| Massage: The application of soft-tissue | | | | placed at specific points on the back, in the palms |
| manipulation techniques to the body, generally | | | | of the hand, or between the toes. The heat |
| intended to reduce stress and fatigue while | | | | warms the muscles. |
| improving circulation. The many variations of | | | | When to do Massage? |
| massage account for several different techniques. | | | | Both the causes and the prevention of Plantar |
| Massage is a healing art practiced in all cultures | | | | Fascistic reside in the way we use and abuse our |
| and regions of the world. It is the systematic | | | | feet. We must appreciate that our feet take all |
| placing of the hands on a body and applying | | | | our weight as they provide us mobility. Each foot |
| techniques to treat the body and the person to | | | | is made up of 38 bones that are connected to |
| relieve ailments and stress. | | | | each other by joints, ligaments, bones, tendons |
| Therapy | | | | and tissue. When we walk or run, the ankle |
| • The holistic application of physical touch | | | | manages the activity and distributes the weight |
| to affect the systems of the body; i.e. the | | | | via the heel. At each step, some weight goes |
| muscular, skeletal, digestive, elimination, | | | | back up the heel but the major portion is |
| respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic, endocrine and | | | | absorbed by the Plantar Fascistic ligament at the |
| nervous systems. | | | | bottom of our feet. Ligaments are defined as |
| • It is the manipulation the soft tissue of | | | | tissues that join bones together. All movements |
| the body with the hands for therapeutic, healing, | | | | of the foot require manipulation of this one flat |
| relaxing and pleasurable effects. | | | | ligament called Plantar Fascia that goes under our |
| • It is caring expressed through the | | | | feet connecting our toes to the heels. The causes |
| hands supporting, stroking, rubbing, kneading and | | | | of headaches and tension in the scalp are due to |
| pressing. | | | | tightness of the muscle that surrounds the skull. |
| Types of Massage | | | | Tension or muscular headaches occur when you |
| Relaxation Massage: A smooth, flowing style that | | | | strain the muscles of your head and neck, often |
| promotes general relaxation, improves circulation | | | | without even realizing you have done it. Migraines |
| and range of movement, and relieves muscular | | | | consist of throbbing in your head, especially on |
| tension. | | | | one side behind your eyes. They occur when the |
| Remedial Massage: A paramedical treatment that | | | | blood vessels in the scalp expand, and they may |
| helps to restore function to injured "soft tissues" | | | | be triggered by certain factors like stress or being |
| (muscles, tendons and ligaments. In addition, you | | | | in the bright sunlight. |
| may be asked perform some activities at home | | | | Benefits: |
| to assist the process of recovery. | | | | Massage calms the nervous system and |
| Sports Massage: Combines different Massage | | | | promotes a sense of relaxation and well being. |
| techniques to enhance sports performance and | | | | Massage reduces tension and anxiety. |
| recuperation. An effective component of any | | | | Massage improves blood circulation. |
| training program. | | | | Massage stimulates the lymphatic system. |
| Hot Stone Massage: Another variation of Swedish | | | | Strengthens the immune system |
| massage is the hot stone massage. The massage | | | | Treats musculoskeletal problems |
| therapist holds smooth heated stones and uses | | | | Read about Beauty and Makeup Tips and Natural |
| Swedish massage strokes. The stones may be | | | | Herbal Home Remedies. |