Desi Wardrobe Malfunctions

Holistic Massage therapy is one of the oldest methods of healthcare in practice today. It involves use of different manipulative techniques to move the body's muscles and soft tissue. Massage therapy aims to improve blood circulation, increasing the flow of nutrients and eliminating waste products to name but a few.

Massage is the recent name for the ancient-established art of healing by touch. Massage is calming and soothing. It improves our sense of well-being, and reduces the levels of cortisol - the body’s stress hormone. It also strengthens the immune system by bringing more white blood cells into the circulation system, and this in turn helps to fight infection. It also improves joint mobility, releases muscle tension, helps eliminate toxins and assists in tension release. Massage can reduce your heart rate, relax your muscles, improve range of motion in your joints and increase production of your body's natural pain killers. It helps relieve stress and anxiety.

The Dorn Method is a wholistic, gentle, safe, effective and non-manipulative Manual Therapy and Self Help Method to align the spine and joints. It can be used for treating illnesses directly or indirectly connected to the spinal column.

Dorn can be particularly successful in the treatment of back, hip and neck pain, sciatica, leg length difference, scoliosis, headaches and migraines, dizziness, neuralgia, chronic inner conditions and tiredness, eye trouble, ear pain, toothache, sore throat, tonsillitis, sinus problems and joint problems / pains (knee, shoulder, elbow, ankle, jaw).

Dorn is based on the correction of uneven leg length. A leg length discrepancy can lead to a variety of problems, such as headaches, back problems, neck and shoulder pain and even psychological problems. Next the pelvis is checked for any misalignment, followed by lumbar, thoracic and cervical vertebrae checks. Displaced vertebras are brought back into place by the pressure of the thumb on the vertebrae of the spine. There is no bone manipulation, cracking or any other surprising or aggressive moves involved.

The Dorn treatment is combined with a back, neck and shoulder massage. This combination provides a very effective tool to relax and regenerate the whole body. Dorn also promotes the use of better posture in day-to-day life and teaches very simple and quick exercises that help the client to keep the body structure in place.

 CORRECTION IN MOTION TO ACHIEVE BALANCE IN THE BODY

How does it work?

The underlying theory behind reflexology is that there are "reflex" areas on the feet and hands that correspond to specific organs, glands, and other parts of the body.

For example:

He believed that certain areas on the feet and hands were linked to other areas and organs of the body. This concept was furthered by physiotherapist Eunice Ingham into the modern practice of reflexology.

Practitioners believe that applying pressure to these reflex areas can promote health in the corresponding organs through energetic pathways.

Dr. William H. Fitzgerald, an ear, nose, and throat doctor, introduced this concept of "zone therapy" in 1915. American physiotherapist Eunice Ingram further developed this zone theory in the 1930's into what is now knows as reflexology.

A scientific explanation is that the pressure may send signals that balance the nervous system or release chemicals such as endorphins that reduce pain and stress.

What will I feel?

Most people find reflexology for the most part to be very relaxing.

Reflexology shouldn't be painful. If you feel discomfort, be sure to tell the reflexologist. He or she should work within your comfort zone.

Some areas may be tender or sore, and the reflexologist may spend extra time on these points. The soreness should decrease with pressure.

If you're ticklish, not to worry. The reflexologist applies firm pressure to the feet.

How is it Different From Foot Massage?

Foot massage is similar to Swedish massage, the most common type of massage in North America. People typically use massage oil or lotion and use gentle gliding strokes all over the foot. Reflexology is quite different. While many people find reflexology relaxing, it's based on the theory that certain points on the feet correspond to certain organs and body parts and that applying pressure to the areas can promote health in the corresponding parts.

Why do people get reflexology?

Reflexology is a popular alternative therapy. It promotes relaxation, improves circulation, reduces pain, soothes tired feet, and encourages overall healing.

Reflexology is also used for post-operative or palliative care. A study in the American Cancer Society journal found that one-third of cancer patients used reflexology as a complementary therapy.

Reflexology is recommended as a complementary therapy and should not replace medical treatment.

What is a typical reflexology treatment like

A typical treatment is 45 minutes to 60 minutes long and begins with a consultation about your health and lifestyle.

You are then asked to remove your shoes and socks and sit comfortably in a reclining chair or on a massage table. Otherwise you remain fully clothed.

The reflexologist will assess the feet and then stimulates various points to identify areas of tenderness or tension.

The reflexologist then uses brisk movements to warm the feet up. Then pressure is applied from the toes to the heel according to your comfort.

Lotion or oil may be used.

How will I feel after?

Most people feel calm and relaxed after a treatment. They may even feel sleepy.

Occasionally, people feel nauseous, anxious, or tearful, but this is only temporary and is considered to be part of the healing process.

Precautions

If you're pregnant, talk with your doctor first and let the reflexologist know.

Be sure to give the reflexologist a complete and accurate health history. If you have foot ulcers, injury, or blood vessel disease such as blood clots, consult your doctor before having reflexology.

Also known as Yoga massage or Nuad Phaen Boran, Thai massage has been practiced in Thailand for around twenty-five centuries, but its origins are older, in India. As well as acupressure, Thai massage is based on the theory the body is composed by energy points. In this case, at least seventy thousand lines (named “sen”) cross the body, but just ten are fundamentals. Another difference is that Yoga massage also involves compressions and stretches.

Thai massage basically consists on manipulation (part of traditional Thai rites) and peripheral stimulation to generate certain internal effects. It’s characterized by its soothing properties and its emphasis on stretching and loosening the body. Its purpose is clear energy blockages and restitutes balance and harmony to the body. As an application of yoga, patients benefit from the relaxation and curative properties of technique.

Rather than using a table, Thai massage is practiced on a firm mattress over the floor. Patients don't need to undress, except the feet. Practitioners employ their own weight to apply rhythmic pressure in the energy lines, pulling fingers, toes and ears, cracking the knuckles, arching and walking on the client's back, among others movements.

Thai massage also teaches how breathe properly and in its application, oils are only used on the client's palms and soles. Today this massage is a tourist attraction in Thailand and the practitioners are habitually women.

Notice that Thai massage is a millenary standard procedure and rhythm, accepted in several parts of the world because it is one of the more energizing forms of massage.

Is a medical system and a philosophy originated in India around five thousand ago focused on balance the three main body’s constitutional forces: the energy of movement (“vata”), the energy of digestion (“pitta”) and the energy of structure (“kapha”) to improve health and create harmony in life.

Ayurveda helps in general detoxification, relaxation, rejuvenation and enhanced spiritual awareness through gentle exercises. An ayurvedic massage (also known as "panchakarma") uses vigorous massages in the specific energy points ("chakras") with large quantities of warm oils and spices to remove toxins from the system and restore balance to the body. Oils are poured in chakras (like into the ears or between the eyebrows) according to the customized needs of the patient.

Benefits of ayurveda include: vitality, stress reduction, relaxation and deep sense of inner peace. This method is very popular because has demonstrated powerful effects on the mind and nervous system.

It is interesting that ayurveda consider the body’s energy as a combination of five great elements: ether, fire, water, air and earth. The knowledge of the constitution of these elements permit the therapist to determine, not just which ayurvedic massage techniques to apply, but also how to personalize treatments by choosing the appropriate oils, spices and the rate and pressure of massage strokes.

Ayuverdic massage has been modified to meet the needs of Western countries. Today, in United States and Europe ayurvedic medical centers are not centered on the treatment of diseases. They are just resting and relaxing places.

It is a millenary Chinese technique of healing that uses the fingers (and sometimes the toes) to press certain points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the natural self-curative capacity of the human body. When these points (called meridian in Chinese traditional medicine) are pressed, they liberate muscular tension and improve the flow of blood and the body’s life energy (known as “qi”) to help in the healing process.

Acupressure shares the same meridian theory with acupuncture. The difference is that an acupuncturist stimulates points by introducing needles, while an acupressurist stimulates the same points using the firm pressure of hands and feet. That is why acupressure is frequently referred as "needle less acupuncture".

The benefits of acupressure include: alleviated headaches, eye strain, sinus problems, neck pain, backaches, arthritis, muscle pains, tension produced by stress, ulcer pain, menstrual cramps, lower backaches, constipation, and indigestion. Acupressure is also useful relieving anxiety and improving sleep thanks to the release of endorphin's (corporal chemicals that mitigate pain). In general, it aids to balance the body, improves the resistance to illnesses and promotes good health.

It is interesting that in acupressure local symptoms are considered an expression of the entire body's condition caused by the movement of negative energy. When the body’s energy is properly canalized trough the meridians, it not just alleviates pain, but also improves the functioning of organs, even the internals.

Acupressure is becoming more applied in Western countries for its effectiveness tension-related ailments and for its preventative properties. However, be careful with the abrupt application of acupressure or the use of excessive force during session. This could be painful and injurious to health. Greater care should be with pregnant women and when severe skin lesions exist.

Thai Massage is relatively new to modern spas, but it was actually developed by Buddhist monks in Thailand as a healing morality 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. Some spas, like The Mandarin Oriental, Miami, provide you with an outfit to wear. Others may ask you to wear something loose and comfortable, like sweat pants, during your Thai massage. You start by lying on your back, and the therapist uses gentle compression and stretching techniques to open up your body, beginning with your legs. Some people say 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, so some people recommend it if you feel uncomfortable with nudity during a Swedish massage. 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, so in some ways it feels more intimate than a Swedish massage, where you lay on a massage table and are covered with sheets.

Thai massage has its roots in a spiritual tradition, and its purpose is to heal a person physically, emotionally and spiritually. It should not be confused with sensual massage.

Pregnancy massage, also known as per-natal massage, promotes relaxation, soothes nerves, and relieves strained back and leg muscles in expectant mothers. Pregnancy massage is especially beneficial in the second and third trimesters, when the extra weight in your belly puts a strain on your back.

Before you get a pregnancy massage, make sure the therapist has been specially trained so there is no risk of miscarriage.

What Happens During Pregnancy Massage?

A pregnancy massage differs from traditional massage in a few different ways. First, the massage therapist will take extra care to make sure your body gets the cushioning and support it needs.

When you’re lying on your back, there will be pillows underneath your knees and shoulders. If you’re far along in your pregnancy, you might be positioned in a semi-reclining position, where you’re looking at the wall instead of the ceiling.

Some pregnancy massage also uses special bolsters with a deep cutout in the center so you can lie face-down comfortably. You can also have your back massaged during pregnancy by lying on your side, with pillows under your head and between your legs.

A pregnancy massage should be very soothing and relaxing in style. Deep tissue work, abdominal kneading and certain acupressure points should be avoided.

Pregnant women should also avoid Jacuzzi, hot springs, and mineral springs.

The Benefits of Pregnancy Massage Pregnancy massage provides relaxation by relieving stress on joints. It eases neck and back pain, helps you to keep good posture and relaxes and provides flexibility to birthing muscles.

Pregnancy massage aids the circulatory and lymphatic systems, which keeps blood flowing to both the mother and the baby. It stimulates different glands in the body, which help to stabilize hormone levels, and relieves nervous tension throughout the body. And the nurturing touch during pregnancy massage promotes relaxation and provides emotional support. Post-Par tum Pregnancy Massage Pregnancy massage is also good after giving birth. Postpartum pregnancy massage can help restore a mother's body to its pre-pregnancy condition. It helps to realign the body weight, and tones the over-stretched skin over the belly. As with all massage, it relieves muscle tension and stress from mothering duties!