Anma - Traditional Japanese Massage

Introduced to Japan about 1300 years ago. Shiatsu massage grew out of this rich tradition. Anma is deep tissue work using no oils and is based on kneading movements.






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Nihon Kaifuku Anma is the Japanese restoration massage. It is used in some Japanese martial arts. Anma Massage is the art of Japanese massage originated in China 3000 years ago and was introduced to Japan about 1300 years ago. Swedish[citation needed] and Shiatsu are among the massage forms that grew out of this rich tradition. Anma is deep tissue work using no oils and is based on kneading movements.

In Japanese, Anma means massage or massage therapist. It refers to the oldest known form of traditional Asian massage. Using no oil, Anma involves stretching, squeezing and massaging to stimulate the body to become and/or remain healthy. Anma focuses on improving muscle condition and circulation of Qi, or Universal Life Energy. While Western massage techniques tend to focus on relaxing the client, the goals of Anma are to influence the internal organs, maintain balanced physical and psychological functioning of the body, reduce various ailments and help with realigning of the physical structure that may be needed.
Anma is not Shiatsu but Shiatsu is a part of Anma. It was not until 1964 that Shiatsu was recognized as distinct and independent from Anma massage. Originally a Shiatsu therapist was a specialist who performed one Anma technique, the pressure method (Ap Paku Ho). Anma's foundation is the kneading technique, which combines with several different application techniques to construct the massage. The kneading technique (Ju Netsu Ho) and the percussion techniques (Ko Da Ho and Kyoku Te Ho) are a unique part of Anma and are not found in any other style of massage.

Aromatherapy : A scent away for great relationships

by: Caroline Therancy

Is it possible that a scent can make you more mellow and increase dramatically the relation with you and your mate? Can you calm the kids down instantly? Do you wish that you would feel and look more in control for the big meeting? Thousands of people around the world have discovered the powerful benefits of Aromatherapy. And you can do it to.

With the stress involve in our way of living today, we get psychological and physiological consequences to our fragile health. We spend more of our hard earned money on over-the-counter medication or on prescriptions to help cure our little and bigger pains.

The power of Aromatherapy could help you lead to a better outlook of life And keep more money in your pocket.

But what is Aromatherapy exactly?
Aromatherapy is the art and practice of using essential oils extracted from aromatic plants and herbs to restore or enhance health, beauty and well being. Aromatic molecules interact with the tops of your nasal cavity and gives the signal to the limbic system (the emotional switchboard of the brain). The limbic system is directly connected to the part that controls the heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress level and hormone balance.

And it works. For example, we use Vicks for our colds, sinusitis and sore throat. It contains Eucalyptus. For me, it's the only treatment that I find effective for Bronchitis, despite antibiotics treatment.

Let's talk about Lavender. Lavender is multi use oil; it has strong psychological effects and physiological cures.

We find Lavender in the France. That flower has a fresh, sweet, floral scent. It has calming effect; smell it when you are stressed in the traffic, or at work, or right before an exam because Lavender has calming proprieties for panic attacks, stress, anxiety and even depression! It's a gentle narcotic for mental and physical strain.

Some couples use Lavender base candles during giving birth to have the most calming experience, for the mother and for the new born. Other people burn a candle on a regular basis, after a surgery to help cope with the pain. You can also do it to calm the kids in the house! Or, for an anticipated quiet night at home with you lover...

Lavender is a good antibiotic for the skin. If your child has cuts and burnings, you can apply creams or lotion with enough concentration of the oil to prevent infection. It also reduces scaring.

Another good aromatic oil is Rosewood. It origins from a native tree in Brazil. It has a psychological effect of balancing, uplifting and enliving. You can use it before an interview, or a business meeting, or even before a hot date! If you are feeling down or lack of "joie-de-vivre" this aromatic essence can change your state of mind and make you look like an enjoyable person (save on alcohol or drugs here!).

Rosewood is also good to treat sensitive of aged skin, because it stimulates the regeneration of the skin.

You can use Aromatherapy in different forms; candles, shower gels, soap, bath mousse, diffuser, potpourri, spray for the room, etc... whatever you feel comfortable with. There is a good selection on www.quixtar.com - IBO #3378953 There are 4 lines of products: FloraCalm, PureForest, Vitafruits and AquaSpa.

You can use aromatherapy for different emotional well-being; you can treat anger, anxiety, confidence, depression, burnout, loneliness, concentration, etc...
With all the chemicals that float in the air, in the water and in our food, those can produce chemical imbalance in the brain and change our moods and alter the relation that we have with the people in our lives.

The use of aromatic products is a cheap solutions for better health and an happier life.

All those aromatic products can help you have better relationship with your mate (or the opposite sex), with your business associates, at social events, in your home, etc.... to be able to obtain more out of life because of the uplifting attitude that you'll get. Be careful of buying too cheap; make sure that you are buying quality products with enough concentration to get the beneficial effects.

Wishing you great moments!

Increase the Benefits with Frequent Visits

Getting a massage can do you a world of good. And getting massage frequently can do even more. This is the beauty of bodywork. Taking part in this form of regularly scheduled self-care can play a huge part in how healthy you’ll be and how youthful you’ll remain with each passing year. Budgeting time and money for bodywork at consistent intervals is truly an investment in your health. And remember: just because massage feels like a pampering treat doesn’t mean it is any less therapeutic. Consider massage appointments a necessary piece of your health and wellness plan, and work with your practitioner to establish a treatment schedule that best meets your needs.

Profound Effects

In response to massage, specific physiological and chemical changes cascade throughout the body, with profound effects. Research shows that with massage:

- Arthritis sufferers note fewer aches and less stiffness and pain.
- Asthmatic children show better pulmonary function and increased peak air flow.
- Burn injury patients report reduced pain, itching, and anxiety.
- High blood pressure patients demonstrate lower diastolic blood pressure, anxiety, and
stress hormones.
- Premenstrual syndrome sufferers have decreased water retention and cramping.
- Preterm infants have improved weight gain.

Research continues to show the enormous benefits of touch—which range from treating chronic diseases, neurological disorders, and injuries, to alleviating the tensions of modern lifestyles. Consequently, the medical community is actively embracing bodywork, and massage is becoming an integral part of hospice care and neonatal intensive care units. Many hospitals are also incorporating on-site massage practitioners and even spas to treat postsurgery or pain patients as part of the recovery process.

A Powerful Ally

There’s no denying the power of bodywork. Regardless of the adjectives its assign to it (pampering, rejuvenating, therapeutic) or the reasons in seeking it out (a luxurious treat, stress relief, pain management), massage therapy can be a powerful ally in your healthcare regimen.Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. While eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether in this fast-paced world may be idealistic, massage can, without a doubt, help manage stress. This translates into:

- Decreased anxiety.
- Enhanced sleep quality.
- Greater energy.
- Improved concentration.
- Increased circulation.

Reduced fatigue. Furthermore, clients often report a sense of perspective and clarity after receiving a massage. The emotional balance bodywork provides can often be just as vital and valuable as the more tangible physical benefits.

The Benefits Of Massage

What exactly are the benefits of receiving massage or bodywork treatments? Useful for all of the conditions listed below and more, massage can:
Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
Ease medication dependence.
Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system.
Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin.
Increase joint flexibility.
Lessen depression and anxiety.
Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
Reduce postsurgery adhesions and swelling.
Reduce spasms and cramping.
Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller. Relieve migraine
pain.

Types of Massage..

Types of Massage
Therapeutic massage is the manipulation of the muscles and tissues of the body to prevent and alleviate pain, discomfort, and stress. There are many styles and types of massage therapy.
Some of the more recognized forms are:

Trigger Point Therapy

A trigger point is a tight area within muscle tissue that causes pain in other parts of the body. A trigger point in the back, for example, may trigger pain in the neck. The neck, now acting as a satellite trigger point, may then cause pain in the head. The pain may be sharp and intense or a dull ache. Trigger points are caused by muscle overuse or injury, and because the aches are associated with moving parts, the pain is commonly mistaken for arthritis.
Trigger point massage (also known as myotherapy) is specifically designed to alleviate the source of the pain through cycles of isolated pressure and release. In this type of massage the recipient actively participates through deep breathing as well as identifying the exact location and intensity of the discomfort.
The result of trigger point massage is the elimination of toxins in the muscles and the release of energizing endorphins. A significant decrease in pain is often found after just one treatment.

Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is the style that comes to mind when most people think about massage. It was developed in Stockholm a couple of centuries ago and is the most common and best-known type form of bodywork performed today.
The goal is relaxing the entire body and this is accomplished by rubbing the muscles with long gliding strokes in the direction of blood returning to the heart. Additional techniques include circular pressure applied by the hands and palms, firm kneading, percussion-like tapping, bending and stretching. Lotion is often used to reduce friction and stimulate the skin.
Swedish massage is exceptional for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, decreasing muscle toxins, improving circulation and flexibility while easing tension.

Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage is similar to Swedish massage but is used to target knots and release chronic muscle tension. Other benefits include reducing inflammation and helping to eliminate scar tissue. The focus is on the deepest layers of muscle tissue, tendons, and fascia (the protective layer surrounding muscles, bones and joints).
Deep tissue massage uses strokes across the grain of the muscles, not with the grain as in Swedish massage. The more intense movements and techniques such as deep finger pressure may be slightly uncomfortable and cause soreness that lasts a couple of days before resulting in the desired relaxation and pain relief.

Sports Massage
Sports massage is geared toward athletes of every kind, from world-class professionals to weekend joggers. The particulars of the massage are specific to the athlete’s sport of choice and are often focused on a particular troublesome area like a knee or shoulder.
Aspects of massage are gaining popularity as useful components in a balanced training regimen. Sports massage can be used as a means to enhance pre-event preparation and reduce recovery time for maximum performance during training or after an event. Athletes have discovered that specially designed massage promotes flexibility, removes fatigue, improves endurance, helps prevent injuries, and prepares them to compete at their absolute best.

Reflexology
Reflexology is a branch of massage that focuses solely on the hands and feet. Originally developed as “zone therapy” in the early twentieth century, reflexology uses specifically targeted points on the extremities to send signals to the brain and balance the nervous system.
A reflexologist stretches and moves the hands and feet, applying pressure on reflex areas that correspond to specific organs and other parts of the body. Endorphins are released throughout the entire body, reducing stress and returning the body to equilibrium. Reflexology has been known to provide relief from ailments such as tension headaches, arthritis, digestive issues and back pain.

Cranial Sacral Therapy

Cranial sacral therapy (also known as craniosacral therapy) is a gentle, noninvasive form of alternative medicine that deals with the movement of the fluid surrounding the skull and spine. Cranial sacral therapists ease the restrictions of nerve passages by focusing on the membranes that encase the central nervous system.
Cranial sacral therapy seeks to restore misaligned bones to their proper position and is thought to eliminate the negative effects of stress as well as provide relief from migraine headaches, neck and back pain, temporomandibular joint disorder (the inflammation of the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull) and more.