The Ancient Origins of Massage
Much remains unknown about the origins of massage, which was known in ancient Greece as “anatripsis” and in the Roman world as “frictio.” What is clear is that a diverse range of civilizations spread throughout the ancient world used the technique, including the Greeks and Romans, Mesopotamians, Chinese, Indians, Japanese, and Koreans. The […]
How Often Should You Get a Massage?
Unsure of how frequently to get a massage? There are a few ways to approach the question. Variables including stress level, your body’s needs and your finances all come into play when selecting a frequency of massage. For someone facing an acute issue like a painful back or neck, more frequent massages […]
Ergonomics: Small Decisions for Overall Health
Some of the issues that clients bring to their massage therapists may simply be due to everyday environmental influences that create pain over time. The science of ergonomics may serve to improve some of these common strains, both at work and at home. Ergonomics is a method of making small adjustments to posture, the work […]
Extending the Benefits of Massage Through Stretching
We all are taught to begin and end an exercise session with stretching, but stretching also can be an excellent way to follow up a massage. The purpose of stretching is to elongate the body’s soft tissues, in order to prevent tightness and extend range of motion over time, preventing muscles from becoming perpetually shortened. […]
How to Stress Less When You’re Off the Massage Table
While sprawled out flat and receiving a massage, it’s easy to de-stress; in fact, all of the drama of the “real world” can feel like it’s miles away. One may even, in their drowsy, happy state, begin making plans on how they’re going to rearrange their life to prioritize relaxation even more. But it’s […]
How Massage Therapy Provides Relief for Cancer Patients
I am pleased to welcome guest blogger Melanie Bowen today. She joined the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance in 2011 as an awareness advocate for natural health and cancer cure initiatives. You will often find her highlighting the great benefits of alternative nutritional, emotional, and physical treatments on those diagnosed with cancer or other serious illness. She also assists in social media […]
Stretches for Running
LEGS AND CALVES STRETCH: Stand a little ways from a solid support and lean on it with your forearms, your head resting on your hands. Bend one leg and place your foot on the ground in front of you, leaving the other leg straight behind you. Slowly move your hips forward until you feel a stretch […]
Why Massage?
People seek massage therapy for a wide variety of reasons, from simple relaxation to the proven health benefits massage gives. The American Massage Therapy Association found in its 2011 consumer surveys that 90 percent of surveyed consumers believe that massage reduces pain; 18 percent of surveyed adults received a massage in 2011. Of those who […]
More Stretches for the Low Back
Lower Trunk Rotation Stretch: Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feel flat on the floor. Keeping your shoulders down flat, gently rotate your legs to one side, then the other as far as you can. Repeat 10 to 20 times. Single Knee to Chest Stretch: Lie on your back with […]
Sports or Deep Tissue Massage: What’s in a Name?
Sometimes, reading and choosing from a massage therapist’s menu of services (even mine) can be a bit of a brain-bender. Sports massage? Deep tissue massage? What’s the difference? These modalities (or types) of massage often seem interchangeable, but serve different functions. Both sports and deep tissue massage offer similar massage strokes, like […]