Massage Enlights - Dunedin Thai massage

Who is Jivaka Kumarabhacca?

2011-01-07T08:16:00.000-08:00

By: The Ancient Massage Foundation

Life of Jivaka Kumarabhacca
From Buddhist documents in Pali, Sanskrit, Tibetan and Chinese. At the time of the Buddha, among the lay physicians, the most renowned was Jivaka Komarabhacca, who is described as providing free medical care to the Buddha and other monks and donating his mango grove at Rajagaha for use as a monastic community, named Jivakarama. Jivaka's fame as a healer was widely known and tales about his life and medical feats can be found in almost all versions of Buddhist scriptures.

Birth and infancy
The Pali version began with Salavati, a courtesan of Rajagaha, giving birth to a son whom was then given to a slave woman, who placed him in a winnowing basket, which was thrown on a rubbish heap.

In the Sanskrit-Tibetan account, a promiscuous wife of a merchant from Rajagaha gave birth to a son of King Bimbisara, placed the infant in a chest, and ordered maidservants to set the chest at the gate of the king's palace.

In the Chinese narrative, a divine virgin named Arampali, who was raised by a Brahman, gave birth to a son of King Bimbisara. The boy was born with a bag of acupuncture needles in his hand and therefore was predestined to become a doctor and a royal physician. His mother wrapped him in white clothes and ordered a slave to take him to the king.

In all versions, the infant is taken and raised by the king's son Abhaya.

In the Pali account, the boy is given the name Jivaka because he was alive (from root jiv, to live), and because a prince cared for him he is called Kumarabhacca (nourished by a prince).

Medical education
Concerning his interest in medicine and his medical education, in the Pali account, Jivaka, as he approached the age at which he must seek his own livelihood, decided to learn the medical craft. Hearing about a world-famous physician in Taxila, he traveled to that city, famous for education, to apprentice with the eminent doctor. After seven years of medical study, he took a practical examination that tested his knowledge of medical herbs, passed with extraordinary success, and, with the blessings of mentor, went off to practice medicine.

In the Sanskrit-Tibetan version, Jivaka desired to learn a craft. Seeing white-clad physicians, he decided to become a doctor and studied the art of healing. After acquiring the basics of medicine, he wished to increase his understanding by learning the art of opening skulls from Atreya, the king of physicians, who lived in the city of Taxila. So Jivaka went there, took the practical examination on medical herbs and performed other healings, and so deepened his knowledge of medicine that he could even advise his master on therapeutic procedures, thereby earning the latter's respect.

Pleased with Jivaka depth of understanding, Atreya communicated to him the special technique of opening the skull. Jivaka eventually left the company of Atreya and journeyed to the city Bhadrankata in Vidarbha, where he studied the textbook called "The Sounds of All Beings" (most probably a textbook related with the practice of dharanis and mantras).

During his travels, he purchased a load of wood from a thin and feeble man and discovered in the woodpile a gem called "the soothing remedy of all beings"(The Bodhisattvas of Healing). This gem, when placed before a patient, illuminated his inside as a lamp light up a house, revealing the nature of illness.

In the Chinese version Jivaka relinquished all claims to the throne and studied medicine. He found that the education he acquired from local physicians was inadequate and showed their deficiencies in the knowledge presented in the textbooks on plants, medical recipes, acupuncture, and pulse lore, which he had successfully mastered. He therefore instructed them in the essential principles of medicine and gained their respect. Hearing of a famous physician, Atreya, who lived in Taxila, he traveled to the city to learn medicine from him. After studying medicine for seven years, he took the practical examination on medical herbs and passed it with great success.

When Jivaka departed, his master told him that, although he himself was first among the Indian physicians, after his death, Jivaka would become his successor. On his travels, Jivaka encountered a young boy carrying firewood and found he was able to see the inside of the boy's body. Immediately realizing that the bundle of wood must contain a piece of the tree of the King of Healing, who, according to early Mahayana scriptures, is a Bodhisattva of healing, he bought the wood, discovered a twig of the auspicious tree, and used it to diagnose illnesses in the course of his famous medical practice.

Jivaka Kumarabhacca and Ancient Massage

Jivaka is regarded as the Father of Medicine, a source of knowledge about the healing powers of plant, mineral, massage and so forth. His teachings travel to Thailand at the same time as Buddhism. Definitively a central figure in the Buddhist medical system, he is legitimately regarded as the aspiration for all practitioners of Ancient Massage.

A Great knowledge of Thai massage

2010-11-19T03:14:00.000-08:00

"Wat Pho Temple"

Thai massage
Thai massage is a type of massage in Thai style that involves stretching and deep massage. This form of bodywork is usually performed on the floor, and the client wears comfortable clothes that allow for movement. No oils are used in Thai massage. It is known in Thailand as "nuat phaen boran" (Thai: นวดแผนโบราณ, IPA: [nûət pʰɛ̌ːn boːraːn]), literally, the ancient-manner massage.

Practice
The massage recipient changes into loose, comfortable clothes and lies on a mat or firm mattress on the floor. It can be done solo or in a group of a dozen or so patients in the same large room. The receiver is put into many yoga-like positions during the course of the massage.

The massage practitioner leans on the recipient's body using hands and usually straight forearms locked at the elbow to apply firm rhythmic pressure. The massage generally follows the Sen lines on the body — somewhat analogous to meridians or Channel (Chinese medicine) and Indian nadis. Legs and feet of the giver can be used to fixate the body or limbs of the recipient. In other positions, hands fixate the body, while the feet do the massaging action. A full Thai massage session typically lasts two hours or more, and includes rhythmic pressing and stretching of the entire body; this may include pulling fingers, toes, ears, cracking the knuckles, walking on the recipient's back, and arching the recipient's into bhujangasana or (cobra position). There is a standard procedure and rhythm to this massage.

Prevalence
In Thailand, Thai massage is one of the branches of Traditional Thai Medicine (TTM), now recognized and regulated by the government, and is widely considered to be a medical discipline used for the treatment of a wide variety of ailments. On the other hand, Thai massage is also practiced and taught by a number of non-medical massage technicians in the spa and tourism industries. In North America and Europe, an increasing number of practitioners and teachers of Thai massage have emerged since the 1990s. In Europe and the United States, Thai massage is a growing modality among clients of massage clinics and massage therapists seeking continuing education.

Shivago Komarpaj

History
Drawings of accupressure points on Sen lines at Wat Photemple in Phra Nakhon district, Bangkok, Thailand.

The founder of Thai massage and medicine is said to have been Shivago Komarpaj (Jīvaka Komarabhācca), who is said in the Pāli Buddhist Canon to have been the Buddha's physician over 2500 years ago. In fact, the history of Thai massage is more complex than this legend of a single founder would suggest. Thai massage, like Traditional Thai Medicine more generally, is a combination of influences from Indian, Chinese, Southeast Asian cultural spheres and traditions of medicine.[1] The art as it is practiced today is likely to be the product of a 19th century synthesis of various healing traditions from all over the kingdom. Even today, there is considerable variation from region to region across Thailand, and no single routine or theoretical framework that is universally accepted among healers.

Other translations
"Nuat boran" is the Thai name for a type of body work native to Thailand (nuat = pressure, boran = ancient). Thai massage is also known as northern-style Thai massage, Buntautuk style, Old Medicine Hospital Style, traditional Thai massage, Traditional Thai Medical Massage, Ancient Massage, Thai Yoga, Thai Yoga Massage, Yoga Massage, Thai Classical Massage, Thai Bodywork, Passive Yoga, Assisted Yoga, and Ancient Siamese Bodywork.

Theory

"Sen or Vessels"

Generally speaking, practitioners of modern Thai massage operate on the theory that the body is permeated with "lom," or "air," which is inhaled into the lungs and which subsequently travels throughout the body along 72,000 pathways called "sen," or "vessels." Typically, massage therapists manipulate a handful of major sen lines by pressing certain points along the lines. In most models, the sen originate at the navel and spread throughout the body to terminate at the orifices. A significant part of the practice of Thai massage also includes yoga-like stretches which are intended to stimulate the sen and move lom through the body via a pumping action which is connected with the patient's breathing.

The theory of sen and lom is often translated into English as "meridians" and "energy." While there are some superficial similarities to Chinese meridian theory, the Thai system is markedly different as the sen are unconnected from the internal organs.

Thai Massage Facts & Myths II

2010-09-20T11:33:00.001-07:00

Myth:
Massage should be practiced only by physicians or physiotherapists. If a lay-person attempts it, they may cause harm or injury to the receiver, such as sprained joints or paralysis.

Fact:
In the health-care field at present there seem to be two contradictory beliefs held by opposing groups.

The first one usually consists of specialists who believe in medical omniscience and regard the field as belonging exclusively under the supervision of the medical profession. According to this belief, one ought to consult a physician as soon as the slightest ailment sets in. No one should try to attempt self-treatment.

The other group, however, sees this as unrealistic because of the unfortunate fact that there are not enough physicians available to take care of everyone, quite apart from their dissatisfaction with commercially-oriented, over-specialized and fragmented medical services, which have recently raised alarm amongst consumers and caused some to consider "alternative medicine", or at least a "second opinion", before making decisions concerning medical treatment.

This second group believes in using community or personal resources. They feel people should be able to help themselves since it has been estimated that the majority of the ailments presented to doctors at clinics or hospitals can be self-treated. Besides, in many developing countries, like Thailand, most of the population anyway live in rural areas and thus have very limited access to modern medical services. If we can educate the population to help themselves, we should be able to greatly cut down both on medical expenses and unnecessary suffering.

This concept of health care also suggests that it is not therapeutic for a patient to leave the responsibility of his or her well-being solely in the hands of a physician, just like leaving a car in a garage to be fixed by a mechanic. The patient's motivation, will and effort to get well play an important role in his or her recovery. The patient should be part of the "treatment team" and not just a "case" to be treated by an expert.

This approach to health care is gaining more acceptance these days as reflected by the increase in the literature on it and also the educational articles and programs in the mass-media on self-care. This is sometimes called the "self-help movement", or "alternative medicine".

The application of massage falls within this area. The goal is to help people to become more aware of and more responsible for their health and for the health of those around them, and to enhance well-being and prevent sickness.

Massage, or any other skill, can be dangerous only when practiced irresponsibly, without careful preparation and training. Risk of injury from massage should be minimal if one acquires, through reading and careful practice, the basic concepts and skills.

Myth:
Massage is for the weak and sluggish; a luxurious activity for the affluent; not suitable for the general population.

Fact:
Massage is essential to good health. It has to do with people who are attentive and feel in charge of their own health and the health of those around them. They care enough to invest time and energy in learning and experiencing massage.

There are people who devote their lives to their work and to earning a high income. Such people may become highly successful and knowledgeable in many ways, but, without proper care and understanding of their own bodies and minds, in the end their appreciation of their wealth and achievements is marred by poor health or chronic illness -- the price they usually have to pay for their so-called "successful life".

Caring for one's own health is, therefore, something an intelligent individual does. It need not be an activity for the self-indulgent or rich. Massage is an excellent method of self-care. It might be worth noting that in rural Thailand it is common to find massage being given freely and frequently amongst family members or village friends. Particularly noticeable are the young children massaging their parents at the end of a day's hard work in the paddy fields, or the free massage sessions given to the very old on certain days at the local Buddhist temples.

Myth:
One needs to be big and strong or muscular to be able to give good massages. A small or thin person will never be able to do well. For such a person giving massage can be very tiring since massage is hard work.

Fact:
With proper learning and practice, you will see that you don't need big muscles or extreme strength to give a massage and, if it's done properly, you shouldn't feel exhausted after giving a massage; instead, you should feel relaxed, alert and refreshed. Massage is an act of giving and compassion which should bring joy and a sense of well-being to both the giver and the recipient.

There are probably several more misunderstandings about massage. The ones described are the most common and should serve as good examples.

Thai Massage Facts & Myths

2010-09-20T09:30:00.000-07:00

Before learning about massage, we first need to dispel some common myths, otherwise our misconceptions will lead us astray and will prevent us from gaining the most benefit from massage.

The following excerpts from the book "Traditional Thai Massage" from Sombat Tapanya ISBN 974-210-510-3 will give you an overview of traditional Thai massage and we hope will help you to get some worthwhile experience.

Myth:
Massage always has to involve sex.

Fact:
Massage can, but does not always have to, involve sexual activities. Massage can beneficially be given to infants and it is a common practice among mothers in many different cultures. Massage can be done for the purpose of relaxation or for relieving the symptoms of certain ailments. Massage can be practiced between parents and children, between other family members and by physiotherapists.

Some modern physicians and health professionals, especially in the fields of child care and mental health, have recently become more aware of the significance of the positive effects of touching on health and interpersonal relationships. Thus, they encourage patients to touch each other more, and even to give massage.

The image of massage as a specifically sexual activity probably comes from commercial advertisements for the so-called "massage- parlors", with pictures of beautiful women sitting naked in bath-tubs. In reality there are many legitimate massage facilities in many countries around the world where the masseurs or masseuses are required to have adequate training and, in some cases, even licenses before they can practice.

Another factor which causes some people to associate massage solely with sex is probably the general lack of touch and intimacy outside sex in our contemporary society where loneliness, isolation and alienation are becoming more common. In extreme cases, there are children who grow up in a household where sex or physical displays of affection and intimacy such as hugging, kissing or even touching are considered dirty, evil, or sinful. This type of individual is often hypersensitive to touching and gets upset or anxious easily when touched or when in close physical proximity with another person. In some cases even the touching of a person of the same gender gives rise to suspicions of homosexuality. People of this kind usually end up being literally "out of touch" with others and become either lonely and depressed or aloof and hostile, since their needs for touch and affection are never attended to or satisfied. They deserve our sympathy and should be educated on the value of touching.

Myth:
Once a person is massaged they will "develop the habit" and become dependent on the masseur; they will feel "achy" even though they never felt like that before having massage.

Fact:
It is a natural reaction to tense up some muscles when one experiences fear or anxiety in a threatening situation. Sometimes when fear or anxiety is internal (for example, resulting from a poor self-image or from self-doubt) muscle tension may be so minute that one is not aware of it e.g., frowning, shoulder or rib-cage tensing, pressing the lips together, and so forth. When tensions persist for a long time, the person will develop muscle pain in such forms of tension as headaches, back pain or pain in other parts of the body. After some time, the person will cease to be aware of the tension as one can see in a person who habitually frowns or someone who walks with one shoulder hunched a little higher than the other. When those muscles are massaged, they become "reawakened" and the person experiences pain or discomfort the day after the massage. This could be eliminated by one or two more sessions of massage on the same area. Recurrence of pain or tension may result if factors such as low self-esteem, a stressful life style, or self-destructive habits persist. These problems need to be addressed separately. It is not enough simply to get a good massage. The alleged problem of developing a habit or craving for massage is not supported by empirical evidence. One may like to repeat a good experience when it brings joy or tranquillity, as a massage does, but this is different from drug addiction where the individual has to suffer until the craving is satisfied, and where the brief satisfaction that the drug brings is followed by a stronger need for progressively higher doses of the substance. Massage can draw people or family members together and create intimacy and understanding among them, but it is definitely not addictive and does not cause a habitual and painful longing for it.

7 Things you don't know about Thai massage!

2010-09-09T20:16:00.000-07:00

The type of Thai traditional therapy that most people will be directly exposed to is ráksãa thaang nûat (healing massage treatment). This is what is more commonly known as the Nuat Thai or Nuad Boran styles of Thai Yoga therapy or the spiritual massage, healing work of Thailand.

Please note: for clarity although in common English we use the word "massage" we do not mean it in the same context as the typical western usage. In the west "Massage" means something like a "Rub Down" for money and is primarily referring to systems derived from Swedish Massage and Massage Therapy.

"Thai Yoga and or Thai Massage" (Phaen Boran Ráksãa Thaang Nûat) is completely unrelated! It is a healing art derivative of the Theraveda Buddhism, Buddhist medicine, Classical Indian and Tibetan Ayurveda and Yoga Vedanta. It is not required that one become a practicing buddhist to practice this healing art (but it helps!). Although it would be more accurate to call this medicine either by its traditional names or "Ancient, Anachronistic or Old Thai Way of Healing with The Hands", the slang forms of "Thai Massage" is in use, and as long as this is so there will be some understandable confusion.

The primary outcomes associated with the practice of Thai Yoga are called ProMiiWihan Sii" or Four Divine, Boundless or States of mind without limitation. They are Love, Compassion, Joy and Equanimity. As long as these four qualities are communicated, transmitted and exemplified during a session, we say it was good and successful.

The secondary outcomes, of lesser importance, may or may not share characteristics similar or common to many forms of western massage as well, such as effleurage (stroking and kneading the muscles), Manipulation (manipulating or moving/ aligning osseous or skeletal parts) and pressure point or acupressure style technique (applying deep, consistent pressure to specific nerves, tendons, or ligaments and acupoints or Lom) in order to balance the functions of the four body elements called thâat tháng sìi (Lom, Fai Din, Naam).

Thai Yoga incorporates elements of energetic and Prana assessment, mindfulness, gentle rocking, Asana positional release, deep stretching, focused breathing or Prana Yama, Chakra balancing, Prana Nadi or Sen line balancing and rhythmic compression to create a singular healing experience.

Any and all applications of physical pressure are intended primarily to convey the Primary intentions of ProMiiwihan Sii to balance and harmonize the Thaat Thai Sii or four elements and Tri_dosha or Three Winds Humors and or Energetically based Body Types. Much like a hug can convey care and consideration and love with physical pressure. The only difference is the level of sophistication in exchanging this love with pressure.

Thai massage is not “Massage” or “Massage Therapy”!

2010-08-31T03:52:00.000-07:00

Thai Yoga and or Thai Massage is not the same as "Massage, Massage Therapy", and or "bodywork" as commonly defined in so called "Massage Laws". The term "Thai Massage" is western slang, mostly promoted by tourist in Thailand. Although the use of the term is now common, it still is misunderstood and mis-used by the un and/or mis-informed.

It is easy to be confused as similar words used, such as "Massage" but legally there are distinctions and differences in definitions... In law specific words may have different meaning and weights than those same words commonly associated by ordinary "Non-legal" or in lay speech/ speak.

For example: "Massage and Massage Therapy" definitions are based on the general practice of what is term "Swedish massage". So called "Swedish Massage" is new (less than 100 years), Western (Europe and America) and defined legally as "the application of a system of structured touch, pressure, movement and holding to the soft tissues of the human body with the purpose of positively affecting the health and well being of the client.

The practice includes the external application of water, heat, cold, lubricants, salt scrubs and other topical preparations and devices that mimic or enhance the actions of the hands."

Thai Yoga and Massage sounds a bit similar at first glance , however, What is not mentioned in the preceding definition is that Thai Yoga and or Thai Massage is a system of movement education (Yoga).

It is based entirely on principles of energy balancing (Sen, Tri-Dosha, Lom, Chakra etc.) and the actual touching, contact or soft tissue manipulation is incidental to, and not the central aim of the practice! As described above: The primary outcomes associated with the practice are clled ProMiiWihan Sii" or Four Divine, Boundless or States of mind without limitation. They are Love, Compassion, Joy and Equinimity.

As long as these four qualities are transmitted and exemplified during a session , we say it was good and successful. For this reason it is possible to have a Thai Massage session with little or even no actual touching! However, touching is good! Thai Yoga and Thai Massage incorporates elements of mindfulness, gentle rocking, deep stretching and rhythmic compression and focus to create a singular healing experience.

This work brings fundamental elements and energy into harmony and creates wholeness of mind, body and spirit. Thai Yoga and Massage is a Spiritually based Somatic technique and profession, a modality with standards established in the Buddhist holistic centers and temples thousands of years in the past.

It has an established code of ethics known as the Buddha Dharma and the "Ten Rules of the Healer". There is an established educational criteria for education and professional practice for services which although at time similar on the surface but which were never intended to be or implied to be "Massage " or "Massage therapy".

How to Prolong the Benefits of Bodywork

2010-08-24T04:15:00.000-07:00

A massage works in wonderful ways, easing stress and pain, calming the nervous system, increasing circulation, loosening tight muscles, stimulating internal organs, and enhancing skin. The multiplicity of physiological responses sends a simple, clear message to the mind: Massage feels good. Of course, you want to hold on to that just-had-a-massage feeling -- total body relaxation, muscles relaxed and at ease, and fluid movement restored -- for as long as possible.

But how long that bliss lasts depends on the state of your body. If you're suffering from chronic pain or recovering from injury, then it may take more sessions and perhaps different modalities before optimal health is restored.
If massage is part of your regular health regimen, then it's more likely the effects will endure. In other words, the effects of massage are cumulative, like any healthy habit. The more often you get a massage, the greater and longer-lasting the benefits.

Massage Frequency
How often you receive massage depends on why you're seeking massage. In dealing with the general tension of everyday commutes, computer work, and time demands, a monthly massage may be enough to sustain you. On the other hand, if you're seeking massage for chronic pain, you may need regular treatments every week or two. Or if you're addressing an acute injury or dealing with high levels of stress, you may need more frequent sessions. Your situation will dictate the optimum time between treatments, and your practitioner will work with you to determine the best course of action.

"You need to consider how you felt before the session and how you felt after, and then look at how long you maintain that," says Pieter Sommen, the chair of the eastern department in the Swedish Institute School of Massage Therapy in New York.
In general, experts say "regular" is preferable, but how regular depends on your situation. While daily massage would be delightful, practical considerations such as cost, time, and physical need likely determine the frequency of treatments. "It's best to maintain a schedule," says Eeris Kallil, CMT, a shiatsu instructor at the Boulder College of Massage Therapy in Colorado. "That way the body becomes conditioned and prepared for session at specific intervals."

Maintenance
Whether you get a massage weekly, monthly, or just every once in a while, the following habits can maximize and extend the afterglow of treatment.

Water
One bit of advice you'll hear over and over again is to drink plenty of water after a massage. Bodywork -- no matter the particular modality -- releases toxins, such as lactic acid and carbonic acid, that need to be flushed from the body. Massage also promotes circulation, increasing blood flow and oxygen and stimulating the lymphatic system, which helps rid the body of pathogens. After-massage hydration supports these functions, helping to eliminate released impurities, sooner rather than later.

Stretching
Another helpful habit is stretching between massages to maintain joint mobility, prevent muscles from tightening up again, and keeping the life energy flowing. This may mean doing yoga or whatever specific or full-body stretches suggested by your practitioner. After a shiatsu session, for example, your practitioner may recommend "makko-ho" stretches, a series of six exercises designed to keep energy circulating. "This series of stretches take anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes a day, but really help keep the chi flowing through the body," says Kallil.

Exercise
Working out can also help maintain the benefits of massage, and this habit should be continually cultivated. However, if you're receiving massage therapy to help speed muscle strain recovery, you may need to ease up on the exercise for a while and give the body time to heal -- particularly if you're recovering from a strenuous body-pummeling training regimen. "You don't want to over-work your body," says Kallil. That is, if running is taking a toll, try something more gentle and meditative such as swimming, walking, or tai chi.
Body Awareness
After a massage, respect how your body feels. If your body seems to ask for rest, give in to that demand. This may mean backing off the to-do list, taking it easy, moving slower, and perhaps doing less for a while. And don't allow yourself to get fatigued because it will undermine the effects of massage. Get sufficient sleep to allow the body to absorb the effects and regain vitality.

Diet
Finally, since you've just rid the body of toxins, support the body's renewed state by adhering to a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which will continue the detoxification process. Lay off the espresso and all adrenaline-challenges for a time -- which would short-circuit relaxation anyway -- and enjoy the calm.
The benefits of massage are many, including: increasing circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, stimulating lymph flow and boosting immunity, relaxing overused or tight muscles, increasing joint mobility and range of motion, reducing recovery time after strenuous workouts or surgery, and relieving back pain and migraines, just to name a few.
By opting for a few lifestyle choices, you can extend these benefits and get the most out of your massage.

Your own body image can be improved with massage

2010-08-22T03:13:00.000-07:00

Your own body image can be improved with massage

Question. How do you know if you need to improve your own body image??

Answer. If you have negative self talk about your body or the way you look, then it is fairly safe to assume you have a negative self-image. And if you can only change that negative to a positive you will discover a whole new lifestyle opening up before you…

It’s strange, but you may be one of the many people who have a negative feeling about yourself and you don’t even know that you need to improve your own body image.

How do you feel about your own physical appearance?

One sure-fire way to find out how you feel about yourself is to take off all your clothes and look at yourself in a full length mirror. Turn all the way around so you get to see yourself from every aspect.

If you don’t like what you see, then you have a discrepancy between your physical self and how you feel about it… because wouldn’t it be great, to love ourselves just the way we are!

At its extreme, someone who has serious body image issues won’t want others to see them in close-fitting clothes, or in clothes that show parts of their body. For instance a female wouldn’t like to wear a top with a low-cut front.

You may not like your body shape, or your arms or legs, or another part of your body, but you aren’t on your own.

As it is…

1. More than 7 out of 10 women are unhappy with their appearance.

2. Millions of people have eating disorders.

3. More women and girls worry about being fat than they do worry about dying.

How Does Having A Poor Image Affect Us?

Unfortunately having a poor body image affects us in several ways..

Our negative self-thoughts, if left unchecked, can grow and grow out of proportion even to the point of self hate.
We can start to become isolated as we learn to avoid other people and the way we imagine how they think about us, and
They can lead us into developing a pattern of self-harming behaviours.

One effective way to learn to love our bodies is by having regular massages from a skilled therapist.

Bodyworker Merrill DeVito, claims that “..massage can help mend the body-mind chasm that is created through self-hate, bringing the two pieces back together in a peaceful, healthy union.” She says, “It’s as if walls break down and my body begins to flow as one integrated entity. I get off the (massage) table saying, ‘Oh, this is what it feels like to be in my body.’”

and

Author Thomas Pruzinsky has written a book called “Body Image: A Handbook Of Theory, Research, And Clinical Practice”, in which he says that massage therapy can positively affect body image “by helping the client reconnect to the body in a very concrete manner.”
How Does Massage Affect The Way We Think of Our Bodies

A massage helps us:-

§ Become relaxed into being more aware of our body shape, whatever that may be.

§ Appreciate our bodily sensations in a healthy manner.

§ Gain a healthy awareness of our body and release the negative feeling we may have towards it.

§ Build a nurturing and supportive connection with our body, and

§ By experiencing the non-judgmental touch of the massage therapist, we learn to accept how we look, however that may be.

We Get To Enjoy The Real Benefits of Massage

When we receive a gentle, supportive and loving touch from another human being, our healthy “sense of self” grows and blossoms.

Receiving this type of touch regularly from a massage therapist skilled in the art of touch will speedily help your mind to reconnect with your body. As you relax, your tensions fade away and you learn to accept that it is ok to enjoy the connection with your body, without reference to its size or shape.

Gradually, you feel safe and secure, loved and nurtured, for yourself as you are.

Your self-esteem, along with your appreciation of your body image, will improve. Any mental and physical scarring will be healed and dealt with on all levels and you will find yourself – your real self – emerging through, into a new healthy perception of what it is like to be you, and to feel good about that.

A series of massage treatments can help you improve your own body image regardless of your age, sex, body type or condition. When you consider the bonus benefits to be experienced you will realize what a wholesome experience this can be.

Having a Wellness Massage for Body Image includes the following benefits:-

§ Anxiety and tension will lessen

§ You get a joyous sense of well-being

§ Resistance to infection will increase

§ You gain improved motion in your joints

§ Muscles will strengthen

§ Medical dependency will be reduced

§ Circulation will increase and skin condition will improve, and

§ You really begin to live your life to the full with an enviable self body image

As you are led to relax and feel secure under the touch of the therapist’s hands, your self perception and self acceptance will also grow and blossom and you will emerge feeling better, stronger and self loving.

Improve your own body image and all that this entails.

By: Dave Wilkes (a great massage therapist in Gradana)

Why home massage?

2010-08-12T15:47:00.000-07:00

In home massages have lots of benefits over traveling to a day spa or massage center. Here are just a few benefits of receiving spa therapies in the comfort of your home.

No driving afterwards
When you receive an in home massage, you don't have to worry about driving home or getting stuck in traffic. You have to be alert to drive, and alertness can cut short the relaxation benefits of your massage.

Pro-long the relaxation benefits
An in home massage enables you to really prolong your relaxation. You can schedule the appointment right before retiring for the evening. Or you can plan a warm bath or other relaxation ritual before and after your massage.

Experience deeper relaxation
Relaxation requires focusing your attention within and withdrawing it from your five senses and the external world. When you travel to another location to receive massage, your senses are usually on high alert because of the sensory input of the new space.

When you're at home, you're so accustomed to the space, that you're better able to relax more quickly. This helps you move deeper into relaxation during the session. So if you're receiving a massage for stress relief, then in-home massages can deliver more stress relief in one session

Receive a full hour, not 50 minutes
Did you know that when you go to a spa to receive massage, you only receive 50 minutes? Spas do this to fit more appointments into the day. Many times when you get an in home massage, you'll receive an hour or a little longer because the therapist is not is as much of a rush since they usually schedule plenty of time in between clients to allot for travel time.

You're not just a number
At spas, massage therapist usually have about 5-10 minutes in between clients to change the sheets and set the room up for the next client. Talk about stressed out. They also do anywhere between 5 to 7 massages a day. So naturally, the quality decreases.

When a massage therapist comes to your home to do massage, they see your home, family pictures, and maybe even family, so they have more insight into you as a person needing their services rather than just a number. This can mean a higher quality massage.

by:Kyana Miner

Muscle tension - What is it and how you get it?

2010-08-01T07:50:00.000-07:00

by: guitarrabueno

Muscle tension refers to the tension in our muscles.

We all have tension. If we didn’t have any muscle tension in our bodies at all, we wouldn’t be able tostand up, walk, pick things up, or do any of the things that happen in normal daily lives.

For instance, if you want to pick something up, a cup for instance, the muscles in your hand tense/contract in order to pull your fingers together to grip the cup handle. And then the muscles in your arm tense/contract in order to lift the cup to your mouth.

And so, muscle tension – in the above sense – is good and necessary.

What a lot of people refer to, though, when they talk about muscle tension, is the continuous tension they experience in their muscles and tissues… and because it is there all the time, it prevents them from relaxing.

We often try to avoid thinking about it

Some of us try to pretend we don’t have tension by busying ourselves and either ignoring it, or by using alcohol or drugs to “take the edge off the day”. But, it must be said, these people do still suffer from muscular tension, they are just not acknowledging it!

Muscles need to be be able to contract and become tense in order to do their job of moving bones as well as supporting our joints and skeletal frame. If our muscles didn’t do this, we would just lie about in a heap of uncontrollable bones.

But it is vitally important that our muscles turn off their tense states and relax as well…

When we have continual muscle tension, the muscle fibres “learn” to stay tight and contracted. This can be a factor in our getting “knots” in the muscles, suffering cramps and spasms, experiencing a lessening circulation of blood and our tendency to feel “tight” and stressed.

This continuous tension is undesirable and can lead to health risks. Most people suffer from it in one form or another, thinking it is an unavoidable part of getting older. But, actually, continuous tension is something we can counteract, once we know how.

Causes of muscle tension can be physical and emotional.

Physical Tension

Physical tension can be caused by Suffering a muscle strain, injury or trauma,overworking a muscle,repetitive motion, and the use of poor body mechanics can all cause muscle tension.

Sitting in one position for a long time, for instance working at a desk in a poor seated position with the head leaning forward, the shoulders rounded and the back curved can cause the neck, shoulder and back muscles to become tense.

Emotional Tension

Emotional causes of tension includeanxiety and worry,anger and hatred,feeling inadequate or disempowered,feeling sad or “unheard”.Not expressing how we feel – something we learn from our parents or significant other – can also create unhealthy tensions in our bodies.

Unfortunately, physical tension leads to emotional tension. And emotional tension leads to physical tension and so, unless we deal with the problem it can, and often does, just tend to get worse over time.

Thai Treatments and their Amazing Growth in the West

2010-07-30T08:06:00.000-07:00

by: Annalisa Zisman

The art of massage has been around for thousands of years. Since before humans first appeared on the earth, the act of touching has been one of the most important aspects to communication. Massage has been a way to communicate and heal, both in the physical sense and in the emotional sense. Over time, the art of massage has been used in conjunction with medical practices to improve the body, and also to help people become more "centered".

One of the most popular and effective forms of massage therapy is Thai massage. Though in past years it has been practised mostly in the Orient, it has started to become a very prevalent form of therapy in the west as well.

The basics of Thai treatment and massage are simple, yet highly effective. The goals of Thai treatments are to increase flexibility, stimulate the organs of the body, and increase a person's overall energy. It is done with both the hands and the feet of an experienced Thai masseuse. Instead of focusing on one particular area, the goal of Thai treatment and massage is to treat the entire person, and to affect the physical and the emotional state.

A typical Thai treatment can take up to two hours. The recipient of the treatment will lie on a comfortable mat on the floor, and the masseuse will use a gentle yet firm compression to 'open up' the various parts of the body. Sometimes the masseuse's foot will be used to hold parts of the body down while manipulating with the hands, other times his or her feet will actually be massaging as well. The body is also placed into various positions to stretch and open up the organs, joints, and limbs.

The reason that Thai treatment has become so prevalent in the west is clearly obvious; stress is one of the biggest problems in today's Western society. Juggling work and family, demanding careers and fierce competition in the job market, rising costs of education - all of these things contribute to ailments that are becoming more and more common today. This can be simple backaches and stiff joints to increasing vulnerability to bacterial and viral infections due to the imbalance of immune systems caused by stress. Though in the western culture "fads" seem to come and go, Thai treatment, like Yoga, has proven to be something that will most likely be here to stay as a viable treatment for today's ills. One does not have to follow any certain type of religion or belief to be able to benefit from Thai treatment, nor do you have to seek it out for any specific type of injury, such as when you are seeking physical therapy. With Thai treatment, there is always something that can be helped and improved, and what many people find out is that they are helped in ways they hadn't even been concerned about before. More and more spas in the west are offering Thai treatment these days, and for almost everyone it is certainly worth a try.

Need a Break?

2010-07-30T05:30:00.002-07:00

Need a Break? Check out these six popular massage therapies from around the world.

If you are stressed out or suffering from common diseases but do not want a drug- related remedy, treat yourself to a healing or relaxation massage for quick relief.

Here are six different kinds of massage therapy that are guaranteed to keep you in top shape.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a traditio

nal Japanese massage therapy. It is done by using the fingers, palms or thumbs to apply pressure to a particular part of the body to correct some imbalances of the body in order to heal specific illnesses.

Traditional Thai Massage

Thai Massage is a kind of massage that involves stretching and bending of the body. There are several variations to Thai Massage in Thailand. In some areas in the north, emphasis is more on stretching and bending while in the southern part, it is more on acupressure. In any case, Thai Massage is a combination of putting pressure on the body and a lot of stretching and bending.

Swedish massage
Swedish massage is a kind of relaxation and healing massage that concentrate more on muscles and bones. In Swedish massage the therapist applies excess pressure in affected areas and then rubbing the muscles in and around the adjoining area in just one direction. This kind of massage regulates the circulatory and excretory system of the body to facilitate the regular flow of blood into the body and brain.

Hilot

Hilot is a signature Filipino healing massage. It is also an ancient Filipino healing massage therapy. Hilot practitioners are cheaper alternative to Medical Doctors in the Philippines. Hilots are more like Chiropractors because they employ chiropractic manipulation and massage for diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. Hilots or “Manghihilot” as they are popularly known locally uses medicinal plants including banana leaves as their medium in treating the recipients or patients.

Reflexology is a universal form of massage therapy that has been practiced by therapists from all over the world. Reflexology is dispensed by practitioners by massaging and manipulating parts of the hands and feet for the purpose of generating beneficial effects on the other parts of the body for improved health and well being. Despite its popularity though, reflexology has no proven efficacy that supports its claim for cure of common diseases.

Acupressure massage therapy is a combination of or derived from the word “acupuncture” and “pressure”. In Acupressure, a physical pressure is applied to various acupuncture points which are known and established in the practice of acupuncture by the ancient Chinese medical practitioners. Just like reflexology, the practice of acupressure massage therapy has not been validated by clinical findings as an effective cure for common illnesses.

Parents urged to massage babies to promote sleep quality, stress reduction

2010-07-21T21:20:00.000-07:00

by: Jessica Fraser, citizen journalist

Parents of newborns can help their children sleep through the night and cry less by giving them a gentle massage, according to new research from Warwick Medical School and the Institute of Education at the University of Warwick.

The researchers, led by Dr. Angela Underdown, examined nine previous studies on baby massage that included 598 infants younger than a year old. In the studies, health workers had trained the parents in baby massage.

"There are indications that infants who were massaged were more relaxed, probably due to lower levels of stress hormones such as cortisol, compared to infants who did not receive massage," Underdown said.

Infant massage -- long practiced in Africa and Asia -- has been shown to be as effective as rocking in helping babies cry less and sleep through the night. Typically, the massage involves touching the baby with light pressure from head to toe, gently moving the muscles beneath the skin, while looking into the baby's eyes.

"As there are indications that infant massage may have an effect on sleep and crying, this would seem a useful technique that parents can use with their babies to help them relax and promote sleep," Underdown said.

The researchers found no negative effects of infant massage, and noted that mothers suffering from postnatal depression who massaged their infants built better relationships with their babies.

Underdown urged parents interested in learning the technique to seek advice from midwives or health workers.

According to natural health advocate Mike Adams, modern-day medicine has caused people to forget "the healing power of therapeutic touch," and its positive health effects.

"All humans need loving physical contact, including babies," Adams said. "Parents can literally boost their baby's immune function, accelerate healing and speed recovery from physical stress by giving their babies the gift of human touch. It's powerful medicine."

Massage Brings More than Just Relaxation

2010-07-21T02:55:00.000-07:00

The tremendous benefits of regular massage are irreplaceable to the human body. Massage is a variety of sometimes ancient techniques that manipulate the soft tissues of the body. It can definitely relax you, but there are some benefits of massage that go far beyond relaxation.

Pain and anxiety are two common problems associated with receiving massage therapy. By soothing muscles and nerves a greater state of well being is achieved for the recipient. When you take this concept further you find that massage can also benefit chronic pain and even self esteem. Massage allows for person to person contact that promotes feelings of comfort and soothing.

Medically massage is used for sports related injuries and to promote optimum performance of muscles. Through a pattern of exercise and massage, injuries can be avoided and greater athletic achievements can be accomplished. The regular massage prevents small injuries from becoming bigger ones and the athlete avoids the pain cycle all together. Massage is also an immune system enhancer that benefits patients with chronic immune system diseases like HIV. Increasing the circulation of healthy blood cells in the body helps these patients fight off disease better and keep a more positive mental attitude that is crucial for their survival.

Infants and babies have shown positive responses to massage through toddlerhood. The birthing process is often made easier and less complicated by regular massage during pregnancy and throughout the labor process. Massage for premature babies promotes better weight gain, and massage for babies with diabetes correlates with better lifelong compliance with regimens and healthier lifestyle choices.

The effects of massage on patients with high blood pressure should also not be overlooked. Massage can play a key part in the regulation and control of chronic high blood pressure by not only relaxing the patient, but also by helping the central nervous system to balance as it regulates blood flow throughout the body more efficiently. Regular massage combined with isometric exercise has been shown to improve both the blood pressure and blood regulation in patients.

Massage Therapy is a technique that can benefit a great number of people with a wide variety of complaints both physical and mental. This form of therapy can be incorporated into a balanced and healthy lifestyle to promote continuous and further health and well being as well as to be used as treatment therapy for those with chronic mental and physical conditions.

by:Sheryl Walters, citizen journalist

Eleven Great Ways to Reduce Stress

2010-07-21T02:50:00.000-07:00

by: Dr Tamer Shaban, citizen journalist

Stress is a big challenge in life nowadays. The sources of stress are many and the helpful ways to reduce stress are also plentiful. Common symptoms of stress include skin problems, impotence, stomach ulcers, high blood pressure, fatigue, insomnia and frustration.

We don't need to set a time to reduce stress, we need to incorporate some strategies in our daily life routine to prevent stress and reduce its effect on the body.

Here are 10 simple steps we can easily take to reduce stress:

1. Define your goals: we must define our life goals and begin to achieve these goals; this action will support us against stress because we will feel that we know what our life purpose is and why, and that we control our own lives.

2. Take control of your diet: we can use simple ways in our diet plans to reduce stress by avoiding some stimulants such as coffee, alcohol, tea and sugar and we can use chamomile tea as an alternative because of its calming and relaxing effect. We need to eat slowly in a calm environment to allow our digestive system to work well. We can use honey as an alternative to sugar but in small amounts (one or two spoonfuls per day).

3. Take hot baths regularly: after a very busy day or when we feel that we need to relax (I do this three times a week). You can take a hot bath by sitting in warm to hot water and the water level should be above the waist, using lavender oil can also enhance this relaxing experience.

4. Aromatherapy: in the office you can use aromatherapy to relax and avoid stress. One of the best ways is to use lavender oil on a source of heat and take in the scent; this is a great way to relax during the day when you need it the most.

5. Exercise: This is one of the important things you can do which will reduce stress and bring happiness. When we exercise, our brains release substances which bring feelings of happiness and relaxation; we need engage in some exercise regularly such as walking, dancing or swimming.

6. Breathing techniques: Yoga, meditation and Tai Chi all use deep breathing techniques. To meditate, simply sit with closed eyes and concentrate on your breathing. Breathing deeply regularly is great for health and from there, you can learn various other breathing techniques to gain enhanced benefits.

7. Relaxation techniques and self hypnotherapy: we can easily do this after the hot bath to relax even more, simply sit or lie down in a comfortable place with your eyes closed, imagine there is a spot light above your head and concentrate on it, then concentrate on your body part by part and try to relax the body and feel the relaxation deepening -- you can also use a self hypnotherapy audio tape to help in this process.

8. Massage: this is a great way to reduce stress, I do this when other ways fail, I feel better after receiving a massage. You can get a professional massage or you can simply ask your partner to massage you.

9. Spiritual healing: prayers and the act of helping others are very important components for happiness and stress reduction. You will feel calmer and have a sense of inner peace.

10. Talking through your problems: talking about your feelings acts as a releasing mechanism and you will soon find that talking about your problems with your partner or best friend may help the solution to the problem come to light and will help to release blocked emotions.

11. Multivitamins: I take a Vitamin B complex regularly to decrease stress and this has been a great help in my stress reduction.

I hope that you find these suggestions helpful, my hope in sharing this information with you is that you can benefit from it. Reading about this is not enough to reduce stress, you must take action.

Did you know?~Foot Massage

2010-07-21T00:53:00.000-07:00

Foot Massage

By Anna Lynn Sibal

The feet are the most abused and yet the most neglected parts of our bodies. Our feet support our weight when we are standing, which can be too much if one is overweight or has been standing still for a long time. Whenever we walk or run, the first to feel the shock of the contact between the ground and our bodies are our feet. We keep our feet confined in shoes and socks or stockings for most of the day. The ladies are prone to stressing out their feet more because of the ridiculous necessity of wearing high heels. No wonder our feet hurt so much at the end of the day!

This is why a good foot massage at the end of the day can be an exhilarating experience. Practitioners of reflexology and alternative medicine claim that the nerve endings on the foot correspond to a specific organ of the body, and so massaging certain areas of the foot is like massaging that particular organ to which it is linked. Whatever claims these practitioners of reflexology may have, the simple fact is that foot massage is so terrific that many who get them on a regular basis are ready to state that it is almost as good as getting a full body massage.

Did you know?~Health Benefits

2010-07-21T00:06:00.000-07:00

Health Benefits

Touch is a very important part of human contact. It helps us feel connected and loved by those around us.

Massage is one of the oldest, simplest forms of therapy.

The basic goal of massage therapy is to help the body heal itself and to increase health and well-being.

There are many health benefits to receiving massage therapy on a regular basis:

Relieves stress
Encourages relaxation
Improves circulation
Improves posture
Lowers blood pressure
Helps manage pain
Relaxes muscles
Improves flexibility
Improves breathing
Relieves tension headaches
Strengthens immune system
Decreases depression

A good massage is an exhilarating experience.