Massage

Last week I had posted some information about different types of massage and their relationships with fertility and my exposure to each type. Yesterday, I went in for a massage treatment myself and for the first time experienced lymphatic drainage massage. It was absolute heaven. Here is what ZitaWest.com has to say about describing lymphatic drainage massage. By its name, it may sound like Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) means you are about to have the whole of your lymphatic system drained away, but it is actually a very gentle form of massage aimed at moving the lymph under the skin. The lymphatic system is an important part of our immune system and is also designed to assist in the removal of waste products from the cells of… [more]

Developed in the early 19th century by Swedish physiologist Henri Peter Ling, Swedish massage can be very gentle, or somewhat intense, depending on the masseuse's style and the client's tolerance. In a Swedish massage, the masseuse might rub oil onto your body with long, gliding strokes, a kneading motion, vibration, or tapping in order to urge muscles to purge lactic acid, improve circulation, and foster a general sense of relaxation. Now here is my type of massage. Literally. This is the type of massage that I am licensed in. Although in the above quote, I do take offense to being called a "masseuse" as the politically correct terms are either "massage therapist" or "massage practitioner". I treated myself to my first massage while I was in… [more]

Here is the definition of shiatsu massage. I did learn a few manuevers from shiatsu while attending massage school, but only the very basics. I employ only one shiatsu move in my daily massage routine at the spa, but it is very effective to release some of the tension within the muscles along the spine. Within my community, we don't have anyone that specializes in shiatsu, but I believe that in larger cities it is more readily available to massage consumers. Spiritual Massage Techniques Shiatsu is a Japanese acupressure massage technique, wherein the practitioner applies gentle pressure to a series of points on the body to stimulate healing and relaxation, and to correct any imbalances. Some people describe Shiatsu as acupuncture without needles, as the massage is done… [more]

Being a massage therapist, I was trained in a few different types of massage styles before I graduated, but mostly, the emphasis was on Swedish massage. Little did I know, there are so many types of massage that can be enjoyed and be helpful to both body and spirit. The below link provides a comprehensive guide to different types and I will then write a small amount about my views on the subject. Spiritual Massage Techniques Reiki, a Japanese form of touch therapy, is a gentle massage style that channels healing energy through the laying on of hands, usually beginning at the head and traveling down through the body's seven "chakras," or energy centers. The "ki" in "Reiki" is the familiar "chi" energy that is at the center of… [more]