Steps of Abdomen Massage:

• Apply massage oil on the abdomen and massage in large circles working around the navel in a clockwise direction, using both hands.
• Be careful to keep your hands relaxed and contoured to your partner. Poking fingers feel very uncomfortable here.
• Continue circling the abdomen and begin to work a little more firmly using the fingertips to make small circles.
• Place one hand either side of the body, on each hip, or wring up the body in a forward and backward motion. Then stroke up over the ribcage, over the breastbone and off at the shoulders.

It is important to use softer strokes and light pressure on the abdomen while massaging.

It is also advisable to take a 3-5 minutes break between strokes applied to the abdomen.

It is advisable to do an abdominal massage in the mornings and evenings while lying in bed for about 15-30 minutes.

Benefits of Abdomen Massage:

• It helps in proper digestion.
• Abdominal massage is best for problems related to constipation.
• It promotes elimination, and secretion of hormones.
• It stimulates liver and gall-bladder.
• It strengthens weak and relaxed abdominal muscles.
• It breaks down adhesions.
• It helps in aligning the pelvic bones.
• It adjusts the uterus to its proper position in case of problems.
• It releases muscular armoring in the trunk and enhance circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids.
• It releases deep muscle tissue spasms in the entire abdominal area.
• Abdomen massage produces heat, which melts adipose tissue or fat.
• General improvement in blood circulation benefits the blood vessels in the abdominal cavity.
• The liver, the gall-bladder, and the pancreas receive a large share of oxygen and nutrients and release their metabolic waste products.
• Abdomen massage helps open the abdominal cavity and release the fascia so the organs can lay unrestricted in their natural positions in the abdominal cavity.

Abdominal Massage- Don’ts:

• Abdominal massage should not be done if a person has inflammation of the uterus, bladder, ovaries and fallopian tubes.
• Abdominal massage should not be done if a person has stones in the kidneys, bladder or gall bladder, ulcers of the stomach or intestines.
• Abdominal massage should not be done after a heavy meal.
• The bladder should be emptied before the massage.
• Since blood pressure increases during abdominal manipulation, patients with hypertension should avoid abdominal massage.
• Massage should also be avoided in cases where there has been recent bleeding in the lungs, stomach or the brain.

Expectant moms experience unique physical and emotional changes that occur as a result of increased weight, shifting posture, and adjusting hormone levels. While this is a beautiful period of heightened expectation and joy, mothers-to-be also endure heightened physical discomfort that ranges from muscular tension and headaches to pressure on the knees.

Prenatal massage is a natural, touch therapy treatment aimed at alleviating these and other pregnancy related symptoms.

Experienced therapists choose techniques that are safe and effective for pregnant women. Prenatal massage offers a wide range of benefits, which include the following:

• Eases backaches, headaches, shoulder and neck aches that may be caused by muscle tension and shifts in posture to accommodate increasing weight
• Decreases pain in the pelvic/hip area
• Increases circulation
• Improves digestion
• Reduces fatigue
• Improves skin elasticity that can help reduce stretch marks
• Helps reduce swelling in such places as hands and lower legs
• Can alleviate the stress on weight-bearing joints, like the knees, which are impacted by the extra weight of a growing baby
• Promotes relaxation and deep breathing
• Helps stabilize hormone levels by lessening anxiety

Taking time for yourself during pregnancy can be uplifting emotionally. The soothing essence of massage allows pregnant moms to unwind and feel serene, healthy, and comforted during a period of added physical and emotional stress.

Some women also choose to incorporate elements of massage during childbirth to cope with delivery. Massage therapy can also be a therapeutic treatment after pregnancy as your body returns to its normal state, and you begin your exciting life with baby. New moms are also learning how to bring the benefits of touch therapy to their children through infant massage classes.

All expectant mothers should check with their doctors prior to getting a massage. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, or are on the early stages of pregnancy, pre-natal massage may not be recommended. It is important to share information about your condition and your preferences with your massage therapist when you arrive for your appointment. The massage therapist will adjust your prenatal massage to make it as soothing and as useful as possible based on your personal needs and preferences.

How often due you complain of back aches? The sedentary lifestyle of today’s workplace where people have to sit in one particular position has led to increasing number of back related problems. You should take care of your back from the beginning itself and any small ache too should be treated to avoid major complications in future.

The best way is to get a back massage done. Get it done from a professional. Here are some helpful tips. While getting a back massage, you need to lie down flat on your belly on a comfortable surface like a floor mat or firm bed. Usually oils are used for back massage to decrease friction on the skin. However, according to experts, less quantity of oil application leads to greater friction and pressure. The back massage begins at the spine, starts at the lower back area and slowly moves towards the shoulders.

When you are going to get a back massage done, you should be aware of its benefits too. It aids in blood and circulation improvement, aiding in the recovery of muscle pull and soreness. Also, it helps in relaxation of the muscles thereby leading to overall relaxation and rejuvenation of the body.

Massage also helps in treatment of insomnia along with aiding in providing relief from chronic pain. Thus, whenever stressed and fatigued, go and get a back massage done for yourself.

What does Thai massage feel like?

What should I expect during my visit?

What conditions is Thai massage used for?

• relaxes
• reduces stress
• improves circulation
• increases energy
• increases flexibility
• improves range of motion
• centers the mind and body

How does aromatherapy massage work?

The nostrils are attached to a part of the brain called the limbic system. The limbic system controls emotions and influences the nervous system and hormones.

When you inhale essential oil molecules, messages are transmitted to the limbic system and affect heart rate, stress level, blood pressure, breathing, memory, digestion, and the immune system.

Essential oils are also believed to be absorbed through the skin.

Each essential oil has different healing properties. For example, some calm while others energize. Here are some widely used essential oils and their properties:

• calming – chamomile, lavender, geranium
• uplifting – ylang ylang, clary sage, rose, neroli
• energizing – rosemary
• cleansing – rosemary
• decongesting – eucalyptus, pine, tea tree

Why do people get aromatherapy massage?

Aromatherapy massage is particularly suited to conditions involving stress or improving emotionally-related conditions.

• Stress and stress-related conditions such as insomnia
• Headache
• Digestive disorders
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Back pain

Here is a few examples of the research that is being done on aromatherapy massage:

• Self-massage significantly improved symptoms and wellbeing in people with lymphedema. It also slightly, but not significantly reduced limb volume. However, carefully chosen aromatherapy oils did not appear to be more effective than massage without aromatherapy oils.
• Sixteen first-time mothers received a 30-minute aromatherapy massage two days after delivery, while 20 mothers received standard post-partum care. The aromatherapy massage group had significantly decreased ratings of post-partum blues and anxiety and had increased vigor and attachment to their babies.
• Research suggests that patients with cancer, particularly in the palliative care setting, are increasingly using aromatherapy and massage.

What can I expect during an aromatherapy massage?

After the consultation, one or more essential oils are selected based on what you need and are mixed in with the massage oil or lotion.

The subtle aroma of the essential oils fill the air around you during the massage.

After the massage, the massage therapist may suggest a blend that you can use at home in between massage treatments.

Also known as hilot, Hilot is an ancient art of filipino massage.

The hilot is an integral part of Filipino culture. It is a primary component of the health seeking behavior ofthe majority of Filipinos As with many forms of traditional modalities, the basis for the efficacy of the hilot remains unknown.
A closer study, though, reveals intriguing resemblances to the other Asian Great Traditions of Medicine, particularly the Chinese. The possibility is not remote. Prehistoric migration showed sea travel between China and the Philippines as early as BC 6000.

The various hilot techniques from the different places of the Philippines have now been synthesized and standardizedin our complete and authentic Marhay Hilot, the Filipino Tradional Wellness Massage

The hilot is now adapted to a modern setting for universal use and application.

The hilot has long been in the periphery. It is now time to introduce it to the world, In the era of one global village, let the hilot be the Philipppine’s contribution to the achievement of good health and wellness.

Let the world experience this ancient art of Filipino Traditional Medicine.

ConfettiSpa

Shiatsu is a Japanese word. It means ‘finger pressure’. A Shiatsu treatment does however incorporate the use not only of finger pressure, but also thumbs, palms, knees, forearms, elbows and feet. Pressure is applied to the areas of energy lines (meridians) to promote good health by ’stimulating the bodys energy flow (Ki)’.

Length of Shiatsu session

Each Shiatsu session usually lasts between 40 minutes and 1 hour. The session usually takes place on a padded mat on the floor.

The session often begins with gentle stretching and manipulation techniques to help stimulate the movement of energy and to relax the muscles. Pressure can be applied to both wide areas as well as precise points and varied according to the body’s needs. Sometimes the pressure can be gentle and calming. Sometimes the pressure can be deeply stimulating. The amount and type of pressure depends on the specific needs of the individual.

Benefits of Shiatsu

Shiatsu can help alleviate the pain associated with a wide range of conditions. Shiatsu can also assist an individual with their self development and self healing; balancing the underlying causes of a condition; taking into account the functioning of the physical and psychological; promoting health and strengthening the body’s own healing abilities.

Shiatsu is a deeply relaxing experience and regular Shiatsu sessions help to prevent the build-up of stress in our daily lives. Following a Shiatsu treatment, the individual may have feelings of increased vitality and relaxation.

Some of the immediate physical benefits of Shiatsu are to:

1. Stimulate the circulatory, lymphatic and hormonal systems.
2. Regulate the activity of the autonomic nervous system.

The term “Swedish Massage” refers to a variety of techniques specifically designed to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart.

Swedish massage was developed in the 1700’s by a Swedish doctor named Per Henrik Ling.

Purpose of Swedish Massage

The main purpose of Swedish massage is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles.

Swedish massage shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid, and other metabolic wastes. It increases circulation without increasing heart load. It stretches the ligaments and tendons keeping them supple and pliable. Swedish massage also stimulates the skin and nervous system and soothes the nerves themselves at the same time. It reduces stress, both emotional and physical, and is suggested in a regular program for stress management. It also has many specific medical uses.

Swedish Massage Techniques

Swedish massage techniques include: long strokes, kneading, friction, tapping, percussion, vibration, effleurage, and shaking motions. The usually sequence of techniques are:

1. Effleurage: Gliding strokes with the palms, thumbs and/or fingertips
2. Petrissage: Kneading movements with the hands, thumbs and/or fingers
3. Friction: Circular pressures with the palms of hands, thumbs and/or fingers
4. Vibration: Oscillatory movements that shake or vibrate the body
5. Percussion: Brisk hacking or tapping
6. Passive and active movements: Bending and stretching

Benefits of Swedish Massage

Swedish massage feels good, is relaxing and invigorating. It affects the nerves, muscles, glands, and circulation, while promoting health and well being.