The Art of Japanese Zen Facial Massage

According to Oriental Medicine, a person's face tells everything about him or her including the person's health and emotional well-being. The Oriental concept of beauty believes that what is on the inside affects the outside and that true beauty is only achieved with internal balance and health. They believe the factors such as diet, life style, exercise, and emotions affect the entire body. These imbalances display themselves as impurities, imperfections,and deficiencies (dullness) in the skin.

The Art of Japanese Zen Facial Massage is the application of essential oil aromatherapy, acupressure, and massage to the face and upper body. These treatments help alleviate the negative affects of internal and external stressors on the skin. The facial treatments increase circulation and lymph flow in the face, tones skin and underlying connective tissue, and increase energy (Qi) in the area. By removing toxins from the face, improving circulation and tone, and balancing Qi, outward affects include a decrease in fine wrinkles especially around the eyes and lips, evened skin tone, decrease in blemishes, and a brighter complexion. This treatment can slow premature aging and help balance emotions. It can also be used to treat and prevent migraines and tension headaches, TMJ dysfunction, neck pain, and provide deep relaxation.

Essentials oils that may be used in Japanese Facials include basil, peppermint, cedarwood, lavender, geranium, and rosemary. Essential oils have the ability to penetrate cell membranes and diffuse throughout the blood and tissues of the body. Essential oils are natural healers. They can be used as an anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and can also be used to enhance relaxation, balance emotions, and decrease muscle tension and pain. Each oil has unique properties to suit each person's individual needs.

Japanese Zen Facials are non-invasive and can be used safely on a variety of individuals for a wide array of dysfunctions. Some precautions include pregnancy, sensitivities to oils, high blood pressure, and use of anti-psychotic drugs. Inform your massage therapist of all of your health conditions so that the treatment can be tailored to your needs.

Enhance your external beauty with internal balance, try Japanese Zen Facials.

Clear Your Head with Breathing

We all know that breathing is essential for life, but few are aware of how breathing can be used to improve life. Many people have done "deep breathing" also known as diaphragmatic breathing. It is commonly used to calm oneself down in stressful situations. A lesser known breath technique that can be equally useful is called Yin/Yang breathing or alternate nostril breathing. This technique has been shown to increase relaxation by calming the nervous system. It is also used as preparation for meditation and can also improve clarity of thought by balancing the right and left brain hemispheres.

How to perform:

1. Sit in a comfortable, relaxed upright position.
2. Bend your middle fingers into the palm of your dominant hand
3. If using your right hand, close the right nostril with your thumb and exhale
through your left nostril
4. Inhale through your left nostril while keeping the right nostril closed
5. Close your left nostril with your pinky finger and open your right nostril
6. Exhale through the right nostril

This is one cycle. Repeat doing a comfortable number of repetitions. Stop if you feel any strain or light-headed. Do not do if you have a cold or congestion. Check with your doctor if you have had any past breathing difficulties or respiratory conditions or if you are pregnant.

Practice makes perfect. Give yourself time to master the technique. Take a minute today to focus on your breath- its a simple way to clear your head and make your whole being feel better.

What to Look for in a Massage Therapist

Massage therapy is more than just providing relaxation through touch. It also involves the manipulation of soft tissues and affects several systems of the body including the muscular, skeletal, skin, circulatory, and nervous systems. There are also several medical conditions that contraindicate massage therapy. Knowing that massage can impact so many aspects of your body, isn't it important to know if the massage therapist is qualified to have such an effect?

So how do you know if your massage therapist is qualified and properly trained? First and foremost, you should make sure that the massage therapist is licensed. In the state of CT and many other states this is the law to protect consumers. In order to be licensed, the therapist must have graduated from a massage therapy program, passed a National Certification exam, achieve a certain amount of continuing education,and maintain ethical and safety standards. Any massage therapist should be willing to show you his/her license upon request. Other ways to determine if a therapist is maintaining professional standards is by being Nationally Certified (NCBMTB)and the participation in the American Massage Therapist Association (AMTA). To participate in these, the therapist needs to maintain continuing education credits including credits for ethics.

But it is not just the number of continuing education credits that you should be concerned about, it is also the type. It is important to know that the therapist has been properly trained in specialized modalities such as hot stone therapy before performing it on you. This and other modalities can cause injury if the therapist is not trained. The therapist also needs to be educated to anatomy and physiology to know how to properly address conditions and which conditions in which massage is contraindicated.

So how can you find a massage therapist that you trust? A great way to start is to visit the AMTA website (www.amtamassage.org) and go to Find a Massage Therapist. It is also a great idea to check references of the therapist or get a referral from a trusted friend. Because does it really matter how much qualifications a therapist have if he/she gives a terrible massage?! Remember, massage is more than relaxation...protect yourself and have a great experience!

Keep your head up...it may help your back

I recently was reading an article in Massage magazine (Oct.2009) by Eric Stephensen. The article was about body mechanics for massage therapists but many of the points can be applied to everyone. One point that really stood out was how head posture can really affect strain on the body, especially the spine. According to Renee Cailliet, M.D., the human head weighs 10 lbs. If the head is positioned directly in the center of the shoulders, the load on the spine is only 10 lbs. As the head is moved forward, such as when you slouch or are looking down at work on a desk, the load is increased 10 lbs. for every inch that the center of the ear is moved in front of the shoulders. This added load places strain on the whole spine including the discs, joints, and nerves. As the article points out, if your head is positioned only 3 inches if front of your shoulders, you are placing 30 pounds of stress on your spine! So the pain in your back may have just as much to do with the position of head and neck as it does with the position of your back. So, throughout your day do what mom said, "Don't slouch!" it can save your back.

Simple Desk Stretches

Is your desk job a pain? Increased stressed combined with repetitive movements in a static position such as computer work can result in increased tension in neck, shoulders, and wrists. Here are some simple stretches that you can do at your desk to help alleviate some of your tension in between massage appointments.

1) Neck stretch: while sitting in a stable chair in good posture, grasp the underside of the chair with one hand. With the other hand, reach over the top of your head, holding onto the opposite side of the head just above your ear. If you are reaching with your left hand, gently pull your head toward your left shoulder, feeling a stretch on the right side of your neck and shoulder. Repeat on opposite side, switching hand positions.

2) Upper body stretch: reach hands in front of you, grasp hands together interlacing fingers, and lift arms to shoulder level. Pull arms away from your body, feeling a stretch in your shoulders and upper back. Next, grasp your hands behind your back and pull arms away from your body, feeling a stretch in your shoulders and chest.

3) Wrist stretch: Hold your arms out in front of your body. Place one hand on the back of the other hand. Press gently down, moving the fingers toward the floor. Next, move the top hand to the underside of the other palm. Move the hand toward your body so the fingers point toward the ceiling. Repeat on other side.

Hold each stretch for about 20 seconds. Repeat several times daily. If any pain or discomfort occurs, do not continue with stretch. If you have any past muscle or joint injuries or problems, please discuss these stretches with your massage therapist, or physician before beginning stretching program.

Why Should I Get Regular Massages?

Many people may see massage as a luxury, only to be indulged in for special occasions. However, massage therapy has multiple benefits for the mind, body, and spirit. Like any investment, the more deposits you make, the more the benefits grow.

These benefits include, but are not limited to: improved sense of well-being; relaxation; decreased muscle tension; decreased pain; improved range of motion; improved circulation; improved immune response; improved sleep; decreased blood pressure. While a person may experience these benefits after a single massage session, the effects will diminish over time as one experiences life situations/stressors that caused the problems initially. Unfortunately, a lot of people think more about maintenance for the car than maintaining their own bodies. Regular maintenance is important in both situations to allow all the "systems" to operate efficiently and to avoid breakdown.

Regular massage therapy sessions can also have cumulative effects. While one session can help reduce the amount of tension in the body, regular sessions allow the therapist to reduce the tension more effectively, usually also at deeper levels. The body also has a "memory" from experiences. By receiving regular massage, one is enhancing their body's memory for tension release and relaxation. If the body "knows" what to do, it is able to release tension and achieve relaxation with greater ease.

Massage therapy has also been shown to increase one's body awareness. This means that one becomes more familiar with how your body is feeling. A person can become more aware of areas of tension or discomfort. This is helpful to correct improper postures or activities that may be harmful before injury occurs.

There is no magic formula for how often one should receive therapeutic massage. Discuss your personal goals for massage with your therapist and together you can discover the best maintenance program for your body and lifestyle. Massage therapy is an easy investment that can result in high yields for your body and your health. Feel like a million bucks- schedule your massage appointment today!

Work Hurts

Unfortunately, in today's world many people spend a greater percentage of their day at work than any other place. And, when they are at work, they are spending the majority of their time in one position, often sitting at a computer. This constant, static position can lead to repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome or even low back strain if one is not positioned properly.

One way to prevent these injuries is with ergonomics. Ergonomics is the science of designing the job, equipment, and workplace to fit the worker. Such ergonomic changes that can be applied to a computer work station are raising/lowering the desk and/or chair; placing the computer screen and key board directly in front of the user; utilizing a wrist support near the keyboard; using a wireless mouse;or using a hands-free headset for the phone.

These changes are made to help position the worker in a "neutral" posture. This posture includes keeping the feet on the floor with the ankles, knees, and hips at 90 degrees. This posture helps support the low back, preventing low back strain. It is also important that the arms and wrists are properly supported to prevent shoulder and wrist injury. By properly placing the computer monitor and using a hands-free phone, one can also help prevent neck strain.

All of those aches and pains that you may attribute to stress at work may also be coming from your work station. Next, time you are at work take a minute to survey your posture and see what changes can be made to help you achieve a supported, neutral posture. Many large companies have ergonomic teams to help you achieve this and can help supply you with the proper equipment.

You can also help prevent muscle stiffness by changing your position often. Try to get up and walk around or stand for at least a few minutes every hour. Stretches can be provided by your massage therapist that you can do at your work station as well.


By taking care of yourself at work, work may become less of a pain!

I'm Too Old for Massage!

No one is ever too old for massage. As long as the massage is specific for the client's needs and the therapist is trained to work with special populations, massage therapy is appropriate for everyone. In fact, massage therapy can have wonderful benefits as you age.

The normal process of aging can bring about many physical and psychological changes. The physical changes can include decreased strength and range of motion, decreased mobility, increased muscle/joint pain, decreased circulation, decreased immune function, and drier skin. Massage can help these "symptoms" of aging. Massage can improve circulation, promote healthy skin, improve immune function, improve range of motion and decrease stiffness, and decrease discomfort.

There are also many psychological effects with aging. This may include increased anxiety that is brought on by many changes and losses that occur as we age. This anxiety may result in increased muscle tension and decreased sleep. Massage can help reduce anxiety, increase relaxation, decrease muscle tension, and help improve sleep. The loss of loved ones and friends as one ages can also result in decreased social interaction and loss of caring touch. Regular massage therapy provides meaningful interaction and caring touch which is so important in foster as sense of well being.

As a person ages, there is also a greater risk of developing many medical conditions. Some medical conditions may contraindicate certain types of massage therapy, so it is important to find a massage therapist who is aware of these precautions and who can adjust the massage appropriately. It is also important to know that massage can be performed lying down or seated so the therapist can suggest the most appropriate position for the clients comfort and mobility.

For these reasons, massage therapy should be considered an important addition to anyone's wellness program to promote healthy aging.

Aromatherapy

"Something smells good!" but did you know that the good smell can also make you feel great too? Aromatherapy involves the inhalation of essential oils. When these naturally occurring oils are inhaled, the scent enters your bloodstream through the nasal tissues. The chemicals are carried through the blood to your brain where they stimulate neurotransmitters. This can result in physical and psychological changes.

Each essential oil has specific properties and resultant effects on the body. Essential oils can help lower stress, improve mood, boost energy, and even decrease pain. Here are some popular essential oils and their effects:

Lemon- Decrease fatigue
Cinnamon- Decrease anxiety or stress
Lavender- Decrease pain
Peppermint- Boost energy
Chamomile- Decrease stress
Bergamot- Decrease pain

Essential oils can be used during massage therapy sessions to enhance the benefits of the massage. Besides receiving the benefit of inhaling the scent, the essential oils are also absorbed through the skin during the massage. It should be noted that essential oils are very strong and should be diluted before being applied to the skin. The massage therapist will add the essential oil to a carrier oil such as jojoba oil and then apply it to the skin. You will receive the benefits of massage plus the physical and psychological effects of the specific essential oil.

Because the essential oils have physical effects on the body, please discuss use of essentials oils with a professional who is aware of the specific uses and precautions before using.

Protect Your Skin: Protect Your Life

With Memorial Day around the corner, so are thoughts of picnics, pools, and lots of other outdoor fun. Unfortunately, its also a time when so many of us spend hours of time unprotected in the harmful rays of the sun. Although we should be thinking about sun protection all year round, most people don't even think about sunscreen until its time to break out the shorts. Even when we do use it, most of us don't use it properly. The fact is we can enjoy the beautiful summer sun and protect ourselves and our families too by being Sun Smart. Here are some guidelines from The American Academy of Dermatology to protect yourself from the sun.

1)Generously apply a water-resistant sunscreen- use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more that has broad spectrum (UVA & UVB) protection and reapply every 2 hours

2) Wear protective clothing- long sleeve shirts and pants, hats

3) Seek shade- especially between 10 AM and 4 PM when the sun's rays are the strongest

4) Use extra caution near water, snow and sand- reflect rays increasing sunburn

5) Get vitamin D safely- healthy diet and supplements; don't need to seek sun

6) Avoid tanning beds- UV light causes wrinkling and skin cancer

7) Check your birthday suit on your birthday- if you notice anything changing, growing or bleeding on the skin, see a dermatologist

For more information contact the American Academy of Dermatology
1-888-462-DERM or www.aad.org

Oh My Aching Feet!

"Oh my aching feet!" can be heard from anyone who stands on their feet all day to someone who wears uncomfortable shoes for the sake of fashion. If you are not lucky enough to have someone who likes to give foot massages, here are some simple things you can do for yourself to make your feet feel great.

A simple foot massage to help ease tension in your feet and help stretch out your arches can be done with a tennis ball. While sitting down, roll the ball under your foot with some pressure. Roll the ball up the middle of your foot from heel to toes; roll the ball across the arch below your toes; and then roll the ball up and down on the arches on the sides of your foot. Finally, roll the ball in circles under your heel. Repeat as often as needed until the tension in your foot is relieved.

Another way tension in your feet can be relieved is a foot bath. A plastic dishpan works great as a simple foot bath. Fill the bath with enough water to cover your feet. Warm water can be used to relax your muscles, but sometimes a cool bath feels good on hot summer days. Place the bath on a bath towel on the ground with enough towel around the edges to place your wet feet on before standing up when you're done. Place some marbles in the bath and then roll both of your feet over the marbles. For even greater effect, you can add epsom salt to the bath which aids in muscle relaxation. Epsom salts can be found at any neighborhood pharmacy. Read the package instructions to know how much to add to the foot bath. Another great addition is essential oils. Lavender, tea tree oil, or peppermint are great additions to foot baths. Ask your massage therapist where the oils can be purchased and how to properly use them.

Try these simple solutions in between your massage sessions for happy feet everyday!

Hot Stone Massage

Do you want deep relaxation and relief of tension without the need of deep pressure? If so, hot stone massage is for you. Hot stone massage is a specialty massage that uses smooth, heated stones. The stones most often used are volcanic rock stones called basalt. The stones are heated in a warm bath of water. The basalt stones absorb and retain the heat from the water.

Before using the stones, the massage therapist typically will apply oil to the body and use massage to help warm the skin and muscles for the treatment. The oil helps the stones glide over the skin. The therapist then either uses the stones to massage the body using traditional Swedish Massage; or the stones may be placed at specific points on the body. These can be points of increased tension or specific energetic points.

The heat is both deeply relaxing and helps tight muscles release. The heat warms and relaxes the muscles, which allows the therapist to apply deeper pressure, if desired. The warmth of the hot stones can all improve circulation and calm the nervous system. If placed on energy centers, the stones are believed to help rebalance the body and mind.

Hot stone massage has many beneficial effects, including but not limited to:

• Alleviation of stress
• Release of toxins
• Reduction of pain
• Improved circulation
• Calming of the psyche
• Deep muscle relaxation
  

Hot stone massage is used to treat a variety of conditions which may include:

• Muscular aches and pains
• Back Pain
• Arthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Stress, Anxiety
• Circulatory problems
• Insomnia
• Depression

It is important to remember that hot stone massage is a specialty. A massage therapist should be trained to perform hot stone massage. The therapist needs to know how to correctly heat and use the stones to prevent burning; what conditions that would preclude a person from receiving hot stone massage; and which techniques to use to properly address the needs of the client. Do not hesitate to ask the massage therapist where he/she has been trained and how long they have been doing hot stone massage. During the session, provide the therapist with feedback regarding the heat and pressure of the stones. Hot stone massage should be very relaxing and should never feel uncomfortable.

If you are interested in trying a new a technique and experiencing a whole new level of relaxation, ask about hot stone massage!

Why is Stress Harmful?

Most people follow the belief "what doesn't kill me will only make me stronger!" While this is probably true in most cases, prolonged or chronic stress can actually weaken your body. A key contributor in this is the hormone Cortisol or hydrocortisone. It is produced in the adrenal gland and is released in response to stress.
In normal release, cortisol is important to helping the body restore homeostasis or balance after a stress event- physical or psychological. However, chronic stress can cause prolonged cortisol release which can have adverse effects on the body. These negative effects include but are not limited to: counteraction of insulin leading to hyperglycemia (increased blood sugar); loss of collagen from the skin; weakening of the immune system; and damage to cells in the hippocampus resulting in impaired memory and learning.
Many of us have felt these effects during periods of prolonged stress, reporting, "I just don't feel like myself!" Many of these symptoms that we feel because of stress can be directly related to the increase of Cortisol.

We all know that massage feels great when we are under stress. Massage therapy not only helps to decrease the tension that we feel in our muscles during physical and emotional stress, but it also has been shown to decrease Cortisol. By decreasing the level of cortisol, the physical effects of stress on the body are also decreased. Regular massage will keep your body in a state of balance and help you feel great even in times of stress.

Massage Therapy...Why Now?

During these tough economic times many people may view massage as a luxury that just will not fit into their budgets. However, I believe massage therapy should be seen as a necessity, an investment in one's health and wellness.
Many of my clients report increased pressures in and out of the workplace. Research has shown that increased stress can lead to increased fatigue, increased tension, decreased immune function, as well as emotional changes. All can contribute to decreased productivity and more missed work days.
Many things at your workplace are out of your control. Keep your productivity and ability to give all of your of best at work by putting yourself first. Regular massage therapy sessions can keep you on the top of your game by decreasing your stress and therefore maintaining your health and wellness.