Face and Head Massage Headaches are a common ailment that limits our performance. The reason this is so, is because the muscles of the face and head becomes tight and achy. The face has over fifteen muscles, when continuous stress tightens these muscles it attributes to tension in the head region. Today, there are various facial and head massage techniques that can be rendered by oneself to de-stress. What is it? Face Massage is the most direct way of relaxing a person and the results can provide an instant facelift to the person by simply employing the warmth of the hand to relax the muscles and the connective tissues to bring about an overall sense of well being. Head Massage helps relieve the tense muscles that are lying at the base of the head. These muscles, called occipitals, control a lot of motions as relation to the movement of the head (egs. the ability to say ‘yes & ‘no’, and ability to rotate the head). How does one benefit from a Face and Head Massage?   Facial massage technique releases the muscles of the face and head to help bring clarity of the mind, release emotional stress, stimulate circulation, relieve sinus congestion, relax tense muscles, and improve muscle tone which can decrease wrinkles and improve complexion. By stimulating the blood flow to the scalp, Head Massage encourages the distribution of nutrients and oxygen to the whole body as well as improving the condition of the hair and promoting hair growth. It also benefits lymphatic drainage thus encouraging the removal of toxins from the body. Overall benefits of a face and head massage are: Relief from emotional stress. Relief from Headaches, eyestrain and migraine. A feeling of balance and calm. Greater clarity. Sounder sleep. How does one render a face and head massage? Facial Massage Technique: Touch the face with a very light touch; cup your cheeks and temples with your hands using no more pressure than the weight of a small coin. Hold your hands there for a minute. The warmth of the hands relaxes the muscles and connective tissue, bringing on an overall sense of relief. Head Massage: One of the popular methods of head massage in the Indian Head massage also known as Champissage (Champi is an original Indian word meaning head massage). Indian Head Massage is a relaxing and stimulating treatment for the shoulders, upper arms, neck, scalp and face. It is based on the ancient Ayurvedic holistic healing system and has been practised in India for over a thousand years. A typical treatment combines massage techniques with gentle stretches in order to loosen and mobilise the muscles and joints of the arms, shoulders and neck. The scalp and face are then gently but deeply massaged. Oils are optionally used to improve the condition of the hair.

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Abdomen Massage

What is it? Abdominal massage is considered as an excellent self massage for adults. The abdomen is the softest, least-protected area of the body and is, therefore, an area of great vulnerability for many people. This could be so perhaps because it contains our vital organs and is apparently a very intimate part of our body.

It is a massage treatment on the abdomen and back that works to soften musculature, align the pelvic bones, adjust the uterus to its proper position, release muscular armoring in the trunk and enhance circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids, elimination, and secretion of hormones.

How can you benefit from an Abdominal Massage? 

These ancient massage techniques correct poor hemodynamics of the abdomen and its many organs so vital to digestion, assimilation, elimination, secretions and reproduction in women.

This form of massage is also beneficial in constipation. How? It stimulates the peristalsis of the small intestines, tones up the muscles of the abdomen walls and mechanically eliminates the contents of both large and small intestines.

An Abdominal massage also releases deep muscle tissue spasms in the entire abdominal area, helping prevent and correct a fallen, tilted uterus and facilitates the normal flow of blood, lymph, nerves and energy throughout the entire body.


A benefit that can catch the interest of many is the fact that: Massage creates heat, which melts adipose tissue or fat. Massage on the abdominal area can get the oxygen going, which could burn fat.

An abdominal massage encourages the toxins to flush out through the lymphatic system. The fascia, which is the sticky-like layer between skin, fat and muscle, will be encouraged to relax. This will enable toxins to flush out, and oxygen, which nourishes, to get in.

How does an adult render an abdomen massage?

1. Always use a lotion or massage oil. 
2. Lie on a massage table or floor. 
3. Begin on the right side. 
4. Massage toward the left side. 
5. Relax for at least five minutes before getting up. 
6. Slowly sit up before standing up.

Abdominal Massage- Don’ts:

• Abdominal massage should not be done in general, femoral, inguinal and umbilical hernia, inflammation of the uterus, bladder, ovaries and fallopian tubes, stones in the kidneys, bladder or gall bladder, ulcers of the stomach and intestines and pregnancy. 
• Abdominal massage should also not be done after a heavy meal, but after two hours or so. 
• The bladder should be emptied before the massage. 
• Since blood pressure increases during abdominal manipulation, patients with hypertension should avoid abdominal massage. 
• Massage should also be avoided in cases where there has been recent bleeding in the lungs, stomach or the brain.

Some techniques that are beneficial are: 

1. Effleurage around the abdomen 10 times in clockwise direction.
2. Knead the centre of the abdomen with your fingers stretched from the thumbs, up and down from the ribs to the front of the pelvis 6 times.
3. Tapping with fingertips across whole area. 
4. Ball hands into fists and rotate around in a horseshoe shape from right to left. 
5. Using the lower palm area near the wrists, slide hands up from near back to center. Gently rock from side to side.

An Abdomen Massage can lift the spirits and increase the energy of the receiver by stimulating the nerve endings in the abdominal plexus. Adults can render a self- massage but it is important to check with your health care practitioner before you begin any massage or exercise regime.

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Chest Massage

What is it? A chest massage – as a part of a full body massage or only for the chest focuses on the drainage points in the circulatory system rather than the muscles. Emotional stress could lead to a contraction of the chest muscles. This is the body's way of protecting from experiencing underlying feelings that may be painful or upsetting. The contraction of chest muscles could lead to shallow breathing, reduced energy, and an inability to feel truly vital. A Chest massage is helpful in such a scenario.

A chest massage also assumes varying significance and is of a different nature among men and women as:

• Women have sensitive breast tissue covering the important arm muscles that lie over the chest wall (the pectoral muscles).
• Men may also find direct pressure on the chest uncomfortable.

By releasing tension from the chest area with deeper massage strokes, this therapy is known to provide great improvement in physical well-being & responsiveness.

How does one benefit from a chest massage? A chest massage helps strengthen the chest muscles, increase circulation, and tone up the nervous system of chest, heart, and lungs. It is especially recommended in weakness of the lungs, palpitation, and organic heart disorders. Bust and mammary glands can be developed by proper massage.


How does one render a chest massage? The receiver is made to lie on the back with the arms at the sides. The masseur starts manipulating the chest by means of strokes with both hands on each side of the breastbone. A circular motion is formed by the movement made up and down on the chest area.

This is followed by kneading of the muscles by picking up the skin and muscles with both hands. Treatment is given to both sides of the chest likewise. Circular kneading is next done by placing one hand on each side of the breastbone and making the circular motion outward towards the side. Tapotement follows by hacking and slapping.

Neck and Shoulder Massage

What is it? A Neck and shoulder massage can help de-stress and relieve the tension around the neck and shoulder area apart from a complete full body massage.

With computers being the medium of operation in most desk jobs, strain on eyes, neck and the back is a common work hazard. The neck and the back are also the most common areas of the body for soreness and tension. Most people also suffer from occasional stiff necks, aching shoulders and headaches due to long working hours and stress-inducing schedules.

The neck is an important bridge between the brain and the rest of the body. The resilient and flexible structure of the neck maintains the communication between the brain and the body despite the tensions in the neck region. With the increase in worry and anxiety the tension in the neck there is the tendency for the shoulders to rise creating tension in the entire neck and shoulder area.

How does one benefit from a Neck Massage? Massage is great for relieving shoulder and neck tension and back pain. It could also bring about a calming effect to help you get back in action.


A neck and shoulder massage can be given either in a seated or lying down position. Beauty clinics, health clubs and sports centers do offer massage therapy and private practitioners also offer massage therapy in the convenience of your home or workplace for on-site neck and shoulder massage.

One of the known treatments to cure a stiff neck and shoulder is a Tune-up treatment that can be done at the workplace itself. Tune-ups can also be used after athletic exertion or long periods of studying.

What is the Tune-up treatment? The tune up is a basic, easy way to begin the journey into massage. It consists of petrissage (kneading) and palming friction movements. The palm and fingers are used in a web like shape and the inside of the hand is used to grasp, pull and squeeze the muscles.

Tune-ups are done fully clothed on a massage chair, sitting up in a chair, or lying down. This type of therapy is recommended for 10 to 15 minutes at the work place to help relieve repetitive motion, computer neck and shoulder relief.

Back Massage

What is it? A back massage is often called a back rub. It is given by stroking the hands across a person's neck, shoulders, back, and buttocks.

When do you need it?  A back massage can drive the stress away. A hectic schedule and continuous work pressure can build stress levels .A back massage is an ideal way to beat stress and get on the road to relaxation.

How does a back massage help? The many benefits of massage include relaxation, increased body awareness, improved circulation, and improved lymphatic drainage for release of toxins. A back massage increases the flow of blood to the skin and muscles of the back Among patients who must stay in bed back massage is known to prevent skin breakdown and bedsores.


What is the technique involved in giving a back massage? A back massage takes about 15 to 20 minutes and includes a blend of massage strokes like: effleurage, kneading, petrissage and percussion.

The following are some do’s and don’t’s to give an effective back massage:

• Massage oil is typically used to decrease the friction created on the skin and to prevent the pulling of hair. The less oil, the greater the friction and the deeper the pressure.
• Check the skin of the person before you start the massage. Do not proceed if the person has skin sores.
• Incorporate effleurage throughout your massage as a connective stroke to move from one area to another, to soothe an area of localized deep tissue work or to make a transition to another stroke.
• To prevent straining your own back when giving a back massage, try to keep your knees slightly flexed.
• Do not put any direct pressure on the spine.
• Avoid any broken skin, blisters or areas of possible infection.

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Kinds of Body Massage

Body Massage has been known to eliminate stress and is widely considered to be a medium of relaxation and rejuvenation. A clinical study of the term ‘Massage therapy ‘ brings to light the various aspects that connect the medium, method and procedures involved to create the broader term that is Massage therapy.

Body Massage employs the medium of touch; the method includes various part scientific-part artistic strokes and process involves various kinds and types of complementary therapies and techniques –all of this blend to concoct a unique form of therapy called Massage therapy.

Massage and bodywork is known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being. Massage also relieves the symptoms of stiff, tired joints, speeds up digestion and encourages improved blood circulation.
The following are the various kinds of body massage that focus on healing the mind and body:

• Back Massage, 
• Neck and Shoulder Massage, 
• Chest Massage, 
• Abdomen Massage, 
• Face and Head Massage, 
• Arms and Hand Massage, 
• Legs and Feet Massage, 
• Massage for babies and children and 
• Massage during pregnancy.

These forms of specialized massage are known to treat a wide range of conditions including stress, insomnia, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, diabetes, the muscle spasms and general aches and pains associated with pregnancy, and the mental and emotional problems associated with cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and stroke.

Any kind of massage should not be carried out on if the receiver has fever, contagious or infectious diseases. Receivers of massage enduring cancer, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, epilepsy, diabetes or trapped nerves must ensure an approval from a doctor before undergoing any kind of body massage.

Integral to the choice of massage best suited to ones health condition is to run a check on the certification of the massage therapist. The therapist rendering the service must be certified in the kind of massage from an accredited institute.


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5 Kinds of Massages

5 Kinds of Massages 

Massage therapy is an effective procedure that has been in use basically since humans have been around. Just how this remarkable method of protecting and preserving health came about is unknown, but never the less, it is used by millions if not billions world wide as a means of removing fatigue, increasing vision, bettering the skin, improving sleep and most famously curing sore achy muscles all over the body.
A common misconception there is just one kind of massage. This is far from true. Below you will find 5 kinds of massages. Each massage is a little different than the other, and used for slightly different purposes including the stimulating of circulatory flow, eliminating toxins through skin, and lowering tension levels in muscles which helps in relieving muscle pain.

1. Petrissage-Kneading
Used for strengthening, nourishing and relieving muscles, this type of massage consists of rolling and kneading of the muscles. Skin is contacted with the hands and fingers. While deep kneading requires a lot of pressure, light pressure is also applied for superficial kneading.
2. Vibration-Trembling
This massage is used for stimulating blood circulation and the nerves, regulating the bowel, and the toning up and relieving of stress in the muscles. It can be done by fingers and hands, but in order to be most effective needs to be done by a machine operated by someone who is certified.

3. Friction-Rubbing

Friction massages are meant to target the joints. Being done on and around the joints, this massage helps to tone muscle and tendons as well as reduces any redness, swelling, or pain cause from inflammation.
4. Effleurage-Stroking 
 A massage that can be done in many ways, Effleurage massaging is done via a stroke which coverers the entire body. The knuckles, ball of the thumb, tips of the fingers, and the palm of one or both hands can by used in giving this extremely pampering massage. Benefit of this massage include aid in blood circulation while the skin and muscle become soothingly warm and relaxed.

5. Tapotement-Percussion
Possibly the wildest massage, Tapotement massaging is administered by clapping, hacking, tapping, or any other form of beating of the body in a rapid, repetitive manor. Short and swift knocking provided for with Tapotement will sooth nerves and cause the muscles to become strengthened.

Massages are a wonderful way of relieving the stress one will often endure in their life. Besides for feeling amazing, they are very benefiting to one in countless ways. Normally, the individual giving the massage is trained and knows what to look and feel for. This means they will usually throw each type into a session in order for you to receive the highest possible level off relief and relaxation.

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