles, making them more relaxed. A massage can prove helpful for attaining mental stability for an old person. People often lose concentration and mental constancy after a certain age. Massage helps an old person to regain attentiveness of mind.

Our body is thought to be composed of various energy levels. The level of energy gets disturbed during the old age. A massage helps to achieve a constant energy level, so that its receiver acquires physical strength, improved health, emotional comfort and spiritual thought.

The use of massage therapy to cure people from various diseases is becoming widespread among many people these days. People have started admiring this new concept. The major benefits of a massage can be derived only if people undergo this process with a relaxed mind.

Old age is that stage of life where the need of warmth and touch is the most. A massage therapy provides this to its recipients. Often the aged people have to resort to the usage of medicines for getting a relief from their problems. A massage along with the usual course of medicines makes healing quicker and easier.

Provided by: Jan H Schiphorst ProMassageTable.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jan_H_Schiphorst

20.05.2009 | Author: indianink | Posted in Health & Fitness
Stress is becoming a much greater threat at work. On top of the stress you have at work, you also have to deal with the usual stress concerning your personal life. With the terrible economy and all of the layoffs taking place, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and stressed out.

One cause of stress could be if your company has been struggling financially and you have begun to worry about the layoffs taking place.

A large part of reducing job stress is by taking care of yourself. When stress interferes with your ability to work, you should pay attention to your physical and emotional health.

Few easy changes you can make in your lifestyle can be as simple as a couple more hours of sleep at night. Put that together with a daily meditation routine and a good diet and you’ll be on your way to a much less stressed lifestyle. A good meditation approach could start from a calming morning exercise.

It’s always recommended to prioritize and organize your responsibilities while doing your job. With time management comes organization, and it is beneficial to keep a schedule containing work deadlines and personal matters. It is important to keep a fair balance between your career and family-life/social activities.

Another easy way to relieve stress is by not over-committing yourself. Don’t try to fit things into your schedule that you know you won’t have enough time for. Frantically rushing from place to place is an easy way to arrive late and tire you out. Manage tasks in terms of importance–this will result in a more relaxed and pleasant end of the day. Just by enhancing your time management skills a bit, you can take a lot of stress out of the average day.

Unhealthy ways of coping with stress

These coping strategies may temporarily reduce stress, but they cause more damage in the long run like smoking, drinking too much, over eating, withdrawal from friends, using pills or drugs to relax, sleeping too much, taking out stress on others (angry outbursts, physical violence), procrastinating.

These coping strategies may temporarily reduce stress, but they cause more damage in the long run like smoking, drinking too much, over eating, withdrawal from friends, using pills or drugs to relax, sleeping too much, taking out stress on others (angry outbursts, physical violence), procrastinating.

Make a Positive approach

Ever notice that certain people seem to adapt quickly to stressful circumstances and take things in stride? They’re cool under pressure and able to handle problems as they come up.

Think of change as a challenging and normal part of life.
See setbacks and problems as temporary and solvable.
Believe that you will succeed if you keep working toward your goals.
Take action to solve problems that crop up.
Build strong relationships and keep commitments to family and friends.
Have a support system and ask for help.
Participate regularly in activities for relaxation and fun.

The better you become at managing your own stress, the more positive the outcome of your work will be. When you’re in control of your stress you are able to look at life in a more positive way and not let it get in the way of more important things.

Learn to think of challenges as opportunities as temporary problems, not disasters. Practice solving problems and asking others for help and guidance rather than complaining and letting stress build. Make goals and keep track of your progress. Make time for relaxation. Be optimistic. Believe in yourself. Be sure to breathe. And let a little stress motivate you into positive action to reach your goals.

If you perform a sensual massage on someone you love correctly this will create a loving bond between you like nothing you have felt before. However to ensure that you do it correctly you must make sure that you partner is comfortable before you begin.

Below we offer some tips that could prove useful and help to ensure that your partner is comfortable before you begin the massage.

Tip 1 - You need to make sure that the surface on which your partner is to lay whilst the massage is carried out is strong enough to take the weight. Although a massage table is best if not a bed or the floor can be used instead. Why not get a soft sheepskin rug on which they can and will further add to the feelings that the massage are creating inside them.

Tip 2 - It is important that you provide your partners head with plenty of support as you carrying out the massage. So either place a cushion or rolled up towel underneath their head to give them the support it needs.

Tip 3 - Initially your partner may feel a little self conscious about lying naked in front of you when you are giving them a sensual massage. So provide them with some towels or a sheet that they can use to cover up the areas of the body which you are not working on. Plus providing a cover will help them to remain warm. A cold person will find it far more difficult to become relaxed no matter how good you are at giving a sensual massage.

Massage, Aromatherapy, Hypnotherapy, Flower remedies, Reiki, Life coaching, Holistic counselling, Yoga, Meditation and Tai-chi are just a few.

You all need small doses of stress in your lives to give you motivation and stimulation and to protect you from danger, but not 24/7 in this fast moving world your body simply cannot cope.

The opposite of tension is relaxation this is really natures own form of tranquillizer
It has been proved in trials that you cannot feel fear, anger, insecure or anxious as long as your muscles remain totally relaxed, when your muscles relax so does your mind and emotional state.
Once you have mastered the technique of relaxation, by learning to ignore the conditioned responses you will have the chance to find your inner sanctuary and master your stress.

Check out are webite for your corporate, events, sports, office, onsite massages

The www.click2revive.co.uk website is free and designed to help office workers and all computer operators’ combat problems such as RSI. Back, neck and shoulder pain, headaches, stress and many posture related problems at work or at home . It is full of useful health tips and timed exercise breaks.

Joyce Hardy Holistic practitioner. MICHT. Hol. Dip BTAA. IIAHS.
Bowen & Integrated Health clinic on 07781418456
© copyright 2008 Joyce Hardy

Self awareness
The following stress relief technique and tips are extracts from my self help website www.click2revive.com.uk

Discussing your problems with a GP or trained therapist will help.

1. Eat properly good nutrition is a must, extra vitamin C & B complex can help as these vitamins are used in greater quantities by the body when under stress. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water, cut down on coffee and soft drinks.
2. Get plenty of exercise, fresh air, laughter & fun
3. Avoid useless and needless stress learn relaxation or meditation
4. When away from work: practice letting the phone ring, go on with whatever you are doing, by refusing to respond to the phone call you are in fact breaking the response and learning how to relax. If at first you find it impossible to ignore the urge to respond, delay it by counting to ten before you act, this breaks up the automatic workings of conditioning allowing you to be in control.
5 Use the same method of counting to ten when you are tempted to become angry, by holding off emotions of fear, panic or anger you may be able to break the automatic reflex completely.
6 By turning off your mobile phone you will give your mind and body a rest you have programmed your mind, it is on constant alert to answer that call.
7. Find that quiet place within yourself to help distance you from the stress of the moment, practice in your mind sitting on a sunny beach and feeling the warmth of the sun on your face, you will soon find that it becomes easier to get away from stress.

Visit our website www.therapy4u.biz to book your next coporate massages, event massage, sport massages or onsite massages.

The www.click2revive.co.uk website is free and designed to help office workers and all computer operators’ combat problems such as RSI. Back, neck and shoulder pain, headaches, stress and many posture related problems at work or at home . It is full of useful health tips and timed exercise breaks.

Joyce Hardy Holistic practitioner. MICHT. Hol. Dip BTAA. IIAHS.
Bowen & Integrated Health clinic on 07781418456
© copyright 2008 Joyce Hardy

One of the more pleasurable experiences for most people is receiving a massage from a qualified therapist. Massages are known to be very relaxing, yet energizing at the same time and are a great way to relieve stress from everyday life. If you have never been to a massage parlor, you should observe proper etiquette. Therapists, just like any other professional, expect respect and courtesy so they can perform their job better.

Here are some parlor etiquette tips to keep in mind the next time you visit a massage parlor or spa.

1. Make sure you call ahead and schedule a massage. Although many therapists do accept walk-ins, it’s better to call ahead so the therapist can plan expect your visit in advance and can provide excellent service on the timed service.

2. Be sure to be on time. If you arrive late, your session might be cut short due to another appointment right after yours.

3. If you can’t make a schedule, call to cancel your appointment so your therapist doesn’t waste their time and can possibly schedule another appointment in the place of yours.

4. If you have to fill out any forms, fill out the forms as accurately as possible. The forms are there for a reason and the therapist need to know certain pieces of information before the session begins.

5. If this is your first visit, try to get to know the therapist better to make the session more comfortable and get rid of any inhibitions.

6. Try to minimize the disruptions during the session so you and the therapist can get the most of the time. Remember to visit the bathroom before the session and also turn your phone on silent mode or completely off.

7. Do not apply any lotion or moisturizer on the day of your visit. The therapist will most likely use oils, which work best without any lotion or moisturizer applied.

8. Remember to have clean hygiene when you visit. It’s just rude if you don’t.

9. Don’t forget to leave a tip. Therapists mostly work for tips and be sure to tip for good service, just like you would at any full service restaurant.

Massage therapy has many benefits that is well worth the cost. If you are stressed, tired, or have body aches, you should research the parlors in your area and schedule one today!

Find Las Vegas massage parlors and Los Angeles massage parlors at MassageParlors411.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Cho

You may have heard of Tantra massage. The term is quite prevalent from online and offline sources. Your initial notion of this form of massage is that it is of a sexual nature. Tantra massage is sexual in a way. It is a sensual practice and experience as well. When you think of sensual and sexual pleasure, you would primarily connote it with physical or baser fulfillment. But you should know, Tantra massage is a spiritual practice, and it goes way beyond touching the skin. Sensual and sexual pleasure incited in Tantric massaging is for a far more profound purpose, and it is of the spiritual aspect.

Sensuality and sexuality in this practice are simply means to a higher end. Other than enhancing sexual energy, Tantra massage aims on awakening another yet powerful energy- the Kundalini. The Kundalini is a potent essence lying dormant at the base of the spine. Through Tantra massage, the Kundalini energy is stimulated, rising up the spine. Potent the Kundalini is, it allows the body to heal itself more quickly. Then there are the chakras, said to be a disk or wheel found at the center of the body’s energy. There are seven chakras running along the spine. Activating the chakras stimulate the body’s healing process as well.

When these powerful and essential energies in the body are awakened, it paves the way for physical, emotional and spiritual rejuvenation. This energy stimulation can heal physical scars. Even intangible emotional wounds and scars are soothed, giving way to deeper healing in the same manner. The Tantra massage entails a profound connection between the participants. It is a highly intimate experience leaving a person quite vulnerable. Trust and openness are essential for both the participants. Most often, Tantra massage is done by lovers, allowing them to connect on all levels. From the physical, emotional down to the spiritual aspects. Sexual experience is enhanced, but on a more substantial note, they establish a deeper relationship rooted on the spiritual.

From the substance of the physical to their intangible selves, both parties created an essential bond. It is healing from the inside to the outside, from one person to another to both. A sensual experience may be different from a sexual experience. Thus, in tantric massaging, the end result may not be sex. But rather just feeling each other, and breathing each other. As it entails wholehearted surrender and openness, the Tantra massage can be liberating. It is two people letting be and getting lost in a positive and profound experience. Inwardly, energies are incited and awakened. Essence building up from deeper recesses bringing forth healing and a new sense of life.

In today’s hurried world, people often get impatient, even when it comes to deriving fulfillment. Sensuality and sexuality are not consummated on all levels, but rather on the surface- merely on the physical. But taking time and letting go of time, enjoying the moment of Tantra massage is giving each other an experience of life more than pleasure.

The author of this article Rose Windale is a Health and Wellness Coach who has been successful with several natural health programs for many years. Rose decided to share her knowledge and tips through her website http://www.healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free newsletter and enjoy a healthy and happy life.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rose_Windale

Too much stress harms you in many ways. The negative consequences of stress are in fact too many to mention, and one article in itself may not suffice. But by all means, stress ought to be managed - for the sake of health and well-being and for worthwhile living. So what are good means for relieving and managing stress? Several stress relief measures can be opted to if you are intent on taking care of yourself. For instance, there is massage therapy. And then again, there are different kinds of massages to resort to. Considered as one of the “favorites” when it comes to massages is oil massage.

What is oil massage and what are its benefits. Why is it one of the most preferred massage therapies? Oil massaging benefits the whole body, inasmuch as most massages do. Through a well-applied oil massage, stress can be relieved and tension released. Oil massage has in fact been considered as one of the best ways to gain relaxation. An oil massage makes use of different kinds of oils for massaging. The varied sorts of oils used for massaging have their own properties for healing, relaxation and strengthening the body and the immune system. Why is it that the oil massage has long been resorted to, and why is it regarded as an effective therapy.

The effectiveness of oil massaging has been proven for thousands of years, having been a natural healing modality for centuries. Thus, this stress relief and healing measure is not a new or novel means for keeping healthy. If you happen to be stressed, you can use kernel apricot oils for massaging. Or if you are suffering from eczema or psoriasis, borage can be applied. Olive oils would be effective for stiffness, while emu oil is recommended for arthritis. Sweet almond has anti-inflammatory properties, and you can prefer it for such concerns. The same goes for kukui nut oil. As much as the idea of having oil massaging is tempting, you must also be wary.

Taking precautions is most often applicable in all circumstances, and so it is with this particular form of massaging. You primarily have to take into account if you have an allergic condition, or could be allergic to one of the oils. Once you are cleared of this issue, you can then enjoy the benefits of the therapy. For a certain health condition you might be suffering with, you can consult a qualified massage therapist. The therapist can guide you on which oils would be most suitable for your condition. Then can you enjoy the benefits of this health measure to the optimum.

You actually hit several stones with massage therapy, considering this wellness measure delivers multi-faceted benefits. There are different kinds of massages for different purposes. Whether it is for relaxation, better circulation, boosting your body and immune system, many forms of the therapy can help you. The same goes for developing endurance or healing from injuries, among others. Having regular massaging therapy is well worth it. You may have to expend a significant amount of your finances for it, but you ought to know-massage is more than indulgence, but one of the best means to promote and enjoy well- being.

The author of this article Rose Windale is a Health and Wellness Coach who has been successful with several natural health programs for many years. Rose decided to share her knowledge and tips through her website http://www.healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free newsletter and enjoy a healthy and happy life.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rose_Windale

Doctor Fish
Japanese spa goers are currently enjoying the Doctor Fishes special foot bath, which some claim to help cure skin complaints. However this is no ordinary foot bath and certainly no ordinary doctor. Doctor Fish is in fact the Garra rufa fish, a tiny fish that eats the dead skin from the feet of visitors. So far the treatment has yet to take off outside of Japan, but if the treatment is as good as they say it might not be long till fish is on the menu and not just of the local chip shop.

Bain de Vin
Many spas offer a grate selection of food and drink for visitors to indulge in after there treatments, some however are taking things a bit further by offering the drinks as treatments themselves. At a thermal spa in Japan guests can bathe in red wine mixed with the natural hot spring waters. The red wine is supposed to rejuvenate the body and has been used since the days of Cleopatra who used to take red wine baths herself.

Ssssssnake Massage
This one is defiantly not f or the faint hearted. As the name suggests this massage is not give by a therapist it is instead give by a variety of snakes. The snakes are placed on the back of the spa patron and are allowed to writhe and wriggle away which apparently is very soothing and relaxing, once you have gotten over the initial terror of being covered in snakes!

Boozy Bath
A much more enticing prospect than the snakes, the Beer bath is an invention of a Czech brewery that has opened an adjacent spa. the have mixed healing mineral water with a specially brewed beer which is said to rejuvenate the skin. If that is simply not enough beer for you then fear not because a bath side bar will be serving the finest beer in the Czech Republic.

Charley and the Chocolate Bath
We have all probably got cover in chocolate as a child at one point or another and most of us will have gotten into trouble for it too, however this spa in Japan has other ideas. Chocolate is added to hot spring water and spa seekers can wallow in the chocolaty substance which is supposed to help keep moisture in the skin and keep the skin looking beautiful. It also has the added bonus of being delicious too.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow
A new spa at Caesars Palace in Las Vagas are offering people a chance to get away from all the heat of the desert by heading to there ice spa. In the ice spa snow falls gently down from the ceiling with mint infused air set at a constant 12 degrees Celsius.

The Midas Touch
Again in Japan they have come up with an exclusive spa treatment for gold lovers everywhere. Rather than just wearing gold jewelry people are now being given the chance to turn there face golden too. For a mere $250 24-carat gold leaf is placed over the face to create a golden mask the Pharos would have been proud of.

This article was written by Tom Sangers on behalf of Titanic Health Spa In Yorkshire who provide a relaxing and invigorating spa seekers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Sangers