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The Latest Research According to sources listed below, massage has been found to:
(source: ABCNEWS.com, October 30, 1998) "Massage has been found to help reduce depression, decrease levels of stress hormones, increase immune function and improve sleep." (source: "The Power of Touch", by Tom McNichol, USA Weekend, February 8, 1998) "Women who received reflexology massage had a 43% reduction in physical symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome), and a 50% reduction in psychological symptoms of PMS." (source: Obstetrics and Gynecology, December, 1993) "We've looked at depression in all of the 54 studies we've conducted. In virtually every study, we've found that depression diminishes in response to massage therapy." --Tiffany Field, Ph.D., director of Touch Research Institute and professor of pediatrics, psychology and psychiatry at the University of Miami. (source: January/February 1998, Massage Magazine) "In a study, premature babies who received massages showed marked gains in weight, development and sympathoadrenal maturation." (source: Saul M. Schanberg, M.D., Ph.D., National Institutes of Health Symposium, Feb. 4, 1999) "Studies conducted in Israel found that reflexology helped soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, providing temporary relief from symptoms including anger, depression and muscle tension. The soldiers who received weekly reflexology treatments also experienced improved sleep patterns, levels of concentration and a lift in overall mood." (source: "Reflexology On the Front Lines of Health Care", Massage Magazine, November/December 1998) "In a study, patients with multiple sclerosis who received regular reflexology treatments for several weeks experienced improvements in their health even greater than the control group who received non-specific massage. The patients who received relexology treatments showed:
"Touch is a cheap and effective prescription for wellness. For those without a willing partner to hug or touch them, touch can be self-administered on the hand or foot, or by using a self-massage device." (source: "The Power of Touch", by Tom McNichol, USA Weekend, February 8, 1998) FACTS ABOUT STRESS: "Stress-related problems account for up to 90 percent of visits to primary care physicians. An estimated 1 million employees are absent from work each day because of stress-related problems, according to The National Safety Council. People often wait until they have physical or psychological symptoms resulting from stress before seeking help. People of all ages, including children, experience stress." (source: The Columbian , January 20, 1998) INCREASED USE OF ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES BY THE GENERAL POPULATION: "Over 40 percent of Americans have tried alternative therapies. Several reasons for the increased use of alternative therapies: "Aging baby boomers are conscientious about their health and may be seeking ways to maintain their health without surgery or medications; the information age has allowed people to become more educated about their own health and options available to them; greater access to alternative therapies as massage and reflexology." (source: The Landmark Report, published by Landmark Healthcare, 1998) "People are just as likely to pursue alternative therapies, such as massage, chiropractic, or acupuncture, even when they are happy with their regular doctor, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association. In a study conducted at Stanford University's School of Medicine, it was found that men and women use alternative therapies about equally." (source: ABCNEWS.com, May 21, 1998) |
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The Art of Sensual Massage by Michelle Kluck The practice of massage dates back as early as 3000 B.C. In fact, a series of hieroglyphics were recently found in an ancient Egyptian tomb depicting two people rubbing each other's feet. And, history reveals that Cleopatra's attentive lover, Marc Anthony, regularly massaged her feet during dinner parties. Then, of course, there's the Kama Sutra , the ancient Indian book of love that teaches couples the finer points of eroticism including massage. Sensual massage is an intimate and wonderful way for two people to communicate with each other through touch. The power to heal, relax, and infuse your sweetheart with loving energy is literally at your fingertips. Just follow the tips outlined below to create a romantic, loving evening that will surely provide a deeper level of intimacy for your loved one. How to Enhance Romance The Preparation First, set the mood. Turn the lights down low and light candles scented with jasmine or vanilla. If you have a fireplace, use it, and treat the senses to the exotic smell of incense - a good one to use is Nag Champa, the Indian temple incense. Play sensual, relaxing atmospheric music in the background. Next, prepare your sensual treats. Before you begin massaging, rub something sweet on your sweetheart's lips. A taste of honey or a dab of chocolate sauce will whet your lover's appetite for amour. The most important ingredient in massage is oil. Use massage oil scented with essential oils of lavender or chamomile for relaxation; musk, patchouli, or ylang-ylang to heighten ardor. But remember, a little oil goes a long way, so use only a light coat that will allow your hands to glide smoothly over the body without pulling on the skin. Giving a Sensual Massage First, have your partner lie on his or her stomach, head turned to theside. Kneel at the head, and gently but firmly, glide your hands down the back (avoiding the bones of the spine), around the hips, and back up to the neck and shoulders. A good back massage will relax the whole body, but don't stop there if you're getting the hang of it. Move on to the arms and legs; always massaging these in an upward motion toward the heart. Spend extra time kneading and rubbing the parts of your partner's body he or she uses the most. If she is an athlete, give her legs extra attention. If he spends his days crouched in front of a computer, focus more on his neck and shoulders. In sensual massage, it's important to always maintain contact with your partner's body. When you need more oil, flip your hand over, so that the back of your hand is still touching your partner's body as you fill the palm of your hand with more oil. Concentrate on smooth, slow strokes. Close your eyes, and envision healing white light coming out of your fingertips and being absorbed into your lover's skin. Think positive and loving thoughts about your partner, and you will soon begin to feel as though your hands and their body are melded together. Use your intuition and your partner's responses to guide your movements. Sensual massage is a tender expression of love that can energize the core of your soul. It is an experience that will not only heighten intimacy, but will provide for a deeper, more unified connection between you and the one you love. Remember, the soft should be touch and unless you are a certified massage therapist, don't apply too much pressure, rather, focus on the general sensation of touch. |
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Hands on Healing for Your Valentine For centuries, people all over the world have been using sensual massage to release tension, improve communication and develop a deeper, more meaningful relationship. As far back as three thousand years before the birth of Christ, records such as the Chinese "Nei Ching" and the Indian books of "Ayur Veda," written about 1800 B.C., and later, the "Kama Sutra," show that people recognized the therapeutic benefits of massage and used massage to heal each other. The Japanese, Romans and Greeks all believed in the power of massage: early Japanese literature by physicians makes reference to the benefits of massage, and Plato and Socrates refer often to the usefulness of massage. In Egypt, hieroglyphics dating back to 2300 B.C. were found in an ancient tomb depicting two people rubbing each other's feet. History talks about how Marc Anthony massaged Cleopatra's feet during dinner parties in roughly 700 A.D. Now wouldn't that be nice... Sensual massage has been used for thousands of years to cure disease, preserve health and improve the overall state of well-being in mind and body. In addition to the many physical benefits, sensual massage is a wonderful way for two people to communicate with each other through touch and improve trust and understanding. It's a special kind of gift, a unique expression of yourself, your compassion and your love. Valentine's Day is just around the corner and it's the perfect time to show your special someone just how much you appreciate and care about them. This year, draw on the power of your own healing, loving touch and give your special Valentine the gift of a sensual massage. Giving a massage is one of the nicest ways of saying "I Love You." Make this Valentine's Day unforgettable. Follow these tips and give your Valentine an amazing, sensual massage:
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The Benefits of Massage Therapy for Body, Mind & Soul The Massage Guide: Discover Different Massage Techniques
What is Acupressure? Acupressure, the ancient healing art of using finger pressure to stimulate your body's natural self-healing abilities, is one of the most effective methods for self-treatment of tension-related problems by using the power of human touch. Even if you've never done it before, acupressure is safe to use on yourself and on others. There are no side effects and you can practice it anywhere, anytime. Acupressure is a great way to bring you or someone else some much needed stress relief in just a few minutes. In Chinese medicine, all disease is seen as a disturbance in the flow of your body's energy. Acupressure can balance the flow of chi throughout the body and help maintain good health by preventing illness and relieving acute and chronic physical problems. Acupressure points are located along invisible channels of energy, called meridians, which run through the body. Stimulating these points triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural chemicals to relieve pain. As a result, the pain is blocked, the flow of blood and oxygen increases, and the muscles relax and heal. Benefits of Acupressure:
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What is Infant Massage? Infant Massage is one of the most nurturing ways to interact and bond with your new baby by learning to communicate your love and affection through the power of touch. Touch is one of the most essential elements to your baby's healthy physical and psychological development. By combining touch, intimacy, play and care-giving, Infant Massage provides not only tremendous physical and psychological benefits for your baby, but it builds the foundation for a relationship of trust and love. What's more, massage doesn't have to end when babies become toddlers. It can be used as a tool for nurturing and maintaining your child's health and well-being for many years. There's nothing more important than a healthy and happy baby. Baby massage teaches you how to touch your baby with your hands and your heart. The Latest Research on Baby Massage In a study conducted by Dr. Tiffany Field at the University of Miami's Touch Research Institute, twenty premature babies who were massaged for 15 minutes, three times a day for two weeks, gained 47% more weight and were discharged six days earlier from the hospital, with a hospital cost savings of $10,000 per infant, than babies who were not massaged. The babies who were massaged appeared more alert and active, and showed more mature neurological development than babies who were not massaged. Benefits of Baby Massage: For Baby:
Enhances communication and nurtures the parent-child bond Enhances intimacy, understanding & parents' ability to nurture Involves fathers and other family members Helps bonding with premature/special needs babies who remained in hospital after birth. Helps parents with babies in daycare to reconnect after hours spent apart |
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What is Pregnancy Massage? Pregnancy massage is a gentle, soothing massage that relieves many of the common discomforts that a woman may experience during the nine months of pregnancy. During pregnancy a woman's body undergoes many changes, some of them stressful and uncomfortable. Massage has tremendous benefits and is a perfect way to reduce stress, promote general well-being, and show your partner how much you care. You can effectively soothe leg cramps, swollen ankles and feet, use acupressure to relieve headaches and neck pain, learn how improve circulation throughout her body. Partners can learn the same techniques that massage therapists use to relieve back and neck pain, headaches, shoulder pain, leg cramps, sciatica, swollen ankles and feet, varicose veins, moodiness, and more! Pregnancy massage is wonderful way for partners to connect and offer support in a tangible and valuable way before, during, and after the birth. Benefits of Pregnancy Massage: According to new studies at the Potomac Massage Training Institute, researchers have determined that physical contact and emotional support should be encouraged during pregnancy and childbirth. Researchers reviewed the benefits from touch and one-to-one physical support during labor and childbirth. They found that women supported by doulas or midwives benefit by experiencing shorter labors and lower rates of epidural anesthesia and caesarean section deliveries. Interestingly, the babies also seem to benefit from the support given to their mothers. The data indicates that a considerably smaller number of newborns experience fetal distress or are admitted to neonatal intensive care units when their mothers are given support during labor. This evidence clearly indicates that women whose husbands or partners massaged them during labor experienced shorter labors. The evidence suggests that women in labor and their unborn children benefit greatly from having a trusted partner, assistant or competent nursing staff who is able to provide emotional and physical support with massage during the stages of labor. The report concludes that physical and emotional participation by a loving partner should be encouraged during childbirth. (Alternative Therapy Health Med 2000 Jan;6(1):66-74. Benefits of massage therapy and use of a doula during labour and childbirth.) |
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What is Reflexology? Reflexology is a centuries old healing art of stimulating the feet, hands and ears that reduces stress and improves your physical well-being. On the foot, you'll find a map of the entire body and a quick route to relaxation! In each foot alone, there are over 7,000 nerve endings - called reflexes - that correspond to every organ and system within your body. Simply pressing on these reflex points in the foot can elicit a response in the nervous systems that helps soothe and balance the entire body. Benefits of Reflexology:
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What is Swedish Massage? Swedish massage, the godmother of all Western forms of massage, is a soothing practice of massage that has been around for over 5,000 years. It is based on five basic strokes: effleurage - a long, gliding stroke; petrissage - a kneading technique; friction, a circular movement and the deepest of all strokes; tapotement or "tapping" - which increases circulation; and vibration - a strong, rhythmic shaking of the hands. The Couples Massage video uses Swedish massage strokes to relax and heal the body. Benefits of Swedish Massage:
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What is Therapeutic Touch? Therapeutic Touch (a.k.a. TT) is a contemporary interpretation of several ancient healing practices in which the laying on of hands is used to balance the energy in the body. It is based on the ancient Eastern philosophy that the body is an open energy system and that illness is the result of an imbalance, or blockage, in our energy field. Therapeutic Touch aims to balance and energize the body by modulating the energy in the human energy field that surrounds and penetrates the body. With this technique, the practitioner may not even physically touch the body. Instead, through a series of hand movements, the practitioner can help to balance the energy in the body by unblocking areas of congestion and allowing the receiver's own innate healing abilities to function better The Benefits of Therapeutic Touch:
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