Auras
A number of auras, or energy layers, surround the physical body that can be detected or appreciated. The first layer, the etheric body, is the densest and is connected with the body and the way it works. The astral body is much wider, is affected by people’s feelings and, if viewed by a clairvoyant or psychic, is said to change in colour and shape depending on the feelings being experienced.
Practising Shiatsu involves learning to locate precise points on the body, along the meridians or energy channels, and pressing them correctly, for the prescribed number of seconds. The duration and strength of pressure vary according to each tsubo’s properties. The points are described below in abbreviated form; their names define, which meridian they are on. Most of the meridians are bilateral and therefore, involve pressing ‘tsubos’ on both sides of the body, legs, arms and so on.
Continue reading Massage Therapy: Locating the Tsubos in Shiatsu
Origin
Tui-Na (pronounced tway-na), and An Mo represent different aspects of Chinese massage, which like all forms of Chinese Medicine, trace its origins back to the Wei Ching – the Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine from 2300B.C.
Continue reading Massage Therapy: Chinese Massage (Tui – Na Therapy)
Shiatsu can be practised to cure common ailments, quite effectively. Whether you practise Shiatsu on yourself or on others, you should always press the ‘tsubos’ in the order given below. In general, the pressure you apply should feel comfortable to the receiver; if there is a slight pain it will soon go.
Continue reading Massage Therapy: Using Shiatsu for Common Ailments
Centuries ago, in rural villages of China and Japan, often the martial artist was one of the most learned individuals in the society. The traditional martial artist had two jobs. One job was to protect the weak and powerless, and serve the cause of justice. The other job was to heal people in the community, using knowledge of traditional Oriental medicine.
Continue reading Massage Therapy: Nuad Bo’Rarn – The Traditional Healing Massage of Thailand
Tibetan remedial massage is one of the oldest forms of massage found on the earth. It is a speciality of Tibetan medicine that specifically addresses the external body. It is one of six types of external therapies found in the Gyud-Zhi, a classic of Tibetan Medicine referred to as the “Four Tantras” in English.
Close to the Tui Na massage comes the Mongolian massage known as Chua-Ka. Chua-ka is a deep tissue massage for releasing trapped pain and tension in the body. It releases trapped pain and tension in the body while freeing the psyche of its corresponding fears and preoccupations. Thus, working on the psychology along with the physical problem.
Continue reading Massage Therapy: Mongolian Massage – Chua Ka
Mixing Your Oil
Mixing your own oils is easy. Into a clean, sterilized jar, pour 1/8 of a cup of any of the following vegetable oils. This is your base oil: safflower, sunflower, coconut, apricot kernel, almond, hazelnut, grapeseed, and jojoba.
(Technical note : jojoba is a favourite choice, because it is really a liquid form of wax and won’t become rancid.)
Continue reading Massage Therapy: Aromatherapy Massage Oil Mixing
Aromatherapy is the ancient art and science of using the healing power of aromatic essential oils, distilled from organic plant sources. Due to the vast number of natural phytochemicals produced by the plants, essential oils can have many different effects on the body, mind and spirit.
Continue reading Massage Therapy: Benefits of Aromatherapy Massage
Massage is a therapy anyone can perform. There are very little chances of harming anyone except in rare cases, when a person is suffering from heart problems, varicose veins or is pregnant. With a little practice, it is very easy to bring comfort and relaxation to oneself and the partner. As with any therapy, using the right technique will take a little time but once you have mastered it, the basic strokes are very simple to perform.