Archive for the ‘Massage’ Category
Massage Therapist – What Makes a Good One?
Monday, November 29th, 2010
I recently read a blog on a hot stone massage that went wrong that completely shocked me. The article was on a man that got burned during a hot stone massage in a spa. The stones had been heated in a microwave and placed on his back, shoulders and legs without any protection on the skin. This caused the man third degree burns and in turn resulting in scarring.
The reason i decided to write about this article is to emphasise now important it is to have a good experienced massage therapist on board in a spa.
A hot stone massage is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable of massage treatments and it is essential a highly qualified therapist carries them out. The stones must be maintained at 120-130 F. If the stones are ever too hot for the therapist to hold then they are too hot for the client!!
All the movements must be explained to a first time client, that they will feel therapists hand first and then the heat of the stones to ensure the client does not get a shock. Feedback regarding the temperature and the pressure is essential during this massage. Only when the stones have cooled slightly may they be tucked in strategic areas such as behind the shoulders, on the back or legs.
It is so important to have a good experienced massage therapist in the spa to provide a relaxing, enjoyable, and a high standard of treatment for the client. Many things combine to make a good massage therapist whether it is their ability to create a rapport with their clients, or the little touches they add to their treatments, ultimately each persons style and energy is unique.
A good masseur is fully trained and qualified. Attention to hygiene and cleanliness is a critical aspect of their role. They need to understand what pressure is required based on the physicality of the client. The massage therapists intention is to make the client feel better, relaxed and at ease. Caring for the client is expected and is the minimum requirement.
A masseur also needs to be a brilliant communicator, building rapport and trust, has genuine interest in the client’s wellbeing and understanding what they need. They leave their own personal issues at the door and YOU are their main priority. Every massage therapist must have a high qualification in anatomy and physiology, this is so important as the client may have areas of concern that need work or areas that are contra-indicated, therefore the therapist must have the knowledge of how to handle these situations and giving the correct treatment and highest quality of client care. The power of touch is an amazing thing and is a critical part of being a good massage therapist.
Here at our Day Spa we pride ourselves on our highly qualified massage therapists, who give exceptional treatments and client care, each therapist will tailor a perfect massage to suit every clients needs.
Please let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, if you have any questions, post them in the comments section and I will reply as quickly as I can.
Swedish Massage – 7 Benefits & Background Guide
Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010Katie here from La Spa…
The Swedish Full Body Massage is the most popular massage offered by our therapists here at La Spa Therapie day spa. This 60 minute treatment will be sure to leave you feeling relaxed and pampered. This massage is prized above all others as it offers total relaxation which frees the mind and body from anxiety and tension.
The purpose of this massage is to bring relaxation to the body by manipulating the muscles with long gliding strokes that follow the direction of the blood returning to the heart. This massage uses a combination of 6 classical movements.
These include Effleurage, Petrissage, Tapotement, Hacking, Cupping and Kneeding.
These movements are used depending on the effect desired. They are a means of inducing relaxation or to invigorate the system.
- Effleurage is a light stroking movement, this stimulates the sensory nerve endings, increases lymphatic flow, and relaxes contracted muscles.
- Petrissage are compression movements of kneading or friction, these are performed with intermitted pressure. They remove lactic acid from muscle tissues, relax contracted muscles, aid absorption of fluids to help take down swelling and prevent fibrositis in the muscles.
- Tapotement is percussion movements they are carried out by clapping, beating or pounding, they stimulate the circulatory system, nerve paths become clearer, these movements are very relaxing on the body and the muscles are left relaxed.
- Hacking, this is a much lighter faster movement than the others, it is performed with the hands at right angles to the wrists, the palms facing but not touching. It is always performed across the muscle fibres, it is very stimulating both to the circulation and to the sensory nerve endings. This movement improves tone and muscle response.
- Cupping, this is performed with the hands formed into loose cups, which rhymatically strike the body. The hands form a vacuum like effect on their palmar surfaces, appearing to draw up the bulky tissues, creating immediate erythema reaction.
- Kneeding, this provides immediate effects and long term benefits to the muscle. Compression and relaxation of the muscle tissue causes the vascular and lymphatic vessels to be emptied and filled, thus increasing the circulation and increasing the removal of waste products. This in turn eliminates fatigue.
The main benefits of Swedish massage are as follows:
1. Relaxes and pampers the client
2. Repairs and relaxes overworked and injured muscles
3. Stimulates the lymphatic system which helps to rid the body of a build up of toxins.
4. Strengthens the immune system
5. Increases blood oxygen levels
6. Increases flexibility and reduces tension.
7. Relieves fatigue.
Please let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, if you have any questions, post them in the comments section and I will reply as quickly as I can.
Massage Types Guide
Monday, September 6th, 2010
Rachel here from La Spa…..
Understanding and knowing the differences between different massages can help you to choose the best suited massage for you and for your needs. Here is a brief overview of the main massage types available at most day spas.
Holistic Massage is the name given to all massage treatments; these are then broken down into sub categories of different types of massage styles from around the world, which give different benefits to different ailments.
Indian Head Massage – originated in India and used by people to help reduce stress and sustain mental well-being
Swedish Massage – massage to encourage circulation in the body and stimulate the muscles.
Hot Stone Massage – massage to encourage positive energy and deep heat penetration to the muscles.
Aromatherapy Massage – treating the body for specific ailments using essential oils.
Lomi Lomi Massage – a Hawaiian massage using sweeping movements to relax the mind and body.
Ki Massage – light touch massage encouraging positive energy and well-being.
Reflexology Massage – using specific pressure points on the hands or feet to stimulate organs and systems of the body.
Please let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, if you have any questions, post them in the comments section and I will reply as quickly as I can.
