17 Aug

Quick Overview of Massage types

Posted by Abby, under Massage Techniques
Back Massage

Back Massage

An Overview Of Massage Types

Author: James Thomas

You may be surprised to discover just how many different forms, types and variations of massage there are.

When you have a session with a professional massage therapist you will not necessarily receive the same massage technique as the next client.

Massage therapists train in different types of massages and use their expertise to determine which massage style will be best for you. Some of the most common massage techniques include:

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03 Aug

Myofascial Pain and Trigger Points

Posted by Abby, under Massage Techniques

x trigger point and refferal sites

x trigger point and referral sites

Trigger Point Therapy

Myofascial trigger points (tiny contraction knots) in overworked or poorly conditioned muscles are the most frequent cause of pain in the ankles, feet and toes. Trigger points should be at the top of the list during any examination for pain, numbness and other abnormal sensations in the lower legs, ankles, feet or toes. When healthcare practitioners have had adequate training and experience, trigger points are easy to locate and treat. In fact, there are ways to treat them yourself quite effectively.

Misdiagnosis of Plantar Fasciitis

Travell and Simons believe that a diagnosis of heel spurs is often mistakenly applied when physicians are uninformed about myofascial pain. Trigger points typically refer pain; that is, they send pain to some other site. Physicians and other healthcare workers are commonly led astray by this phenomenon.

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12 Jan

Acupressure - Self Massage Part Two

Posted by Abby, under Trigger Point and Acupressure

thigh massage

How to Apply Pressure

Use prolonged finger pressure directly on the point. Gradual, steady, penetrating pressure for approximately three minutes is ideal. Each point will feel somewhat different when you press it. Some points feel tense, while others are often sore or ache when pressed. A general guideline to follow is that the pressure should be something between pleasant, firm pressure and outright pain. The more developed the muscles are, the more pressure you should apply. If you feel extreme (or increasing) sensitivity or pain, gradually decrease the pressure until you find a balance between pain and pleasure. Acupressure is not meant to increase your tolerance of pain, so do not think of it as a test of endurance. Do not continue to press a point that is excruciatingly painful. Usually, however, if you firmly hold the point long enough (up to 2 minutes using the middle finger with your index and ring fingers on either side as support), the pain will diminish.

Note that sometimes when you hold a point, you’ll feel pain in another part of your body. This phenomenon is called referred pain and indicates that those areas are related. You should press points in these related areas as well to release blockages. The middle finger is the longest and strongest of your fingers and is best suited for applying self-acupressure. The thumb is strong, too, but often lacks sensitivity. If you find that your hand is generally weak or hurts when you apply finger pressure, you can use the knuckles or your fist or other tools, such as an avocado pit or a golf ball.

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03 Jan

Acupressure - Self Massage

Posted by Abby, under Trigger Point and Acupressure

wrist pressure massage

Practicing Self-Acupressure

Several different kinds of acupressure are currently practised, although the same ancient trigger points are used in all of them. Varying rhythms, pressures, and techniques create different styles of acupressure, just as different forms of music use the same notes but combine them in distinctive ways. Shiatsu, for instance, the most well-known style of acupressure, can be quite vigorous, with firm pressure applied to each point for only 3-5 seconds. Another kind of acupressure gently holds each point for a minute or more. Pressing with an intermittent, fast beat is stimulating; a slower pressure creates a deeply relaxing effect on the body.

Acupressure Massage Techniques

Firm pressure  is the most fundamental technique. Use thumbs, fingers, palms, the side of the hand, or knuckles to apply steady, stationary pressure. To relax an area or relieve pain, apply pressure gradually and hold without any movement for several minutes at a time. One minute of steady pressure (when applied gradually) calms and relaxes the nervous system, promoting greater healing. To stimulate the area, apply pressure for only four or five seconds.

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29 Dec

Acupressure - Various Uses

Posted by Abby, under Trigger Point and Acupressure

facial points for acupressure

Ways to Use Acupressure

Acupressure’s potent points can be used to enhance several aspects of life. In addition to managing stress, you can use acupressure to relieve and prevent sports injuries. Sports massage has been widely used by athletes before and after Olympic events. Acupressure compliments sports medicine treatments by using points and massage techniques to improve muscle-tone and circulation and relieve neuromuscular problems.

The Chinese have also used acupressure as a beauty treatment for thousands of years. You can use potent points to improve skin condition and tone and relax the facial muscles, which can lessen the appearance of wrinkles without medicines or cosmetics.

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