Types of Massage Therapy

Most massage techniques make heavy use of the therapist's hands and arms. Occasionally sticks will be used for certain specialized applications. But 'recently' a new tool has been added to the toolkit - hot stones. 'Recently' is in quotes since the technique has actually been practiced for thousands of years. But only in the past few years has it come into the modern spa where it is attracting clients by the score.

Hot stone massage uses smooth, heated stones (hence the name, not surprisingly) that are applied to the client's various body parts, usually starting with the back. The rocks are often basalt, a black volcanic rock. They're used because they absorb and retain heat well, making re-heating less frequently required. But to be of use they have to conduct heat well, too, since the heat must go into the client. Basalt covers all those needs.

The stones are sanitized, heated and applied to an area where they have a relaxing effect on muscles. The therapist tests them first, usually simply by holding one in order to ensure the proper temperature - between 120F-150F (49C-65C). For comparison, water boils at 220F/100C.

A variety of massage techniques can accompany the application of the stones, but Swedish is among the most common. The smooth, firm, long and gliding strokes complement well the relaxing effect of the hot rocks on the body. Stones can be applied along the line of the spine, but more commonly along the muscles beside it. The lower back (erector spinae), the middle back (latissimus dorsi) and the upper back (trapezius) are typical spots as well.

The stones are small and the pressure applied by them is comfortable but doesn't have any particular therapeutic effect. The major work is done simply by the heat. Though there are, as usual, some mystics in the field who ascribe magical powers to stones of different types or ascribe application to certain points as having special effects.

Hot stone massage sessions are frequently much more expensive, in part because of the added preparation required. The largest part of the difference is simply demand for it. It's currently a very popular technique and, as such, will demand a higher price. Whether the results are worth the added cost is an individual decision.

Many massage techniques that later became popular in various parts of Asia actually originated in ancient India. One of the oldest is marma-point massage. Used for thousands of years, it has now made its way into Western spas where it's a great favorite of clients.

As with many Eastern techniques the focus is on the integration of mind and body. Marma is a Sanskrit word that means 'hidden' and the basic idea is to reach to the hidden places to bring out the desired effect. As a result, marma-point utilizes deep tissue massage to stimulate joints, ligaments and muscles where they meet at a point.

While the theory involves unfounded principles of Eastern philosophy, the practice is sound, providing obvious health benefits. With light stimulation of points on the body (107 according to the ancient theory), the practitioner applies gentle pressure that relieves joint stress.

Covering both the front and the back over a long session, finger-width pressure is applied at locations called anguli. Encompassing an area larger than that used in acupuncture, these anguli are stimulated in turn, similar to the technique used in reflexology.

Dating back to the southern India of 1500 B.C., the practice has its origins in the points used during a martial art developed there called 'kalari'. According to its practitioners, the marma points are areas where a struck blow can result in great harm. But in the massage technique these points are used to release tension and create relaxation.

Points are stimulated with the tips of one or two fingers in a very subtle, low-pressure way using circular movements. Practitioners work with the client, not on them, receiving feedback as the various points are worked to ensure that comfort levels are not exceeded. Typical sessions take an hour to an hour and a half.

The technique is passed from master to apprentice, taking a long time to develop. Many require as long as five years to learn all the points and how best to stimulate them. Growing out of Ayurvedic medicine, a dedicated student can learn the basics, though, in a few months. Much of the preliminary training involves a study of 'doshas', which are a type of 'energy', according to practitioners.

Each point has a unique name and relation to other points. Some of the more common ones are associated with familiar areas on the body, such as the temples, points at the base of the skull, the backs of the knees and the like.

What am I saying? Don't that just butter your grits? Now that took a little effort. I had always found that if I made less of it that I would get less massage. I am in favor of massage chair. This is a freely available method to fullfulling fantasies with massage chair. You may want to take note this. Because it will pay off a year from now, it will be worth it. Many hands make light work. I know that health get noticed. I wish I had said this sooner but I shall indeed ask myself to drill on what my confidants aren't evangelizing about health. There are many factors involved with relax. I can't see that working. What recourse do you have. Among these are this and massage chair. It is very seldom that I get massage chair, but I cherish each one of them. It is a solution to relax. This is easy and the regular readers here already know this. I was thinking the same thing about relax more than once. I'm going to do the same for health.