The Single Most Powerful Benefit of Massage
Over the years massage has gained considerable credibility for the health benefits it can provide.
For example, massage increases your circulation, helps to remove toxins from the body and can also increase your energy levels, among many other positive effects.
However there is one primary benefit that trumps all the rest…
“Massage relaxes you!”
Now I know this is an obvious, ‘well-known’ fact, but what is important to understand is that when we are not ‘relaxed’ which for many people is most of the time, we are in fact ‘tense’. When we feel tension in our bodies it is because we have experienced or are experiencing some form of stress either on a physical, mental or emotional level, or all of the above.
If left untreated, stress can be a catalyst for serious illness. So it is vital that tension (on all levels) be alleviated as quickly as possible, allowing a return to a healthy, relaxed and ‘stress-free’ state of being.
Many people are aware that massage is effective in alleviating tension and stress in the ‘physical’ body, but in truth, the effects on quieting the mind and calming the emotions are also equally profound. This is because all levels of the person (physical, mental, emotional and spiritual) are interconnected and therefore affected positively by the massage.
In these busy times, it seems that ‘stress’ is a part of everyday life. So now more than ever we need to be pro-active in ‘managing’ our stress levels through a balanced lifestyle i.e. healthy diet, regular exercise and of course regular therapeutic massage.
“Could you use a little more ‘balance’ in your life?”
Massage Newsletter
Just a quick post to announce that I’m starting up a monthly e-Newsletter.
If you’d like to keep up to date with my special offers and also receive useful information and tips to increase your health and wellbeing, please click on the link below to subscribe.
It’s totally free and it will be short and sweet so it won’t take up much of your time to read!
If you’d like to subscribe, all you need to do is send a blank email to massage-update@aweber.com
Thanks and enjoy the rest of your day!
Lomi Lomi Massage
Press ‘Play’ to view a short demonstration of the Lomi Lomi
Beautiful to watch, wonderful to give and magical to receive, Hawaiian Lomi Lomi has been described by many as the most amazing massage on Earth!
So what exactly is Lomi Lomi?
In basic terms, Lomi Lomi in Hawaiian language means, ‘to knead’, ‘to squeeze’, ‘to make soft’ among other similar definitions. Most non-Hawaiians know ‘Lomi Lomi ‘ to refer specifically to Hawaiian ‘massage ‘ but it originally refers to traditional Hawaiian food or dishes such as ‘Lomi-Lomi Salmon ‘ that is prepared by ‘Lomi-ing ‘ (kneading with the hands and fingers) the ingredients to soften, marinade and mix them together.
This same motion is also used to ’soften ‘ the muscles of the body, which is why they also refer to massaging / softening the body as ‘Lomi Lomi ‘. The Hawaiians believe that where there is ’softness ‘ there is no ‘tension ‘, and tension on some level they believe is the root cause of illness.
Though there are varying techniques used and philosophies taught among the different schools, the same ‘flow ‘ and healing intention exists in all lomi styles of Lomi Lomi.
What makes Lomi Lomi so special?
Lomi Lomi is a powerfully healing style of massage that uses the forearms in addition to the hands and fingers in long-flowing strokes along the body to remove layers of tension, not unlike the waves of the ocean. This constant flow makes it very difficult for the reciever ’s mind to follow the movements and therefore encourages them to ’switch off ‘ and enter into deeply healing states of relaxation.
Contrary to popular belief, Lomi Lomi can be a soft, relaxing massage or it can be very deep and ‘remedial ‘ depending on the needs of the client.
The belly too is gently massaged to balance the stomach and internal organs (Opu Huli) and the limbs are rotated and stretched in ways so subtle, yet focused, that the receiver can feel the release of tension deeply within their muscles and bones.
The unique flow and pressure of the Lomi Lomi, both soft and deep appropriate to the receiver ’s needs, used in combination with the breath, encourages the body, mind and spirit to heal, leaving both the giver and the receiver feeling relaxed yet alive and energized. In my own practice and in that of many of my students, seemingly ‘miraculous ‘ results have been achieved.
For example, chronic pain has been completely alleviated in one or two sessions, limbs that could barely be moved (i.e frozen shoulder) have been completely freed up and on a spiritual level, clients have reported experiencing profound personal realizations including the release of old emotional blocks, and even contact with loved ones who have passed over. So Lomi Lomi is much, much more than just a ‘physical ‘ massage. It is deeply powerful.
How to get the most out of a Lomi Lomi session.
If you‚’ ve ever had a Lomi Lomi massage from a skilled and caring practitioner you‚’ ll know very well the deep levels of relaxation and rejuvenation that can be achieved. However, as deeply relaxing and healing as Lomi Lomi massage is, there are a few things that we can do before and after our Lomi Lomi session to ensure that we get the absolute most out of the experience.
To follow are my 5 suggestions for getting the most out of your lomi lomi session.
1) Make your Lomi Lomi session the number number 1 priority for your day.
On the day of your Lomi Lomi booking, make sure that you organize yourself so that the most important thing in your day is your Lomi Lomi session. This means making sure that you clear your schedule so that you are free at least 1 hour either side of your Lomi Lomi session.
This will give you enough time to slow down and relax before your treatment, it will ensure you arrive on time without stress, and at the end of your Lomi Lomi, it will give you time to more slowly integrate back into your world, without having to rush back in and pick up where you left off.
2) Make sure you are clean and comfortable before your Lomi Lomi.
When we get onto a massage table, it‚’ s only natural that we can become somewhat self-conscious about our bodies, especially in the heat of summer. So you can just relax without needing to give this a second thought, it‚’ s a great idea to have a shower before your Lomi Lomi session.
This will not only make sure that you are clean, smell nice and feel comfortable on the table, but will also begin the process of warming up your muscles and relaxing your system. It is also a good idea for men to have a shave a couple of hours before-hand, so that the face massage is enjoyable (i.e. not rough) and for women, you may feel more comfortable if you have performed your hair removal routine a day or two before your Lomi Lomi session.
3) Make sure you drink water throughout the day, prior to your Lomi Lomi session.
A Lomi Lomi massage can be an intensive treatment in terms of detoxifying the body, so it’ s a good idea to make sure that you are well hydrated before your treatment. Now this doesn’ t mean that you need to flood your body with water, but rather it means keeping a water bottle with you all day, and taking regular mouthfuls to keep your water levels topped up.
However, you shouldn’ t drink anything at least 30 minutes prior to your Lomi Lomi session, otherwise you may find yourself needing to go to the bathroom in the middle of your treatment. In regards to food, it’ s good idea to avoid eating heavy food, such as meats, pastas and dairy at least an hour before your Lomi Lomi session.
This will help your system relax and ensure that your body‚’ s energies are free for healing and not spent on the digestion process.
4) Create a special healing intention for your Lomi Lomi session.
As Lomi Lomi works on treating the ‘whole’ person, and we each create our own reality with our thoughts, creating an intention for how you would like the Lomi Lomi to help you is a powerful way to actually ‘make it happen’ . In fact, it turns the Lomi Lomi into a powerful ‘prayer’ for calling what you want into your life, whatever that may be. ‘ Ask, believe and you will receive! I have experienced this to be so true in my life.
5) During your Lomi Lomi session, breathe ‚’ into‚’ your tension and let go!
A skilled and intuitive Lomi Lomi therapist will naturally be drawn to your areas of tension in your body and although they will never ‘force’ their way into these areas, you may feel your body muscles wanting to ‘resist’ which can result in a little discomfort. The way to alleviate this is simply to breathe. When your Lomi Lomi practitioner finds an area that is particularly tense/painful, you should take a deep breath, and visually your breath going into that area. Then, as you exhale you will feel the tension/pain dissolve as that area relaxes.
The key is to ‚’ work with‚’ your practitioner and let them ‘ into’ your body as they peel back the layers of tension, like removing the layers of an onion.
The philosophy behind Lomi Lomi is where there is ‚’ relaxation‚’ there can be no illness! After your Lomi Lomi, it‚’ s really nice to have a cleansing warm shower to wash away any lingering ‘energy’ . It’ s also a good idea to go and sit somewhere peaceful, preferably in nature and allow yourself some time to ‘come back to earth’ and integrate the Lomi Lomi experience. This is especially so before getting behind the wheel and driving anywhere.
It‚’ s also a ‘must’ to drink plenty of water afterwards as the effects of the Lomi Lomi in detoxifying/healing your body will continue to work well after the treatment.
If you ‘ve never actually experienced a Lomi Lomi massage before, you owe it to yourself to give it a try at least once in your life.
It is truly a healing gift from Heaven and we are so blessed and privileged that the beautiful Hawaiian people have chosen to share their wonderful ‘Touch of Aloha ‘ with the rest of the world. Mahalo Nui Loa (A very big thank you)!
If you’d like to experience an amazing Hawaiian Lomi Lomi here on the Gold Coast, please give me a call on 040 777 4552.
I’d love to share this wonderful hawaiian bodywork with you and help you to restore balance and harmony in your body, mind and spirit. Aloha!
Massage Gold Coast: Spring Special!
Well, it’s officially Spring here on the Gold Coast. The weather is beautiful, the birds are singing and the beaches look so inviting.
Spring is a great time to refresh, to invigorate and to renew and that’s why I’ve put together a nice little ‘Spring Special’ for you.
For a limited time only, you can come and enjoy a really great 60 minute massage with me on the Gold Coast (as soft or as deep as you like) AND I’ll also include an invigorating, refreshing and renewing dry body brush treatment.
This means that not only will you leave feeling totally relaxed and rejuvenated, but you’ll also have ’silky smooth’ skin.
All up this is approximately 90 minutes of yummy ‘you time’ at my regular 60 minute massage price of just $89.
I’ve offered this treatment combo last summer and it was really popular so if this sounds like something you’d enjoy, then give me a call on 0407 774 552 and I’ll book you in before the rush.
Look forward to seeing you soon.
Thanks and have a beautiful day!
Pregnancy Massage Gold Coast
Pregnancy Massage
Welcoming a child into the world is without a doubt one of life’s great miracles. However for a mother-to-be, pregnancy can be a time that is overwhelming as emotions of joy and excitement mix with doubt and fear.
To participate in this journey is a gift in itself, but it may also come with a few challenges. As the pregnancy develops mother nature tries to do everything necessary to prepare the mother-to-be for the development of her precious parcel and for child birth. Massage and touch can be invaluable for the mother-to-be during this process.
PRENATAL DISCOMFORTS IN THE BODY:
As the pregnancy develops the physical body makes necessary changes and adjustments and may as a result cause a number of discomforts.
These discomforts may include, but are not isolated to the following:
Back pain (especially the lower back),
Neck pain,
Tense shoulders,
Headaches,
Hip and pelvic pain,
Swollen feet, ankles and hands,
Rib pain,
Swollen veins,
Skin changes / irritations,
Expanding of the abdomen,
Fatigue.
The change of centre of gravity can stress the back, neck, shoulders and abdominal muscles. While a change of posture can result as the pelvis starts to pull forward and the ligaments that hold the pelvis in place start to relax, (making the pelvis joint less stable). This forward rotation of the pelvis, along with the weight of the baby puts additional strain on the pelvic girdle and hips, and as the curve of the back increases the knees can rotate out putting more strain on the hips and lower back.
During pregnancy the body also creates up to 50% extra blood, so along with the extra weight on the legs this can cause extra pressure on veins as they become engorged, which in turn can cause cramps and for the legs to become very sore.
Fatigue can start to set in as a cumulation of all of the above along with the body’s need for more iron
PRENATAL MASSAGE THERAPY: BENEFITS
There are several observed or identified benefits to massage therapy during pregnancy including:
• Relief of muscular tension, especially in the lower back, upper back, shoulders and neck
• Reduces stress on weight-bearing joints
• Enhances body awareness for better posture and less discomfort
• Assists with body mechanics and movement during structural change
• Supports birth process by relaxing muscles involved in labor and birth
• Eases anxiety and stress during time of transition
• Gives emotional support and nurturing
If you are pregnant, I invite you to come and enjoy a beautiful pregnancy massage with me. Pregnancy massage is a very sacred thing to me, especially being a Mum and experiencing first-hand the wonderful benefits of getting regular massage throughout pregnancy.
I’ll make you feel comfortable and safe and like you and your baby are the most important people in the world, just like you already are to your family.
Please give me a call on 0407 774 552 and I’ll be happy to answer questions you have and make a suitable appointment time for you.
Health Fund Rebates
Just a quick announcement to let you know that I’m now registered with pretty much all the major health funds (with the exception of one or two).
So, if your health fund offers you rebates for Remedial Massage, then you can now get them to subsidize your treatments with me. How great is that?
Every time you have a massage with me, you present them with your receipt and they give you cash back. It’s a wonderful thing!
Look forward to seeing you for some more ‘you time’ soon. You deserve it.
Have a fantastic day!
How Often Should You Have A Massage?
This is a question that I’m asked a lot by my clients.
The answer is different for everybody and will depend on your state of health, your time and your finances.
Ideally, if you can manage to have a massage once per week, you will be largely ‘maintaining’ and building on the work and healing that has been done in the prior sessions.
To put it another way, you’re not allowing the tension to build up and take hold of your body, mind and emotions, allowing you to function and move through your daily life with much more ease and focus.
However, if every week is too much for you, the next best option is to have your massage, once per fortnight. Although this is not as great as having a massage every week, it will still provide you with excellent benefits. If a fortnightly massage suits you better, you may like to book in for 90 minutes (instead of 60 minutes) to allow for more time to work out the tension in those areas that need it most, without me needing to rush on other areas of your body.
Last but not least, is having your massage every month. This in my opinion is the absolute minimum if you want to maintain a basic level of ease and flow in your body. Beyond this and any work that has been done in a previous session is completely lost. This is especially so if you lead a stressful to moderately stressful lifestyle.
So ultimately a massage once per month is minimum. Next best is once per fortnight. And the absolute best option is if you can come and have a massage every week. The long-term health benefits of a weekly massage are really incredible. You’re investing in not only feeling good today, but in your long-term future health and wellbeing.
I myself get a 90 minute massage every single week. If I happen to miss a week because I’m super busy (I’m a mum as well as a masseuse), I really notice it. So I really make it a top priority to book in my massage every week. That way I’m feeling really good and I’m able to pass this onto you and make you feel good too.
So when was the last time you had a really great massage? Why not come and see me this week. Give me a call on 0407 774 552 and let’s book you in for some much needed YOU TIME. You know you deserve it!
Lomi Lomi Massage
If you haven’t yet had a Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage you are missing out on something really special.
Many years ago when I was first interested in massage and wanted to learn I tried out several different massage styles as a client, to see which one I liked best.
I tried Swedish, Shiatsu, Thai, Chinese and a few others but it wasn’t until I had a Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage that I was truly inspired to become a massage therapist.
The massage itself was like the waves of the ocean running up and down the length of my body, washing away all my tension and stress. It was both relaxing and also nice and deep (I love a good strong massage) where I needed it most.
The surprising thing about the Lomi Lomi was that it felt like it contained all the other styles I had tried within it, but used with a continuous flow that seemed to put me in a trance-like state. I was hooked and soon embarked on many years of learning with many different teachers. I became a specialist in this style of massage because my clients absolutely loved it because it was giving them what they needed, whether that be relaxation, relief from pain and stress or just total bliss.
The great thing about this style of massage is that it is flexible and can be adapted to suit whatever you need. If you like a nice, soft, relaxing massage, no problem. The Lomi Lomi is perfect for that. On the other hand, if you love a really thorough, deep massage workout, then I guarantee that I can go as deep as you like, no matter how big or how tense you are.
There’s nothing worse than wanting to get a decent massage (one that you can actually ‘feel’) and then hop off the table disappointed and feeling like you need to go and get another massage somewhere else. I guarantee that you won’t feel that way when you hop off my table but if you do, then you won’t pay a cent.
Anyway, I thought you might like to see a short demo of me performing a Lomi Lomi massage on my partner James. It’s a really beautiful massage and over the last 15 years, I’d say that 8 out of every 10 of my clients have said that it’s the best massage they’ve ever had. Enjoy!
Massage Gold Coast
Hi folks,
Just a quick post to announce that I’m running a ‘2 for 1′ 60 minute massage special for all first time clients for a limited time only. It’s just $89.
You can either have both massages yourself or you can give 1 to a family member or a friend to enjoy. Either way it’s up to you.
For more information check out our massage gold coast home page at:
Look forward to seeing you in the salon again soon!
Enjoy the rest of your day,
Tania
Massage - Ancient Art in Modern Hands
Massage - Ancient Art in Modern Hands
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Patty_Mooney]Patty Mooney
Touch is one of the highest expressions of love, and love is our purpose for living. What we strive for in life is emotional comfort (serenity, relaxation). Massage can be cathartic in this regard. When the body is relaxed, the mind can let go. As the mind opens, self-awareness begins.
Massage is a valuable tool in learning about yourself. It is a means of obtaining love and comfort, feeling your own skin through another person’s hands, balancing and relaxing your body, loving yourself.
Massage can be a brief yet powerful vacation. It soothes the nerves, makes aching muscles feel better and gets the blood flowing. A massage can wake you up, or put you to sleep.
Massage is a way to gain happiness through healthiness. Allow yourself to concentrate more on the pleasures of receiving massage rather than on anxieties — the mind chatter that could become obsessive, if you let it.
What to Expect
No two massages are alike. Each is as unique as the person who gives it. When you seek a massage, know what kind you want. Massage is simply a variety of strokes and pressures. Swedish massage employs any combination of oils (creams are acceptable, too, but require repeated application); in it, one kneads the body like bread, using “petrissage,” and uses long, firm strokes called “effleurage.” Shiatsu, jin shin jiutsu, reflexology and acupressure are zone therapies concentrating pressure or energy on various points along your body’s “meridians”. Rolfers give a deep massage reaching behind muscles for joints, bone origins and cartilage (i.e., that between the ribs and up the nasal cavity) sometimes leaving bruises. The desired effect after ten sessions is a structural realignment of your body.
You have a right to expect what feels best for you. This is where communication comes in. Know where your pains are (if you have any) and describe them to your practitioner. S/he can easily modify a general body massage to fit your needs.
Where to Get a Massage
A quick glance through the yellow pages will tell you where to find a massage. Look for massage schools and therapeutic massage services. A school may offer massage on their premises (by students or instructors) or can refer you to graduates with private practices. If you wish, the practitioner can come to your home. Certain health clubs employ massage therapists who specialize in half-hour “slap-down” rubs after your workout.
A good, thorough session lasts from forty-five minutes to one hour or longer, and costs $30 to $50 and up. Some establishments offer a sauna, Jacuzzi and/or steam bath; most facilities have showers.
It is important to feel comfortable with the massage therapist. Any feelings of discomfort from the beginning will only increase during the session and you will not enjoy the massage. Better to walk the yellow pages again than submit yourself to someone you cannot trust. Remember that massage uniquely is an art expression. The giver must be clear about why s/he does what s/he does; this becomes evident in her “handiwork.”
The massage environment — preferably a small, warm, darkened room — is also important. You will not be able to relax if you can hear someone working out with weights in the next room. If possible, there should be complete silence or meditative music that allows the mind to relax.
Self Massage
In case you are in need of healing touch and no one is readily available to help you, try self-massage. This can entail a “spot” rub, such as the feet, hands, head, face, back, neck; or a full-body massage. It’s as simple as applying your favorite lotion or oil to your body, really getting into the warmth and healing energy of your hands and varying the pressure. Experiment with your technique. Try pinching, kneading, rolling the skin between thumb and fingers and patting. Locate “trigger” points, where muscle attaches to bone, and rub deeply in a clockwise direction. You might be surprised at how relaxing just five minutes of self-massage can feel. Of course, your self-massage can last as long as you desire.
The more you learn of yourself through massage and/or self-massage, the better you will feel, the more self-confidence you may exude in the outside world.
Patty Mooney has been writing since the age of 16. Her favorite topics include women’s issues, homelessness, homeless veterans, the arts, cinema, biographies, nature and video production. Her work has appeared in many publications around the world, including the Los Angeles Times, The San Diego Reader, Create Magazine, Post Magazine, Women’s Sports & Fitness, Yoga Journal and others. You can read her blog, “A Diary Left Open” at http://www.sandiegovideoproduction.blogspot.com Her business site is http://www.crystalpyramid.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patty_Mooney http://EzineArticles.com/?Massage—Ancient-Art-in-Modern-Hands&id=2140075

