Can you answer Irene Orkin’s question about Massage?:

   Studies show that massage is one of the most affordable, non-addictive methods of dealing with stress. But when most people think of massage they think of having to take their clothes off, lying down a table in a room somewhere & having someone work on their muscles for an hour or so. It’s time consuming, expensive and many people aren’t comfortable being touched by someone while they’re nude. So what’s the best solution to provide folks with the benefits of massage, AND provide a top quality service at a reasonable price?

   Chair massage was developed to fill a marketplace demand for a no frills, high quality, affordable, stress busting, corporate massage service. Two of the most valued resources of every individual are time and money. What about a back massage that comes directly to you where ever you are? You get to sit in a comfortable, ergonomic chair and you don’t have to take your clothes off. It’s short, usually 10 – 15 minutes each and it’s very affordable. Enter on site chair massage, (sometimes referred to as ‘back massage’) but usually just called ‘on site massage’.

   Developed by David Palmer in the early 1980’s, modern chair massage was developed to make the benefits of massage accessible to everyone. Sometimes called seated massage, chair massage is believed to have originated in China during the time of the Yellow Emperor, Huangdi, 2497 to 2398 BC.

The Yellow Emperor is credited with the invention of the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Called ‘Anma’, traditional seated massage came to Japan during the Edo period 1603 AD – 1868 AD. There are many similarities between anma and shiatsu in that both focus on releasing the pressure or trigger points in the body. In fact, chair massage is actually a blend of shiatsu (working the pressure points) and traditional Swedish massage (working the muscles).

     Certified on site or chair massage practitioners specialize in providing relaxation massage, not therapy. In Canada the designation most of us carry is CCMP (certified chair massage practitioner, not to be confused with LMT – licensed massage therapist or RMT – registered massage therapist.)

   Chair massage focuses on the key tension areas of the back, neck and shoulders, arms and hands where people hold their stress. Stress creates muscle imbalances in your body causing:

: aches and pains

: computer slump causing difficulty breathing and back pain

: radiating pain & numbness underneath the shoulder blades, up into the skull & down your arms into your hands

: ’frozen shoulder’

: migraine-like headaches

: desk and road rage

   Stress creates a vicious cycle where the pain caused by muscle imbalance is the biggest cause of disability & time off in the workplace causing more stress. Stress induced muscle imbalances are officially designated as Brugger’s ‘Sterno-Symphyseal’ Syndrome. [courtesy Dynamic Chiropractic October 20, 1997, vol. 15 Issue 22 source www.chrioweb.com archives]

   By focusing directly on the upper body trigger points where people hold their stress, the massage relaxes those muscles: releasing aches, pain and tension, restoring circulation and blood flow, recharging the body and restoring energy levels. On site massage is a powerful uplifting experience that brings a healing touch to your body and frees your mind.

   Chair massage is performed in your normal daily attire and requires no oils. Instead of using a table, the massage takes place in a specially designed portable massage chair that your chair massage practitioner brings to your workplace or company event. Leaning forward in the chair allows you to relax completely with your head resting in a comfy ‘face cradle’ lined with a soft cloth or disposable cover. The cradle cover is replaced and the chair sanitized between massages.

   The massage focuses on the upper body areas where people hold their stress from sitting at a desk or staring at their computer for extended periods of time. Your massage can help relieve carpal tunnel syndrome, tension/migraine headaches, neck pain, and back problems. In My  Hands certified practitioners are specifically trained in relaxation massage that is perfect for the working world energizing and very refreshing. You and your team will feel invigorated and ready to be productive! 

   Important note: if you have on-going or acute pain in your back, neck or shoulders, frequent migraines or ‘frozen shoulder’; you should see your health care practitioner promptly. Many physical problems including poor vision, allergies, neglected injuries or physical conditions masquerade as back pain or migraines (or both).

Remember for every physical limitation there is an underlying physical condition causing it. 

 You have permission to re-print this article provided you do so in its entirety and provide an active link to my home site at In My Hands.ca



Alternative Medicine Massage

Acupressure is one the oldest Chinese traditions used to cure many of our health problems. It involves use of pressure by your hand, elbow and other means. This form of healing has been in existence for more than 5,000 years. A technique recommended by many and has been used world over. It is a simple method if you know how to do it. Acupuncture is another practice wherein needles are used on the pressure points to cure ailments.

How does Acupressure work? Acupressure is a plain and simple science which has helped many people. Our body has many different pressure points. By applying pressure on these points, it energizes the necessary organs, which leads to healing of the ailing body. The idea behind acupressure is harmony of mind and soul. The relief it provides by the simple touch and pressure can be turn around in their life.

It helps in resurfacing the lost and blocked energy in the curvatures of your body. There is a belief that our body gets charged by the ‘Qi’ pronounced as ‘Chi’. The energy moves along the surfaces of our bodies known as ‘meridians’. Applying pressure does all trick sending energy to places where it has been stuck for a very long time. Two common ways of doing acupressure are the ‘Shiatsu’ and the ‘Jin Sin’. Shiatsu is the common therapy which uses immense pressure, whereas Jin Shin is the gentler form of acupressure that uses soft touch and gentle strokes. Irrespective of the techniques of acupressure, the basic aim is to create a relaxed atmosphere.

Benefits of Acupressure It is a very easy process and can be learnt without much difficulty. The best way to learn acupressure is to try it on oneself. Some of the common benefits which acupressure provides us are:

1. Relaxes your mind and body 2. Increases blood circulation 3. Relieves from stress related problems like fatigue, insomnia 4. Heals injuries 5. Helps with Menopause and PMS 6. Helps in relieving joint aches and pains 7. Acts as a first aid in case of injury 8. Builts in vigor 9. Reduces labor pain 10. Cures common illnesses like cold, sinusitis, migraine 11. Relaxes the muscular tension 12. Helps in improving muscle strength and tone

Precautions - Learn acupressure from a thorough professional - While practicing on yourself, have someone around you - Avoid open wounds, surgery, broken bone, skin infection and other problems - Prevent specific pressure points during pregnancy - Avoid acupressure on full stomach - Avoid cold drinks especially during winter - Wear comfortable clothes - Do acupressure for a limited period of time do not overdo it



Thanks to Kevin Pederson for contributing this article to our Massage blog:

Acupressure Therapy

Can you answer sabrina’s question about Massage?:

I have an interest in learning reflexology and want to know different pressure points of the feet. Just want a free map that i can print out.

Alternative Medicine Massage