How to Massage a Baby?

Massage is very helpful for the healthy development of bones of your baby. It also strengthens the bonds between you and your baby. Pediatric research has shown that babies born prematurely make much quicker progress when given regular massage.

The best time to massage your baby is just after his or her bath when he or she is not feeling hungry or irritable. Make sure the room is nice and warm and perhaps perfume it gently with a vaporizer and one of the relaxing aromatherapy oils.

You will find it easiest to work sitting on the floor, legs outstretched with the baby lying on your legs. This means he or she is reassured by the warmth of your skin. Make sure you feel comfortable before you start and if necessary, prop yourself up with a couple of cushions.

You need to remove any jewelry and warm your hands and the oil prior to massage. Use a blend of 4 fl oz (100 ml) of sweet almond oil to which you have added two drops of any of the following - camomile oil, rose oil, lavender oil, neroli oil. Now you are ready to begin.

Baby massage step by step

- Start with your baby lying against your legs on his or her back so he or she can look up at you.
- Stroke gently down his arms then his legs, repeating each movement five or six times.
- Circle round his tummy using the flat of your hand in an anti clockwise direction (this is very calming),
- Stretch out his toes one by one then gently rub over the soles of his feet using your thumb.
- Uncurl his fingers then gently move each one clockwise then anti clockwise. Now rub over the palms of his hands with your thumb.

Turn your baby over to lie on his tummy against your legs.

- Gently rub a little oil into his back, bottom, legs and feet using long light strokes.
- Stroke down his back giving a little squeeze at the buttocks. Repeat five or six times.
- Gently stroke round his shoulders down his arms and off at his hands.
- Gently stroke down his legs several times. Each time finish by giving his legs a little stretch by pulling gently at the ankles.
- Finish by stroking gently down his back and legs in one movement. Repeat, getting lighter with each stroke, until your hand just glides over your baby without actually touching him.

Gently turn your baby on to his back so he can see you again.

- Gently stroke a little oil (the surplus on your hands should be enough) on to his face. Lightly stroke up his forehead several times.
- With your thumbs stroke across his cheeks then down his nose and chin. Do each movement several times.
- Gently squeeze and rub his ear lobes between your fingers and thumb.
- Finish off with a connecting stroke. With one hand cradling your baby's head, stroke gently down his body with the other and bring it to rest on top of his feet. Hold this position (one hand on the head, the other on the feet) for a count of ten. Gently release and lift off your hands.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.

What You Should Know About Massage Therapy Treatments

Massage therapy has been around for a long time. Ancient cultures in China, Egypt, India, Greece and Rome used massage as part of their medical and health procedures.


All kinds of medical conditions and disorders were treated by massages. Massage can be used to treat stress and can help you relax Most of the time it promotes a feeling of well being. Massage therapy works to help various aspects of the physical system - the muscular, nervous, circulatory and immune systems.


Quite apart from the undoubted physical benefits of massage therapy, the most important one is psychological; the intimate contact with another human being provides the feel-good aspect.


One of the ultimate forms of stress relief is a full body massage. A lot of persons who had a full body massage keep talking about how great the feel afterwards. The first thing that someone usually does after experiencing his or her first full body massage is book another full body massage! People who've experienced a full body massage all agree that they feel they've managed to attain total relaxation for the first time in their lives.


In addition to full body massage, massage can be used on specific, individual parts of the body. One of the main individual body parts that is subject to a specialist form of massage is the foot. Foot massage is generally referred to as reflexology.


Massage therapy was on the fringes of conventional medicine for a long time, but the modern medical experts generally accept the efficacy of massage. In fact, more than 70% of American hospitals now offer massage therapy as a part of their treatments.


Why are some hospitals using massage therapy ? They use it in the treatment of chronic pain symptoms, in cancer cases, pregnancy, infant care, joint and muscle mobility, stress management and many other symptoms and disorders.


According to new research massage therapy helps to boost the immune system, lower blood pressure and manage pain.

Massage therapies can also be benefit for people who are receiving drug and alcohol withdrawal treatment. Massage therapy can also be associated to other therapies to strengthen their effects - e.g. aromatherapy, reflexology, acupressure and reiki.


To see massage therapy going from the alternative medicine field to the mainstream because this means that a lot of individuals are able to benefit from this very versatile form of treatment and therapy.

Using Infrared Heat Therapy to Improve Health

Saunas have been in use for centuries by cultures all around the globe that recognize the enormous health benefits of the sauna. From primitive sweat lodges to more modern and sophisticated steam saunas, people have always relied on the healing power of the sauna. The innovative invention of the infrared sauna now allows users to experience even more health benefits. Infrared heat therapy is valuable for maintaining good overall physical and mental health.

Unlike conventional steam saunas that rely on hot air to transfer heat, infrared saunas directly heat up their objects. This means that even though you're getting the benefit of all the warming action of a sauna, you don't have to feel like you're roasting to death in a humid, sticky room. The air in a traditional sauna can reach temperatures of up to 220 degrees F, while infrared saunas usually operate at air temperatures of 100 to 130 degrees F. Your body absorbs high-efficiency infrared heat better, meaning that you reap more of the healing benefits of sauna therapy while staying comfortable at the same time.

Infrared saunas are particularly effective at soothing aching muscles and joints. Whether your sore shoulder is the result of a strenuous game of tennis, an old injury, or a chronic condition like arthritis, sauna therapy can help to relax the tense muscles and joints. Even rheumatism and myalgia are suggested to improve with regular sauna therapy. Serious athletes as well as those with high-stress jobs and lives will appreciate the deep relaxation properties of infrared sauna therapy.



1.Therasage Far Infrared Heat Healing Pad - Small
2.Office Foot Massager For Those Sore All Day On Your Feet Days

Stress relief is a natural side effect of infrared sauna use. The very act of scheduling a regular break every day to meditate or visit with friends in a sauna is rejuvenating. When you do it in tandem with infrared sauna, the stress relieving benefits become even more pronounced. The invisible heat waves promote blood flow, soothe knotted muscles, and refresh the mind.

Sauna use also encourages healthy blood circulation, so infrared sauna therapy can be particularly beneficial to people with high blood pressure or heart disease. Physicians all agree that healthy circulation decreases the risk for developing all kinds of illnesses and medical conditions. Good circulation also speeds up the body's natural healing processes, promotes good cardiovascular health, and lessens the likelihood of becoming overweight.

Detoxification properties of saunas are well known. But the detoxification potential of an infrared sauna is three times that of a traditional sauna. The infrared light is absorbed deeper into our bodies than traditional steam sauna heat, so the detoxification effect of infrared saunas is much more thorough. Studies suggest that infrared-induced perspiration actually contains more noxious substances and chemicals like lead, copper, nickel, and sodium than regular perspiration does.

Enhanced immune system function is another benefit of infrared therapy. Infrared heat penetrates the skin and warms the body, raising the core temperature of the body. This tricks the body into thinking it is using a fever to fight off infection, kicking the immune system into action. This can curtail all kinds of minor bacterial and viral infections, as the immune system is already working hard and can fight off problems before they occur. It is suggested that infrared therapy can even help people with their allergies.

Infrared saunas can manage specific medical conditions and promote general health and well-being. It's hard to believe that relaxing in a comfortably warm sauna while meditating, reading, or listening to your favorite music can be called therapy.

How To Give Good Massage: Stress Free Methods

Being able to give great massage can grant you the key to your romantic relationship. Here are some methods to do this properly.

Put your lover with the stomach against the bed; make sure that you have a large bed, so you can move around your lover's body. Straddle your partner's back, or apply the massage from one side, which method works best for you two.

Any good back massage begins with a proper warm up. Only after completing this stage, you can begin the deeper massage stage. Here is how you do a good warm up massage. First, you must use circular motions on the sides of the spine; do this with your fingertips. The largest group of muscles are placed on these sides and, when they are tensioned, they are filled with knots that will need massage to be de-tensioned. The spinal muscles must be warm up well, and then you can continue with the shoulders. Pay extra attention to the shoulder blades and the neck.

With the muscles all warmed up, you can begin the massage. Use always the pads of the thumbs to rub gently the skin on the back. Now you can apply more pressure than how you did when you prepared the muscles. Remember to ask your lover how they feel and where they feel extra tension in the muscles, so you can know where to insist more with your movements.

Follow the same path as you did with the warm up: the spinal muscles are first, then the shoulder blades and the muscles between the spines of the blades and the backbone.

Here is how you need to do when it comes to knots that do not want to give up right away. Rub your thumbs in circles on top of the knot. Be careful not to press too hard, as too much can hurt your lover and that will not score too well for a good massage. Increase the pressure in time to obtain the best results.

Return to the warm up mode and knead the muscles on the sides of the spine. Use a movement resembling that of a wave reaching a shore to do that. All this part is intended to make the effect of the massage last longer, even after you finished with the massage.

The final part is the warm down. Decrease the pressure of your movements while touching your lover's back, until your touch becomes feather like.

There are just some simple rules that you need to remember if you want to apply a good massage. One is to begin with gentle strokes and increase the pressure, little by little. Another is to use the pads of your fingers when you apply the massage and always remember about warm up and warm down.

Body Massage for Relaxation, Health Improvement and Sensual Pleasure

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 MUSCLE 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 part 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 various 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.

Pregnancy Massage

The most relaxing message ever

Thai Clay Thai Massage

Aroma Thai Foot Massage

Ancien Thai Body Massage

I've been going to this place with my friend since last yr and it is great!! Every time I go I love the massage. The price is fair ($40 for 1hr) and the massage is excellent especially if you're stressed. The massage they offer can be done soft, medium, and hard. My friend and I had the med.( which can hurt a little if you're not used to it). The facility is a little small but clean (not the type of place that offers a happy ending if you know what I mean). The staff are nice and courteous, you can walk-in no appt. necesary.

Thai Herbal Body Massage

Traditional Thai Massage

Renowned for services ranging from eyelash extensions and laser hair removal to chakra balancing and chi revitalizing, Bangkok is host to an exotic and bizarre array of treatments and therapies. A quintessential component to this multi-faceted jamboree, traditional Thai massage is perhaps the most well-known and celebrated of Bangkok's pampering services. As the Japanese delicately knead flesh in accordance with Shiatsu and the Chinese offer rubs following principles of Tui-Na, Thailand presents a signature massage technique involving traditional systems of holistic beliefs.

Thai massage draws significant influence from India's ancient Ayurvedic traditions of medical practice. Ayurvedic medicine, also a holistic form of healing, plays an integral role in the practice of both Hinduism and Therevada Buddhism. Monks and similar practitioners of healing transmitted Ayurvedic techniques to Thailand some 2,500 years ago, thus giving birth to the wonderful phenomenon that is Thai massage.

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Thai Massage: An Introduction for the Mat and Table

Position for Massage

By Adam

Ask your partner to sit comfortably on a stool or a chair, ideally with a reasonably low back. The receiver should take off their shoes, loosen any tight clothing, uncross their legs and relax. If a cushion is available place it on the receiver's lap so that he/she can place their hands lightly on it.

You stand behind the receiver. Try to keep your back straight and distribute your weight evenly between your feet. Make sure that your neck and shoulders are relaxed and bend your knees slightly.

Making contact - To establish a connection between you and the receiver place your hands lightly onto the shoulders. Ask him/her to take a few deep breaths, allowing all the stress and tension to dissolve.

Upper back - effleurage Place both hands, one either side of the spine, on the upper back at the level of the bottom of the shoulder blades. Gently at first and then more firmly stroke up the back around the shoulder blades and back down again. Repeat until you feel the area starting to warm up.

Back - friction Place the balls of your thumbs level at the bottom of the shoulder blades a few centimetres away from the spine. Perform shall, slow deep circular friction movements working towards the neck area. Do NOT press directly onto the spine itself.

If you find any 'knotty' areas friction over these nodules until you feel them breaking down or the discomfort subsides.

Shoulder blades - effleurage Stand to the side of the receiver. If you are treating the right scapula you should position yourself on the left hand side, place your left arm over the front of the shoulders and your right hand, palm down on the right scapula. Circle around the shoulder blade until you feel the area warm and soften. Repeat on the other side.

Shoulder blade - rubbing In the same position as step 4, use the whole of your hand to rub across the scapula. Repeat on the other side.

Shoulder blade - friction Still in the same position place your thumb at the bottom of the scapula and apply deep circular movements all around the shoulder blade.

Shoulders - squeezing Stand behind the receiver and place the palms of both hands, one on top of each shoulder with your thumbs at the back and fingers at the front. Squeeze and release the shoulder muscles until they feel warm.

Shoulders - wringing Standing behind your partner place the palms of both hands on top of one of the shoulders. Pick up and squeeze the muscle with one hand and pull it towards you and then repeat with the other hand. Repeat the wringing on both shoulders until they feel soft and supple.

Arms - squeezing Still standing behind the receiver place the hands one on each upper arm. Gently squeeze and release the muscles, working down the upper arms towards the elbow and glide gently back again. Repeat several times.

Neck - squeezing Stand to the side of your partner. Let their forehead drop slightly forwards into one hand and place your other hand flat on the back of the neck. Squeeze the neck muscles slowly and gently between your thumb and fingers.

Head - making contact Standing behind the receiver place your hands softly on top 0 the receiver's head to establish a connection.

Scalp - friction Place your hands either side of the head, with the fingers well spread out in a claw shape. Use the pads of your fingers to make small circular friction movements over the whole of the scalp. As the tension releases you will feel the scalp starting to move.



Face - effleurage Standing behind the receiver place the palms of your hands gently on the forehead. Stroke gently out across the forehead towards the temples. Then place your hands on the cheeks and stroke outwards and finally stroke outwards across the chin.

Repeat these wonderfully soothing movements several times.

The wake up! Positioned behind the receiver use your fingertips to gently drum/tap all over the head. Try experimenting with different rhythms. You may also lightly tap all over the face too. This gentle tapping helps to stimulate and energize the mind ready for the rest of the working day!

Tips For Enjoying Your Massage

A massage is supposed to be a soothing, relaxing experience. So why do so many people arrive at 1:30 for a 1:30 massage? You should be in your robe already! And if you arrive late, in a frenzied state, you might as well have not come. Get there early is the most important tip for enjoying your massage. But there are plenty more. (Hint -- don't eat a big sausage sub right before you get there, and be sure to speak up if you don't like the pressure.

Here are some tips adapted from the American Massage Therapy Association to help you enjoy your massage.

- Be receptive. Don't eat just before a massage session.

- Be on time. If you arrive in a frenzied, rushed state, it will take longer to relax.

- If you don't want to remove all your clothing, discuss it with the therapist. Wear what you will be comfortable in that will allow the therapist to work on the areas of your body that need it.

- Good communication is very important. Before the session, give accurate health information and let the massage therapist know what you want from the massage. During the massage session, Speak up if you have any feedback on the amount of pressure, speed of movement, room temperature, music volume, or lighting.

- Some people like to talk during a massage session, while others remain silent. In general you should do whatever you feel like, and the massage therapist will follow your lead.

- Breathing helps to facilitate relaxation. People often stop breathing when they feel anxious or a sensitive area is massaged. If you realize this is happening, remind yourself to breath.

- Try not to tighten up during the massage. Let your massage therapist know if this is happening. They may need to adjust the massage technique being used. They may also be able to help you relax the affected area.

- If you find your thoughts are racing during the massage, one way to be more "body-centered" and to quiet the mind is to follow the hands of the massage therapist and focus on how the touch feels.

- If anything happens during the massage that you dislike or seems improper, you have the right to ask the massage therapist to stop. If necessary, you also have the right to end the session.

- If you are dizzy or light headed after the massage, do not get off the table too fast.

- Drink extra water after a massage.

- Allow for some open, quiet time after your massage session if possible. Sometimes one needs a little time to integrate or absorb the results of the massage session or needs some "re-entry" time.

Remember, massage has its greatest benefits over time. The therapeutic effects of massage are cumulative, so the more often a person gets a massage, the better he or she will feel and the more quickly one’s body will respond. If you are getting massage to address chronic muscular tension or recovery from a soft tissue injury, more than one session is usually needed, so be prepared to schedule several sessions.

Additional tips

1.Don’t eat a heavy meal before the massage

2.If it's your first time at the clinic or spa, arrive at least 10 minutes early to complete the necessary forms. Otherwise, arrive 5 minutes early so you can have a few minutes to rest and relax before starting the massage.



3.Be sure that your massage therapist has your complete health history, because people with certain conditions should not have Thai massage

4.If you feel discomfort at any time, let your massage therapist know.

Precautions

Massage is not recommended for certain people:


- infectious skin disease, rash, or open wounds
- immediately after surgery
- immediately after chemotherapy or radiation, unless recommended by your doctor
- prone to blood clots. There is a risk of blood clots being dislodged. If you have heart disease, check with your doctor before having a massage

- pregnant women should check with their doctor first if they are considering getting a massage. Massage in pregnant women should be done by massage therapists who are certified in pregnancy massage.

- massage should not be done directly over bruises, inflamed skin, unhealed wounds, tumors, abdominal hernia, or areas of recent fractures.

What conditions is Thai massage used for?

Many people find that Thai massage has the following benefits:

* relaxes
* reduces stress
* improves circulation
* increases energy
* increases flexibility
* improves range of motion
* centers the mind and body

What should I expect during my visit ?

Thai massage is usually done on a padded mat on the floor.


No oil is applied, so you are fully dressed. You are usually asked to bring or wear comfortable clothing to the massage.

A typical Thai massage is 60 minutes to two hours long.

What does Thai massage feel like?

Thai massage is more energizing and rigorous than more classic forms of massage.


Thai massage is also called Thai yoga massage, because the therapist uses his or her hands, knees, legs, and feet to move you into a series of yoga-like stretches. Many people say Thai massage is like doing yoga without any work.

Muscle compression, joint mobilization, and acupressure are also used during treatment.
People describe Thai massage as both relaxing and energizing.

What is Thai massage?

Thai massage is believed to have been developed by Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha, physician to Buddha, more than 2,500 years ago in India.

It made its way to Thailand, where the Ayurvedic techniques and principles gradually became influenced by traditional Chinese medicine.
For centuries, Thai massage was performed by monks as one component of Thai medicine.