Health & Home: Benefits of a good massage

Trapped in Portland for a few days earlier in the week due to dangerous driving conditions in the Columbia River Gorge, our family took advantage of many of the city's amenities. We ate at every child-friendly restaurant we could find (we love McMenamin's restaurants), visited the zoo, went to story time at the library in our old neighborhood and played at our favorite indoor park in the basement of a church in northeast Portland. The kids were pretty happy, but my neck, back and shoulders were not. Lifting and carrying around a 25-pounder and a 33-pounder - especially getting them in and out of car seats - was wreaking havoc on my upper body. Then I remembered a spa in southeast Portland that has on-site child care so mothers can get a massage or other spa treatments while their children play. My son and daughter were delighted at the sight of new toys, books and puzzles. I was delighted they didn't even seem to mind my departure after I told them I'd be in the room right next door.Ah, the comfortable massage table with soft, warm blankets; the soft lighting reflecting off the beautiful yellow-orange walls; the soothing scents of massage lotions and the calming sound of waves breaking on the shore (well, that was probably a CD, but it sounded real). It was a relaxing extravaganza for the senses and the massage hadn't even begun.Massages are a wonderful thing. The older I get, the more they seem necessary for health and relaxation, and the less they seem a luxury.In my case, the massage loosened up the tight muscles in my neck and upper back. The massage therapist found a lot of tender knots and worked out the kinks, leaving me with better posture and much less tension in my shoulder area than before. Plus, I was left with a sense of relaxation and well-being which lasted for days.Massage has been around for thousands of years and there are dozens of different massage techniques:n Swedish massage is the most common type in which the therapist strokes, rubs, kneads and stretches the muscles, usually using a lotion or oil to reduce friction on the skin. If you've never had a massage before, this is a good basic type to try.n Deep tissue massage uses concentrated pressure on certain muscles and connective tissue to break down tissue that is painful and restricting movement. It may not be as relaxing as Swedish massage, but can improve flexibility and relieve pain for people with chronic pain such as osteoarthritis or fibromyalgia.n Sports massage is often based on Swedish or deep tissue massage techniques and helps athletes recover from injuries faster, decrease muscle soreness after a workout and increase flexibility of muscles, ligaments and tendons.n Shiatsu is a Japanese form of massage which uses finger or hand pressure in the same areas an acupuncturist would place needles. The idea is to open up the natural flow of energy throughout the body. Usually, you remain clothed during a shiatsu massage.n Hot stone massage is a recent invention and is becoming popular. Hot, flat, smooth river rocks are placed on different points or are moved over the skin. The heat helps relax muscles and improve circulation.If you are uncomfortable about taking off your clothes for a massage, you could try a chair massage, where you stay clothed and lean forward in a special massage chair that supports the front of your body, allowing the massage therapist to focus on your back, neck and shoulders.Anyone with chronic muscle or joint pain probably will benefit from a massage, at least temporarily. It may not be a cure, but a knowledgeable massage therapist can help tight muscles relax and improve the range of motion and flexibility. Also, everyone can enjoy the psychological benefits of an hour of total relaxation during a massage.-----Kathryn B. Brown worked as a registered nurse and a family nurse practitioner before coming to work for the East Oregonian. Her column appears here every other week. She can be reached at kbbrown@eastoregonian.com.

Posted by: Massage Adelaide - knead Me - http://www.knead.net.au

$6 million spa launches at Hotel Galvez

Galveston, Texas (Feb. 13, 2008) - Gracing the Texas Gulf Coast since 1911, Hotel Galvez - A Wyndham Historic Hotel is proud to announce the March 15, 2008 opening of its $6 million, 9,736 square foot Spa at Hotel Galvez, with accompanying salon and fitness center.
Visitors of the Mediterranean-inspired spa will experience treatments in one of seven ocean-themed rooms that will promote nature and wellness, indulge in signature spa cuisine and unwind post-treatment in the tranquil oases of the Spa's Relaxation Room or Meditation and Water Wall Garden.
Dedicated to total well-being, the Spa at Hotel Galvez will go beyond the "pampering experience" to offer a full sampling of treatments that provide a variety of healing benefits. Services will range from massages and facials to body therapy treatments, manicures and pedicures. The signature Galvez Stone Massage will combine the elements of massage with the therapeutic qualities of hot and cold stones to stimulate and detoxify the skin while promoting healing through muscle pain alleviation and body awakening.
The tagline "A Coastal Sanctuary for the Senses" suggests that the focus of the spa will be to restore balance and exceed guests' expectations through providing a quality level of service in a soothing atmosphere. Combining Phytomer's 104 trace seawater minerals with warm essential oils, an aromatic body gel will replenish moisture and nutrients to spagoers' skin during a Remineralizing Body Wrap. The spa will feature France-based Phytomer and Yon-Ka spa products.
"The Spa at Hotel Galvez is intended to serve as an integral piece of the historic hotel and enhance its reputation as a premier Gulf Coast property," says Spa Director, Vanessa Harris. "The newly-conceived spa will be unlike anything else available on Galveston Island. It will capitalize on the growing demand for more closely-integrated spa amenities throughout the luxury hotel and resort segment."
Executive Chef Jerry Helminski will present a spa cuisine menu that creates a balance of health and decadence. Spa guests will have the chance to indulge through a tempting range of creations, including inside-out cous cous rolls, curried shrimp cappuccino and a dessert course that begs the question, "Is chocolate a sin?" Like the spa, the cuisine will be inspired by the ocean, with courses like "The Cure" incorporating various sea salts and "Revitalize," featuring pan roasted sea bass, served with blue lip mussels and roasted beet puree.
Post-treatment, a Spa Meditation Garden will be available for spa guests, featuring chaise lounge chairs, a rock garden, water wall and juice and smoothie bar. Group yoga and meditation instruction will also be offered in the garden. For those opting to stay indoors, a large, softly-lit Relaxation Room will provide individual seating and music selection, using sheer curtains to allow the utmost privacy and reflection.
As Hotel Galvez is a premier wedding venue on Galveston Island, the spa has designed bridal packages to meet the needs of brides and offers a private lounge for intimate bridal parties. Special events coordinators will be available to assist in planning and executing all group events at the spa.
Half-day and full-day spa packages will also be available for visitors interested in an extended retreat. The Galvez Oasis full-day package will feature five hours of treatments including: a relaxing bath, Grand Classique facial, Vichy body polish, Galvez manicure and raw earth pedicure and touch of color application.
A six-station hair salon will offer Bumble & Bumble hair products and La Bella Donna cosmetics. Four pedicure chairs and a three-station manicure bar will complete the salon. A retail boutique and lobby will be located on the main level of the spa, as well as a full-service fitness center, equipped with Precor® machines, mp3 and i-Pod docking stations and flat screen televisions.
The AAA four-diamond Hotel Galvez defines seaside luxury and historic elegance. The hotel showcases 224 guestrooms and seven distinctive suites, Bernardo's Restaurant with celebrated Sunday Champagne Brunch, 13,000 square feet of function space and tropical pool with swim-up bar and hot tub. For additional information about Hotel Galvez, call 409-765-7721, 800-WYNDHAM or visit www.wyndhamhotelgalvez.com.
For more information on the Spa at Hotel Galvez, please contact Vanessa Harris at Hotel Galvez at (409) 765-7721 ext. 2161.
The hotel is operated by Wyndham Hotel Management Company. Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, a subsidiary of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN), offers upscale hotel and resort accommodations throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. All hotels are either franchised or managed by Wyndham Hotels and Resorts or an affiliate.
For more information about Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, visit the company's Web site at www.wyndham.com.
CONTACT: Michelle Kelly or Melanie Vigliotti/ The Zimmerman Agency/ 850.668.2222/ mkelly@zimmerman.com

Feb 20, 2008
H&MM Week In Review

Posted by : Massage Therapists Adelaide - http://knead.net.au

Massages to suit your therapeutic needs

Ever been to a spa and you are presented with a dozen different treatments to choose from? Don’t know what the heck those names mean? Been recommended a therapy that made your body ache more? The thing is different massages are intended to fit different needs. Here are 10 of the most common massages with brief descriptions to help you decide which physical therapy would suit you the most.
1. Swedish massage is a classic full body massage that relaxes and stimulates at the same time. This technique helps in de-stressing sore muscles, reducing tension points and increasing blood circulation.
2. Shiatsu massage is a Japanese-style pressure point technique. Using the ancient concept of acupuncture, this massage focuses on critical energy points, applying pressure on them. This achieves a balanced life force energy, called chi.
3. Deep tissue massage is an invigorating technique that bears some similarities with the traditional hilot. This energizing massage provides deep pleasure as it works on deeper tissues and integrates elbows and forearms in coordinated movements.
4. Twin massage is just as the name implies. It provides the pleasurable synchronized movements of two therapists simultaneously. Promoting mental and spiritual solace, not only does this one-of-a-kind experience releases tension and relaxes, it also balances the body’s center.
5. Thai massage is a massage previously practiced in Thai temples. This technique is similar to yoga as it focuses on stretching and working on pressure points with gentle assistance from the therapist. This unblocks energy and releases tension.
6. Herbal massage is a Thai technique that encourages the absorption of energy using herbs. Prakop, as the Thais call it, is a steamed pouch consisting of herbs indigenous to Thailand. This hot compress helps in normalizing circulation and energy flows. Using the shiatsu technique, the prakop is pressed along the meridians of the body. The relieving experience results in comfort and healing.
7. Aromatherapy massage makes clever use of aromatic essential oils. This is a gentle and soothing formula designed to aid the functionality of the body’s equilibrium and improve mental and physical health.
8. Volcanic rock massage is the answer to aching muscles. It uses hot basalt stones with two purposes. One is to treat sore knots while the second is to achieve deep relaxation through the help of the warmth.
9. Indian head massage is also called Champimassage. This system has been practiced for over 1000 years in its native land. This is purely a scalp massage using Indian herbs that is guaranteed to stimulate and activate inactive energy and balance the energy points, called chakras.
10. Aromascalp and shoulder massage fuses the use of aromatherapy oils with brisk massaging movements. This energetic technique offers relaxation and stress relief. Stimulating blood circulation, it also encourages hair growth.
The best way to enjoy the massage and maximize its benefits is taking a contrast therapy bath before the session. This entails dipping in two tubs (hot and cold) alternately for about five minutes each for half an hour. Only then will you be ready to fully indulge in the rejuvenating experience that is your massage of choice.
All 10 massages mentioned and more (including the contrast therapy bath) are available at many spas around Metro Manila. I recommend going to The Spa, where they also do traditional hilot, moor spa hair and scalp treatment and other foot, nail and paraffin treatments. They also provide access to gym facilities and sauna, steam and vanity amenities

By Ed Biado

Resource: http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=goodLife2_feb19_2008

Posted by : Therapeutic Massage Adelaide by http://knead.net.au

A relaxing massage at your service

Do you suffer from tension in your shoulders and upper back if so you are going to want this.

The UFO shaped massager is designed to give you a relaxing massage when used in a circular movement in a clockwise direction to release the day’s accumulated tension from the base of the neck.

It can be used either as it is, or switched on, for a stronger, more energetic massage function with rotating movements designed to be applied to the upper back.

When switched on, the massager’s vibrations contribute to the immediate release of tension and muscle relaxation.

Source:
http://www.product-reviews.net/2008/02/14/a-relaxing-massage-at-your-service

By: http://knead.net.au

Products and oils for massage in adelaide

Knead Me is currently sourcing products for our online store "Opening Soon"The Products we are looking at supplying will be
Essential Oils
Organic Oils
Organic Linen/Towels
Organic Clothing
Fishermans/Yoga Pants
Yoga Products
Meditation CDs and DVDs
Green Products If there is anything you would like to see on our online store, please send me an email and I will endeavour to add this item to our stock list.These items will ideally be Green, Organic and Health Conscious.Keep an eye on this space and send an email to lisa(at)knead(dot)net(dot)au if you would like to know when we are opening the Online Store!

Lisa Wilson . for more information visit us at http://knead.net.au

Pregnancy Massage adelaide

Pregnancy Massage

Knead Me offers Pregnancy Massage in the Adelaide Hills including Mount Barker, Mt Barker, Woodside, Stirling, Aldgate, Balhannah, Oakbank, Bridgewater etc and the Eastern Suburbs. We offer a Mobile Massage Service so you can stay in the comfort of your own home.I can make your home a paradise for the period of the massage , creating a peaceful relaxed atmosphere with candles, relaxing music, crystals and touch.I am experienced in the safety of Pregnancy Massage and will offer a gentle Massage to relax your muscles and bring some comfort to the areas that are affected by pregnancy such as the lower back, legs, ankles and feet. When you are pregnant it is important to pamper yourself and take of your Body, Mind and Spirit.

We also offer Gift Certificates if you would like to give a gift to someone you care about! See our Gift Certificate page.

For more information on pregnancy massage in adelaide, please visit us at http://knead.net.au