Role of Strokes in Massage Therapy (merlin)

Advanced SearchHomeSubmit ArticlesTop AuthorsLatest ArticlesTop ArticlesLoginHome » Health » Alternative MedicineRole of Strokes in Massage TherapyBy merlinJun 8, 2012Many people are aware of the fact that body massage is a natural remedy to relieve stress. The technique of touch forms the basis of any massage therapy. The art of massaging ensures that the recipient feels a sense of goodness. There are several different forms of massage techniques dedicated for specific purposes. The main intension may be relief of stress or to address any physical discomfort. With implementation of just a few basic massage tips and instructions, any unknown person who is technically not sound in the procedures is capable of providing some sort of comfort to the patient.

To understand the basics of massage, certain key aspects are to be taken into account. The massage strokes vary for different reasons that the massage is administered for. For relaxation purposes, deep and forceful strokes are avoided, while using gentle rhythmic motion is prescribed. In an attempt to cool tension or stimulate muscles, slightly harder strokes accompanied by extra pressure are fruitful. Usually, the direction of delivering the strokes varies based on the intensity of stroke. If the stroke is heavy, it is applied in the direction of the heart and the returning strokes are applied lightly.

The effectiveness of massage is obtained through application of different types of strokes. A straight backward and forward movement along with circular strokes is effective. Also, kneading of tight muscles is very essential to provide complete results. The focus of kneading is on a specific spot or concerned area and on a group of muscles. Application of thumbs or heels or the hand to produce successive strokes is called draining. This special stroke is applied for stretching the muscles of arms and legs.

Certain strokes like percussive and friction strokes help in reaching deep inside knotty tissues. Blood flow can be increased by applying percussive strokes. A simple example of percussive strokes is chopping motion of the hands on the muscles. Application of oil over the body allows for the smooth gliding of hands. Also, a product designed purposely for massage generates best results as well.

Body massage is recognized as one of the oldest ways to purge body toxins. Some traditional practices suggest to do oil massage once a week to keep the body fit. However, people are sometimes not accepting of traditional beliefs. There are several service providers who provide valuable service in relieving people from stress and strain.
St. Pierre Massage and Spa located in Napa Valley, California is one of the best centers for massage therapy. Experiencing the pleasure of Napa massage is a therapeutic pleasure. St. Pierre Massage specializes in massage, facials, body treatments, pedicures, aroma therapy, couples massage and etc.

Their services concerning touch therapy are numerous including Relaxing Wellness Swedish, Therapeutic Deep Tissue, Back/Neck/Shoulders/Arms Massage, Maternity Massage, The Valley Stone, Foot Reflexology, Neck Nirvana, Carpal Diem, warm Lava Bamboo Massage, Aroma Therapy Oil Massage, Hydro Therapy Neck Wrap, Hydrating Body Butter Wrap, Deep Relief Mask, Organic Massage, etc. Couples can enjoy a romantic moment by using Couples Massage Napa service. People can enjoy the benefits by making use of Massage packages Napa and Spa Napa services.About the AuthorActivate your sensory receptors and soothe the nervous system by massage process. Stretching and tissue broadening is possible by using Napa massage therapy service offered by St. Pierre Massage and SpaRating:Please Rate:

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License Now Required to Advertise Shiatsu, Acupressure, or Thai Massage in Connecticut

Connecticut House Bill 5455 was signed into law by Governor Dannel Malloy on May 31, 2012.  The new law, Public Act No. 12-64, amends prior law by adding

CA Bill Would Require that Massage Businesses Post Human Trafficking Notices

California Senate Bill 1193, sponsored by Senator Steinberg, has passed by a vote of 5-2 in the Senate Appropriations Committee.  If approved by the Assembly and Governor Brown, the bill will require that all massage businesses post a notice near the public entrance to the business containing certain information regarding human trafficking, including the contact information for human trafficking hotlines.  A model notice containing the required language would be made available for download on the California Department of Justice’s website by April 1, 2013. 

ABMP opposes the inclusion of massage businesses in the bill. While we believe that human trafficking is a serious problem in California, notices regarding human trafficking which are placed in legitimate massage businesses will do nothing to address the problem, and are not appropriate in such locations.  ABMP wrote a formal letter of opposition to Senator Steinberg in April of this year, which you can read here. 

Current information indicates that despite ABMP’s opposition, S.B. 1193 is likely to pass. The bill has been assigned to the Assembly Judiciary Committee, we will keep you updated on the status of the bill as it progresses.

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Louisiana Massage Therapy Act is Amended

House Bill 923, sponsored by Representative Ponti, and signed into law by Governor Bobby Jindal on June 6, 2012, amends the Louisiana Massage Therapy Act in several ways.  Some of the more important changes are: 

Education

Until now, the Massage Therapy Act has required that licensees complete a minimum of 500 hours of massage education in particular areas of study listed in the statute.  H.B. 923 maintains the education requirement at 500 hours, but does not designate specific required areas of study.  Instead, the bill states that the Board will issue rules addressing the required course of study.  We will update members when the Board issues rules concerning course of study or other educational requirements.

Scope of Practice

H.B. 923 adds reflexology and Swedish massage to the definition of

Kansas Bill to License Massage Therapists Fails

House Bill 2564, which would have required massage therapists to become state licensed, failed to progress this year. Thank you to all members who made phone calls to legislators at our request. There will very likely be another attempt in the 2013 legislative session to re-introduce a bill. ABMP will continue to work with others to ensure the best possible outcome should a bill progress.

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Science Shows How Massage Eases Sore Muscles

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 1 (HealthDay News) -- Having a massage after strenuous exercise not only feels good, it reduces inflammation in muscles at the cellular level, researchers have found.

Massage also appears to promote the growth of new mitochondria in skeletal muscle. Mitochondria are cells' energy-producing "powerhouses," explained the researchers at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging and McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.

For the study, the investigators conducted genetic analyses of muscle biopsies from the quadriceps of 11 men after they exercised to exhaustion on stationary bicycles. After the workout, one of each participant's legs was massaged. Biopsies from both legs were taken before exercise, immediately after 10 minutes of massage, and 2.5 hours after the end of the workout.

The researchers found that massage reduced the activity of inflammation-inducing proteins called cytokines in muscle cells and promoted the growth of new mitochondria, according to the study published in the Feb. 1 online edition of the journal Science Translational Medicine.

Many people find that having a massage after exercise reduces muscle pain. This pain reduction may involve the same mechanisms as those targeted by common anti-inflammatory drugs, explained Simon Melov, a Buck Institute faculty member.

"There's general agreement that massage feels good; now we have a scientific basis for the experience," Melov said in an institute news release.

The findings provide validation for massage, which is growing in popularity, said lead author Dr. Mark Tarnopolsky, of the pediatrics and medicine department at McMaster.

"The potential benefits of massage could be useful to a broad spectrum of individuals including the elderly, those suffering from musculoskeletal injuries, and patients with chronic inflammatory disease," Tarnopolsky said. "This study provides evidence that manipulative therapies, such as massage, may be justifiable in medical practice."

More information

The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine has more about massage therapy.

If you currently have less than 250 hours of massage education and you intend to become certified by the California Massage Therapy Council, you need to act now.

After January 1, 2012 you will need proof of at least 250 hours of massage education in order to apply for statewide certification. Between now and the end of the year you
can still apply with only 100 hours or by taking an exam