​Reflexology may be thought of as a mere foot massage, however there is much more to the practice than it appears to be. Reflexologists work on certain points on hands and feet that are linked with other parts of the body. These parts include organs, bones, muscles and more. Working on these points allows the body to relax, restores balance and promotes healing. 
 
It is believed that up to 75% of health conditions are directly related to tension and stress. Lowering stress or tension in the body is a key element in achieving a state of balance, which promotes and allows the body to deal with diseases or illnesses in a natural way. 

​Each foot contains around 7000 nerves that mirror other parts of the body. Reflexology charts map the body into 10 different zones of energy and each zone is linked to either a single foot or both feet. Each zone has its specific area.
 
During a reflexology session, stress areas can come up by touching on the reflex points. The practitioner can pinpoint the problem and find a way to heal the body via the feet zones. All areas of the body from head to toe are mapped out on the foot, ranging from brain, neck, lung, eye, liver, kidney, colon and so on. 
 
It is believed that when pressure is applied, it gives the brain a signal that is translated to the corresponding body part. It is also said that these points promote and enhance energy flow in the body. 
 
Reflexology is ideally used as a preventative measure instead of a cure. It maintains the body’s ability to heal itself naturally. Those that engage in reflexology on a frequent basis experience smoother function, lowered stress levels, reduced tension and increased blood circulation. 
 
Reflexology promotes immune system function and therefore makes us better at handling stress. It is not recommended to solely rely on reflexology for a healthy body and mind, but to incorporate this method of self-healing with good nutrition and adequate exercise. Practitioners of reflexology do not cure or diagnose diseases but they can help aid in healing. 
 
At the beginning of a reflexology session, the patient is asked to focus on deep breathing. It is common for practitioners to use essential oils to promote relaxation as well. The reflexologist then cleans, washes and gently massages the feet, which further enhances relaxation. The reflexology then commences with focus starting on the toes and moving down to the end of the foot, while working on points along the way. 

The Alexander Technique is basically a practice that allows one to have mental control and to practice techniques that aid in removing harm caused to the body. The harm it can help heal includes muscle tension, pain, posture, stress and so on. It involves the entire body and is not meant to focus on isolated body parts. It delves into the movement of our body and the functions that dictate it.

​The Alexander Technique aims to promote lightness in the body, which allows its users to restore feelings of balance, clarity, liveliness and easier movement. 

It has been found to alleviate stress and tension caused by regular activities such as sitting, walking, driving and standing. It allows us to focus on various forms of exercise that help with movement and mental restoration through activities such as Pilates and yoga. The technique also helps reduce pain in areas such as the shoulders, neck, lower back, knee and elbow, as well as prevent other injuries from occurring. Other benefits include an increase of energy, better posture, more self-awareness and clarity in the mind. 

The Alexander Technique aims to restore our body to the state it should be in, if we were not to experience the daily factors that cause stress on our bodies. Many of those who decide to learn the Alexander Technique have pains that are related to every day activities, stiffness and reoccurring injuries. Many performers also adopt the Alexander Technique in order to increase their performance and get over issue such as stage fright. 

This technique can be used by practically anyone, even without any existing injuries or problems. This is because it helps us get more out of life by feeling like the best version of ourselves, both in the mental and physical capacity. Those who take up the Alexander Technique before any problems arise tend to live a healthy, problem-free life, while those who adopt it after problems occur are alleviate of their ailment after some practice. 

There are many aspects to learning the Alexander Technique and it is definitely a complex technique to understand and familiarize yourself with.

One of the main concepts of the Alexander Technique is to un-do what has been done to your mind and body until the current stage of your life. It teaches methods of mental and physical release and relaxation in order to have a clear mind and body that is working at its optimal level.

​Anma and Amatsu are types of traditional Japanese massage therapy.

​Amatsu is performed by using hands in order to realign the body and restore balance. It is a treatment that involves the entire body and has been found to aid a variety of diseases and problems such as aches and pain. It helps to get rid of any pain in the body and helps the body avoid injury down the line by treating the cause of the discomfort or illness. 

Many find Amatsu to be a relaxing experience that leaves one feeling fresh and reenergized. Even though it is an old Japanese tradition, Amatsu uses doctrines of western anatomy in order to help its patients. It is a form of therapy that offers a soft tissue massage, which can help improve many diseases and conditions.

​All of the soft tissue in your body, including the ligaments, organs, muscles and tendons, are worked on to help restore balance to the body. It helps improve the condition of the joints, bones, cranium and spine. Amatsu can be performed on all ages and all conditions. It is important to find a skilled practitioner to perform the best treatment possible. 
 
Anma is a part of the Amatsu technique and is the first stage taught to those who study Amatsu. Anma is typically performed dry (without oil) and to fully clothed clients. It can be performed in a variety of settings and is very adjustable. It is a method of Traditional Chinese Medicine that dates back more than 5,000 years. Anma helps reduce anxiety, stress and pain. It also stimulates the immune systems functions. Anma can help get rid of tense muscles and the pain associated with it. 
 
Anma massages use techniques that are similar to many massages, such as kneading and rubbing. Since it is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the movements and points during an Anma session are meant to help the important points and meridians throughout the body. It is not exactly a soft massage, though you can tell your therapist to tone it down. Some movements involve intense gripping of the skin in order to stimulate tissues and muscles to increase the flow of blood. It also incorporates acupressure, a technique that uses intense pressing through fingers or knuckles to unblock areas that are tense and congested.  

Massage therapy has been part of history for a long time in all areas of the world. It is used to cure a variety of ailments and to promote general wellbeing and muscle relaxation.

​Massage boasts so many benefits such as improving circulation, increasing flexibility, lowering levels of stress and eliminating or reducing headaches and various aches. It is also beneficial to the immune system because it encourages the system to get rid of harmful toxins. 
 
A popular form of massage therapy is to use aromatic oils, or essential oils, during the session. The oils are an excellent combination for massages because they have their own properties that contribute to relaxation and lowering stress. Some oils are also known to stimulate circulation and decrease pain and aches. The best oils to use during a massage are essential oils because they are free to synthetic materials, which can clog the skin. 

A therapist conducts professional massages in a wide range of settings such as hospitals, fitness centers, offices and studios. Some therapists are freelance and can come to the comfort of your own home. The main issue with the setting is to create a calm and tranquil environment. It is common for therapists to ask several questions about their health and any specific problems. Some even check the body through mild touching and analyze your response. 
 
If you are interested in using essential oils then the therapist will ask what you are looking to gain from the massage. Different oils can be used to stimulate different responses, many of which increase relaxation. 
 
Massages are usually performed whilst lying down on a surface, such as a bed, or a massage table, though they can also be performed in a chair or whilst sitting upright. The clothes are meant to be loose, though oil massages often require one to be nude, then covered with a bed sheet or towel, aside from the massaged area. The nice thing about oil massages is that there is less chance of discomfort from rubbing since it offers lubrication. 
 
Those who have experienced aromatherapy massage before know how calming and enjoyable the experience is. Most massages are about an hour long, while you can get half an hour or more than hour-long sessions. After the session, clients feel relaxed and refreshed.

​Anyone can benefit from a massage though it is best to check with a doctor if you have any concerns, such as serious pains or pregnancy. 

Categories:
Body Based Healing ,   Life Management  and    Wellness

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​Before the massage takes places, the therapist will want to know about your health and physical background. It is important for your therapist to know about any injuries or specific issues you might be dealing with. Obviously the last thing a therapist wants to do is to make things worse. So, they would like to know how to improve the area or reduce pain so as to aid in recovery and help eliminate discomfort after the session. 

It is important that you clearly indicate about your past massage experiences (if any... particularly if you have experienced discomfort) and your expectations from the current session. This will help the massage therapist to accordingly pay adequate attention to your specific problem areas, adjust the massage pressure and pace the session to provide you with maximum healing benefit.

Swedish massage uses oil directly on the skin, which is excellent because there is no chance of getting hurt from rubbing. You will be nude for the massage with a sheet covering the areas that are not currently being massaged. Once the massage has started you can tell the therapist if you would like any alterations in pressure. Be sure to let the therapist know if you are in any unbearable pain as well. 

The reasons that Swedish massages are so beneficial for the body are that they stimulate relaxation, reduce stress levels and increase flexibility. When we are stressed our bodies become tense and the massages help to get rid of the built up tension. 

There is nothing quite as relaxing as having aches and tense spots loosened. The massage has an effect on the body that is similar to detoxing and therefore, after the massage, you should stay hydrated and try to avoid alcohol and other nutritionally deprived substances such as junk foods after the session. 

It is also recommended to refrain from vigorous activities for atleast twenty four hours following a Swedish massage, so as to allow the body to optimally heal and recuperate from the intense healing body-work experience.

Categories:
Body Based Healing   and   Life Management

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