The technique of Swedish massage uses five basic strokes: sliding or gliding, kneading, rhythmic tapping, cross fiber and rhythmic shaking. Research shows it is helpful for individuals who have poor circulation. By flushing the tissues of the lactic acid, uric acid and other metabolic wastes building up during an injury, circulation to the area is increased without increasing the load on the heart.

Stress
Swedish massage helps stimulate the skin and nervous system and reduces both emotional and physical stress. In fact, some psychologists suggest a regular program of Swedish massage for stress management.

Effleurage
This type of massage uses a sliding or gliding technique. While doing this technique the masseuse uses long, sweeping strokes covering more than one area. Although it makes one feel like your muscles are being broken down the purpose is to connect one part of the body to the others and is always done in a direction toward the heart.

Relaxation
The therapist makes the muscles relax by using friction to warm up the area being treated. Where other massage techniques may use warm stones or heated towels the Swedish massage therapist makes use of a friction technique by rubbing the palms of her hands vigorously on the surface of the skin or by rubbing her palms together and then laying them on the skin.

Petrissage
The act of kneading and squeezing the muscles of the body is known as petrissage. This technique does not target or focus on any particular part but allows for deeper and more penetrating affects.

Tapottement
Sometimes called rhythmic tapping,these strokes aim to energize the area of the body that is being treated. This technique is done by chopping the area with the sides of the hands or hitting it rhythmically with a fisted hand depending upon the desired results and the strength of the masseuse.

Traction
Usually in the last part of her routine,the therapist stretches muscles that are already relaxed and warmed up. This involves pulling at arms and legs and, interestingly, sometimes at the head.

Vibration
This is the last technique a Swedish massage therapists will use. It is used to shake the area that is being treated and is done by moving the heel of the hand and sometimes the fingers forward and backward across the skin to loosen up muscles in a particular area.

Some of these techniques may be tried at home to relax and calm yourself.  Just take care never to massage over areas that are injured, bruised, infected or have an open wound.

Special Treats for After your Massage:

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Deep tissue massage uses some of the same motions and techniques as Swedish massage but the pressure will generally be more intense.  Deep tissue massage is a more focused type of  therapy as the therapist works to release chronic muscle tension or knots, also known as adhesions.

Deep tissue massage should be done by a therapist who has been specially trained in the technique.  Although it does not hurt,  it is likely to be more uncomfortable than a classic  Swedish massage.  Using these deeper techniques for massage can help to break up and eliminate scar tissue and is usually focused on more specific areas of the body than an overall body massage.  Although there may be some soreness during or after the massage the participant should feel better than ever within a day or two.

Like other types of massage therapy individuals who experience deep tissue massage on a consistent basis will find the most benefits.  Individuals who consistently use deep tissue massage also find that their bodies stay in better alignment and in better shape which decreases their risk of injury.

One of the other big defining differences between deep tissue massage and a regular massage technique is the use of tools.  During a standard massage therapists usually only involve their own hands and lower arms.  However, during deep tissue massage, the  therapist will use elbows, fingers, penetrating tools such as ceramics, glass or wooden props in order to reach the deep muscles.  Those who are unfamiliar with the technique may go too quickly and cause the muscles to tense up which is not the desired reaction.  Some therapists also maintain very firm pressure in trouble spots for several minutes to help the muscle achieve release before moving onto the next area of the body.

Before a client gets deep tissue massage they should talk with their therapist about any outstanding issues they currently have and anything they would like to see specifically addressed during the massage.  Most therapists are very happy to concentrate on a single part of the body to achieve more lasting results that the client will truly appreciate.  At the end of any session the client should drink lots of water to help the body express and excrete the toxins which were released during the massage.

It is important for the client to be realistic about what one particular massage will be able to achieve.  Some people even ask for more pressure thinking that if the therapist pushes hard enough they can get rid of all of the knots in just one hour.  Unfortunately, this doesn’t happen and can actually hurt the individual more than it helps.  Undoing chronic knots and tension which have been built up over a lifetime is achieved more successfully with an integrated program that includes exercise, relaxation techniques, improved posture and a regular massage treatment.

Unlike classic massage therapy that can be used for relaxation, deep tissue massage is usually focused on specific problems such as chronic pain, limited mobility, recovery from injuries, repetitive strain injury, postural problems, osteoarthritis,  fibromyalgia and muscle spasms.

According to a report in Consumer Reports in 2005,  34,000 people ranked deep tissue massage more effective in relieving the pain of osteoarthritis than physical therapy, exercise, prescription drugs, accupuncture, glucosamine or over the counter medications.  In fact, deep tissue massage also received top rankings for individuals who suffered from fibromyalgia.

Deep tissue massage is not recommended if individuals are suffering from an infectious disease,  rash or open wounds,  immediately after surgery, immediately after chemotherapy,  individuals who are prone to blood clots and pregnant women.  Massage should never be done directly over bruises, inflamed skin,  tumors,  abdominal hernias or areas of recent fractures.  Before going in to see the massage therapist,  do not eat a heavy meal and, if it’s your first time, arrive at least 10 minutes early to fill out all the necessary forms.

This type of  massage, when used in the right way and on a consistent basis, can result in significant positive results in your overall health.  Deep tissue massage is a complementary and alternative therapy approach that can help to decrease your pain, improve circulation and improve your overall health.

Knowing how to do a foot massage can come in handy in a number of ways. It can be an all natural stress reliever that you can give as a gift to yourself or to a loved one. A relaxing foot massage can also help you sleep better, feel rejuvenated and be ready for another hectic day.

The foot has 12 different muscles that are designed to support the weight of the body and provide a movable platform on almost any surface. Your foot is designed to carry the full weight of your body whether you are walking on in the solid ground, or rocks or a tightrope. Having a foot massage can help you to relax, improve blood flow to the feet and relieve any tight or cramping muscles after a full day on your feet.

There are a few techniques that will make the process go smoothly and helpl you to get relaxed and more energetic. Begin by removing all clothing from the feet and soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes. You might want to add drops of your favorite oil or bath salts to the water. This helps to aid in your relaxation!

You can massage your own foot by crossing your legs or a partners foot while they are relaxed on a bed, with their feet up on a chair or with a foot cradled in your lap. In any case, a good massage will take about 10 – 15 minutes per foot so you should be comfortable before you start.

Before starting any massage make sure your feet are completely dry. Apply a moderate amount of cream or your favorite oils to help glide over the skin more easily and avoid any discomfort. Mineral oil won’t be absorbed into the skin and will wipe off cleanly.

Begin at the top of the foot between the cords at the instep. Move in the direction of toe to ankle to move fluids toward the heart and not away. Continue from the top of the foot to the sole of the foot using gentle pressure and then increasing it to a point where it is challenging.

Using your thumb make circular motions with your thumb and fingers over the sole of the foot, using the most pressure over the heel or ball of the foot. Start at the toes and work your way back to the heels – again, toward the heart. Don’t forget the sides of the foot!

Once you are done massaging the sole of the foot move to the ankle. Rotate the foot, first at the ankle and then near the ball of the foot. Repeat the motions in each direction about 5 times.

Now go back to the sole of the foot and, beginning with the big toe, roll toes between your fingers and slide the fingers down the toe toward the foot. Do each toe individually. End by massaging gently over the sole and instep.

Wipe of any excess cream or lotion with a soft towel. At this point you can also use a foot lotion especially one that is infused with peppermint or lavendar that will invigorate the muscles in the foot that you just massaged.

To feel invigorated and relaxed at the same time, give foot reflexology a try. This medical practice assumes that there are nerves in the base of the foot which control organs and bodily systems. A good foot massage may also have many other health benefits that are more than just relaxation and muscle tension relief.