Learn about the different massage types. A Swedish massage using light strokes and is less harsh than a few of the other massages. This is ideal for people who are sensitive to the touch or experience pain easier than others. It’s a relaxing and soothing massage. A deep tissue massage is very intense and vigorous and is a fine choice for athletes. A third popular massage is a stone massage. This unique massage involves the use of smooth, polished stones that are heated and placed at various points along the body. They are also used to do the massage instead of the massage therapist using their hands and fingers. There are other types of massages such as a pregnancy massage, which focuses on light touch and soothing certain areas.

Consider the cost involved. Massages can vary greatly in price depending on the massage therapist and the type of massage you’re getting. A deep tissue massage or a stone massage will usually be more expensive than a Swedish massage. Always find out the price variances before you commit to a type of massage. Most massage therapists work on an hourly rate so ask about how long they suggest your massage be.

Find out the benefits. Each type of massage offered will provide relaxation but some will provide added benefits such as stress relief, reduction of toxins and muscle soreness. Depending upon your individual situation, inquiring about the benefits can help you choose which type of massage is best suited for your situation.

Find out what to expect on your visit. There are various oils and lubricants used during a massage, depending on which type you ultimately decide to get. There is usually soft music being played and a serene atmosphere. The type of massage you decide upon can be chosen by whether you want a simple relaxing experience or if you want to relieve muscle pain and knowing what to expect is part of that experience. It’s up to you to decide what is best for your body.

In the case of the first reason, water after a massage helps the body flush out any accumulated materials in the muscles which were released during the massage. Especially in the case of deep tissue massage, massage stimulates circulation in the body while expressing water, salt, and other minerals from the muscles, and circulation is designed to carry away waste materials generated by cells. By providing the body with plenty of water, massage clients can help sweep away these waste materials; otherwise, they might build up, causing muscle aches and soreness after a massage.

In the case of lymphatic massage, drinking water after a massage is especially important, as the stimulation of the lymphatic circulation system can generate a large release of wastes in the body. If one thinks of the lymph system as the sewer pipes of the body, collecting unwanted waste material and carrying it away for disposal, lymphatic massage is like a drain cleaner, so water helps flush the drain, in a sense.

Most importantly, people should drink water after a massage because massage can be dehydrating. The manipulation of the muscles depletes them of water, and also moves the fluid in the interstitial spaces between the muscles around. By drinking water, people can rehydrate their muscles, reducing the potential for pain and soreness in the days following a massage. For the same reason, people drink water after exercise and other forms of exertion, because when the muscles are worked, they lose water and electrolytes.

Many people also like to drink a glass of water after a massage because it helps bring them back down to earth. After a massage, people can feel a bit spacey and disoriented; having a glass of water while sitting on the massage table can help bring the body and mind back to the present, and it gives the client time to slowly return to the real world.

Deep Tissue massage is designed to relieve severe tension in the muscle and the connective tissue or fascia. This type of massage focuses on the muscles located below the surface of the top muscles. Deep tissue massage is often recommended for individuals who experience consistent pain, are involved in heavy physical activity, such as athletes, and patients who have sustained physical injury. It is also not uncommon for receivers of Deep Tissue Massage to have their pain replaced with a new muscle ache for a day or two. Deep tissue work varies greatly. What one calls deep tissue another will call light. When receiving deep tissue work it is important to communicate what you are feeling.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep  tissue massage is a style of massage that is designed to get into the connective tissue of the body, rather than just the surface muscles. When a massage therapist performs deep tissue, he or she uses a variety of techniques to deeply penetrate the muscles and fascia, loosening them and releasing tension. Many clients have a more intense experience with a deep tissue massage, but also feel that it is more beneficial, because it addresses deep-seated muscle pains. Like other types of massage, deep tissue is most beneficial when undertaken on a regular basis, so that therapist and client can work together to correct long term problems, relax the body, and prevent injury.
To get a truly good deep tissue massage, it is an excellent idea to go to a massage therapist who specializes in deep tissue. Most spas have several massage therapists who can offer a basic deep tissue massage integrating a number of techniques and styles customized for your body for maximum impact. Experiment by trying several massage therapists to find the one that is right for you.

One of the defining differences between deep tissue and regular massage is the use of tools. A standard massage usually only involves the hands and lower arms of the therapist. During a deep tissue, however, the therapist will use elbows and fingers for deep, penetrating work in the muscle. In addition, penetrating tools such as ceramic, glass, or wooden props may be used as well. A deep tissue massage also tends to be very slow, and the massage therapist will use long, flowing strokes to ease in and out of the muscle. Going in too quickly can cause the muscle to tense up, which is not a desired reaction. Many massage therapists also maintain firm pressure at trouble spots for several minutes to achieve muscle release before moving on to the next area of the body.

When clients go to get a deep tissue massage, they should talk with the therapist about any outstanding issues they would like to see addressed in the massage. Most therapists are happy to concentrate on a single body part for an entire massage to achieve lasting results that the client will truly feel. It is also important to communicate with the massage therapist about pain; a deep tissue massage should never hurt, and if it is painful, it will be counterproductive. The massage may be intense,but if a client starts to feel pain, he or she should communicate that immediately. At the end of the session, lots of water should be consumed to help the body express the toxins released during the massage.

Smoking decreases the amount of oxygen in the blood, which significantly slows healing. Furthermore, nicotine constricts blood vessels and thus reduces blood flow to the skin. No doctor worth her lab coat will allow you to undergo surgical scar removal of any kind until you quit, as it undermines effectiveness, complicates anesthesia, and increases the risk of infection. Don’t fret. Research shows that your body will begin to heal normally in as little as four weeks after quitting.

Massage can help get rid of new scars and prevent the buildup of scar tissue. This is one of the best ways to get rid of scars from surgery or accidents. Massaging with moisturizers will increase blood flow to the scar, which will speed up healing, increase collagen production, as well as ensure an even distribution of collagen. It will also keep the scar moist and prevent a loss in skin elasticity. Press on the scar until it becomes white and massage in all directions – vertically, horizontally, and in circles. Most topical scar treatments are massaged into the skin. As many double blind studies have shown, it is the massage, not the topical treatment (vitamin E, onion extract…etc) that gets rid of scars.

Drawings of accupressure points on Sen lines at Wat Photemple in Phra Nakhon district, Bangkok, Thailand.

Nuad Phaen Boran as is it called in Thailand, correctly translates only as Ancient Massage or Traditional Massage. More widely known today as Thai Massage, it is also often called Traditional Thai Massage, Ancient Thai Massage and occasionally Yoga Massage or Thai Yoga.

Thai Massage is relatively new to modern spas, but it was actually developed by Buddhist monks in Thailand as a healing modality 2,500 years ago. Thai massage uses passive stretching and gentle pressure along the body’s energy lines to increase flexibility, relieve muscle and joint tension and balance the body’s energy systems. Thai massage is both deeply relaxing and energizing.

Thai massage takes place on a futon mat on the floor, and you wear loose fitting clothing. You start by laying on your back, and the therapist uses gentle compression and stretching techniques to open up your body, beginning with you legs.  Thai massage is a little like doing yoga without any effort, because the therapist will push your body into various positions without any work on your part.

Thai massage is done with all your clothes on. But it is not the best choice for first-time spa-goers. The therapist literally uses his or her whole body, including her feet, to move your body into various positions during Thai massage.

Generally speaking, practitioners of modern Thai massage operate on the theory that the body is permeated with “lom,” or “air,” which is inhaled into the lungs and which subsequently travels throughout the body along 72,000 pathways called “sen,” or “vessels.” Typically, massage therapists manipulate a handful of major sen lines by pressing certain points along the lines. In most models, the sen originate at the navel and spread throughout the body to terminate at the orifices. A significant part of the practice of Thai massage also includes yoga-like stretches which are intended to stimulate the sen and move lom through the body via a pumping action which is connected with the patient’s breathing.

The theory of sen and lom is often translated into English as “meridians” and “energy.” While there are some superficial similarities to Chinese meridian theory, the Thai system is markedly different as the sen are unconnected from the internal organs.

Thai massage has its roots in a spiritual tradition, and its purpose is to heal a person physically, emotionally and spiritually.

You have deadlines, the baby is crying, your train is late, your head won´t be quiet with all those thoughts of what you need to do….. you start to feel stressed. Your heart starts to pump faster, your breathing becomes more rapid as more oxygen is supplied to the heart and muscles. Why? Because our body still relates stress to running away or fighting something hairy! All this extra energy created by the body has to come from somewhere. It comes from putting certain key functions on standby.

These are

• The digestive system
• The reproductive system
• The immune system
• The excretory system

Why? Because, the mind has to make a judgment call, it thinks, I am stressed, in survival mode, I can digest my dinner later, fight my minor bacterial infections later, go to the toilet later, have a baby later, after we have dealt with this crisis. This ingrained stress response was useful before but not so applicable now. Often when people want to make changes to their health and lifestyle, they start with food.

• Facts: If we make positive dietary changes but are reacting to stressors and do not know how to fully relax, then we are not fully benefiting from our changes. This is because the inherent stress response, is compromising the effectiveness of our digestive system, causing us not to absorb our food or excrete our waste fully.
• This is where reflexology is excellent. A perfect complement to our nutritional assessment.

It works directly on the 7,000 nerve endings in your feet to use specific pressure points to stimulate the body and calm the nervous system down, relieve stress and allow you to relax. It is fantastic for calming the mind, balancing hormones and allowing stress to fade away. It improves circulation, stimulates the lymphatic system to reduce bloating and excess fluid, reducing the body´s toxic load. and very importantly when considering nutrition and the digestive system, it helps us to absorb the nutrients from our food and allow us to excrete unwanted waste.

Reflexology is a massage to relieve tension by finger pressure; based on the belief that there are reflex points on the feet, hands, and head that are connected to every part of the body.

Reflexology can be performed practically anytime and anywhere. However, the best results are derived when it is performed on a consistent basis.

Although you can have a foot massage at any time of the day, many people prefer to have one at the end of the day to help them unwind and relax.

*Fact: According to Newsweek magazine Princess Diana had foot reflexology three times a week.

Reflexologiests believe, working the foot is like working and healing the body.

Many civilizations have practiced reflexology. Evidence of this has been documented on four continents: Asia, Europe, Africa, and North America. Reflexology may be one of the oldest forms of practiced massages. Archaeological evidence draws us back to Egypt (2330 BCE), Japan (690 CE), and China ((2704 BCE). It seems to disappear and then reappear centuries later in one form or another.

Many changes took place in zone therapy, or reflexology, as new knowledge was added. The precursor of modern reflexology was introduced to the United States in 1913 by William H. Fitzgerald, M.D. (1872–1942), an ear, nose, and throat specialist, and Dr. Edwin Bowers. Fitzgerald claimed that applying pressure had an anesthetic effect on other areas of the body. Reflexology was further developed in the 1930s and 1940s by Eunice D. Ingham (1889–1974), a nurse and physiotherapist. Ingham claimed that the feet and hands were especially sensitive, and mapped the entire body into “reflexes” on the feet. It was at this time that “zone therapy” was renamed reflexology.

The Association of Reflexologists explain that the method of treatment can help with migraines, arthritis, fertility, back pain, constipation, and asthma.

Reflexology massage therapy has numerous benefits. A session can not only treat the symptoms of a disease, but improves the whole body well–being. Improve your well–being, relax and increase your energy levels with repeated sessions!

Reflexology help relieve all types of pain and stress, both mental and physical. If you aren´t able to find relief from conventional medicine, you may want to look into the healing power of touch.

Reflexology sends energy signals that help to put the nervous system back in balance and release chemicals, such as endorphins, that work to reduce pain and discomfort.

*Fact: It’s frequently used for post-operative care. For example, a study in the American Cancer Journal found that one-third of cancer patients used reflexology as a supplementary medical therapy.

It improves balance throughout your body, including in your hormonal systems. Pressing certain points can stimulate your thyroid and pituitary glands. These glands, plus your adrenals, are major players in your endocrine system. Among other things, your endocrine system has the ability to regulate your body clock, and keep your menstrual cycle in tune (if you’re female and premenopausal, that is.) Reflexology techniques done on these areas of the foot have led many devotees to report relief from insomnia and PMS.

Reflexology can aid the removal of mucus, bring relief from cold and flu symptoms and reduce the incidence of asthma attacks. It can help lower blood pressure when the heart area, kidneys, adrenal glands, solar plexus, diaphragm, lungs and chest are all stimulated to work effectively.

Reflexology benefits:

• Rid the body of toxins
• Increase circulation
• Reduce stress
• Relieve pain
• Recover from injuries
• Improve digestion
• Normalize blood pressure
• Balance hormonal systems
• Assist in weight loss
• Improve the health of the organs

Reflexology is kind of a unique and different form of exercise.
This theory is quite ancient and deeply rooted in ancestry because feet are used to run away as in the “fight or flight” reaction, and the hands are used for defending with a weapon. The body will react to fear by pumping adrenaline throughout. Reflexology uses pressure applied to the sensors of the feet and hands. The feet are the gauges for the ground below them. They are the controllers for what is going on, such as lying down, walking, running, etc. These things change constantly through the course of the day; and the feet will communicate with the body to let it know what is going on. If it is believed that the body is made up of energy centers or meridians; it just makes sense that keeping the energy flowing throughout the body and relieving any blockages could be quite beneficial for the body to heal itself.

• Reflexology exercises: Toe raise, toe point, toe curl:
  Hold each position for 5 seconds.
  Repeat 10 times.
• Golf ball roll:
  Roll a golf ball from the ball of the foot to the heal for 2 minutes.
• Towel curls:
  Place a small towel on the floor and curl it toward you, using only your toes.
  Repeat 5 times.
• Marble pick up:
  Place a marble on the floor. Pick up the marble and put it in a small bowl. Pencils and towels can be used for this exercise as well.
• Repeat 20 times.

Massage is a wonderful technique which employs skillful touch to relax both body and mind. It is a unique way of communicating without words; a healing art, which relieves pain and suffering.

First of all I would like to present myself. Some of you already know me or have heard about me or have read comments on Internet. My name is Boris Sonis and I am a founder of Massage Guru; the remarkable team of skilled experts in massage therapy, cosmetology and fitness.

I am practicing and studying massage for over 25 years and I am continually amazed by the power of the ancient art of magic touch. You know how good it feels to have a massage, but do you really know how beneficial it is? You´ll be amazed at how valuable a massage can be to your whole being. Massage Therapy gives the body a chance to release stress, pain and emotional fatigue. In these times it is so important to take care of our whole being. Massage is not a luxury, this is a necessity!

As a healer and an educator, my personal mission is to be catalyst for the body to heal itself and to educate my clients so they are empowered to be able to further heal themselves. I will be glad to share with you my experience and expertise in massage therapy.

Boris Sonis
Massage Guru