Powder massage

Departing from the paradigm of oils and creams, this feather-light massage uses powder and full body strokes to heighten your body senses!

To begin, your entire body is lightly dusted with powder. Then, arms, hands, fingers, and finger nails are used to slowly caress your entire body from neck to toes.

Your entire body will be massaged, including those particularly sensitive areas, such as the back of your knee, the small of your back, the crook of your elbow, etc. Your senses are stimulated and awakened as your body's sensitivity increases.

This session may feel energizing as you experience being touched in a sensuous, loving, nurturing way. You may experience long, forgotten memories of babyhood.

You may depart feeling more alive with senses awakened to the world around you.

Swedish Full Body Massage

Swedish massage was developed in the late 1700's my medical doctors. The term 'swedish massage' refers to a variety of techniques specifically designed to relax muscles by manipulating soft tissue to apply pressure against deeper muscles and bones, and massaging in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart.

There are many forms of full body swedish massage. I have embraced a methodology called 'esalen'. Esalen massage is the re-establishment of the delicate means of interfacing between human beings, in a flowing style that is a marriage between swedish massage, with its specific manner of working with muscles and the circulatory system, and the deeply personal, sensing attunement conveyed from Germany by Charlotte Selver.

Focus is placed along the Lamina Groove (along both sides of the spinal column). There, most nerve endings serve our bodies. I also work the hip and glutes as these areas serve a vital balance to the entire physical body. I also trace bones and muscles to remind the body that it is connected as a complete, vital entity rather than various individual parts.

You are gently urged to become an active participant through heightened awareness and surrendering to a deep, sensing place. Long, lengthening strokes with gentle rocking, stretching, passive joint movement, sculpting of musculature, delicate cranial balancing, subtle neural reeducation and the precision of Chinese point work (Reflexology) are all part of this somatic offering.

Personal attention takes precedence over technique; thus each massage session is unique for you.

Purpose of Swedish Massage

The main purpose of a full-body swedish massage is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles.

Swedish massage shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid, and other metabolic wastes. It increases circulation without increasing heart load. It stretches the ligaments and tendons keeping them supple and pliable. Swedish Massage also stimulates the skin and nervous system while soothing the nerves at the same time. It reduces stress, both emotional and physical, and is recommended for one's regular stress management program.

Therapeutic massage

You've probably heard about therapeutic massage and its many benefits. Perhaps you've already experienced it. Here are a few suggestions to help you get the most from your massage sessions:

- If you've never had a massage before, make sure you tell your therapist. That way they can give you more information about what they are doing before, during and even after the session.

- If you're really not sure you'd like a long table massage, or can't afford one, try a chair massage first. Check your local day spas and natural food stores for availability. If they offer chair massage, your session could be as short as five minutes and you probably won't need to make an appointment.

- Allow time at the beginning and end of the session to change your clothes, talk to the therapist and arrange payment. If you have to rush in or out of the session you won't get the full benefits of the massage and may even feel like you wasted your money because you got stressed out again so quickly.

- If you're getting a half-hour or longer treatment, you will probably need to fill out some forms before your first session. Even if you don't, or if this is not your first visit, make sure you tell the therapist about the following:

- pain, stiffness, numbness, etc. - where it's located and how long you've had it

- any recent trauma you've had, for example, a car accident, fall, or surgical procedure

- allergies (for example, if you're allergic to sesame seeds, you don't want the therapist to use sesame oil for your massage)

- what kind of work you do, or any activity you do a lot of (for example, driving, lifting and carrying, or working at a computer)

- any serious or chronic illness you currently have (for example, diabetes or cancer) and how it's being treated

- any contagious illness you currently have (for example, a head cold or strep throat) and how it's being treated

This information will help your therapist design a treatment session that will be more helpful to you.

- You don't have to carry on a conversation with the therapist during the session if you don't want to, but do make sure you tell them if something they're is doing is uncomfortable for you. If you are very stiff or stressed out, you may not find all the different parts of your massage to be enjoyable, but the treatment should never hurt so much that you find yourself tensing up in order to "take the pain". If that happens, tell the therapist to lighten up. Massage is supposed to relax you, not make you tighter. (A lot of people who've had massage feel something they call "good pain". It's hard for them to describe, but when asked about it they say an area hurts some but also "it feels good to have it worked on". They are also not feeling like they have to stiffen up during this time.)

- You shouldn't have to take off all of your clothes if you're uncomfortable with that. As a matter of fact, you can still get a good massage even if you keep all your clothes on (just wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing). But please make sure the therapist knows this before the massage starts.

- If you are so relaxed after your treatment that you feel sleepy or "spacey", take time to wake yourself up before you drive home. You can do this by splashing water on your face, stretching or taking a brief walk, or if it's cold outside, just breathing deeply. Just do whatever you need to do to be alert for your drive.

These few simple steps are not that hard. But if you follow them, you'll find yourself enjoying your massage even more than you thought you would.

Tantric massage again

For those attuned to tantric energy, a sensual tantra massage session can be a very unique experience. Tantra massage approaches the body as a temple of the spirit, intending to put us more 'in touch' with our innermost selves through sacred touch and nurturing. Tantra massage sessions consciously engages energy within the 2nd and 4th chakras, producing its transformative and healing potential.

Tantra massage can be effective in dealing with wounds and blockages pertaining to intimacy, sexuality, and relationships. Both men and women can discover new dimensions when sensual touch is slow, meditative, and purposeful. For women, tantra may empower and fulfill their desires by receiving sensual touch from a male who is completely free of ulterior motives. For men, tantra may open up a vast new world of intimacy. For couples, tantra can create a more meaningful and intimate connection.

Tantra sessions may also enhance somatic literacy and emotional facility, allowing the body, heart, psyche, and spirit to move towards alignment.

A tantra session is no value unless it takes place in an environment of trust and safety which promotes wellbeing. Before the session, you will be asked about your personal boundaries. To a tantric practitioner, your boundaries are supreme and will be honored, without pause, at all times.

In a tantra massage, both the practitioner and client use methods to connect their energy and the energy around them to become harmonious with the universal energy of the universe.

A tantra massage involves the client as an active participant by fully breathing slowly and deeply as well as meditatively opening themselves up to the universal energy in the room and of the entire universe.

While the strokes are much like a swedish massage, they are lighter, slower, and highly sensual in nature. A tantra massage uses long, fluid strokes to focus and move energy throughout the body rather than on detailed strokes one would experience in a swedish or sports massage.

You may experience emotional release as well as feeling deeply cared for and connected with your entire being. A tantric massage may make you feel as if you are in a trance, where physical boundaries dissolve, time disappears, worries and problems no longer seem important, or are forgotten altogether.

Your entire body will be massaged, including those particularly sensitive areas, such as the back of your knee, the small of your back, the inside of your thigh, etc. Your energy flow is stimulated and senses awakened as your body's sensitivity increases.

In a tantric session, both the practitioner and client appreciate that there is no subject and no object. Nothing is observed, and there is no observer.

Without separating from consciousness, become aware of everything by experiencing oneness with all things. When you drop your individual idiosyncrasies, the whole universe becomes one with you. We are all Masters of Being.

Experience reality by seeing the Heart manifest in all things. There is an end to thoughts which differentiate, an end to emotional blocks, an end to refusals by the body. There is no more searching, no more escaping. In this state of receptivity, everything is meditation.

What is Tantra?

Tantra is perhaps one of the most misunderstood metaphysical practices in the West. The word tantra is Sanskrit. It derives from the root word tan, which translates as 'to extend, expand, spread, continue, spin out, weave; to put forth, show, or manifest'.

Tantra is a five thousand year old practice of spiritual science. It provides a holistic wisdom link between ourselves and the universe we inhabit.

Tantra is both an art and a science. It is the science of increasing awareness to expand consciousness. It is the fine art of beauty, flow and grace embodied in physical form. It is the dance of the elements in the vastness of space adorned by ornaments of physicality. Tantra is the force of the living universe expressing itself through us. No one can claim to own universal energy ... we can only discover the profound joy and beauty of merging with it.

Tantra has been well tested over thousands of years, not in worldly laboratories, but in the laboratories of the human body by Yogi scientists and Tibetan Lamas who were not driven by commerce but by the earnest desire for spiritual knowledge and liberation. Their observations and insights have been passed down to those who seek to live life in solace, peace and joy.

What Tantra is Not:

Many people in the West utilize Tantra during erotic experiences with their significant other. It is important to understand, however, that tantra is not a practice that is unilateral. That is, tantra is not something that the practitioner does to a client. If you have been receiving tantra massages where tantra is "done to you" in any way, shape, form, or fashion, you are not experiencing tantra.

Any experience linked to ego, unilateral desire, or possession of an object has absolutely nothing to do with tantrism.

In order for a session to be most fulfilling, it requires the client to have knowledge of tantric rituals and rules.

Tantric massage

I guess the majority of us have heard about Tantric sex and massage. Had anyone asked me what it was exactly I would have giggled shyly and muttered something about gentle touching, feathers, massage and no orgasm. How wrong I was.

Tantric massage is basically just a massage. However it was created from the belief that if you are sexually happy and relaxed then your health will benefit. The Hindus describe Tantra as achieving personal growth through pleasurable existence. The massage itself does tend to cause orgasms, but these are described as a bonus rather than the aim.

Although Tantric massage does not involve actual penetrative sex, it does involve full on touching of the organs. For this reason you will not find it offered down your local health centre. You are far more likely to find it on offer in the many massage parlours in London and other major cities.

If you want to have a go with her or him indoors here is a pretty basic guide to Tantric massage.

Firstly, from this point on, your manhood is referred to as Lingam (wand of light – don’t be thinking light sabre it’s not that big!) and the lady’s bits are called Yoni (sacred space or sacred temple). Let’s face it those words sound much nicer than the alternatives.

If you are visiting somewhere for your massage you need to decide in advance whether you will be getting naked or not. Proper Tantric masseuse prefer you to be naked, they believe this helps the healing process all over your body. If you are shy you can choose to keep some clothes on, I am guessing you will want to cover your Lingam or your Yoni. If you are at home with the missus or the husband, get your kit off and turn the heating up.

Choose some gentle music (whale music is optional). Now banish all thoughts of kneading your lover all over until she or he begs for mercy. It’s not that kind of massage. Make your lover lie on his or her back, legs apart and a cushion under the hips to raise up the Yoni/Lingam area and a cushion under the head so they can look at their genitals. Explain that although there will not be any penetrative sex this evening you will take them to previously unknown heights of sexual satisfaction. It may help to convince them if you do not print off this article and place it next to them on the bed. Choose your lubricant wisely; chocolate body sauce has no place here.

The massage itself involves every part of the body, although I guess the Yoni/Lingam area will receive more than its fair share of attention. The massaging of the body is to help prepare the receiver for the attention you will be paying their genitals.

Yoni Massage

Pour a small amount of oil on to the mound of the Yoni, just enough so it drips down the outer lips. Massage each outer lip slowly between thumb and forefinger, sliding up and down the entire length of the lip. Only ask your lover if the pressure is too much or not enough. Try to look into their eyes during the massage and ensure she can see what you are doing. Do the same for the inner lips of the Yoni. Take your time and watch your lover relax.

The jewel in the crown is the clitoris. Four times more sensitive that your Lingam so take it easy here. Begin by gently stroking it in a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction and squeeze it gently between your thumb and index finger. The missus will be well and truly fired up by now but try not to allow an orgasm just yet, let the sensations build. If it becomes too much, just back off a bit and encourage her to breathe deeply. Now insert the middle finger of your right hand (I can’t remember why it has to be the right one but I shouldn’t think it would cause too much trouble if you need to use your left instead.) and gently feel around inside continuing to massage gently.

With your palm facing upwards and your middle finger buried in the Yoni, bend your finger back towards the palm and you should feel a spongy area just under the pubic bone. This is known as the G-spot (“that’s where it is!” I hear you yell). Gently massage here, in circles, back and forth, side to side. Your lover may feel the need to pee but hopefully she should feel pleasure building slowly. At this point you may wish to insert the finger between your middle finger and your little finger. Whilst a few of your digits are employed inside, you may as well use your thumb to continue circling the clitoris. Another option is to leave your middle finger inside, continue stimulating the clitoris with your thumb and insert your little finger up her anus. I would suggest you perhaps test the waters first as anal penetration when you are not expecting it would definitely ruin the mood. Whilst all this is going on, your left hand may feel a little underused. Use it instead to continue stroking and massaging other parts of her body (her body parts not yours!). Your lover will more than likely experience a very intense orgasm and afterward will feel completely relaxed. She will generally drift off to sleep and leave you in a state of arousal with no prospect of a Lingam massage for you tonight!

Lingam Massage

Traditionally the giver, some men may find it difficult to lay back and think of England whilst his lover goes to work on his wand of light. However, I do suggest you give it a go bearing in mind the fantastic massage you gave her Yoni last night.

Get your man to lay back on the bed with a pillow under his head to enable him to see what you are doing. Put a pillow under his hips and spread his legs with his knees bent. His Lingam must be completely exposed. Begin as before by gently massaging all over his body, avoiding this area for a while. This allows him to become completely relaxed and prepared for the touching of the Lingam. Pour a small amount of oil over his shaft and testicles and begin gently massaging his testicles. Next massage the area on the pubic bone above the Lingam. Massage the area between his testicles and his anus (perineum). Moving on to the Lingam, gently grasp the base with your right hand and move up the shaft and then remove your hand, repeat with the left hand. Do this for some time, then change to grasping the Lingam at the top, slide down the shaft and remove your hand, replace with the left and repeat this process. The head of the Lingam is very sensitive and deserves special attention. Massage it in a circular motion. Don’t worry if the Lingam goes soft, it will shortly perk up again. Likewise if your partner seems to be on the brink of orgasm, back off and encourage deep breathing.

Keep bringing him close to orgasm and then back off. This is not a method of torture, it helps them to control their ejaculation and therefore achieve longer and more pleasurable orgasms. Whilst continuing to massage his Lingam, you can search for his sacred spot. This is located between his testicles and his anus. It is a small indentation about the size of a pea. If you massage here and gently increase the pressure he may well feel uncomfortable at first. Applying pressure here will help him gain control of his orgasms in future. If he is nearing ejaculation you can apply pressure here and this will increase the intensity of his orgasm.

The end of the massage is signalled by either ejaculation or snoring. If he is snoring you still have some practising to do. If he has ejaculated, you have some clearing up to do.

I am still very much a beginner however I was pleased to discover that Tantric massage is not a mysterious sexual cult and is certainly not difficult to do. Anyone with an hour to spare and a bottle of strawberry flavoured body oil can do it.

Sensual massage

By massaging your friend or living partner and let him or her do the same to you, you will both get emotionally closer to each other, and both get several health benefits. Massaging will benefit the mental state of the person you work on, the muscular condition, the blood circulation and the lymph drainage. However, what you want to achieve, will determine the exact technique you use.

Massaging across the muscle fibres

This type of massage is very good for relaxing tense muscles and a stressed mind.

You perform this massage by rubbing or gripping across the direction of the muscle fibres or across tendons. You take one area after the other. You begin by massaging each area lightly, superficially and slowly to warm up, and then proceed by massaging deeper, firmer and more swiftly.

According to the size and conditions of the area you treat, you can use different types of manipulation. You can use a couple of fingers at a small area, or to reach deep into a tense point You can rub with all your finger tips or with the palm of your hand at greater areas. To get a harder effect, you can use your finger knuckles.

Massage along the muscles fibres

This type of massage will give the following effects: Stiffness will be reduced or cured, and the muscles will gain in mobility. The muscles will get better blood supply and drainage. The muscles will get a better drainage of tissue fluids into the lymph system, and thereby swollen muscles will normalize. These effects will in turn make tired muscles faster regain good condition.

By this massage you stroke along the direction of the muscle fibres, and always in the direction of the blood stream towards the heart.

Also now you take one area after the other, but try to reach the whole length of a muscle or muscle group at each stroke. Also by this massage, you begin massaging at each area lightly, superficially and slowly to warm up, and then proceed by massaging deeper, firmer and somewhat faster.

Also by this longitudinal massage, you can press down and stroke with your finger tips, with all your fingers, or grip around a muscle or muscle group with your fingers.

Massage with an electric massager

Most electric massage devices are vibrating up and down. This vibration mostly gives the same effect as the massage across the muscle fibres. If you also stroke with the device head along the muscle in the direction of the blood stream towards the heart, you will simultaneously also achieve the effects of longitudinal massage.

Combining the massage with stretching

The effects of the massage can be increased by also stretching the limbs and body parts of the person you work on. Stretch in the natural movement directions of the limb or body parts until you reach some resistance. Do not stretch hard to go beyond the resistance point. However, by holding the limb some time at the resistance point will often cause the limb to relax, and then you can go some way further.

How hard should you perform the massage?

Tired and stiff muscles are often tender and aching. Working at a tender point will always cause some temporal pain. However, if you use the right degree of firmness, the effect of the massage should cause an immediate release of pain and tenderness when you have finished working at a point. You should never work so hard that the pain is felt nearly unbearable, or so hard that pain remains after the massage is finished. If you do so, you can hurt or aggravate already existing tissue damage.

To achieve the right firmness you should monitor the reactions of the person you work at and listen to his comments. You should also never perform a massage on an area with a distinct inflammation or a distinct injury.

Use of massage oils

By applying a massage oil or ointment at the area you work at, you ease the massage work and increase the effects of the massage. Your fingers glide more easily upon the skin covering the area. The blood supply of the skin and muscles will be stimulated. You get a sensual and exciting scent on the area and in the air. Ingredients in the oil will ameliorate muscular ache and pain. According to the composition of the massage oil, there will be different stimulating effects upon the muscles, for example faster regeneration of tired or hurt muscle tissue.

Massaging for mutual joy and pleasure

You can use each of the two main techniques, but you let the pleasure of the person you massage decide the technique, the area you massage and the firmness of the massage. Usually gently touching and caressing will be the right manner.

Also your own pleasure shall decide. Do not work so hard that you get tired out yourself, and the person that you give the massage should be willing to repay you by doing the same favour to you.

Prostate massage

What about having an energetic, "vigorous" prostate massage?

How about a good old prostate milking?

Sounds like a healthy thing to do, doesn't it? A lot of people become confused after reading about the supposely good effects of vigorous massage or drainage at various websites and newsgroups devoted to the subject of prostatitis. One such website states:

"Your prostate gland is a complex structure of tiny acini, or sacs, in which bacteria can grow. Once they grow there, the swelling and inflammation caused by the infection closes off the sac, causing it not to "shed" bacteria, and protecting the bacteria inside from antibiotics and your body's own immune cells. As more and more acini get closed off, your prostate begins to swell and interferes with your other normal urinary and sexual functions."

This concept, this image of bacteria-filled acini, is not borne out by any research. But it's an idea which has taken hold of many men and now drives a good deal of the layman debate around chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). You need to be aware that it is not an idea with any support both experimentally or in the urological community generally.

It seems that gentle massage of the prostate by a urologist may be beneficial by helping to drain painfully sequestered secretions in a chronically inflamed prostate gland or seminal vesicles.

As a leading prostatitis researcher has stated, "prostate massage" may help by releasing the tension around nerve endings near the prostate in a manner similar to Theile's massage which helps women with IC. This represents a form of "myofascial release".

However, vigorous prostatic massage may be very dangerous. If you have acute bacterial prostatitis it can result in septicaemia (blood poisoning). If you have the beginnings of a carcinoma in your prostate, it could conceivably result in the cancer being disturbed, broken up and metastasizing (spreading) around your body. Thirdly, it can result in prostatic calculi (little stones -- if you have them) tearing the delicate membranes in the prostate, exacerbating your CP/CPPS. Fourthly, there is a chance of perforation of the very thin rectal lining adjacent to the prostate, or tearing the rectal lining with a fingernail or implement. Fifthly, it may cause a hemorrhoid flare-up. In short, do NOT ask your doctor for prostate "massage" unless you have considered all the above points carefully.

4 reasons to be careful about prostate massage
However, vigorous prostatic massage may be very dangerous. If you have acute bacterial prostatitis it can result in septicaemia (blood poisoning). If you have the beginnings of a carcinoma in your prostate, it could conceivably result in the cancer being disturbed, broken up and metastasizing (spreading) around your body. Thirdly, it can result in prostatic calculi (little stones -- if you have them) tearing the delicate membranes in the prostate, exacerbating your CP/CPPS.

Fourthly, there is a chance of perforation of the very thin rectal lining adjacent to the prostate, or tearing the rectal lining with a fingernail or implement. Fifthly, it may cause a hemorrhoid flare-up. In short, do NOT ask your doctor for prostate "massage" unless you have considered all the above points carefully.

A researching urologist adds that "vigorous pressure can result in tearing the very short segment of the urethra just below the prostate and immediately before the beginning of the penile urethra (this part is usually referred to as "membranous urethra"). The tearing can be very small and indistinguishable on routine examination but during the healing process this results in urethral stricture. In short, if the person giving you a massage has short fingers there is a significant probability that he/she might give you... a urethral stricture."

Breast Massage

Breast massage as a method of natural breast enlargement and breast health has actually been used for years as a means of stimulating healthy breast growth and promoting breast tone, pliability and firmness.

Breast massage is one of the best ways to help create a more beautiful bustline by helping to shape, tone and promote growth of the breast and the area surrounding the breast. Not only can moderate breast massage help to make your bustline more attractive and sometimes even grow larger, but it is also an excellent way to keep in tune to your breast health by creating awareness of any fibrous areas of possible indications of breast cancer and some have even claimed moderate breast massage can help to prevent cancer.

Breast massage has been used in beauty parlors and massage parlors, especially in Asia, as a means of healthy lymphatic drainage, breast growth promotion, and as a post operative therapy for women who have undergone mastectomies, breast surgery, or other trauma to the breast area, since it helps break down scar tissues as well as stimulate healing and tissue regeneration.

There has been much speculation that the practice of wearing a bra 12-15 hours per day by most women restricts lymph flow and healthy riddance of toxins, and apart from not wearing a bra, which is not an option for many women in today's societies, breast massage is the best way to help the lymphatic system drain these pent up toxins and help to prevent them from building up and contributing to cancer or other ailments.

By massaging the breasts on a regular basis, many women is Asia have claimed it has enhanced the shape, size and overall attractiveness of their breast, while also giving them a sense of oneness with their femininity, and promoting relaxation and peace of mind, as other methods of body massage do.

Many who practice breast massage for increased breast fullness and beauty also have utilized special herbal serums or creams formulated to further stimulate the breasts into "expanding", firming and toning, creating an overall larger look and correcting sagging, droopiness and other traits deemed unattractive by other individuals.

Believe it or not, the Thai government has recently reported it supports breast massage as a means for breast enlargement and breast health, so there really must be something to this phenomena.

Here are some guidelines for breast massage you may want to follow:

1.) Use a breast enhancing cream or lubricant - preferably a quality one with natural stimulating herbs and botanicals (see our reviews page for info on Benefil) - of your choice to help prevent friction and increase the enjoyment and relaxation of the massage for a more pleasurable and therapeutic experience. This can be an herbal mixture - there are some good ones out there that really do help to promote firmess and breast tone, while creating a larger and more rounded look.

2.) Light to moderate massaging using a gentle back and forth gentle “swishing” action is best. This can be in a counterclockwise circle around the breast to help promote maximum lymphatic drainage.

3.) To gain maximum benefit and therapeutic effects, breast massage should be practiced daily, as part of a routine - perhaps when fresh out of the shower, since the skin is still somewhat moist and the room may still be steamy, for a smoother massage which may be more easily lubricated since there will still be moisture in the air. If you prefer, even several times a day can be a great benefit. It depends on what fits into your schedule. A few minutes at a time should suffice.

Massage continued

Aside from exercise, a good diet and plenty of rest, one of the keys for an effective health regimen for men is regular massage. There's nothing like a good massage after a long strenuous work week or immediately following a hectic weekend on the golf course or tennis courts.

Most people know that a massage is good for easing one's pain but they never really considered it as therapeutic. Of course, anyone can perform a massage, which is simply applying pressure or tension on various parts of the body, either manually with one's hands or feet, or with mechanical aids. As a therapeutic device, a massage can effectively heal injuries and remove pain, ease one's psychological stress and improve the overall circulation of blood. There is even a technical term for massage which is used specifically for physical and psychological benefits. The term is "therapeutic massage therapy" or manipulative therapy.

As a commercial undertaking, a massage often involves having a client lie or sit down on a massage table or chair or perhaps even a mattress on the floor. He is generally naked except perhaps for a towel or sheet to keep him warm. In some countries, it is mandatory to have the genitals covered during a massage. The treatment begins with the client facing up or down for the first part of the massage and then he rolls over for the second and last part of the massage.

One of the most popular types of massage is the Swedish massage which makes use of flowing strokes that generally head towards the direction of the heart. These strokes are categorized into six basic types: effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement, compression and vibration. The masseuse applies oil, lotion or cream on the body in order to minimize friction and allow the execution of smooth strokes. It is called the Swedish massage because it is believed to have started with the Swedish fencing master and gymnastics teacher Pehr Henrik Ling (1776-1839). However, according to some historians, it was actually a Dutchman named Johan Georg Mezger (1838-1909) who originated the basic strokes of the Swedish massage and later on adopted the French names for these strokes.

Massage

Most Americans know how to deal with the physical aspect of their well-being. They know what it takes to be physically fit, to eat right and to get plenty of rest. But sometimes, we do not pay enough attention to our stress levels. We have not learned a routine or a regimen on how to relax. This is unfortunate because stress and a high-blood pressure are just as likely to kill us as not taking proper care of our physical health and bodies.

One of the easiest ways to overcome stress, and one of the most pleasurable as well, is to make a regular massage part of your weekly routine. A regular massage can release all that dangerous stress and tension that are lurking in your body. It can free you from some of those aches and pains and other physical burdens that you may have been dealing with for years. A massage also has the power to relax your mind as well as rejuvenate your body.

Those who are unfamiliar with the concept of a therapeutic massage harbor the misconception that they are only meant for those who are suffering from a physical trauma or some psychological trauma that is manifested in the muscles. The bare fact is that a good massage can benefit anyone, including you. They are excellent for you even if you don’t undertake a lot of physical activities or exercise. If you feel you are generally weak and unhealthy, lack exercise and suffer from poor nutrition, a good massage can work wonders for you.

There may be those who feel ambivalent about having a massage because they don’t know what to expect once those curtains go down. Well, let me tell you what happens. Massages in communal settings usually have the same massage procedures and techniques are mostly the same. You, the client, will usually be naked except for towels or sheets that are draped on you body for warmth. You are asked to lie down on a massage table (or a massage chair or mattress on the floor. At the start of the massage, you will be either face up or down for the first part of the session and will roll over for the second half. The masseuse will knead every part of your body, specially those parts that are tense or painful. And that’s how simple it is.

Records indicate that there are more than 150 types of massage therapy. Each of them boasts of their own unique set of benefits. Why not try one of them out today. I can practically guarantee you that if you try a good massage once, you will likely be hooked for the rest of your life.