Misconceptions About Massage
By Lea Johnson [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lea_Johnson]

Massage therapy has been practiced as a therapeutic and healing modality for several years in numerous cultures all over the world. Some people are still unsure about massage even as the obvious proliferation of discount massage salons have made massage therapy ubiquitous and accessible to all. It is my belief that the lack of equal hours in training and various laws regarding Massage therapy have spurned certain attitudes and misconceptions regarding massage therapy as a legitimate practice. Below are some common misconceptions regarding therapeutic massage that I'd like to clear up for everyone.

Massage therapy is an expensive luxury service. When you say Massage therapy , the image that most people conjure up is a scene at a luxury destination spa where people are waiting at your beck and call. This sort of imagery can make most people feel that Massage therapy is not within their reach financially. There is a Massage therapy for every price range but remember, you get what you pay for.

Massage therapists are shady. It's unfortunate that many people are doing other things under the guise of massage. It makes it frustrating and a bit insulting to those who are working hard to promote the positive benefits of legitimate massage and then be grouped with those that are offering less than legitimate services under the heading of Massage therapy .

Massage therapy isn't a viable treatment for pain and injuries. Europe and Canada have long recognized Massage therapy for its therapeutic quality as a stress reliever and for injury treatment. All over the world, many countries practice a more preventative approach to health care.

Massage therapy is going to hurt. Massage should never hurt. If it hurts, the therapist is either not paying attention or is not checking in. A good massage therapist is also a good communicator. If a therapist is not listening to you when you mention that something hurts, then end the massage right away. A massage is never supposed to be painful. A comfortable soreness is acceptable but pain is not.

Massage therapy is going to tickle me. If a Massage therapy is tickling someone, the therapist is obviously not using enough pressure. If you are prone to being ticklish, let your therapist know so they can apply a different quality of pressure.

If you think that everyone likes tapotement, you are kidding yourself. Seriously, if you're using tapotement in every Massage therapy you do, it's time to break it up. tapotement is loud and stimulating. Quieter techniques are appreciated by those who need a massage for relaxation.

Governmental bodies that were late to regulating massage have caused therapists in those areas to be taken less seriously than other areas where massage has been a regulated wellness practice for years. In the United States you'll find a large gap in the hours of training and license requirements. This is unfortunate for massage therapists when trying to move their license to another state.

All massage therapists are vegetarian, into new age and worship crystals! I always laugh when people ask me these things. It's amazing how quickly people make judgments on lifestyle preferences based on an occupation. There are many massage therapists who are vegetarian, new age and believe in crystals and that's cool. please don't assume we all belong to that club. By the way, I do think that crystals are beautiful to enjoy.

The massage therapist will judge my body. I have yet to meet a massage therapist who is judgmental on someone's body. Over the years I've been asked the annoying question, "How does my body rate from a scale of 1-10?" Seriously, I tell clients that I'm looking for limited range of motion and compensation in the body. That will usually get them off that topic. You can come up with your own clever response to that line of questioning!

So there you have it folks, a few of the misconceptions about Massage therapy as a profession and massage therapists in general. I'm sure you've heard others. It's important to show the world the professionals that we are so we can spread the positive messages about massage therapy as a positive addition to a healthy lifestyle.

Lea Johnson has been a practicing licensed massage therapist for almost two decades. She is now thrilled to share her no-nonsense advice to other licensed massage practitioners to help them find their own way into their practice or improve the one they have. http://www.greatmassagetips.com

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Massage Therapy: What You Need to Know About It
By Sasha A Scott 
[http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sasha_A_Scott]
    
What comes to mind when you hear the word massage? How about massage therapy? What's the difference? Well, let me start by saying that massage therapy has been around for long time; thousands of years to be approximately exact. Now what else is there to know?
Massage came from the Greek word "masso" meaning, "to touch". It aims to improve integrity of muscle tissues, release tension, improve blood and lymph circulation, alleviate pain, improve range-of-motion and so much more. You see, massage has a lot of health benefits.

The person who performs the massage therapy is called a massage therapist and they use several strokes during the entire process; a combination of kneading, gliding and cross-fiber friction. During a massage, you're required to take off all your clothes. But fret not; you will be entirely covered with sheets and only the area that will be worked on will be modestly exposed. Massage therapists make use of oil to lubricate the skin and facilitate ease of strokes.
There are different types of massage therapies and these are the following:
1. Swedish
2. Deep tissue
3. Sports
4. Hot stone
5. Aromatherapy
6. Trigger point therapy
7. Craniosacral therapy
8. Neuromuscular therapy
9. Myofascial release
10. Watsu
11. Rolfing
12. Reflexology
13. Shiatsu
14. Thai massage
15. Ayurvedic
16. Pregnancy
Each of these massage therapy types has different purpose. If you're physically active, you can get a sports massage therapy . Pregnancy massage, from the name itself, is for expectant women. It eases the discomforts that comes with pregnancy and promotes shorter and easier labor. And so on and so forth.
Now if you're wondering how much a massage cost, well, it depends on where you are and how expensive or luxurious the spa is. In short, it varies. It can take from thirty (30) minutes to ninety (90) minutes. Mini massages are usually shorter. But most of the time, massages can take from 50 minutes to 1 hour.
There two ways to get a massage therapy. The first option is going to a spa and the second one is hiring a licensed massage therapist. The latter can go to your house and give you a massage in the safety and comfort of your own home.
Remember however that when you are sick or experiencing some health problems, don't get a massage therapy . For example, if you have rashes, open wounds, chemotherapies and such, give yourself a break and use this time to rest and recover. On the other hand, pregnant women should consult their physicians first before getting a massage therapy.
According to [http://www.tensionrelease.com.au]Massage Melbourne, if you're thinking of getting a massage therapy , do it on a regular basis. As the long-term effects of massage therapy is worth your every penny. However, make sure that you only trust therapists or spas with good reputation and offer excellent services. [http://www.tensionrelease.com.au/therapeutic-massage.htm]Massage StKilda emphasizes that going to a therapist or spas that offer substandard services is not only a waste of your precious time but money as well.

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Find the Most Suitable Massage Therapy Style for You
By Christopher Turley [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Christopher_Turley]

Every type of massage therapy is a unique experience. While all massage styles are united in their aim to promote relaxation, relieve stress and improve one's overall health and well-being, each of these has its own way and techniques of accomplishing these goals.
And because there are so many styles to choose from, it's hard to know which one is most suitable for you. If it's your first time to get a massage therapy and you have no idea what the terms Swedish or Shiatsu means, or if you've already indulged in a dozen massage sessions but still have not found which style tickles your fancy, here are many types of massage therapies for you know which one is right for you.

Swedish massage - This is one of the most popular types of massage therapy technique in the United States and in other Western countries. This style refers a collection of massage therapy techniques that revolve around long smooth strokes, kneading, circular movements on the layers of muscles with the use of oil or massage lotion. It enables the muscles to relax as the massage therapist applies pressure on the deep muscles and bones. And because it's gentle and comforting, a first time recipient of a massage will probably enjoy a Swedish style.

Shiatsu Massage - Originating from Japan , this style of massage utilizes finger and palm pressures on the body's acupuncture meridians and energy channels to free any obstructions and stimulate the flow of energy, thus helping the body regain balance and improve circulation. In this type, no massage oil and lotion are used. If you're the type who's always stressed out and you don't mind a little pain, this style is highly recommended.

Hot stone massage - Water-treated, heated massage stones are the primary element in a hot stone massage therapy. Because of their innate healing power and ability to penetrate muscles, basalt stones are placed on certain key points in the body called energy centers to promote relaxation, regain the body's balance, and improve circulation, loosen tension in the muscles and release harmful body toxins. Not only for relaxation purposes, this style of massage has also become a popular alternative means of treatment for some health conditions like arthritis, depression, anxiety attacks and insomnia. The hot stone massage therapy is ideal for those who want to relax and at the same time improve some bodily conditions as well as for those who prefer gentle and lighter massage.

Thai massage - This type of bodywork which rooted from Ancient Thailand over 2,500 years ago encompasses point pressures and stretching techniques that seek to open up energy lines or "sens". If you're a yoga lover, Thai massage therapy is perfect for you because unlike most massages, this one does not have you lying or sitting down all throughout the session but constantly moves the body to different yogic and therapeutic positions while massaging your body using the fingers, palms, elbows and feet of the massage therapist. This type of massage is good if you want to improve your flexibility and range of motion.

Reflexology - This one is an Ancient Chinese technique that involves application of pressure on points of the feet, hands and ears that are connected to particular organs and systems of the body. If your work requires you to stand all day, it's a good idea to try reflexology.

Aromatherapy - In this type of massage therapy , the sense of touch is not the only area that experiences satisfaction but so is the sense of smell. Utilizing a wide range of scented oils, each catering to a specific need, aromatherapy does wonders for those who are in need of relaxation, recharging, stress-reduction, and improvement of conditions that are psychological and emotional in nature such as depression and anxiety. This system was developed by Egyptians who discovered that the combination of essential oils and massage can heal and treat stress-related health conditions.

Sports massage - This style includes deep tissue manipulation to release muscular tensions, and stretches to re-align overused muscular fibers. Athletes are the most common clients for this kind of massage. But you don't have to be a professional sportsman to get one. If you live an active lifestyle and you often engage in physically demanding work out, sports massage therapy is ideal for you.

Pregnancy massage - This is a specialized kind of massage therapy that is designed specifically for the delicate needs of an expectant mother. This is a safe massage that can greatly reduce stress and anxiety, decrease swelling and relieve back pains.
People are different from each other. So are massage styles. A style suitable for one person may not be right for another. It's important that you find which style is ideal for you so you get the most out of the massage therapy experience you choose to indulge in.

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What Is Massage Therapy?
By Oliver S. Daniel

Massage therapy is a form of alternate medicine that has been around for thousands of years in the far East. It is a therapy in which the fingers, the thumb, the elbows and even the feet are used to put pressure on designated parts of the body. Massage therapists use long massage therapists use long smooth strokes, circular movements and kneading on the superficial or deep muscles of the body depending on the type of massage that is being applied and also on the ailment that the client is suffering from. They may or may not use a kind of lotion or an oil while massaging.
This form of alternate medicine improve circulation by bringing vital oxygen to the body tissues and nutrients also. Massage therapy relieves muscle pain and tension, increases mobility and flexibility, helps clear waste material such as lactic acid that is the cause of stiffness and pain in the muscles and the joints.
There are many kinds of massage therapyand ten of the most popular ones are listed below.
1. Swedish Massage Therapy: The most popular and common kind of massage in the United States. It is also known as simple massage therapy. The massage is primarily meant for relaxation.
2. Aromatherapy Massage: This is basically a form of therapy wherein one or more plant oils or essential oils that have a pleasant aroma are added to the massage. The type of oil that is used depends on the ailment that the individual is suffering from. This kind of therapy is most suited to relieving emotion related stresses.
3. Hot Stone Massage: Smooth stones that are hot are placed on specific parts of the body to loosen and warm tight muscles and balance what are known as balance centers in the body. Gentle pressure may also be applied where the stones are placed. It is good for relieving muscle tension.
4. Deep Tissue Massage: Here the deeper layers of the muscles and the connective tissues are targeted. Slower strokes and friction methods are applied across the grain of the muscle. This type of massage is used for recovery from injury, postural problems, repetitive strain, painful or tight muscles. Most people feel a kind of soreness after they undergo this form of massage.
5. Shiatsu: This is a form of massage that is predominantly used in Japan and uses finger pressure in a rhythmic sequence on what are known as acupressure points that are on the body. The pressure is applied gently but firmly and the pressure is held for two to eight seconds.
6. Thai Massage: This is somewhat similar to Shiatsu and aligns the energies of the body by the use of gentle pressure on specific points. Compressions and stretches are used in the performance of this massage. This form of massage is more energizing than the others and also improves the range of motion and flexibility.
7. Pregnancy Massage: It is also known as prenatal massage and is now being more and more popular among pregnant women. The massage is customized to the needs of an expectant mother and reduces anxiety, stress and depression, relieves pains and aches and decreases swelling.
8. Reflexology: It is also known as foot massage as the method mainly concentrates on massaging certain specific points on the foot. Each point on the foot corresponds to a certain internal organ and massaging that part of the foot affects the corresponding internal organ. This massage is particularly good for people who spend most of their time standing.
9. Sports Massage: This is a form of massage that has been specifically designed for those people who are involved in strenuous physical activity and those who are involved in sports. The massage is more effective in preventing and treating injury and enhancing athletic performance. It increases flexibility and loosens muscles and can be applied wither before or after a strenuous physical activity.
10. Back Massage: Here the massage is primarily focused on the muscles of the back and the neck to relieve aches and pains of the back and the neck.

Oliver S. Daniel is a Freelance Writer of a variety of articles and can be reached at jayasingh.daniel@yahoo.co.in.
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