The main philosophy behind Shiatsu is that vital energy flows through our bodies to keep us healthy andwhen this flow is interrupted for some reason, the mind and body become deprived of energy and maydevelop symptoms.

In Shiatsu instead of using needles to correct the bodys energy flow, acu-points are stimulated usingpressure from fingers, thumbs and palms, along the energy channels of the body. Shiatsu can beinvigorating with deep manipulation of the muscles and tissues or a more gentle and comforting touch maybe applied. Body stretches and muscle releasing exercises are also used.

By working on the whole body in this way, layers of blocked energy (often felt as tension) are released. It isthis releasing effect that adjusts and corrects the energy flow and re-establishes the conditions needed forthe body to regulate itself.

Shiatsu releases deep muscular tension, replenishes energy reserves and improves circulation. It has abeneficial effect on all body systems including the circulatory, nervous, muscular, skeletal, digestive andhormonal systems and it also supports the energy of the organs.

Shiatsu is a deeply relaxing experience. It leaves the recipient feeling revitalized, lighter and calmer with anincreased sense of inner wellbeing.

Many conditions can benefit from Shiatsu:

• Back and neck pain (eg sciatica, whiplash)
• Muscular pain and stiffness (eg frozen shoulder)
• Headaches, migraines
• Joint pain, arthritis
• Sports injuries
• Sleep problems
• Digestive problems
• Asthmatic symptoms
• Pregnancy (support during)
• Stress related disorders
• Anxiety
• Depression

Shiatsu can even help with more serious conditions; by releasing the energy patterns that may becontributing to a problem, by relieving pain and by enhancing the bodys ability to heal itself.

Treatments are always tailoredto the individual needs of a client.For serious health problems, it is recommended that you seek the advice of your doctor before receiving a treatment.

Please note that Shiatsu should be avoided in cases of infectious disease, acute, feverish illness, internalbleeding or blood clots or within 3 months of a MAJOR operation.

Traditional Thai massage has been practised for over 2,500 years. It not only relaxes the body, but the mind as well. It actually began in India. The Buddhist monks practised both massage and other healing arts. This spread to families and as Buddhism spread to Asia, the traditional Thai massage became a part of both the religious and healing part of the religion. It is believed that traditional Thai massage made it to Thailand around the 3rd or 2nd century BC. Many times, monastery temples were built near medical schools so the art of massage was taught among both monks and medical students.

Traditional Thai massage focuses on the experience of the whole body. It works on the major energy lines, known as Sen. These Sen run throughout the body. By loosening blockages, the massage will help harmonize the body and recoup any deficiencies of the energy lines. Just as Chinese medicine uses acupuncture to help revive health, traditional Thai massage uses a similar system of pressure points to help heal and relieve stress. The Prana, or life energy, is allows to freely circulate through the body.

Traditional Thai massage has many benefits. Whether you are the receiver of the massage or the giver of the massage, you can feel joy, ease, and comfort. The massage will open up your chakras, allowing you to have a more peaceful mind as well as benefiting your health.

The giver of the traditional Thai massage also will receive generosity, compassion, equanimity, the feeling of oneness, the feeling of loving kindness, and the pride that can only be felt by a healer. The receiver will feel the joy of receiving as well as a calmness of rest and a refreshed spirit. Physically, the receiver feels a general increase in energy due to the opening of Sen and other blocked areas in the body. They will also feel relief from pain and muscle tension, blood and lymph circulation is improved, and the nervous system is balanced. An increase in flexibility is also possible.

Traditional Thai massage is a floor massage. The receiver usually is asked to lay on a pad or light mattress. By lying on the floor, the practitioner can easily manipulate the limbs of the receiver. Massages are given in silence, so the practitioner can better understand what the receiver needs are while the receiver can concentrate on learning about himself and his body. Practitioners start at the feet and moves toward the receivers head, making the body feel loosened and stretched. A massage can last between two and three hours. Sometimes it combines techniques used in western physical therapies such as Neuromuscular therapy, Myofascial Release Techniques, and Remedial massage. Traditional Thai massage is great for athletes as it keeps them flexible and helps prevent and treat injuries. It also helps improve the flexibility and mobility of the handicapped.

Definition

Stone massage is a form of bodywork that involves the application of heated or cooled stones (thermotherapy) to the body during deep tissue massage.

Origins

The use of materials of different temperatures on the body to bring about healing is an ancient technique. Stones have been used in many cultures, such as in the Native American sweat lodge, to adjust the temperatureof the healing environment. Traditional lomilomi (Hawaiian massage) goes further and applies heated stones directly to the body.

Although stones have been used for many years as an adjunct to bodywork, their use was formalized in 1993 by Mary Nelson-Hannigan of Tucson, Arizona. Nelson-Hannigan developed a form of massage using a system of 54 hot stones, 18 frozen stones, and one room-temperature stone, which she calls LaStone Therapy. In addition to the use of stones as an extension of the therapist’s hands in deep tissue massage, LaStone Therapy involves a spiritual element that opens energy channels (chakras) in the body, unblocks memories, and brings about spiritual healing.

Benefits

Stone therapy has benefits for both the client and the massage therapist. For the client the application of heat and cold on the body:

• Stimulates the circulatory system and promotes self-healing.
• Softens and relaxes the muscles.
• Helps to release toxins from the muscles.
• Induces a state of deep relaxation that washes away stress.
• Helps relieve pain and muscle spasms.
• Creates a feeling of peacefulness and spiritual wellbeing.

Stone therapy also benefits the massage therapist. It reduces stress andstrain on the therapist’s hands, wrists, and arms so that the therapist can work longer and more efficiently. The stones do the heavy work, so that the possibility of repetitive stress injuries to the therapist’s thumbs and wrists is decreased.

Description

In many ways a stone massage session is similar to any other type of massage. The stones are heated (usually to about 130F or 34C) or frozen prior to the client’s arrival. Massage oil is spread on the client’s back and legs. The stones are then worked over the body. The client turns over and the process is repeated on the arms, hands, and fingers. The final parts to be massaged are the neck, head, and face.

Preparations

The client needs no special preparation before receiving a stone massage. The therapist prepares the stones in advance and maintains them at the proper temperatures.

Precautions

No special precautions are necessary in having a stone massage session. This type of massage is suitable for almost everyone.

Side effects

Generally a stone massage produces only the positive side effects of a feeling of peacefulness and spiritual renewal. No negative side effects have been reported.

Research & general acceptance

The use of stones to alter body temperature has been used for centuries. Little modern research has been done on its effectiveness, although it is a generally accepted technique.

There is a lot of information available on baby massage as there are different infant massage movements used.You can experiment to find the ones that you and your baby enjoy the most.

Infant Massage caution

If you have any concerns about doing a baby massage, then you should seek expert help or attend a baby massage training class. Be gentle with your baby. Dont give the baby a massage if the baby is fidgety.

If your baby is under 5 months of age, do not massage at bath time as this can be over stimulating. You can do a baby massage after a night time sleep or during the day after a nap.

Best place for baby massage is on the floor on some towels as the baby can be slippery after the massage.

Always stop massaging if the baby indicates that they have had enough.

Rub your hands together to warm the oil

Basic Infant Massage Steps

Baby Massage steps Back of baby

1. Place your child on their front. Gently stroke their back and along the back of the arms
2. Gently with the tips of your fingers massage your childs shoulders
3. Gently massage your babys rear
4. Start at the base of the neck and work down the spine, down the legs, and then bend the knee and massage each foot
5. Use your thumbs to massage the sole of each foot

Baby Massage steps Front of baby

1. Start with your baby on their back. Gently stroke their face starting with the middle of their forehead and moving to their temples.
2. Very gently stroke across the eyebrows and around under the eyes.
3. Massage from nose to ears, and then from their cheeks down to the chin.
4. Stroke the front of the body and out along the arms.
5. Next do each arm. First lift the arm and stoking the length of the arm from shoulder to hand. Then using your free hand, gently squeeze the arm as you move down the arm from shoulder to the hand. Repeat for the other arm.
6. Massage the hand, and rotate each finger clockwise.
7. Using both hands, make clockwise strokes around your babys navel. Only do clockwise strokes, which may help infants with colic or wind. Dont do anti clockwise.
8. Gently stroke down each leg from thigh to ankle, swapping hands as you work your way down.
9. Lastly massage the sole of each foot by making tiny clockwise strokes with your thumb as you finish the massage.

How to do Infant Massage ?

There are no fixed rules for the fast and baby massage, except to make sure you do it safely. Your baby and you will discover what works best for you both. Please note that massage is something that your child is not limited to the child. It is strongly recommended that you seek guidance and education on massage techniques from a qualified baby massage therapist, midwife or other health care professionals to ensure that you do it safely. A ten minutes massage, two or three times a week helps in strengthening the parent-child relationship, children love it and it can help to alleviate suffering baby.

Helps in Emotional Attachment with Parents

In todays society, parents have heavy workloads and both their work and at home, which directly affect the quality time with children. Infant massage, an ancient tradition, is simple, free, can be administered almost anywhere and has a variety of emotional and physical benefits for both parents and baby. A child with a strong feeling of the plant is growing more confident, assured and happy. The parent-child attachment is in the first months of life, so much of its definition of child through massage has a profound effect on the emotional well being of children and can be used to create a feeling of security for the growing child. The emotional benefits of infant massage, such as quality, one-to-one loving touch, can also be experienced by fathers.

What does the Researches Say ?

The task of developing a regular and restful sleep pattern for a new baby is often an exercise in frustration and confusion for many parents. Research has shown that children grow faster in the hospital, if properly massaged. This is in large part to the fact that massaged babies actually more time than quiet and calm, but vigilant, and that if they sleep, it was very deep and restful. This led to a more structured sleep pattern, and prolonged periods during the night sleep.

Doing a massage right after always home from work, a parent with a child back after an exhausting day, and will help baby and parents to relax and unwind. If you and the child have developed a routine, you will have a capacity to disrupt the calm your child. It is time, which is exactly what is needed, not food, not a new diaper, but soothing, relaxing touch that a parent can their kids. Although the circumstances surrounding a change in their routine and environment, a daily massage can be the hub of your babys routine the night and the item that when preparing to fall into a deep, restorative sleep. In addition, learn to relax in our hectic world is a skill parents need care for themselves and for their children. Studies suggest that the positive effects of the practice infant massage are just as deep on the parents physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, as they are for babies.

Infant massage has also been shown that this positive benefit children with food, gastrointestinal, bonding, mounting, weight gain, global challenges, including a baby in total sleep rhythms. Massage also helps children learn about their body and stimulates brain function and the interaction between mother and child during the massage, the intellectual abilities of children as well, resulting in increased mental capacity.