The Western approach, sometimes called Swedish massage because massage has always been popular there, is the best known and most often used. Massage can be characterized by the various types of strokes and the use of oil and talcum powder to reduce friction against the skin. The technique, used mainly by physiotherapists, masseurs and beauticians, can be summarised in four main actions :

Massage method 1 - Effleurage : Stroking lengthways up the back, chest and limbs, with a light to moderate pressure exerted by the whole of the hand. The effect is to warm the tissues, reassure the person who is being massaged and tone the circulation. This massage method is especially valuable for redistributing accumulations of fluid in the limbs and abdomen and for encouraging the pores in the skin to open to allow proper elimination.

Massage method 2 - Petrissage : A firmer stroke with moderate to deep pressure, and most of the contact made through the heel of the palm, one hand reinforcing the other.

Kneading : manipulation, directed especially at stiff, contracted areas. This massage method can be done with the thumbs only, or between thumb and fingers, with a gesture like kneading dough. When the skin and subcutaneous tissues- those just under the skin- are picked up, pulled away from the body and rolled between the thumb and fingers, the action is known as skin rolling. This massage method is especially useful for joints such as the wrists, ankles and elbows and helps to remove possible accumulations of waste products.

Massage method 3 - Friction : A series of deep, often circular motions, using thumbs, knuckles or fingertips. Pressure is concentrated on a small area through repeated strokes and is as deep as necessary without causing pain. Relaxation of tense muscles marks the time to move on to another area : prolonging massage at the same point would re-stimulate the muscle.

Massage at home : With the comfort at home, massage basically requires towels, a pillow, oil, talcum powder and a fairly hard surface to lie on : the floor is suitable with firm cushions or a mattress), provided that the person massaging can work comfortable in a kneeling position. The session should last about 20 minutes. Start on the back, since most tense muscles are there, and it is the easiest part of the body on which to work.

Article excerpted from : Doctor’s Answers 41

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One of the important stress relaxation is to have healthy leisure. Healthy leisure comprises three basic elements : relaxation, exercise and mental stimulation. Relaxation is the key to release the stress set up from work and hectic life. We need exercise because most types of work do not allow us to use our bodies to the fullest capacity, thus stimulation is needed to keep our minds aware and active.

After the effort of work, it is tempting for weekends to be set aside for passive entertainment. Though watching television is  a good way for stress relaxation, it does not give us exercise or the stimulation we need. Therefore it is best to integrate television into a diverse stress relaxation leisure schedule. one which combines being active and sociable with the stimulation of varied experience.

People who work hard or who have difficulty relaxing should try special stress relaxation techniques like yoga or transcendental meditation. This can be learned at evening or weekend classes and practised at home.

Every stress relaxation and leisure program should include some regular exercise to keep the body in peak condition. Choose something you find enjoyable, or else your enthusiasm will soon flag, and which can be done with other people. Running, swimming, cycling or playing tennis, etc, are all recommended.

As well as taking regular exercise, there is an enormous variety of other sports you can participate in by joining a club or taking a course in such activities as horse-riding, canoeing or archery. And there are many associations you can join for countryside activities like climbing, rambling and bicycling.

Mental stimulation

One of the best uses to which we can put our leisure is to stimulate our minds. Some people do this through reading, others through taking evening courses in subjects like literature, history, philosophy or art.

Outdoor leisure activities are particularly important for housewives who tend to spend a lot of time at home. Although a wife and mother’s job is stressful, it will not make her fit or give her the necessary metal stimulation. For this reason housewives should ensure that they take time off from their duties to relax, to engage in sports or keep-fit classes, and to pursue their own interests and social life.

How will you be able to tell whether yor leisure activities have had the desired effects? You will feel relaxed, look fit and be full of energy to return to work.

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Body Treatment

Are you too stressed out? Longing for relaxation? body treatments are the answer to tired, overworked and stressed bodies. Extra special care and treatment is needed to our body. Deluxcious body treatments have put together a variety of body service to restore and improve the condition of your skin as well as detoxify and re-hydrate for all-over body glow.

Heated Rock Massage Treatment

A deeply soothing and pleasant treatment that performs an important detoxifying, relaxing and stress draining action due to the use of heated basalt stones with therapeutic essential oils. It relaxes the body muscle, increases the body metabolism and calm down the mind. Massage restores vital energy, reduces stress and muscle tension besides promoting a balanced body and state of mind.

Spa Journey

The Spa has the calming and soothing power that relaxing the mind, body and soul. If combine with massage, both could actually rebalance the body energy flow, unblock tendon and promoting natural repositioning of the bones.

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