Massage Styles from Around the World

Hot stone therapy has been around in many cultures for thousands of years as the therapeutic qualities of the heat applied to the body have been well recognised by ancient civilisations.

The Egyptians used heated stones in their ceremonies, as well as the Native American Indians and warm volcanic stones were used at the end of lomi lomi massages in Hawaii.

Volcanic stones are used in two different ways. Large flat stones are heated and then placed on top of a towel along the back to heat the chakras (or energy centres) of the body.

Smooth round stones that fit into the palm of the hand are also heated, coated in aromatherapy oils, and then used directly on the skin.

The mixture of the heat, essential oils and massage techniques allows for deep relaxation of the muscles and feels fantastic%u2026.like a ball of heat gliding over the body.

Hot Stone massage is great for relaxation, deep tissue massage and chronic muscular pain.
More information is at the ripplemassage website

There are different forms and until recently, KaHuna bodywork massage was only passed down through oral tradition from one generation in a family to the next.

Ripple practises the Ka Huna Temple style of body work which was developed the the ancient Kahuna Lapa' au who were the master massage practitioners.
This style of massage incorporates specific dance movements that need to be learnt to perform the massage.

This dance comes from the ancient healers observing the 'Frigate bird' which is a large sea bird known for its amazing stamina, endurance and intuition in finding its way. This dance is commonly called the 'Flying' or 'Mana Dancing".
More information is at the ripplemassage website

Chinese style of foot and feet massage. As well as being a beautiful way to spoil your feet, reflexology massage also has the underlying belief that your whole body is reflected in your feet.

So when you receive a reflexology massage, your whole body is being massaged at the the same time. In reflexology, various parts of your feet relate to organs and areas of your body.

For example the tips of your toes relate to the the top of your head, the ball of your foot pertains to the Thyroid glands, and the side of your foot to the spine.

More information is at the ripplemassage website and a map of the foot is at
Reflexology Foot Map

Pregnancy massage is one of the most pampering and beneficial gifts you can give you to yourself or the Mum-to-be.

As well as being deeply relaxing and a lovely way to spoil yourself, pregnancy massage is also great for the health of you and your baby.

Massage whilst you are pregnant has a wide range of great of health benefits for you, including...

* Pregnancy massage relieves muscle spasms, cramps associated with the stress of extra weight bearing and physical changes that occur during your pregnancy.More information is at the ripplemassage website

A beautiful and deeply relaxing style, Russian Massage is fantastic for letting go of stress and tension.

It is based on techniques that have been used extensively in Russia for over 100 years, and is based on the philosophy that through massage the body can learn to heal, relax and repair itself.

more on Russian Massage

Reiki Massage is a Japanese healing practice that helps you to feel more connected to life.

It brings peace of mind and spirit and, coupled with hands on aromatherapy massage, is one of the most powerful ways to calm and soothe your body and spirit.

Reiki is activated at the beginning of your massage with a series of hand positions that will soothe the most active mind. It is a serene ancient healing technique involving the placement of hands onto your body in order to channel energy.

Reiki allows you to tap into an unlimited supply of "life force energy" to improve health and enhance the quality of your life.

More information is at the ripplemassage website

Based on the Ayurvedic system of healing, an Indian Head Massage will completely melt away any stress and leave you feeling revived and totally relaxed.

It has been taught through the generations, and it is common to see head massage as part of daily life in India.

The Indian head massage starts by releasing tension in your back, neck, shoulders and arms. The shoulders are the most common place where you hold stress and tension.

More information is at the ripplemassage website

Hens Party and Wedding Packages.At Ripple, we love to make your hens party and wedding extra special.

There is a wide range of options to spoil you, your groom or just hang out and have fun with your girlfriends prior to the big day.

Our friendly and fully qualified therapists will make the trip to you in the Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Byron Bay, Mt Tamborine and the Gold Coast.

Call us today to book or for more information on 0438 567 906 or email

We can send several therapists to your hens party or two therapists for couples massages for the bride and groom.

Free gift box (valued at $40) for those hens party organisers who book more than 10 hours with us (yes, we know you work hard organising everything, so we wanted t say thanks).

Gift Certificates for the bride and groom - easy online ordering

More information is at the ripplemassage website

Couples Massages Looking for the perfect way to indulge yourself and your partner? Need some time to reconnect, relax and revive? Our couples massages are perfect to getaway or for gift certificates

We can send two friendly and experienced therapists to you to do your massages at the same time. (Minimum 4 hour booking, e.g. 2 x 2 hour massages).

Call Alison 0438 567 906 for more details or to book.

More information is at the ripplemassage website

Sea shells have an uplifting natural energy that is drawn on in a unique new massage style by Ripple.

Using a mix of reef shells, including speckled cowries, ginger scallops, lions paw fans and elegant sun dial shells, this style of massage taps into the energy of the shells whilst giving a deep and calming massage.

The shells are used in a mix of ways. Some like the cowries are heated, and aromatherapy oils are poured into the crevasse to warm before being trickled onto the body. The smooth domed surface is also used with hands on massage to release muscles. The shells are used both to de stress and for deeper tissue work.

Other shells like the lions paws and scarlet coloured scallops are heated and placed on the body to warm the chakras and also the hands during the massage.

Smaller more delicate sun dial and cockles are used to release lines in the face, whilst cones and olives unlock tension in the neck and shoulders.

All of Ripple's Shell Massage packages include free day spa extras. Each package starts with a scented Australian washed salt foot bath, complete with smaller shells and the feel of the surf and sand between the toes.

A full body exfoliation with lime, tangerine and walnut is also included in the two hour package and hot steamed towels with an organic green clay and cucumber face mask complement the shell face massage. A gift of Ripple lotion means you are able to continue the experience after your massage has finished.

Ripple offers a variety of shell massage packages to suit everybody and budget and start at $120. Full details are at Ripple Massage or by calling Alison on 0438 567 906. We come to you in the Gold Coast, Tamborine Mountain, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Byron Bay regions.

Sea Shell Massage

Sea Shell massage is also included in a stunning accommodation and massage package at Witches Falls Cottages on Tamborine Mountain. Perfect for rejuvenation and a way for couples to reconnect and relax, the package includes accommodation in the stone gabled cottage complete with indoor/outdoor spa, private garden and a shell massage with day spa extras. For more details or to book call 07 5545 4411 or visit www.witchesfallscottages.com.au

Chocolate has many positive health benefits, both when it is eaten and also for the skin.

When it is eaten it has large amounts of potassium zinc, magnesium and iron. Magnesium is known to be highly beneficial to muscles and is one vitamin that is regularly recommended by massage therapists to their clients. A deficiency in magnesium is thought to be one of the reasons why pre menstrual women crave chocolate.

Chocolate has also been shown to low cholesterol levels and the vitamin e and vitamin b are also thought to prevent memory loss.

The cacao bean and chocolate have also been noted to be mood enhancers, with the phenylethylamine in chocolate raising seratonin levels (those feel good chemicals in the brain.) Serotonin is known to reduce depression. These chemicals are also knows to reduce hunger and increase libido. It is also known to stimulate endorphins another feel good chemical.

Chocolate has also been discovered to have a relaxing effect on blood vessels, allowing for better blood flow because of the flavanoids. This type of antioxidant acts as a blood thinner and can also stimulate insulin production. Anti oxidants are also thought to reduce the incidence of free radicals in the blood stream, one of the main causes of ageing.

For the skin, it has long been thought that chocolate has beneficial qualities in nourishing the skin from the outside as well as from the inside. Some beauty therapists will use chocolate facials and chocolate body wraps in their treatments not only because of the luxurious nature of the smell and feel of chocolate but also because of these properties.

Chocolate massage is a rare style of massage, mostly found in Europe. Here the therapists warms chocolate and uses it during the massage, sometimes thinned with warmed massage oil. A chocolate massage is sometimes combined with a chocolate body wrap and chocolate facial for a complete package.

With a chocolate body wrap, the client is massage with a dark chocolate oil and then wrapped in foil or other material to allow the health properties of the chocolate to seep into the skin. Chocolate facials are also popular as they plump out the lines in the skin making it appear more youthful.

Chocolate massage couples all the benefits of using chocolate on the skin with other health benefits of massage, such as relaxation, increased blood flow, stimulation of the lymphatic system and digestive system. Using both together increases the effectiveness of the massage, as well as being a luxurious experience.

Ripple Massage is one of a handful of massage therapy businesses in Australia that offers chocolate massage as part of its massage menu. More details can be found at http://www.ripplemassage.com.au or by calling 0438 567 906.

With the focus more on more on couples taking time out to reconnect and rejuvenate, couples massages have become a major trend in many day spas.

Done with two massage therapists, both clients (wife and husband, two friends or Mum and daughter) experience a massage session each at the same time. Day spas have now set up special couple massage rooms with two tables especially so these clients can enjoy the experience of a relaxing massage together.

The styles of massage can vary depending on the client. Sometimes one person will have a deep tissue, remedial style massage whilst the other one may have a more relaxation Swedish style massage. The main element with the couples massage is that is a shared experience, and a way for couples to take some time out of their everyday lives and rejuvenate their bodies. The intention is that this shared experience will bring the couple closer together, allowing them to reconnect with each other without the distractions of the outside world.

Couples who have massages together also enjoy many physical health benefits which can not only benefit them physically them but also bring feelings of relaxation and well being.

Massage increases the amount of serotonin and dopamine in the body, the "feel good chemicals" that is important for sleep, they slow your heart rate, reduce blood pressure and helps your body heal. Research at the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine show these chemicals also reduce depression, stress and anxiety. Massage has also been shown to reduce pms and mood swings.

Massage also reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol which is the stress hormone in the body. Couples who get massages at the same time experience feelings of deep relaxation and well being at the same time, allowing an opportunity for them to relax together and reconnect.

Couples massages have also become a way for couples to enjoy a "time out" with each other, similar to going away for a short vacation or going to a restaurant for dinner. Often couples massages are booked as a celebration, for example for a birthday or anniversary. With soothing music in the background, the relaxation of two massages at the same time, and a glass of champagne afterwards, day spas are promoting these as mini romantic getaway, suited to busy people who need some quiet time with each other.

Couples massages are also not just for husband and wives or girlfriends and boyfriends. Often they are popular with mothers and daughters wanting to enjoy a relaxing experience together, or two girlfriends wanting to spend some time together. They can also be a great way to introduce someone to massage who has not had one before. Sometimes sharing that first time massage can reduce apprehension. Most men find that after having a couples massage with their partner they are more likely to then book a massage on their own.

Ripple Massage is one of a handful of massage therapy businesses in Australia that offers couples massage as part of its massage menu. Ripple is a mobile day spa that comes to you and can provide two therapists to do massages on couples in the privacy of their home or accommodation. More details can be found at http://www.ripplemassage.com.au or by calling 0438 567 906.

Pregnancy massage is one of the most pampering and beneficial activities a pregnant mother can do.

As well as being deeply relaxing for the mother and helping aches and pains associated with being pregnant, massage can also be helpful for the unborn baby.

Massage during pregnancy has a wide range of great of health benefits, including...

* Pregnancy massage relieves muscle spasms, cramps associated with the stress of extra weight bearing and physical changes that occur during pregnancy.

* It reduces stress and allows the mother to relax, both important for during the pregnancy and labour
* The health of the baby is enhanced by the pregnancy massage through increasing blood circulation, lymph circulation, reducing edema and increasing cellular respiration.
* Massage makes the mother feel nurtured and pampered and this can then be passed onto the baby
* Pregnancy massage assists in reducing the stress in the weight bearing joints and other bone and muscle structures.
* It also helps maximise breathing capacity which is needed during labour and delivery.
As the mother's body undergoes major changes when she becomes pregnant, massage is not recommended during the first three months to ensure the health of the mother and the baby.

Doctors suggest that the pregnancy become well established before the massage takes place.

However it is highly recommended for pregnant women in the second and third trimesters that have had no problems with the pregnancy and no history of miscarriage.

It is also recommended during the birth to help assist the mother relax and relieve contraction pain.

Pregnancy massage can be done in a number of ways; the most common is for the mother to lie on her side, bolstered with pillows. This way the therapist can get access to most parts of the client's body whilst the client remains comfortable on the massage table. There are also a number of special massage cushions available that can be used specifically for pregnancy massage that help support the mother and baby.

Most of the techniques used during pregnancy massage are effleurage, long sweeping strokes that relax the client and muscles. Very deep tissue work is not recommended during pregnancy massage.

There are also a number of pressure points that the therapist must keep away from, including pressure points around the ankles and also between the thumb and forefinger. Reflexology is not recommended during pregnancy, however gentle effleurage on the feet is considered to be okay.

The therapist also needs to be mindful of the types of essential oils used during the massage, as there are few that are contraindicated to being used during pregnancy massage.

It is recommended that if a client is pregnant that they contact a therapist that is professionally trained in pregnancy massage. This will ensure the experience is not only relaxing, pampering and beneficial but also is done in a careful and safe manner.

Ripple Massage has experienced and trained pregnancy massage therapists and a number of massage packages designed specifically for clients that are pregnant. It is recommended that should the client have any concerns regarding receiving a massage during their pregnancy they consult with their doctor first.

Remedial massage is a deep tissue style massage, therapeutic in nature, designed to heal specific health issues, muscle problems and injuries.

Massage therapists believe that everything in the body is connected and related and that if one part is injured it will in turn affect the whole body. A person with an injured knee may then favour the other leg which will throw out the muscles in the hip and back leading to back ache. The tightening of these muscles may then cause an imbalance affecting the neck muscles which may then cause a head ache.

So the client may come in complaining of persistent headaches where the primary cause of this problem is a knee injury.
A remedial massage therapist is trained to not only diagnose what is causing the problem but also in treating it with massage.

Clients that visit a remedial massage therapist will have a consultation with them before any treatment takes place to find out what is causing the issue or injury. This consultation will take a variety of forms, usually questions and also a series of tests to see how much range of movement the client may have in certain muscles groups. For example if the client is complaining of headaches, the remedial massage therapist may get the client to turn their head, to see how far their muscles will let the head turn to see if there is muscle tightness in the neck region which might be causing the problem.
The therapist will also observe the client's posture.

In the example above, the therapist might notice the client favouring one leg whilst walking and then find out that there has been a knee injury that needs to be fixed. Remedial therapists also use palpitation of the muscles which is generally just feeling the different muscle groups to feel if they are tight or shortened.

Muscle tissue works by contraction. If muscles tissues are so shortened it cannot work properly then sometimes it cannot contract further and is not able to do the work of the muscle. This can occur from repetitive use of the muscle or it can occur from inaction, for example is an arm is in a sling for a long period of time.

A remedial massage therapist will then use a variety of techniques to soften, stretch and manipulate the muscle so that it will start to work as it should again. These techniques include trigger point therapy. Trigger points are small, highly contracted areas of the muscle and the remedial therapist will manipulate these regions to release them.

Trigger points are often a large source of pain, and releasing them can cause relief from tension and hurt. Sometimes trigger points cause referred pain. So a trigger point maybe located in the shoulder but the pain maybe referred by the muscle to another region in the back. Remedial massage therapists are trained to diagnose referred pain and also treat the underlying cause.

Remedial massage also uses a wide range of other techniques like deep tissue friction that warms and releases the muscles, relaxation massage strokes that soothe the muscles after the deep tissue work, and also stretching. The therapist may get the client to do follow up exercises and stretches at home to continue the work. Remedial therapists are qualified to deal with issues such as arthritis, tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, muscular injuries from sport, neck and back pain, headaches and whiplash.

Ripple Massage has many qualified and experienced remedial massage therapists on staff that will come to you in your home or accommodation. More details can be found at http://www.ripplemassage.com.au or by calling 0438 567 906.

Russian massage is based on techniques that have been used extensively in Russia for over 100 years, and is based on the philosophy that through massage the body can learn to heal, relax and repair itself.

Russian massage uses many unusual techniques, but they do use similar terms to Swedish massage. So for example they use the terms friction and tapotement, but the techniques they use are very different to those used in other styles of massage.

The Russian massage style of tapotement is less intrusive than the Swedish style, covers a larger surface area and is used to increase blood flow to the muscles. Russian massage also uses some friction techniques, both that are very deep tissue styles of massage. The "sawing" technique is an intense style of massage that adds a lot of heat to the muscles and is helpful for chronic muscular problems.

The cresting technique is also unique to this style of massage and again is a friction technique. Often used in sports massage, this technique again provides lots of heat to the muscles.

Raking is also a common technique and is used along the erector spinae muscles and also the intercostal muscles, allowing for deep tissue manipulation of these muscles.

However there are also some more gentle, relaxation styles of massage in the Russian style including the rocking of the body. During this style of massage, the client's body is moved and rocked a lot, with the therapist using the client's body to massage.

So when massaging the muscles in the calf, the therapist will pick up the leg and rock it back and forth, using the weight of the muscle to massage the attachment points. This allows for a less intrusive style of massage and allows the massage therapist to work with the body, not against it.

Russian massage is also known as being very easy on the therapist's body and therefore helps extend the therapists working life. It does not use thumbs at all and a big part of the massage is protection of the therapist's body. Russian therapists believe that sometimes giving 50% energy to a client will have a better effect than giving 100%.
All of the techniques including friction and cresting use the weight of the therapist's body to provide the massage, rather than stressing the therapist's thumbs and hands.

This style of massage has developed in Russia over the last century and is used extensively in hospitals, with patients often being prescribed a series of massages during their stay. Similarly, doctors in Russia regularly use massage therapy in their treatment of patients. Russian massage has only been used in the West rarely and is not commonly available.
Ripple massage is the one mobile massage therapy business in Australia that offers Russian massage to its clients.

Operating in Queensland, NSW and Victoria, clients are able to access this unique and rare style of massage that not only allows for deep relaxation but is deeply therapeutic. For more details on Ripple call 0438 567 906 or visit www.ripplemassage.com.au

Massage is being used more and more by anxious, stressed out brides and grooms just before the wedding. It is also popular as something more pampering at hens parties.

Massage can not only make you feel good, but also make you look good for your big day. And mobile hens party and wedding massage are becoming more and more popular as an easy way to de stress just before you say I do.
So how does massage help you stay calm, serene and peaceful when there are a million details to finalise and you have butterflies in your stomach?

Here's a couple of ways massage improves your health.

It increases the blood flow around your body and gets rid of toxins .
It lowers blood pressure
Massage also helps your cells pick up the nutrition that is in your body
It makes your skin healthier and better nourished from the inside
Reduces pain from knotted up muscles or headaches
Helps you move easier and helps joints move better
Makes your immune system stronger

Massage also relaxes your mind as well as your body.

Massage is one of the best things you can do to reduce wedding stress
It promotes relaxation, perfect before you walk down the aisle.
Makes you aware of the mind-body connection, if your body feels good your mind usually follows
Massage can either stimulate or sedate the body, so if you really want to relax, just let your massage therapist know and they might even send you to sleep.

So what can you expect after a massage?

You could feel really sleepy and blessed out afterwards, so give yourself some time after your massage to relax and chill.
Massage can also dehydrate the body, so it is suggested that you increase your intake of water for at least two days after the massage.
Your digestive system will work better.

Tips for after your massage

- Drink plenty of water! Because massage increases the flow of blood around your body and will release any toxins, it is a good idea to drink more water for a couple of days after your massage
- Rest - Allow your body to enjoy the benefits of your massage and take it easy for a couple of days especially if it has been a long time since your last massage or if your muscles were very stressed.
- Limit alcohol after the massage - it is recommended that you limit the amount of alcohol and caffeine after a massage as these will further dehydrate your body.
- Eat a light meal - suggested spa recipes are here
- Book regular massages with Ripple Massage at www.ripplemassage.com.au take care of yourself and your body will love you back. Regular massages not only make you feel great but are a good way to keep your body healthy and happy.