Benefits of Massage

Research
Medical school students at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Medical School who were massaged before an exam showed a significant decrease in anxiety and respiratory rates, as well as a significant increase in white blood cells and natural killer cell activity, suggesting a benefit to the immune system.

Preliminary results suggested cancer patients had less pain and anxiety after receiving therapeutic massage at the James Cancer Hospital and Research Institute in Columbus, Ohio.

Women who had experienced the recent death of a child were less depressed after receiving therapeutic massage, according to preliminary results of a study at the University of South Carolina.

Studies funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have found massage beneficial in improving weight gain in HIV-exposed infants and facilitating recovery in patients who underwent abdominal surgery. At the University of Miami School of Medicine's Touch Research Institute, researchers have found that massage is helpful in decreasing blood pressure in people with hypertension, alleviating pain in migraine sufferers and improving alertness and performance in office workers.

An increasing number of research studies show massage reduces heart rate, lowers blood pressure, increases blood circulation and lymph flow, relaxes muscles, improves range of motion, and increases endorphins (enhancing medical treatment). Although therapeutic massage does not increase muscle strength, it can stimulate weak, inactive muscles and, thus, partially compensate for the lack of exercise and inactivity resulting from illness or injury. It also can hasten and lead to a more complete recovery from exercise or injury.

Research has verified that:

Office workers massaged regularly were more alert, performed better and were less stressed than those who weren't massaged.

Massage therapy decreased the effects of anxiety, tension, depression, pain, and itching in burn patients.

Abdominal surgery patients recovered more quickly after massage.
Premature infants who were massaged gained more weight and fared better than those who weren't.

Autistic children showed less erratic behavior after massage therapy.


General Benefits
• Helps relieve stress and aids relaxation •Helps relieve muscle tension and stiffness •Alleviates discomfort during pregnancy •Fosters faster healing of strained muscles and sprained ligaments; reduces pain and swelling; reduces formation of excessive scar tissue • Reduces muscle spasms • Provides greater joint flexibility and range of motion • Enhances athletic performance; Treats injuries caused during sport or work • Promotes deeper and easier breathing • Improves circulation of blood and movement of lymph fluids • Reduces blood pressure • Helps relieve tension-related headaches and effects of eye-strain • Enhances the health and nourishment of skin • Improves posture • Strengthens the immune system • Treats musculoskeletal problems • Rehabilitation post operative • Rehabilitation after injury


Mental Benefits
• Fosters peace of mind • Promotes a relaxed state of mental alertness • Helps relieve mental stress • Improves ability to monitor stress signals and respond appropriately • Enhances capacity for calm thinking and creativity • Emotional Benefits •Satisfies needs for caring nurturing touch • Fosters a feeling of well-being • Reduces levels of anxiety • Creates body awareness • Increases awareness of mind-body connection

Self Massage

Self
Massage

If you cant go for a massage -never mind you can do it your self right now and feel refreshed and get all the benefits of massage.



Head: 


You can give yourself a relaxing scalp massage and drain away the day’s tensions and feel relaxed and alert Place your hands on your scalp at the roots of your hair. Spread your fingers and thumbs out covering maximum area. Gently rotate your hands in a clockwise direction. Breath deeply through your nose to promote good circulation and oxygenation of blood. Gradually rotate your hands all over your scalp from your hairline to your nape, until it starts to tingle slightly then reverse direction.Don't press your fingers hard so that you can have that invigorating tingling sensation travelling across the body.



Face: 


You can relax your facial muscles and help yourself feel more refreshed with a gentle face massage. Using your index and second fingers of each hand, make small circular movements around your eyes, across cheeks, forehead and chin. Cup your cheeks for a minute so that the warmth of your hands can relax the tissue. Then repeat the circular movement, soon you will feel a glowing relief. 



Feet: 

Sit in a comfortable position with your feet resting up on the bed or on a chair. Working on one foot at a time, cup your heel with one hand and with the other make small circular movements starting with each toe. Gradually move down to the ball of your foot and kneed this for a few minutes then slowly work over your sole and down to your heel.

Kalari Massage Technique of Kerala

Working to make the body a pliable tool for the mind, kalari massage can stretch, soothe and pummel you into a state of vigor, vitality and well being Kalarippayat, southern Indian state Kerala's martial art form, aspires to spiritual transcendence, disciplining and stretching the combatant's mental and physical resources to ever-new limits. Combat situations demanded an extremely agile, strong and supple body, which would instantly obey the signals of an alert and sharp mind. For the ancient martial arts exponents, uzhichil orkalari massage was one way to prime the body and sharpen reflexes. Today, this form of massage is the focus of renewed interest as growing numbers of people are attracted to its healing and rejuvenating effects. There is a whole science behind the unique techniques employed by skilled masseurs trained in the art of kalari massage based in ayurveda. Ayurveda works at stimulating the self-healing mechanics of the body, using herbal medicines, medicated oils and massage. Kalari massage, which not only affects the body but also the mind, involves physical exercises, therapy, and . During kalari massage, skilled masseurs take into account an individual's age, needs and health problems. A massage in which the masseur applies varying degrees of force and weight with his legs, while holding on to suspended ropes for support, is known as utsadana. When the masseur works just with his hands, it is known as samvahana. When two masseurs work together at the same time, it is called suparithala kriya. The various methods followed are detailed in ancient texts such as Maipayattu.

Uzhichil is a natural technique to prevent and cure diseases. It involves the movement of vital energies in the body. This is possible by applying pressure on the vital points, muscles and nerves using appropriate herbal oils with therapeutic value. Kalari massage includes techniques of balancing the chakras or energy centers and saptha dhatu (seven tissues in the human body—plasma, blood, muscle, fat, bone, bone marrow and semen), stimulation of nadisuthra points (ayurvedic working with marma or vital points, and the awakening of prana. Uzhichil, when accompanied by the balancing of chakras, effectively regulates the proper flow of vital life force through the chakras. According to yoga, disharmony on the physical, mental or spiritual levels can be corrected in this manner. The chakras can be balanced by placing the hands gently over them, a few inches above the physical body. In this process, you may be receptive to a flowing or warm sensation on your palms. This is actually the transmission of universal energy, which helps harmonize the biological system of the body. The masseur uses nadisuthra kriya to apply pressure with the fingers, thumb or palm of the hand at certain points on the body. These pressure points are areas where there is a high concentration of life energy. Pressure can stimulate blood circulation and the flow of vital force by relieving congestion in nerve endings and muscles.

Based on Susruta Samhita, a very ancient ayurvedic text, marma therapy is a system of treatment of the vital points of the body, which are mainly the junction points of blood vessels, ligaments and nerve centers. Marma adi, which involves striking vital points on the human body, is one of the most refined and sophisticated technique of Indian martial arts. The marmani, a person skilled in marma therapy, has a thorough knowledge of the human circulatory system, the nervous system and every aspect of the human anatomy. The marmani, using varying degrees of force to strike the body at different vital points, can produce astounding results. When used in warfare by a skilled combatant, these blows can cause instant death, slow death, paralysis or great The results vary according to the power and velocity used by the combatant. A marmani also knows how to revive a seriously injured person. A timely touch, a slap, the use of specialized massage techniques or a gentle blow on another vital point can save a dying man. This technique is called marukai preyogam. It results in the stimulation of impulse, the magnetic power and the innate human dynamism, and helps in recovery from injury or in the cure of a disease. Ayurveda postulates that everything is constituted of the pancha mahabhutas or the five elements—ether, wind, fire, water and earth. A living being has an additional element: prana. This energy gives life and animation to the living organism. Through food, drink and >, prana circulates through the body. Then it moves through energy channels, where it might meet with blocks. Nadisuthra kriya, marma therapy and massage remove these blocks and aid the circulation of vital energy in the body.

In uzhichil, the masseur follows certain strokes with a sharp slap delivered with the flat of the right palm on the lower part of the spine. It is intended to awaken prana and the nerves that originate there. In the same way, the slap on the top of the head (crown) is intended to awaken the senses. The feet are the most responsive and sensitive area of the body. They are a mini map of the human body with every gland, organ and body part represented there. Along with massage, stimulating a specific point on the foot by applying pressure affects a specific part of the body, by releasing blocked vital energy. The blood circulation in the feet may be affected because gravity pulls toxins and waste materials downwards. Massage and stimulation of foot points can break up waste materials deposited there and improve circulation. Different ailments require specific massage techniques, which the masseur selects keeping the individual's condition in mind. The speed, force, number of repeated massage movements, the type of herbal oil used and the system of massage will vary depending on the patient's physical strength, age and ailment. Three types of kalari massage—suksa, raksha and katcha thirummu—are used for different purposes. The sukha thirummu massage affords relief from body aches and muscular pains, and provides physical relaxation and rejuvenation. In the raksha thirummu massage, specially prepared medicated oils are used. Patients suffering from ailments such as rheumatism, paralysis, headache, muscular problems, nervous weakness, back pain, disc prolapse, stomach trouble, asthma, anxiety, sexual disorders, irritability, obesity, feelings of insecurity and agitation can get relief with this massage. It is particularly useful in promoting sleep, for calming psychotic individuals, and for helping depressed people to relax. It is also recommended for drug or alcohol addicts on a rehabilitation program. The katcha thirummu massage, given to increase a person's body flexibility and physical endurance, is particularly efficacious for those who practice martial arts and classical dance. Combined with yogic postures, it gives pliability and suppleness to the body.

Regular kalari massage increases body flexibility and reduces fat. The veins and arteries become more elastic, the skin begins to glow and the body becomes more efficient. Massage improves blood circulation and clears the body of toxins. Organs like kidneys, rectum, and lungs are strengthened and work more, efficiently, as is the case with digestive organs like liver and small intestines. Bone, joint, muscle and nerve centers also work better after massage. The inability to handle stress can cause a breakdown in the body's defense system, leaving one prone to illness and disease, By reducing tension and calming the mind, kalari massage can improve mental alertness and attention span, and by helping body organs function efficiently, it can keep one disease free and in a state of positive health.

Different Strokes

Percussive

Sometimes it is difficult to get the back muscles to relax. Some individuals enjoy a pounding technique. This technique allows them to relax and enjoy a massage.Do not pound your partner direction. Place one hand on your partner (for example your left hand). Place this left hand wherever your partners muscles feel tense. Lay your left hand flat and pound the back of your left hand with your own right hand. Your right hand should be in a fist.You can move your left hand all over your partners back while pounding it with your right hand.You might be able to feel your partner relaxing underneath your

Hacking
Hacking works on many areas of the body (back, back of the legs, thighs). The technique involves keeping the first three fingers of the hand together. The fourth (pinkie) finger hands downward and partially absorbs the blow.Executed properly this technique makes a rhythmic sound that is itself relaxing.

Cupping
The cupping technique uses the hands to produce a slight vacuum. This vacuum produces a slight tug on the skin when the hand is lifted upward.The cupping movement is probably the loudest massage technique and feels quite intense. It might be appropriate to wake up your partner.

Arms Massage

Kneading
Massaging the arms is enjoyable for both partners. For the receiver it relaxing and enjoyable. For the giver is satisfyingly easy and effective.Being by placing your partners hand alongside your chest. The relieves your partner from holding their arm in the air. Knead the muscles of your partners arms using both hands. Using your thumbs to knead the muscles of the arms is best.

Rolling
Place your hands on either side of your partners arm. Keep your hands flat. Moving your hands in opposite directions has an effect similar to rolling dough into a long strand. This back and forth motion stimulates the muscle of your partners arm.Remember to be rhythmic and predictable when do this manuever so that your partner can relax.

Snaking
Here is a fantastic and unusual stroke.Hold your partners arm up with one hand. With the other hand start at the shoulder and grip the muscle tissue between your thumb and four fingers. Quickly grip and release the muscles while sliding your hand up toward the wrist. This pulsing effect is quite enjoyable.Complete this movement 7-10 times.

Chest Massage

Circulation
This stroke serves three purposes:* It warms the chest.* It increases blood flow to the area.* It spreads the massage oil.Start with your fingers pointed inward. When you travel upward turn your hands. Evenutally your fingers will slide downward by the underarms. Glide your hands down toward the waist. Turn your hands again and start over.If your partner is ticklish, you can return down the outside of their arm. Place their arms along their side so that you can complete this circular stroke a number of times without losing touch.

Chest Lift
If you know a woman or are a woman that does not generally enjoy a massage this movement is for you.Begine with the front of the body well oiled. You will want to glide as well as possible so you migh oil your hands as well.Begin with your hands at the shoulders. Your fingers should be pointing toward the sternum. glide your hands toward the stomach (your fingers should slide along the sternum). After you pass the breasts rotate your hands so that your fingers travel outboard and onto your partners side. The heel of your hand should trace her lowest rib. Your fingertips should end up on the center of her back (about midway up).Here comes the spectacular part. Using your fingers lift upward. Your fingers should be massaging the muscles along her spine. Slide your fingers up her back until your hands reach her underarms.Slide your hands up to her chest and start again.This move requires a bit of strength to lift her up. You can hear her sign when you do it.Women will have a difficult time executing this move on men if the man is of substantial size.

Deep Chest Massage
For men the chest can be a very pleasurable place to be massaged. Just as we massaged the back massaging the chest properly requires searching for and manipulating the muscle.The fingertips can be used on all of the muscle areas. The heals of the hands are very effective where the chest muscles meet the shoulders.This massage technique works on women too. You should be delicate with the breasts.

Abdominal Massage

Kneading the Waist
This movement used to be thought to help lose weight. I'm not sure if it does (I suspect not), but it feels nice.Pick up folds of flesh between the finger tips and the thumb.Make sure you cover every spot. For some reason your partner will know if you miss even the smallest spot.

Kneading the Sides
This move requires you to grab larger areas of flesh. When doing the side, don't pinch the flesh, just knead it with your hand.Pull your hand up and across the sides of the stomach and chest.

Swimming Strokes
Swimming is an easy stroke that feels very nice.Begin with your hands flat on either side of your partners abdomen and slide them, pressing gently to the other side.Repeat this movement three times at each location then move upward a little bit. You can find 10 positions between the lowest abdomen position and the highest chest position.If you are working with a woman, don't avoid the breast. This would break the rhythm. Just swim right over the breasts.

Deep Massaging the Abdomen
In this movement your hand makes a "U" shape as you press deeply (about 1 inch) on the stomach.This movement helps digestion and helps your partner feel better.

Front of the Leg

Circulation
This stroke encourages blood flow in the legs. It can serve two purposes and feels great either way.If you are suffering the effects of a strong workout this stroke can be performed deeply to rid the muscles of lactic acid. When the lactic acid is removed, much of the soreness will be alleviated.If you are performing a sensual massage this stroke can be used to flow blood to the genitals. Increasing blood flow to the pelvic region is great for males and females.The stroke involves squeezing the muscle tissue to push blood up the legs. The return stroke in part two is much gentler and is done down the outer side of the leg.


Kneading Above the Knee
The muscles above the knees can become very tired. They are quite strong and respond well to deep massage. Spend some time kneading these muscles and your partner will surely respond.

Bent Leg Muscle Rotation
In this movement you will first bend your partners leg. By bending their leg you facilitate a new position for massage.When your partners leg is bent, stead their ankle with one hand while the other hand massages the front of the thigh (shown in the photo) or the calf muscle. Use a smooth movement that pulls your massaging hand over the muscle tissue.

Pumping
In this move you exercise the leg in its full range of motion. You should do his after you have relaxed the muscles of the leg through massage.Grasp the ankle as show and raise the leg from the outstretched position. Both the knee and hip should bend. Move the leg until you feel resistance. Flex each leg through its range of motion 3 times.

Complete Foot Massage

Complete Foot Massage

Circulating
Our feet take a beating in daily life. Who wouldn't want to lay down at the end of the day and receive a foot massage. Our dogs are tired.The first stroke in a good foot massage is called a circulation stroke. The name implies that it increase blood flow in the tissues of the foot.Grasp the foot with one hand and stroke the top with the other. You can use light pressure along the top of the foot. Moderate pressure might be required on the bottom of the foot to prevent tickling your partner.Continue rubbing and stroking your partners entire foot. Twenty times on the top and ten times on the bottom is nice.

Rotating
This move is not a stretch, it is just a movement to relax the foot and ankle.Support the foot with one hand as shown. With the other hand, gently move the foot through it's natural range of motion. Do not push firmly. Simply and slowly glide the foot in a oval-type motion. As you slowly rotate the foot, you may find the range of motion increases slightly.Rotate the foot 3-5 times in each direction

Stroking Foot and Ankle
This stroke seems to relax the whole body. Start with your fingertips right where the toes meet he foot. Use both hands to press down between the bones of the foot. Slide your up the foot toward the ankle, when your fingers reach ankle level, wrap your fingers around the ankle and massage the front of the ankle joint with your thumbs.We generally look for muscle tissue to rub when giving a massage. This area is firm with bone, tendons and ligaments. Try to do your best to treat the muscle tissue you find with thorough kneading.


Flexing
This stroke feels really nice when the top of the foot is sore from standing or walking.Press the heel of each hand on the outer edges of the foot. You will be curling the top of the foot. When you curl the foot you will be able to massage the muscle between the bones with your thumbs. While curling the foot you will also end up pressing your fingertips into the underside of the foot. This feels nice as well.

Pulling
have heard that Japanese Sumo wrestlers are catered to quite completely. One thing I have heard is that after they complete their daily workout someone washes their feet and pulls their toes.I often imagine how luxurious it would feel to have a daily foot wash.

Face Massage

Face Massage
Massage can help prevent new tension lines and wrinkles from appearing. Massage does this by relaxing the muscles and by stimulating the blood vessels under the skin.
Before starting the massage, cleanse your face thoroughly. Now follow the procedure described below. Use basic movements - stroking, pinching and stimulating.
Start by stroking the whole face. Use both hands and work up the neck, out across the cheeks, then glide gently inwards, work up and out over the forehead. Finish by applying gentle pressure to the temples.
Stimulate the skin by using the back of your hands and loosely rolling your fingers up the cheek. This can also be used on the neck and under the chin.
With your thumb and forefinger, gently pinch the skin along the jawbone and under the chin. This is very stimulating and helps prevent a double chin.
To release tension around the eyes, firmly squeeze the eyebrows with your thumb and forefinger. Always work from the bridge of the nose towards the temples.
For tension in the neck and shoulders make firm circular movements working up either side of the neck then out across the shoulders.

Sensual Body Message

Body Massage Guide

Getting Started

Here are some tips to help you prepare for a massage.* Lock the door and unplug the phone.* Be sure you have the time to spend with your partner. A massage is not the type of experience you want to rush.* Turn down the light. The lighting should be soft and indirect. Candlelight is perfect. Even natural sunlight shining through a window in the afternoon is terrific.* You might want it quiet. Although I think we all like Barry White and other soft sensual music, you might prefer a quiet room. This will help you feel and hear what your partner enjoys.* You will want the room to be warm. Almost 80 degrees will allow a naked partner to be comfortable.* Make sure your hands are warm. You can accomplish this by rubbing them together thoroughly or by taking a bath together.* Cleanliness. Although it isn't essential to be clean before a massage, your partner will certainly be more relaxed if they are clean. This massage will involve every area of the body include such places as behind the ears and between the toes. Be sure your partner will be comfortable by taking a bath. You might also make sure that your fingernails are clean and trimmed neatly (not necessarily short, just neat).* Aroma. A nice scented candle will provide the warmth, light, and scent that will set the mood. Women might prefer a lighter, more floral scent (rose or jasmine might be appropriate). Men might prefer a more rugged, woodsy scent like cedar or sandalwood.* You will want to give a massage on a flat, firm surface. A firm mattress is acceptable, using pillows on the floor is good too. A massage table is best, but not everyone has one of these.* The massage receiver should prepare like they are preparing for bed. They might want to remove their contacts, their makeup, and have their teeth brushed. They are about to experience something special and might want to sleep or make love (or both) afterward.