Basic Knead / About Basic Knead


		About Basic Knead Since 1994, Basic Knead has been committed to creating unique massage products that bring the healing power of touch into your daily life. Founded by massage and wellness expert Michelle Ebbin, our goal is to teach people about the benefits of massage therapy and how to incorporate it into your lifestyle for better health and soothing stress relief. Founder Michelle Ebbin is a graduate of Columbia University, Phillips Academy Andover, and the Institute of Psycho-Structural Balancing (I.P.S.B.) in Los Angeles. She’s the creator of the original Reflexology Sox™, The Massage Shirt™, the Baby Massage Shirt™ and the Dog Massage Shirt™. As a Certified Infant Massage Instructor (C.I.M.I.), an active member of the American Massage Therapy Association and the International Association of Infant Massage, and the Reflexology Association of America, Michelle consults regularly with numerous publications and has appeared on various television programs including “Live with Regis and Kelly” and “The View” to discuss the benefits of massage therapy. Massage Books: Michelle is the author of “Hands-on-Feet: The New System That Makes Reflexology A Snap!”, “Hands on Baby: A Guide to Baby Massage,” and “The Little Book of Reflexology” (all Running Press/Harper Collins). Each “Hands-On” book includes the respective Basic Knead product and step-by-step instructions. Instructional Videos/DVD’s: An expert in the field of massage therapy, Michelle created and appears in Gaiam/Living Arts’ Massage Practice video/DVD series, including Pregnancy Massage, Infant Massage, Reflexology, Acupressure, Couples Massage, and Therapeutic Touch.

INC Magazine (August 2005 issue)

Bringing Massage Into Your Daily Life
Tips on Massage from Michelle Kluck
(from Gaiam Lifestyle Megalogue)

Is relaxation the main reason for massage? What other benefits can a person receive from it?

There are so many more benefits of massage than relaxation! Massage not only sedates the nervous system, producing much needed rest and relaxation, but it also improves general circulation of blood to all areas of your body. This brings greater nutrition to the tissues of the body and enhances waste product removal. Massage also can improve lymphatic circulation, which results in more energy and less fatigue. Massage can relieve muscle aches and strains, and your muscle tone can even increase with regular massage! Massage can improve range of motion in the joints as well as overall mobility, and it can also help cut the healing time of minor sprains by as much as half. Most importantly, I feel, massage can bring you peace of mind and soothe your body and soul. I believe massage should not be viewed as a luxury but rather, a necessity. Everyone should experience some sort of massage or touch, even for a few minutes, each day.

When giving a massage to your partner, are there any negative side effects?

I think giving and getting massages with your partner is a great way to relieve stress and reconnect at the end of the day or anytime! As long as you massage only on muscles, not directly on bones (especially the spine), and do not go to deep so that you cause pain and possible bruising, there are no side effects from massage. Make sure that your partner has no health problems that may be aggravated by the increased circulation and blood flow.

Are there any massage techniques for children?

Massaging children is similar to a basic Swedish massage for adults just remember to keep the pressure light and your hands soft. Some children become restless quickly, so you may want to give a shorter treatment. Children of all ages enjoy massage. They appreciate the attention and they can learn how to relax their muscles. Massaging your children is a wonderful way to spend quality time and bond with them by communicating your love through touch. I highly recommend it.

How can pregnant women benefit from massage therapy?

Massage therapy can help tremendously during pregnancy. Backaches, especially during the last trimester, are one of the biggest complaints of expectant mothers. Weight displacement, the change in the center of gravity and weight gain often result in discomfort and soreness in the back muscles. Massage during pregnancy can reduce the strain on the muscles of the lower back, release muscle spasms and knots, improve circulation to all areas of your body, calm the nervous system, improve the lymphatic circulation, help control varicose veins and reduce edema, or swelling of the extremities.

Is reflexology more of a supplement to massage therapy?

Many massage therapists incorporate reflexology into a full-body massage. However, reflexology done properly can improve circulation, ease pain and increase relaxation in the entire body just as well as a full-body massage can. Reflexology is based on the theory that all body parts, organs and glands are associated with specific areas, called reflex zones, in the hands and feet. By manipulating the associated zone, changes can be effected in the corresponding body part. Therefore, you really can reach the entire body just by working on the hands or feet.

Playboy Article (January 2002 issue)