Massage mediums

Massage mediums are lubricants that enable the therapist's hands to move freely and smoothly over the client's skin. The three most common mediums are: oils, creams, waxes and balms. For adult treatments I use sweet almond oil or a blend of oils. However for Infant/baby massage I use sunflower or grape seed oil. 

Lotions & Creams

Advantages: 
Massage creams and lotions are well-suited to deep tissue and other high-friction massages. They  provide medium glide, and while they can be nourishing to the skin, are absorbed fairly slowly. They are usually non-sticky, making each massage easier to clean up, and they are also usually non-slip, providing better stability throughout each treatment. Creams and lotions will usually include preservatives so it does not become rancid. I prefer to use creams made from natural ingredients by Arbonne.

Disadvantages:

Some creams and lotions, particularly water-based ones, can leave the skin feeling dry. Creams come in jars or tubs which don’t fit into holsters, which can be a hassle during treatments.  You also have to be much more careful for hygiene purposes. Creams and lotions are often cold when first applied to the skin and can be difficult to heat. Many are also scented, which will bother some clients. 

Top Tip: Cream from Arbonne come in tubes which easily fit in massage holsters and are made from all natural products. The creams moistens and do not leave stains or dry out the skin. 

Oils

Advantages:

Oil is deeply nourishing to the skin and some are easily absorbed. It provides high glide and can be stored in pump bottles and carried around in a holster. Oil also goes a long way - it can be an economical option when working over large surfaces. Oils warm up very quickly, so it can provide a very pleasant experience for the client.

Disadvantages:

Oil can sometimes leave a slightly sticky feeling on the skin when the treatment is finished. It can also stain linen, and if it gets on the floor around the table it can be slippery underfoot. If you accidentally pour out too much oil, it either has to go on the client straight or be wiped away, as you cannot easily put it somewhere else for later use in the treatment. Some oils can become rancid relatively quickly. 

Top Tips: Use oils that are high in oleic because it will absorb into the skin providing lots of nutrients, especially with people who suffer from extremely dry skin. I use sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil or sunflower massage oil.

Waxes & Balms

Advantages:

Waxes and balms provide a high level of control to the therapist during treatment. The increased grip and lower glide means that treatments can be calm and controlled Beeswax, a key ingredient, is antibacterial, so they resist rancidity for a long time.

Disadvantages:

Waxes and balms are very thick, so they are unsuitable for use on hairy clients. Maintaining hygiene is also more difficult, as they usually come in tubs that require use of a spatula. Nearly all massage waxes are blended with almond oil, which can present an issue for clients with nut allergies.

Top Tips: Always check for allergies by testing products on a sensitive area such as inner part of the wrist and leave for at least 10 minutes for any signs of swelling, redness etc.

Baby massage

 

Gentle massage also have great benefits for babies.

develop mentally, socially and physically

 prevents colic and constipation

stay relaxed and not get upset

Relieve teething pain

cry and fuss less

sleep better

Massage is also great for  premature babies and babies with special needs because it: 

• Improves weight gain
• Stabilises baby heart rate and respiration rate. 
• Calmer response to stress and pain.
• More stable brain activity. 

These can aid baby to be well enough to go home with their family faster than babies who did not receive massage.

Give your baby the best gift ever

 " The gift of love through nurturing touch with baby massage"

Pure, Safe and Beneficial!

Christmas is approaching fast and Massage Therapy is in great demand. I use Sweet almond oil (yes, it is safe for diabetics) or Grape seed oil  as a massage medium. But clients wanted something new, something different. I looked at different products and researched the ingredients because I wanted what is best for my clients. However everything seemed to be made up of a combination of harmful chemicals. It shocked me as to the type of chemicals that was found in children and baby products. I almost gave up and decided to stick to the oils that I already used. It so happened that I visited my friend who does reflexology her therapy room smelled heavenly. She showed me the products Pure, Safe and Beneficial she used from a Network Marketing Company  called Arbonne. When I looked at the ingredients I was stunned.

Just imagine these products are made from all natural products.

Men: Exfoliating Wash: Sea Buckthorn oil, walnut shell

         Facial Moisturiser: Chickpea, carrot, strawberry

Women: Lipsticks: watermelon extract, apple extract

               Lip gloss: passion fruit oil.

Children/Baby: Hair and body wash: chamomile flower extract, aloe, sunflower oil

                         Body lotion: cotton seed, hibiscus and sandalwood

                         Nappy cream: sunflower oil and arnica extract

                         Water resistant Sunscreen SPF 30: chamomile flower extract

I was blown away by the products itself because I couldn't believe that the ingredients used could result in such an amazing outcome. 

                                          

A dream!

This is an ideal setting for massage. 

This environment will just take all the stress far, far away. 

Just imagine SUN SEA & SAND. 

How lovely is that?

STRESS!!!

Most days I feel like I have been carrying around a tonne of bricks. I feel tension in my waist, back and neck this has led to severe headaches and sleepless nights. Recently I started experiencing a severe pain in my right shoulder which is getting worse. Yesterday the pain started in my left shoulder as well. Life in general has been very stressful  especially trying to juggle work, family, social, financial and personal problems. Problems seem to never end! When I think that I am on top of everything, something else bad happens. 

Yesterday I decided to leave the kids with my husband and go for a 1 hour full body aromatherapy massage. It was so lovely to have a nice relaxing massage after a very stressful day. I especially loved the combination of the fragrance of the room with the massage oils used. During massage the senses heighten but the mixture of different oils was perfect. I felt that time was mine and I knew there will not be any disturbance. I felt like I could actually think and breathe without any interruptions. After the massage the therapist advised me to drink lots of water and eat a healthy balanced diet. 

When I got home the place was like a tornado passed through it. Normally I would be very upset and start shouting at my husband and kids. But I just felt energised and calm even though I saw the house turned upside down. I cooked dinner, helped my kids with their homework, put them to bed and then cleaned the house. 

Life will not be life without facing some sort of problems. But it is a continuous build up of these problems that result in stress which we feel as aches and pain in our body. However with regular massage the tension is relieved therefore helping us to cope with daily problems. Massage therapy benefits mind, body and soul! 

Benefits of Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy has many benefits for the whole family!

Book a Massage and treat yourself for Christmas I will.

Types of Massage Therapy

Today is my second day blogging I am still getting used to it. Business is very slow. I think blogging is helping me to keep sane because it helps me to reflect on why I wanted to change career to become a Massage Therapist. Sometimes I think that people are scared of Massage Therapy or scared of calling to ask about Massage because it has such a stereotype which is unfair. Massage Therapy innocently is a natural way to promote health and wellbeing for everyone. It seems like I have tried all areas of advertising but I cannot seem to get clients.

There are so many massage equipment and products on the market for aches, pains, and stress. But the best remedy is Therapeutic Massage because the therapist can adjust movements and techniques to loosen tense areas. Whereas a machine can do more harm as it is usually not adjustable to different heights and weight (Pressure). I know it is cheaper to buy a machine but it is safer to receive treatment form a massage therapist.

There are many different types of Massage such as:
Swedish Massage  - Uses long smooth strokes, kneading and circular movements on superficial layers of muscle using massage oil.

Aromatherapy Massage - This is with one or more scented plant oils called essential oils to address specific needs. The massage therapist can select oils that are relaxing, energising, stress-reducing, balancing.

Hot stone Massage -  Heated stones are placed on certain points in the body to warm and loosen tight muscles and balance energy centres int he body. The warmth is comforting.

Deep Tissue Massage - This targets the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. So slower strokes or friction techniques across grain of muscle is used. This is usually for tight or painful muscles, repetitive strain, postural problems or recovery from injury. Note that people often feel sore for one to two days after a deep tissue massage. 

Shiatsu - A form of Japanese bodywork that localises finger pressure in a rhythmic sequence on acupuncture meridians. Each point is held for 2-8 seconds to improve the flow of energy and help the body regain balance. 

Thai Massage - Aligns the energies of the body using gentle pressure on specific points and includes compressions and stretches.

Pregnancy Massage - This is about positioning and supporting women which helps reduce stress, decrease swelling, relieve aches and pains and reduce anxiety and depression. It is customised to a woman's individual needs.

Reflexology - Applying pressure to certain points on the foot that correspond to organs and systems in the body. It is very relaxing especially for people who have tired achy feet.

Sports Massage - Designed for people who are involved in physical activity and is focused on preventing and treating injury and enhancing athletic performance.  

Back Massage - Relaxing massage and various techniques to loosen tight muscles and help align the spine in a gently manner.

I enjoy practicing Massage Therapy because it is rewarding as a therapist to see clients benefit.

Therapeutic Massage

My career is one which is very challenging because I have to keep up to date through studies and exams all the time. I did many additional courses in my field of practice which I thought would get me a promotion one day. However this is not the case because although I am qualified for a job I never seem to be selected. Not being able to get job satisfaction and trying to juggle work, studying and family was making me depressed. I have seen many colleagues come and go and I was still in the same job.

My friend arranged for me to have Massage Therapy. I was hesitant at first because I never had it before and do not like to undress with anyone else around. She reassured me that she had Massage Therapy and it was very discrete. With lots of convincing I finally went. The Massage Therapist was very professional in her approach. I also felt comfortable knowing that the Massage Therapist was a woman. She did a short consultation to find out if there were any contraindications to massage. She left the room so that I could get changed. She knocked on the door to ensure that I was ready before entering the room.

I was still very scared, my heart was beating very fast and I felt very cold at first. But once I lay down and treatment commenced it was the most wonderful and relaxing feeling. I could feel all the knots in my upper back loosening. My head felt lighter. It was the most amazing feeling, that I never felt before. I enjoyed Massage Therapy very much I felt like a tonne of bricks was lifted off my shoulders. This experience made me think about a whole new career change.

Due to day to day activity (work, family, social issues etc.) lots of people are becoming more and more unwell physically and psychologically due to stress. Therefore my aim is  to promote Therapeutic Massage for the whole family.