Most massage techniques make heavy use of the therapist’s hands and arms. Occasionally sticks will be used for certain specialized applications. But ‘recently’ a new tool has been added to the toolkit - hot stones.
continue reading "Hot Stone Massage"

Sports massage may appear to be the latest ‘hot’ thing, but in fact it’s been practiced for thousands of years. The ancient Spartans, enemies of the Athenians in Greece over 2,500 years ago, regularly applied massage techniques to optimize their warriors’ effectiveness.
continue reading "Sports Massage Techniques"

Swedish is the most common style practiced among massage therapists. The modern form was developed in Sweden around the beginning of the 19th century, though the origin is disputed. Many attribute the usual techniques to Per Henrik Ling, a Swedish gymnastics instructor who developed the style for athletes. Others give credit to a Dutch-born physician by the name of Johann Metzger.
continue reading "Swedish Massage"

Originating in India over 2,500 years ago, this healing art spread to Siam (ancient Thailand) with the spread of Buddhism. Once performed by monks as part of elaborate healing rituals, it formed one part of traditional Thai medicine.
continue reading "Thai Massage"

Though the roots of Shiatsu massage go back centuries, the practice first became widely popular around the beginning of the 20th century. Then in 1940, the Shiatsu style of massage got a big boost with the founding of the Japan Shiatsu College.
continue reading "Japanese Shiatsu Massage"

Many massage techniques that later became popular in various parts of Asia actually originated in ancient India. One of the oldest is marma-point massage. Used for thousands of years, it has now made its way into Western spas where it’s a great favorite of clients.
continue reading "Indian Massage – Marma-Point"

American missionaries invaded the Hawaiian islands in 1820 and, as ships came and went with supplies (and sometimes natives eager to leave), the native massage practice spread to the west. That art is called Lomilomi.
continue reading "Hawaiian Massage – Lomi"

Certainly, human males can’t get pregnant. (Not yet anyway.) But couples often say ‘We are pregnant’ when announcing their joyous news to friends and loved ones. So, sometimes, it’s helpful for the man to consider himself as expecting also. One of the things his mate may be expecting, besides a child, is a good massage. So, in the interest of harmonious relations, it’s a good idea to know something about the subject…
continue reading "Massage for Pregnant Men"

Massage is an ancient art. Though no one knows exactly when it became a formalized system of touch and pressure, several forms go back to at least 1500 B.C. in India. Often associated with spiritual practices and beliefs, the therapy itself is fully grounded in physiology.
continue reading "The Art and Science of Massage"

Anyone who has had the pleasure will verify that a good massage feels terrific. It leaves you feeling relaxed, refreshed and re-energized. But the effects are often far more than just a pleasant afterglow. A good massage can provide a definite boost in health.
continue reading "The Health Benefits of Massage"