Massage Oils For Perfect Massage

Massage is a skill that is learned through years of studying and continuous practice. You cannot be great at giving massage when you do not put enough time and effort into it. However, all the practice in the world will not make it the perfect massage if you use your cold dry hands.
A massage is a sensual experience and as such must have smooth strokes that create an experience like no other. Since a massage is a sensual experience it must also appeal to all your senses and not just touch. A successful massage appeals to the touch first and foremost but it must appeal to the smell, as well. Removing the sense of sight by giving a massage in the dark and playing relaxing music only heightens the whole experience. However, the key in a perfect rubdown begins with the right combination of oils.
To create your own massage oil you will need to combine carrier or base oils to essential oils. Essential oils are aromatic and very concentrated and as such may be too harsh if applied directly to the skin. It can lead to allergic reactions and rashes. This is the reason you need to be mix the essential oils with much lighter and milder carrier oils.
Carrier oils are generally milder vegetable based oils that are scentless and flavor less. These are often available from stores in large bottles. Buying these oils in bulk can lower your costs if you are a massage professional or you just generally enjoy giving and receiving massages.
Some of the more popular are Avocado oils and Apricot Oils. Avocado oils are good sources of vitamins A, B, D, E, Lecithin, Pantothenic Acid, and, of course fatty acids which these carrier oils are built on. Apricot oils are good sources of Vitamin A. It also has a light texture that is both easily absorbed by the skin and nourishing at the same time. Most of the other possible carrier oils are extracted from nuts and seeds which include grape seed, borage seed, cranberry seed, almond oil ad macadamia nut just to name a few.
These carrier oils are mild enough to be applied to the body directly but it is neutral enough that it will not fight with the natural scents and flavors of the essential oils. It is also a good extender to make the massage as cost efficient as possible. Furthermore, massage oils are less potent and hence the smell isn't too strong that it is overwhelming.
The essential oils however are very potent. Its scent is strong and it can be very reactive to the skin. Hence, you only need a small portion to achieve the effects you want. Tea tree essential oils are both soothing and nourishing. Tea tree has always been used for medicinal purposes and as such is perfect for clearing up those aches and pains. Rose oils are also a great way to build romance and create a mood of love for a massage. If you plan to give a loved one a massage, not much work as good as the rose oils in creating intimacy.
Creating your own massage oils afford you the ability to personalize the massage. After all, a massage is one of the most personal experiences you can share with another person. If that is the case, don't you think it deserves to be done right?

John Black writes about a wide range of topics. Click on the links to learn more about the mobile massage brisbane and other topics related to mobile massage

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Giving a Massage

The massage can be one of the most pleasurable experiences one can go through. The benefits of a massage come in many forms. It is enjoyable because it helps you feel more wonderful as each muscle is worked and each joint is stretched. The massage is a great way to relax and it is also good way to heal your aches and pain.
The massage is great for many things but imagine if you can add on to the wonderful experience. With the right tools, you can at the very least make sure that it goes as smoothly as possible. The right massage tools can do that and more.
One massage tool that is gaining popularity nowadays is the electronic massager that automatically vibrates when pressed into a person's muscles. There are also hundreds of other variations to this product. Some send out ultrasound to help dig deep into the muscle and offer relief from pain and stress. Some other variations use infra-red light that research show is in the right frequency to go through skin and soothe muscles and ligaments.
These advancements in technology are good and it helps the craft grow forward. However, there is something that these fancy gadgets cannot get and that is the human connection.
Massage is more than just away to feel better. It is one of the most intimate experiences two people can share. However, when a massage is done, it has to be done smoothly to ensure that the massage is pleasurable. Otherwise, you can probably give a massage that is sticky and rough, not the kind of massage people want.
To help you give a massage that is well received, there are many kinds of lubricants and oils that you can use. Oils are great lubricants for massages because they are absorbed naturally by the skin. It also has the perfect viscosity to make a massage enjoyable. Since oil does not dry up quickly like water-based lubricants. Hence, they stay smooth longer and you can enjoy the massage for a longer period of time.
You can also get additional benefits from the use of massage oils. Massage oils are often infused with essential oils, which have special properties associated with it. For example, tea tree oil is great muscle relaxant while Basil essence can help with your colds and coughs as you inhale the essences through your nose.
Another great tool for giving a great massage is the surface where the subject lays as he or she accepts the massage. In some cases, this is just a bed but to more avid fans of the art form it is much more. Common among massage table is a hole especially designed for the subject to put their face in. This ensures that our nose is not squashed as we lay face down on the bed or table. It is also made of leather which makes sure that there is no staining on the table.
The most important tools that you will need in a massage, you already have. As long as you have your hands and you put your heart into the massage, you are sure to have or give the massage of your dreams. But, it does not hurt to have a useful tool close at hand.

John F Black writes about a wide range of topics.Click on the links to learn more about Mobile massage Brisbane and Corporate massage.

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Sensual Massage

Sensual Massage is one of the ways for couples to get intact with each other. It is a way of massage which helps couples to reach the level of arousing before sex.

It is quite common for couples in most relationships to at times reach a sort of a stalemate, that is a point where intimacy and closeness to one another seems to loose its appeal. Or at times, at the beginning of a relationship, a couple may not know which would be the best way initiating contact and intimacy without seeming to be too forward or eager to get to the sexual part of the relationship. One of the most effective ways of dealing with this is through touch. Bodily contact, even in brief, is the ultimate breach of any barrier to intimacy but so as to be able to get past the intimacy barrier, the touch has to be more than a simple brush with the hand. It has to be gentle, soft and most importantly, arousing.

Nothing could achieve all three objectives than the act of a sensual massage. Sensual massage is a major breach to any barrier to intimacy because the gentleness of the act coupled with the close contact between to lovers makes the other person feel more comfortable and secure in the presence of the other person. In a sense, a sort of trust and unspoken understanding is built between the two. Once this has been established, the one receiving the massage will also feel more comfortable giving the other more access to both their body and their mind.

An important part of a sensual massage if it is being done in the bedroom between lovers or soon-to-be lovers is that both needs to take turn being the masseuse. This is because if only one partner takes on the role of masseuse, the intimacy may be achieved but it may still be in unequal proportions. In something like intimacy it is quite essential that both partners be on level ground. This is because it will enable them to not only know what the other wants but how far the other is willing to go. If the intimacy is unequal, one partner may accidentally cross over into territories that the other isn't so comfortable with and this is quite likely to lead to a withdrawal and return of the initial tension between the two.

When giving a sensual massage, it is important that the masseuse takes very keen interest in all that they are doing. Exploration is a good thing but it should be done slowly and gently. The slowness gives the other more time to adapt to what is happening or going to happen and it also gives the masseuse time to learn what is particularly appealing to the other by taking the time to note their reactions at every stage. This may be particularly useful in future sessions. Being gentle gives the partner the feeling that you are being gentle because you care enough not to want to hurt them and this will definitely enhance that feeling of security.

When performing massages, scented oils, soothing music, and a generally quiet atmosphere will help a lot in achieving the relaxation that is necessary for the massage to achieve its intended purpose.

Gay Massage

Being interested in the same sex is as fun as being a heterosexual in many areas - especially in massage. Gay massage is actually a safe and enjoyable way to be somewhat pleasured by a gay person like you. Many people all over the world engage in this, and here is what you can probably expect if it is going to be your first time to get this kind of massage. If you have no clue as to what might go on, read on ahead and bring a stockpile of imagination.

First, booking a gay massage is very easy. There are many gay sites on the internet that list massage services (sensual or otherwise) that you can peruse. They will have a list of cities then click on your home city to see the list of gay therapists that you can contact. Choose one from the list that appeals to your gay senses the most then simply book it online! They will get back to your email regarding the schedule and perhaps discuss anything that you would like them to know beforehand. This first step will be facilitating the massage which you eagerly expect.

The gay massage may or may not be held at your place; whether it is in your own pad or at a motel or hotel, these gay therapists are accustomed to various bookings and in different places. Some are even so popular for their techniques that their committed clients fly them in different cities just to avail of their service. But whether you live near or far or if you are in a simple home or a lavish hotel trust that the service will be the same; you will be given the same kind of experience as another man. Consistency and giving 100 percent is what they always do.

Do not be surprised if the gay massage therapist engages you in small talk in the beginning - this is just something they do to establish a connection with their client. They can talk about something ordinary such as the weather or the latest happening in the city, or they will ask about yourself; whatever it is, they are just being friendly. They want to make their gay clients feel at home with them and that they are not just waiting for the time to run out until you have to pay them already. These people are quite warm and have great socialization and people skills, too.

And of course, once you finish the gay massage (during which they may or may not engage you in small talk, depending on your preference for the duration of the massage) they might offer you a little extra erotic or sensual service. If you are willing to avail of it for an additional fee, they perform splendidly. But if you are not interested or if it is out of your budget then they are not one to push it. Surely, by now you are feeling more confident about booking a gay massage which you can enjoy in the soonest possible time with a handsome and experienced therapist.

Massage

What is massage?

Massage is a "hands-on" treatment in which a rentboy therapist manipulates muscles and other soft tissues of the body to improve health and well-being. Varieties of massage range from gentle stroking and kneading of muscles and other soft tissues to deeper manual techniques. Massage has been practiced as a healing therapy for centuries in nearly every culture around the world. It helps relieve muscle tension, reduce stress, and evoke feelings of calmness. Although massage affects the body as a whole, it particularly influences the activity of the musculoskeletal, circulatory, lymphatic, and nervous systems.

What is the history of massage?

The use of massage for healing purposes dates back 4,000 years in Chinese medical literature and continues to be an important part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). A contemporary form of massage, known as Swedish massage, was introduced to the United States in the 1850s. By the end of the 19^th century, a significant number of American doctors were practicing this manual technique, and the nation's first massage therapy clinic had opened its doors to the public.

In the early 20^th century, the rise of technology and prescription drugs began to overshadow massage therapy. For the next several decades, massage remained dormant, with only a few therapists continuing to practice the "ancient" technique. During the 1970s, however, both the general public and the medical profession began to take notice of alternative medicine and mind-body therapies, including massage therapy. Today, more than 125,000 massage therapists practice in the United States. Their numbers are growing rapidly to keep up with the more than 80 million massage therapy appointments people make every year.

Are there many types of massage?

There are nearly 100 different massage and body work techniques. Each technique is uniquely designed to achieve a specific goal. The most common types practiced in the United States include:

• Aromatherapy massage: Essential oils from plants are massaged into the skin to enhance the healing and relaxing effects of massage. Essential oils are believed to have a powerful effect on mood by stimulating two structures deep in the brain known to store emotions and memory. (See also: Aromatherapy.)
• Craniosacral massage: Gentle pressure is applied to the head and spine to correct imbalances and restore the flow of cerebrospinal fluid in these areas.
• Lymphatic massage: Light, rhythmic strokes are used to improve the flow of lymph (colorless fluid that helps fight infection and disease) throughout the body. One of the most popular forms of lymphatic massage, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), focuses on draining excess lymph. MLD is commonly used after surgery (such as a mastectomy for breast cancer) to reduce swelling.
• Myofascial release: Gentle pressure and body positioning are used to relax and stretch the muscles, fascia (connective tissue), and related structures. Trained physical therapists and massage therapists use this technique.
• On-site/chair massage: On-site massage therapists use a portable chair to deliver brief, upper body massages to fully-clothed people in offices and other public places.
• Polarity therapy: A form of energy healing, polarity therapy stimulates and balances the flow of energy within the body to enhance health and well-being.
• Reflexology: Specialized thumb and finger techniques are applied to the hands and feet. Reflexologists believe that these areas contain "reflex points," or direct connections to specific organs and structures, throughout the body.
• Rolfing: Pressure is applied to the fascia (connective tissue) to stretch it, lengthen it, and make it more flexible. The goal of this technique is to realign the body so that it conserves energy, releases tension, and functions better.
• Shiatsu: Gentle finger and hand pressure are applied to specific points on the body to relieve pain and enhance the flow of energy (known as qi) through the body's energy pathways (called meridians). Shiatsu is widely used in TCM.
• Sports massage: Often used on professional athletes and other active individuals, sports massage can enhance performance and prevent and treat sports-related injuries.
• Swedish massage: A variety of strokes and pressure techniques are used to enhance the flow of blood to the heart, remove waste products from the tissues, stretch ligaments and tendons, and ease physical and emotional tension.
• Trigger point massage: Pressure is applied to "trigger points" (tender areas where the muscles have been damaged) to alleviate muscle spasms and pain.
• Integrative touch: A gentle form of massage therapy that uses gentle, noncirculatory techniques. It is designed to meet the needs of patients who are hospitalized or in hospice care.
• Compassionate touch: Combines one-on-one focused attention, intentional touch, and sensitive massage with communication to enhance the quality of life for elderly, ill, or dying patients.

How does massage work?

For centuries, human touch has been shown to be emotionally and physically healing. Particular massage techniques may either stimulate or calm the body's muscles and tissues to create a desired effect. When a practitioner massages soft tissue, electrical signals are transmitted both to the local area and throughout the body. These signals, in combination with the healing properties of touch, help heal damaged muscle, stimulate circulation, clear waste products via the lymphatic system, boost the activity of the immune system, reduce pain and tension, and induce a calming effect. Massage may also enhance well-being by stimulating the release of endorphins (natural painkillers and mood elevators) and reducing levels of certain stress hormones.

What happens during a massage therapy session?

At your first massage therapy session, the practitioner will ask you about any symptoms you may have (like low back pain) and will also ask questions about your medical history. The practitioner may also initiate a discussion about what you expect to achieve from the massage session.

The therapist leaves the room while you undress and lie down on the massage table. A sheet is draped over your body during the session and moved only to expose the part of the body being worked on at any given time. Massage oil or lotion is often used to reduce friction between the practitioner's hands and your skin. The room is kept warm and free of distractions. The therapist will ask whether they are applying too much or too little pressure. Soft music may be playing in the background.

The manner in which a practitioner massages your body depends on the problem being treated. A massage session can last from 15 - 90 minutes and may include a schedule of follow-up visits, depending on the severity of your situation.

What is massage good for?

In general, massage is believed to support healing, boost energy, reduce recovery time after an injury, ease pain, and enhance relaxation, mood, and well-being. It is useful for many musculoskeletal problems, such as low back pain, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and sprains and strains. Massage may also relieve depression in people with chronic fatigue syndrome, ease chronic constipation (when the technique is performed in the abdominal area), decrease swelling after a mastectomy (removal of the breast), alleviate sleep disorders, and improve self-image. In the workplace, massage has been shown to melt away stress and enhance mental alertness. One study found that deep tissue massage reduced blood pressure levels (an average reduction of 10.4 mm Hg in systolic pressure and a diastolic pressure reduction of 5.3 mm Hg). Other studies show that massage may have immediate beneficial effects on pain and mood among patients with advanced cancer.

Clinical studies show that massage relieves chronic back pain more effectively than other treatments (including acupuncture and conventional medical care for this condition with education via books and videos) and, in many cases, costs less than other treatments. Mothers and newborns also appear to benefit from massage. Mothers trained to massage their infants often feel less depressed and have a better emotional bond with their babies. Newborns who receive massage from their mothers also tend to cry less, and are more active, alert, and sociable. Premature babies who receive massage therapy have been shown to gain weight faster than preemies who do not receive this type of therapy. Infants who receive massage regularly may also sleep better, be less gassy or colicky, and have better body awareness as well as more regular digestion.

Clinical studies also show that massage may be an effective treatment for young children and adolescents with a wide range of health problems, including:

• Autism: Autistic children, who usually don't like being touched, show less autistic behavior and are more social and attentive after receiving massage therapy from their parents.
• Atopic dermatitis/eczema: Children with this scaly, itchy skin problem seem to experience less redness, scaling, and other symptoms if receiving massage between flares. Massage should not be used when this skin condition is actively inflamed.
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Massage may improve mood in children with ADHD and help them feel less fidgety and hyperactive.
• Bulimia: Studies show that adolescents with this eating disorder feel less depressed and anxious after receiving massage therapy.
• Cystic fibrosis: Massage may reduce anxiety and improve respiration in children with this lung condition.
• Diabetes: Massage may help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce anxiety and depression in children with diabetes.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: Children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) have been shown to experience less pain, morning stiffness, and anxiety as a result of massage therapy.

Are there any risks associated with massage?

In general, massage is considered relatively safe. Pain or other rare negative side effects are generally caused by an extremely vigorous massage technique.

Women should be very cautious about receiving massages during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, be sure to find a therapist specifically trained to perform massages on pregnant women.

Even though massage is a useful technique to help regulate blood sugar over time, if you have diabetes you should check your blood sugar after receiving a massage because it may be too low. Plus, if you have diabetes and you are receiving massage on a regular basis, you should check your blood sugar frequently to evaluate changes over time.

Should anyone avoid massage?

People with these conditions should avoid massage:

• Heart failure
• Kidney failure
• Infection of the superficial veins (called phlebitis) or soft tissue (called cellulitis) in the legs or elsewhere
• Blood clots in the legs
• Bleeding disorders
• Contagious skin conditions

If you have cancer, check with your doctor before considering massage because massage can damage tissue that is fragile from chemotherapy or radiation treatments. People with rheumatoid arthritis, goiter (a thyroid disorder characterized by an enlarged thyroid), eczema, and other skin lesions should not receive massage therapy during flare-ups. Experts also advise that people with osteoporosis, high fever, few platelets or white blood cells, and mental impairment, as well as those recovering from surgery, should avoid massage. Check with your doctor.

Tell your massage therapist about any medications you are taking, as massage may influence absorption or activity of both oral and topical medications.

What is the future of massage?

More research is needed to determine how effective massage therapy is, which health problems improve the most from this technique, and whether it is more cost-effective than other types of treatment. Although massage is usually offered in the community by private practitioners, it is slowly being integrated into a variety of health care settings, such as hospice care facilities and hospitals.

Massage Therapy Styles

Massage has been practiced for thousands of years. Today, if you need or want a massage, you can choose from among 80 massage therapy styles with a wide variety of pressures, movements, and techniques. These all involve pressing, rubbing, or manipulating muscles and other soft tissues with hands and fingers. Sometimes even forearms, elbows, or feet are used.
According to a 2007 American Massage Therapy Association survey, almost a quarter of all adult Americans had at least one massage in the previous year. And, they have a wide range of reasons for doing so. More and more people -- especially baby boomers -- recognize the health benefits of massage. They choose from among many massage styles to get relief from symptoms or to heal injuries, to help with certain health conditions, and to promote overall wellness.
Here is information you can use to help you decide what types of massage will work best for you.

Which Massage Styles Are Best?

You may have noticed that different massage styles are popular at different times. And you may have wondered whether each was just part of a passing fad or the latest, greatest massage technique? Even more important is how can you tell whether the latest style will actually help you?
Styles used in massage therapy range from long, smooth strokes to short, percussive strokes. Some massage therapists use oils and lotions; others do not. Most massage therapists have clients unclothe for a massage, but some do not. A massage can last anywhere from 5 minutes to 2 hours.
Before you can decide which massage style is best for you, you need to ask yourself a question. Do you simply want a massage for relaxation and stress control? Or do you need symptom relief or help with a certain health condition? Before booking a massage, let the therapist know what you're looking for and ask which style the therapist uses. Many use more than one style. Or the therapist may customize your massage, depending on your age, condition, or any special needs or goals you have.
What follows is a list of some of the more popular massage therapy styles. The first four are especially popular.

Swedish Massage

The most common type of massage is Swedish massage therapy. It involves soft, long, kneading strokes, as well as light, rhythmic, tapping strokes, on topmost layers of muscles. This is also combined with movement of the joints. By relieving muscle tension, Swedish therapy can be both relaxing and energizing. And it may even help after an injury.
The four common strokes of Swedish massage are:

• Effleurage: a smooth, gliding stroke used to relax soft tissue
• Petrissage: the squeezing, rolling, or kneading that follows effleurage
• Friction: deep, circular movements that cause layers of tissue to rub against each other, helping to increase blood flow and break down scar tissue
• Tapotement: a short, alternating tap done with cupped hands, fingers, or the edge of the hand

Massage Or Just Relaxation

The tremendous benefits of regular massage are irreplaceable to the human body. Massage is a variety of sometimes ancient techniques that manipulate the soft tissues of the body. It can definitely relax you, but there are some benefits of massage that go far beyond relaxation.

Pain and anxiety are two common problems associated with receiving massage therapy. By soothing muscles and nerves a greater state of well being is achieved for the recipient. When you take this concept further you find that massage can also benefit chronic pain and even self esteem. Massage allows for person to person contact that promotes feelings of comfort and soothing.

Medically massage is used for sports related injuries and to promote optimum performance of muscles. Through a pattern of exercise and massage, injuries can be avoided and greater athletic achievements can be accomplished. The regular massage prevents small injuries from becoming bigger ones and the athlete avoids the pain cycle all together. Massage is also an immune system enhancer that benefits patients with chronic immune system diseases like HIV. Increasing the circulation of healthy blood cells in the body helps these patients fight off disease better and keep a more positive mental attitude that is crucial for their survival.

Infants and babies have shown positive responses to massage through toddlerhood. The birthing process is often made easier and less complicated by regular massage during pregnancy and throughout the labor process. Massage for premature babies promotes better weight gain, and massage for babies with diabetes correlates with better lifelong compliance with regimens and healthier lifestyle choices.

The effects of massage on patients with high blood pressure should also not be overlooked. Massage can play a key part in the regulation and control of chronic high blood pressure by not only relaxing the patient, but also by helping the central nervous system to balance as it regulates blood flow throughout the body more efficiently. Regular massage combined with isometric exercise has been shown to improve both the blood pressure and blood regulation in patients.

Massage Therapy is a technique that can benefit a great number of people with a wide variety of complaints both physical and mental. This form of therapy can be incorporated into a balanced and healthy lifestyle to promote continuous and further health and well being as well as to be used as treatment therapy for those with chronic mental and physical conditions.
Sheryl is a kinesiologist, nutritionist and holistic practitioner.
Her website www.younglivingguide.com provides the latest research on preventing disease, looking naturally gorgeous, and feeling emotionally and physically fabulous. You can also find some of the most powerful super foods on the planet including raw chocolate, purple corn, and many others.

Has Massage Many Benefits?

Ancient Western and Eastern civilizations dating back as far as 3000 years discovered that massage and touch therapy have many health benefits. From being rendered a disreputable form of indulgence, massage is now seen as a holistic method of healing, which is practiced all over the world today. Benefits range from relieving migraines and stress relief to improving circulation and having the ability to rehabilitate physical functions.

Tense muscles can cause the body to lose its natural balance. This can lead to pain as other muscles in the body tense to try to compensate for those which are causing the initial pain. It soon becomes a chain reaction, which causes the problem to spread, often quite far from the initial problem area. Experienced massage therapists will be able to locate the source of the problem and thus begin the healing process. This in turn may be able to assist a person with eliminating a dependence on pain medication.

Massage therapy assists with releasing endorphins into the body, which can help with pain relief. It is able to lessen depression and anxiety while improving the condition of the skin, which is the largest organ of the body. Those suffering from lower back pain are able to experience relief as well as a greater range of motion after a massage treatment.

Massage has also been shown to assist with other conditions such as blood pressure control, immune system boosting, infant growth and sports-related injuries. Research has also shown that massage can be beneficial to autistic children, who seemed to display less erratic behaviour after a massage session. Office workers who make use of massage therapy tend to be more alert and display less stress than those who don`t. Patients who have undergone any form of abdominal surgery tend to heal quicker when making use of massage therapy. It also decreases itching, anxiety, pain, depression and tension in patients suffering from burns.

Premature babies also benefit from massage therapy, as research has shown that infants who receive massage therapy grow and develop faster than those who don`t. Those suffering from cancer were also reported to be less anxious after receiving massage therapy. It also increases lymph flow and stimulates weak muscles. It is also able to reduce cramps and swelling in the body.

It is important that massage therapy be done by qualified therapists. It is also not recommended for people who suffer from open wounds, fractures, severe osteoporosis or blood clots. Pregnant women should also exercise caution with regards to massage therapy.

Shona Botes is a budding blogger, as well as a fabulous frugalist. Her spare time is spent engaged in blogging, cycling, photography, as well as green living and natural healing and remedies.
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Massage heals

Brush aside any thoughts that massage is only a luxury splurge that has no real health benefits. To the contrary, hands-on healing helps you unwind, lowers blood pressure, promotes muscle relaxation and boosts your immune system. During a massage session, massage therapists use their hands and fingers to press and manipulate your skin, tendons, ligaments and muscles. The strokes gently move your blood, oxygen and lymph to various tissues and organs in a way that normally doesn't happen in the bodies of most people. As a result, the person who is receiving the massage experiences a level of physical and mental renewal that is hard to surpass.

Hidden Health Benefits of Human Touch

Today, numerous well respected studies indicate that massage therapy doesn't only feel good, it also may be good for you. Take a look at the health benefits below and discover the power of human touch:

• Stress & anxiety relief
• Muscle relaxation
• Blood pressure control
• Better circulation
• Pain reduction
• Enhanced cancer treatment
• Improved quality of sleep

But there's more - a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine suggests that individuals who undergo massage therapy experience measurable improvements in their immune response.

Mark Rapaport, M.D., and his colleagues from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center followed 53 healthy adults who were divided into two groups: The participants received either 45 minutes of Swedish massage or the same amount of time of light touch massage, which is much milder and served mainly as a comparison to the more vigorous Swedish massage. After examining their blood samples, the scientists found that people in the Swedish massage group experienced a decrease in cortisol and a significant increase in lymphocytes, cells that keep our immune system strong.

"More research is ahead of us but it appears that a single massage may deliver a measurable benefit," Rapaport said in a news release.

Massage is far more potent therapy than most people realize. In fact, it can (and should) replace analgesics as a treatment for tension headaches. As it turns out, it takes only a 30-minute massage on cervical trigger points to boost autonomic nervous system regulation and alleviate the symptoms. Patients also report an improvement in their psychological and physiological state, which goes hand in hand with the reduction in stress and anxiety associated with such a disturbing condition.

Stress and lack of rest have devastating effects on our health, fitness and beauty. Don't be afraid to find yourself a good massage therapist and get some healing on a regular basis. When you're taking care of your skin and what's beneath it, you are taking care of your whole world.James Schreiber was a long time sufferer of Candida albicans - a little known and frequently misdiagnosed condition that causes seemingly unrelated symptoms such as chronic fatigue, digestive problems and flu-like symptoms. After completely transforming his diet and lifestyle to triumph over Candida infection, Schreiber made educating people on how to better cope with the disease a mission. He shares the secrets of his success at http://www.ecandida.com