Alternative medicines

Posts Tagged ‘massage therapy’

You do know that essential oils are made from herbs, right? For different oils and herbs they use various parts of the plants, sometimes leaves or stems or roots. So at the very foundation of it all you can honestly say herbs are the source of essential oils. Each type of herb has its own unique chemistry. Not many plants have a lot of oil so it takes a lot of herbs to make a little essential oil. You must understand that the foundation for quality lies in the quality of the herbs and their growing conditions. That is why it is so important to find excellent sources for therapeutic grade essential oil.

The quality of the herbs will suffer if the growing conditions are not ideal and that will affect the quality of the essential oil. If the herbs do not have the quality grown into them from the environmental and geographical conditions it will be impossible to obtain therapeutic grade essential oil from the plants at that location. Knowledgeable herbalists buy from reputable dealersyear after year for trusted quality and purity of herbs.

Once distilled from these herbs, fine quality therapeutic grade essential oils are alleged to have powerful healing capabilities. This goes back into ancient times when there were no major medical facilities for people. They learned from the land and used what was good and what worked.

Years ago. French scientists identified a need for uniformity and created standards for comparing therapeutic grade essential oils.The International Standards they developed are still in use today.

The analysis of quality goes beyond the normal sensory evaluation for color and clarity. Science supplies technology to grade essential oils. Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry are two lab tests used to assess the quality and purity of essential oils to answer the question: Are these oils pure enough to be certified therapeutic grade essential oils?

Never use synthetic essential oils for therapeutic applications with your clients. You will not be giving them the benefits of your care and can have negative complications for your clients. You can use therapeutic grade essential oils in many ways. This is true if you are using aromatherapy or massage that includes essential oils.

You will be wise to find and stay with a reputable dealer who works with growers who can provide you with fine quality therapeutic grade essential oils. Dont go wasting your time and money on cheap imitations or diluted lower grade oils. Or your results will be disappointing or worse.

If you are buying therapeutic grade essential oils online you must be even more vigilant about getting the real thing. Pay attention to pricing. Work with someone who has prompt delivery and a good reputation. You can do your own mini-quality check if you have the essential oil and a piece of blotting paper handy. Put a drop on it. When it evaporates, the fine quality essential oil leaves no stain. The lesser grade may have been blended with other carrier oils with impurities and will leave a stain.

If you are serious about body building, then you may want to investigate the benefits of regular massage therapy. Studies continue to show that regular massage therapy helps to increase muscle tone, improve range of motion, enhances your flexibility and reduces recovery time from injury. You already know the importance of diet, exercise and stretching. These are important elements of your established routine. Regular massage therapy should be added to your routine as well. Although time constraints may not allow you to see a massage therapist, a convenient alternative is a massage chair recliner.

What are some of the major benefits of receiving regular massage therapy? For body builders in particular, massage therapy helps to increase your body’s circulation. This helps to provide more oxygen and nutrients to your muscles. Additionally, this helps reduce the occurrence of muscle spasms and cramps. If your muscles become overworked or injured, massage helps to soften the muscles and scar tissue. It enhances your flexibility by improving the range of motions of joints. It can reduce the recovery time from hard workouts while also helping to reduce its associated aches and pains. Massage therapy releases your natural pain killer or endorphins which decreases pain.

Obviously, massage therapy can help your body building regimen and help you reach peak performance. Getting a massage before an important event or workout enhances performance. Massage reduces tense muscles, increases flexibility and increases awareness and alertness. In competition, these can help boost your confidence and get you ready to perform.

The reason most body builders do not get regular massage therapy is it is simply not convenient. They have to schedule an appointment and the therapist is only available at certain hours during the day. Getting regular massage therapy can thus be problematic. A massage chair recliner on the other hand, provide you with 24/7 access and no appointment is required. You can get frequent massage therapy, which studies have shown is the key to getting the real benefits from massage.

Massage chairs provide a wide range of therapies. Some of the best massage chairs have hundreds of different possible massage therapies available. Some of the most common are Shiatsu, Swedish, deep tissue, sports massage and acu-pressure massage. Additionally, massage chairs can perform full body massage. A roller system is used for the back, neck and shoulders. The lower body and arms/hands are massaged using an air compression massage. These massage therapies are very effective.

The amount of technology you can find in the top massage chairs is outstanding. You can find traction systems. These traction systems have the capability to stretch the lower body from the hips, thighs, knees and ankles. There are also chairs that come with a shoulder and arm stretch. If you need to get away from it all and relax, then you should try a recliner with a built in music player. They come with headphones and you can load it with your favorite music. Some advanced chairs have heat built into the entire chair. You can activiate the controls to individually focus where you want the heat applied.

Most people think that massage chairs are expensive. However, if you are getting regular massage therapy, then they really are the most economic way to receive massage therapy. A massage therapist may cost $50 per hour plus tip. Massage chairs can provide an hour massage for as little as $3 per hour. Most massage chairs are rated for 1,000 hours. If you purchased a $3,000 chair, then your cost per hour is $3. This is a big economic advantage.

If you body build, then you really should incorporate massage therapy into your regimen. The benefits of regular massage therapy help you to attain peak performance. Keep your body and muscles in top condition and lessen the chance of injury with regular massage. A massage chair is a great compliment to your arsenal to get regular massage therapy.

Amateur and professional athletes alike both know that injury comes hand in hand with sports. Sports by its very nature are geared to push the limits of individuals to remain competitive. As boundaries are pushed, limits will be crossed. This is when injuries happen. However, the body is very resilient and with the help of the physical therapy programs recovery times are minimal. These advanced therapy programs build a regimen of activities to restore health and vitality to the affected areas. Many programs require the use of exercise equipment, massage chairs and stretching elements.

You may have just undergone surgery or are able to recover with surgery. The physical therapist must be able to handle a wide variety of situations for their patients. They are going to design a specific regimen for you to follow. Their goals are to restore flexibility and also to help strengthen the injured or stressed areas. Your therapist is an expert in the make up of the muscle and skeletal systems. They also must know about typical surgery procedures. This helps them understand how scar tissue may form deeper within the body. You will use exercise equipment and perhaps a massage chair to help you heal the injury.

If you are a professional athlete your goals are going to be different than if you play sport occasionally. Your physical therapist will consult with you on a direction and time line that fits your needs. An athlete needs quick recovery and to restore maximum flexibility and strength. Whereas the occasional player may take more time to fully recover. In either case, you will be put through stretching, massage, exercise and more. You will get to use various exercise equipment, massage chairs, free weights and more. These are important tools in the therapist’s recovery arsenal.

One of the key areas when you start is to make your muscles more pliable. When an injury occurs, the body immobilizes the affected area. Your body has redundant systems for most everything. If your leg is injured, it will want the other leg to take over. The body does not want the injured leg used and tries to shut it down to heal again. This is good, but your muscles become stiff and tight. They actually hurt to start to bend them. Stretching is an important part of the physical therapy routine to build back flexibility.

Exercises are important to help rebuild strength. When we have an injury, we tend to protect that area. Protecting that area is usually to isolate and immobilize it. In other words, we tend not to use the injured area. This helps to prevent further injury, but at the expense of strength and conditioning. To help rebuild the body, exercises help to build up strength, endurance and agility. Physical therapy clinics have a wide array of exercise equipment from treadmills, stationary bikes, weights and more. These help you focus building up a particular set of muscles.

When you are recovering from surgery most likely you will have new scar tissue. Scar tissue needs to be made more pliable through time. This will enhance the flexibility of the affected area. The mobility of the muscle and also the skin is at stake here. Massage therapy has been shown to increase the flexibility of muscles. Your muscles when injured may also have the muscle fibers break into short units. This reduces their flexibility. The muscles need to be more pliable by elongating the muscle fibers. Massage chairs use kneading and pressing massage techniques to relieve tight muscles and elongate the muscle fibers to restore their flexibility.

Whether you are a professional tennis player or a beginner skier, injuries can happen to anyone. If you do find yourself in physical therapy, work on setting goals to recover. Find yourself an excellent physical therapy clinic. Make sure they have qualified people, proper exercise equipment and massage therapy. And if you need massage therapy, make sure a massage chair is part of your recovery plans.

If you suffer from back pain, then you owe it to yourself to explore what treatment options are available. You want to check with your doctor or chiropractor to diagnose your condition. Some forms of lower back pain can be treated more naturally while others may need surgery. This depends on many factors that your health professional can consult you on directly. Many back pain treatments utilize massage therapy to help assist the healing process. Massage therapy is not necessarily the cure. It is a compliment to your therapeutic needs. Massage therapy can be performed by a massage therapist or in some cases with a massage chair.

Back pain may come from a gradual process. For instance, you work on a computer a few hours a day. You use the mouse and keep your arm under tension. It starts to ache later. This is minor pain. If you are playing sports and through out your back. This is a sudden injury. The sudden injury gets attended to because the pain is overwhelming. On the other hand, we go back to the computer day in and day out. The tension builds in the arm, shoulder and back. Minor back pain accumulates for months or evens years. Do not wait until surgery is the only option; look at some preventative measures that can be taken now.

If you recognize that you are suffering from discomfort associated with back pain, get medical attention. Explain what you feel to your chiropractor and come up with a plan of action. Back pain can be debilitating, so waiting does not cure it. Understanding the causes is an important first step to starting the healing process.

Many of us have built up habits that are now causing the back pain we experience. I know as my stress builds, my shoulders and neck areas get stiff. This starts to cause considerable discomfort as my shoulders and neck start to ache. After speaking with my doctor, I started to realize how I carried my stress and we found some ways to start to reduce the stress by changing my reaction to certain situations. My shoulders and neck would really ache. I have started to change some habits which have started my healing.

In many cases of back pain, there is physical therapy, change of habits and tension relief. Tension and anxiety can be effectively reduced with massage therapy. Massage therapy is wonderful to help relax the mind and work out the stress that has accumulated in the body. There are many massage therapies to assist your recovery. One option you many not be aware of is massage chairs. Massage chairs offer a vast selection of effective massage therapies.

If you have gradual pain and discomfort get some professional attention. You owe it to your family and yourself to not live with the pain. How happy can you be if your back hurts? Life could certainly be better. Check with your doctor and find a course of action right for you. Most likely massage therapy will be a part of our curriculum. If so, explore your options with both massage therapists and massage chairs. Both have advantages and disadvantages, but finding a healthy treatment to get you back to normal is the most important concern.

Clean out your system with an Acupressure massage. Acupressure massage is based on the ancient Chinese medical arts of acupuncture, but without the needles. Acupressure is accomplished by putting medium pressure on particular trigger points throughout the body. This type of massage therapy activates the body’s energy to increase the effectiveness of the immune system and restore balance within the body. Now technology is being used to locate and stimulate your body’s acupressure points in the premier massage chair brands of today.

Did you know that your body has over 300 acupressure points? These trigger points connect to major organs throughout the body. Sometimes these trigger points can become blocked leading to decreases in energy and lower levels of efficiency for your body. The ancient Chinese studied these points thoroughly and correlated the use of pressure to enhancing energy flow in the body. Western medicine is now catching up and has created maps of the body showing these relationships. Acupressure works by applying pressure to targeted points which help to restore energy flow and regain harmony in the body.

Acupressure massage is performed using kneading, tapping and vibration massage techniques. These massage techniques are used throughout the body in conjunction with stimulating the acupressure points. Delivering the acupressure massage is achieved by making rapid circular motions with medium pressure on particular trigger points. The trigger points are then stimulated in conjunction with massaging the body to release blocked energy. The energy flow is restored and the body returns to a normal balance.

If you are like most people, then you know your body can just get out of balance. We all deal with stress in different ways, but stress seems to be a constant. As it builds up, we need to relieve it. Built up stress causes muscle stiffness and the built up of toxins in the body. Both of these conditions cause the body to be out of balance. Acupressure massage benefits the body by helping to relieve the built up of stress, muscle aches and pain and reduce toxins levels. This helps to get the body back in balance.

The technology that is being incorporated into the best massage chairs is simply amazing. Advanced mechanical systems coupled to sophisticated software has produced wonderfully effective massage therapies. These massage recliners have sensors to scan your back. Their software programs create a digital map of your back and locate your individual trigger points. The software then targets these points and the mechanical systems provide kneading, chopping, vibration and firm pressure. These effective systems provide thorough and invigorating relief for your whole back and body.

The extremities of the body can now be effectively massaged with the massage chairs of today. These chairs have integrated air massage systems which use compressed air. The compressed air is delivered with a built in air compressor. The air compressor activates air bags which are specifically designed for a given muscle group. These air bags can be placed to massage the buttocks, thighs, arms, hands, calves and feet. They design them in an array of shapes and sizes to produce effective massage therapy for the targeted area.

New studies of acupressure massage are showing that it can help alleviate headaches, insomnia, dizziness, digestive disorders, constipation and in some cases even motion sickness. We are just beginning to understand the power of acupressure which has been known for centuries in China. Modern technology is being employed in the best massage chair recliners to deliver more effective acupressure massage treatments. The true effectiveness of acupressure massage is when it is done on a frequent basis. Remember stress accumulates daily, so the stress must also be released periodically. Massage chairs are the most cost effective and convenient way of receiving the benefits of acupressure massage.

Various influences in massage therapy have cropped up leading to the creation of various methods that differ in techniques but offer the same health benefits. The Swedish and Ayurvedic massage both have different origins and use contrasting styles but contribute a lot to achieve a healthy and relaxed body.

With so many various varieties of massage therapy programs available today, it has made it hard for individuals to select which one is for them.

The Swedish Massage, which is often called the classic or traditional massage. This is the most common massage therapy method and it is what most individuals ordinarily prefer. The long and flowing strokes characterise this method, and it is ideal for loosening muscles, improving joint flexibility and assisting in better circulation.

The first stroke is known as effleurage, this involves a long gliding stroke from the neck down to the base of the spine or from the shoulder down to the fingertips. It is likewise done on the limbs with all strokes directed toward the heart to aid blood and lymphatic flow. A therapist would ordinarily apply there whole hand or a thumb pad to do this.

Next is petrissage, this comprises of the gentle lifting of muscles, then rolling and squeezing them, while applying a gentle pressure. This helps to enhance deeper circulation, it also increases circulation which in turn eliminates toxins from muscle and nerve tissue.

The third technique friction, is the most forceful one and uses deep circular movements using fingertips. it is applied near bony areas and joints, it relaxes the muscle fiber which in turn enhances flexibility in muscles and joints.

After friction, another technique called tapotement is done. Tapotement is a series of quick forceful movements made by striking or tapping the muscles with the hand. It can be applied with a closed fist, fingertips and the edge of the hand. It releases tension and relieves muscle cramps.

Lastly, the therapist uses vibration or shaking that entails the pressing of hands on the back or limbs and shaking in a rapid motion for a few moments. It improves circulation and muscle contraction and is advantageous to individuals with low-back pain.

On the other hand, Ayurvedic massage originated from India and its aim is to produce harmony and balance within the individual and it aids in the removal of toxins and rejuvenation of the body. It was not practiced publicly until Indian practitioners decided to roam around and give muscle, joint and back massages

Ayurvedic massage is based on a specific system that includes the knowledge of Ayurvedic and Greek systems of medicine which is focused on Ayurvedic doshas and marmas or pressure points. Muslim massage techniques were also adapted in this system.

Ayurvedic massage uses specific oils that suit your dosha. One such, is the Abhyanga-Garshana which comprises of skin brushing followed by an oil massage. Udwarthanam which is a slimming massage that uses herbal powders and the Ayurvedic foot massage which is a deep massage where the therapist uses their feet.

Now you have enough knowledge on both Swedish and Ayurvedic massage, it is up to you to choose between the two which better suits your style of relaxation. Remember both massages have special qualities and techniques, the choosing part can be a little tricky though, so if you are still undecided why not try out both?

The focus of this review is the Panasonic EP 30004 which is part of the Real Pro Ultra series of massage chairs. Unlike most massage recliner reviews, we follow a systematic approach to the review process. We review 5 important areas of the purchase of this product. The 5 areas we use for the review include: Warranty & Customer Service, Comfort/Ergonomics, Ease of Use, Features and Massage Therapy. The overall rating is given by adding up the points earned in each category for a total possible score of 100 points. Here is our evaluation of the EP30004.

Warranty & Customer Service: With any electronic equipment or big ticket item, warranty protection is critical. Although, most massage chairs are built well, there are occasional problems. In this case, you want to make sure you have adequate protection. The EP 30004 comes with a 3 year parts and 1 year labor warranty from the manufacturer. We find this as fairly short and recommend you consider purchasing an extended warranty if it is offered. Customer service is dependent on the retailer the chair is purchased and is thus highly variable. Panasonic earns a 15 in this category.

Comfort & Ergonomics: Ergonomics was a hot topic about 10 years ago when everyone started jumping on the bandwagon. However, surprisingly many manufacturers do not pay close attention to this area. The EP-30004 does follow ergonomics very well. It has a detachable head pillow that can easily be adjusted for each user. The armrests come with sufficient padding to support the arms in comfort. The chair back and the seat support the body well and are form fitting. The leg rest can be adjusted an additional five inches. This is really important to fit individual users. Overall we rate this chair an 18 for ergonomics.

Ease of Use: We are seeing an increasing amount to features being built into massage chairs. This is a very positive and beneficial development. The other side of this is being able to keep the control simple and easy to use. Panasonic has a good understanding of this dilemma and includes a voice guidance system built into the remote. If you need help with running a certain aspect of the chair, then the voice guidance is there to walk you through the steps. Otherwise, the controller comes with one touch automatic programs. It has an LCD showing what massage functions are running in the chair. There are a myriad of manual programming options which are fairly simple to use. We like this controller and its layout. We rate this chair a 19 for ease of use.

Key Features: The Real Pro Ultra series of chairs comes with a new massage technique developed by Panasonic. This massage technique is called Junetsu or ultra fine kneading. This Junetsu massage provides targets the muscles with one-second circular thumb movements like that of a professional massage therapist. Junetsu quickly loosens up tight muscles. The spiral circular motion reverberates down through the muscles to invigorate you down to the surface of your bones. This function is a very effective and quick way to get the muscles to release. The other important new feature in the EP 30004 is the shoulder and arm stretch. This function actually provides traction for the arm and shoulder. The stretch is accomplished by the airbags holding the arm and then the chair back moves back slightly to stretch out the arm and shoulder area. This helps to remove tension and to increase your flexibility and joint mobility. The EP 30004 earns a 19 in key features.

Massage Therapy: This massage chair comes with five automatic courses. It includes a Body Scan which is also customizable. Ultra-fine kneading or Junetsu has been introduced to the full complement of Quad-style massage techniques, including Shiatsu, Swedish, fist kneading, and grasping. Between the automatic and the manual functions there are up to 372 combinations of techniques available in this recliner. There are reflexology pads built into the foot wells that pinpoint areas that will instantly increase blood flow and energy throughout your body. These plates are adjustable and removable. You also have both a lower body stretch and the shoulder stretch. This chair has a virtual arsenal of massage techniques to cater to your every need. We score the massage therapy of this chair a 19.

How does the Panasonic Real Pro Ultra EP-30004 rate on an overall basis? Summing up the score, our overall rating of the Panasonic EP 30004 is a 90/100. Panasonic continues its innovation with cutting edge massage therapies such as the Junetsu massage technique and the shoulder stretch. The technologies incorporated into this massage recliner are solid. We are still a bit disappointed with the aesthetics of this chair, which is very plain. Panasonic has incorporated an extendable ottoman which helps reach a taller user more effectively. The massage therapy tends to be a bit lighter than other chairs which over longer term use may be a concern for some. But, overall, this is a well designed and effective massage chair recliner. If you are looking for a shiatsu recliner in this price range, then this is one you should check out.

How is it that we just do not ever seem to have enough time. We know we need to take better care of our bodies, but somehow we just keep cutting corners. We are all busy. We know we need to make good health a higher priority, but. Well, you know, but. We do know that stress builds everyday. It is cumulative. How does that stress get reduced? Since ancient times, massage therapy was the preferred method. Today, how about the day spa? Nice, if I had the time. This is where a massage chair can help.

Massage chairs have advanced with the pace of technology and include many therapeutic massage therapies. Massage therapy involves the manipulation of the skin and muscles to relieve and alleviate aches, pain and discomfort. Massage chairs deliver full body massages from the base of the skull to your feet. They come with an arsenal of massage techniques and can also pinpoint certain problem areas.

Massage therapy is being recognized in more studies as an effective treatment to increase blood flow and lymph flow; reduce stress; relax muscles; reduce heart rate; and improve range of motion. These are significant findings. However, these benefits are premised on obtaining these therapies on a periodic basis. Just like diet and exercise, massage needs to be part of your total health routine. Not just something done a few times a year.

OK, we know massage therapy is good for our health, but I just do not have the time. I love the day spa and it is wonderful for a great array of massage therapy. My only gripe is not having enough time to take advantage of it. By the time I go and get my wonderful treatment and come home, it took over 2 hours. Now, most of the time was heavenly bliss, so I am not complaining. It it just finding that amount of time (forget about money) to get the benefit. Now, a massage chair has one great advantage. It is always waiting for me with its tireless mechanical hands to relieve my daily stress.

The traditional massage at a day spa for a full body massage starts with a therapist covering one part of your bodywill and then moving on to the next. If there are 5 major areas of coverage, then the massage therapist spends an average of 10 minutes on each area over a 50 minute massage.

The massage chair works in paralell. All 5 areas are receiving specialized massages at the same time. The total time of massage with a massage chair is just 10 minutes. There is a significant time reduction with a massage chair to deliver the same coverage of massgae therapy. The massage chair can effectively massage the back, both legs and arms at the same time. Each area is getting massaged all at the same time. This is a lot of massage therapy at one time. But in essence, 10 minutes in the massage chair is equivalent to a 50 minute massage.

How can a massage chair can help you? The big advantage of the massage recliner is availability. It is there when you need it. How hard is it to integrate massage therapy, when you can get a full body 50 minute massage in 10 minutes. But do not feel rushed! Go another 5 or 10 minutes. The relief from those aches and pains is invaluable. Get your health back in balance and integrate massage therapy into your total health routine. Stress is continuous, the solutions to counteract its affects must also be. A massage chair recliner can be that help you just can not get from anybody else!