Rolfing was developed about 50 years ago by Ida Rolf, PhD, a biochemist who became interested in the subject of body structure and function while trying to relieve her son’s pain. She originally named it “structural integration” and although this name is still used today, it has become more popularly known as Rolfing – a name that is now trademarked.
The theory behind Rolfing is that the body’s natural state is relaxed, comfortable and aligned with the Earth’s gravity. However, over time the stresses of everyday life cause people to adjust the way they hold their bodies and the way they move. An example is what happens when people spend long hours at a computer – their head drops down and forward, their shoulders hunch over and their ears end up over air instead of directly above their shoulders.
Newly-learned positions and movements become patterns and for a while may be more comfortable, but eventually, because they work against gravity, they put even more stress on the body.
Muscles may become shorter on one side and longer on the other and the tissue that connects them – the fascia – may become stiff and even fused, creating adhesions.
A Rolfing treatment is designed to not only release the adhesions and relax the muscles, but also teach better body mechanics so that the patterns the client has just “unlearned” don’t return.
How does Rolfing Work?
A Rolfing session does use massage techniques, but these are usually done more slowly and deeply; since Rolfing is intended to affect the structure of the body, the more superficial techniques of massage are not helpful. The work the Rolfer does can be intense, but the level of discomfort the client may feel will depend on how out of the balance the body is and whether the Rolfer has to do a lot of work to release the effects of old injuries. The best advice is to try to avoid tensing up by “breathing through” the more difficult techniques. After a treatment the client will usually feel lighter and more balanced and may even be taller.
Rolfing is usually done in a series of 10 sessions, starting with specific areas and progressing to whole-body treatments. These sessions are usually done about a week to two weeks apart. The Rolfer may also give the client exercises to do between sessions to help them move more correctly and stay aware of how they move – in other words, to keep the re-education process going. Some people would rather get only one or two treatments focusing on what they think are their problem areas, but most Rolfers discourage this. They believe that focused treatment is not helpful and does not have lasting effects, because each part of the body supports each other part.
Benefits
Some of the effects of Rolfing are – increased flexibility – better posture – relief of pain, muscle tension, or headaches – smoother, more efficient body movement – emotional balancing (which results from the physical balancing and release of old injuries)
Because it works to change the structure – and therefore function – of the entire body, Rolfing may not be as relaxing as some other forms of bodywork, but for long-term effects many people prefer it to anything else.
By K Au-young
Here are some simple hand acupressure techniques you can do yourself to relieve pain, discomfort, or as a health maintenance exercise. You can apply pressure (massage) to your hands anytime both hands are free, such as while waiting for your ride, on the bus, riding in the car, while you are watching TV, a movie…
Here I’ll list six points, all found on the finger tips. They are the Well Points on their respective meridians
* Shang Yang point LI1, on the Large Intestine meridian. It is on the radial side of the second digit, 0.1 cun (or about an inch) from the corner of the nail bed. Apply pressure for relieving toothache, sore throat or fingers numbness
* Shao Ze point SI1, the first point on the Small Intestine meridian located on the ulna side of the fifth digit, 0.1 cun from the corner of the nail bed. Use this point to treat headache, sore throat, breast pain or fainting.
* Guan Chong point TB1, first point of the Triple Energizer (or Burner) meridian, on the ulna side of the fourth digit, 0.1 cun from the corner of the nail bed. Applying pressure will treat headache, sore throat, red eye, pain in the eyes, cataract, febrile diseases, dysphoria, and stiffness of the tongue.
* Shao Shang point LU11 of the Lung meridian. It is on the lateral aspect of the tip of the thumb, 0.1 cun laterals to the angle of the nail. Use this point to relieve sore throat, coughing, asthma, fever, depressive and manic psychosis and vomiting.
* Zhong Chong Point PC9 on the Pericardium meridian. Found on the center of the tip of the third digit or middle finger. Use this point for wind-stroke, sun-stroke, coma, infantile convulsion, cardiac pain, swelling, stiffness or pain of the tongue or feverish sensation.
* Shao Chong point HT9 of the Heart meridian. It is on the radial side of the fifth digit (the little finger), 0.1 cun from the corner of the nail bed. This point treats coma due to wind-stroke, palpitation, heart pain, depressive and manic psychosis, thoracic and hypochondriac pain.
There are many other acupressure points other than the well points (or jing xue in Chinese) on the hand. For example, Laogong point PC 8, which is in the middle of the palm, between the second and third metacarpal bones, proximal to the metacarpophalangeal joint, is good for calming anger fear, sweaty palms, mental disorders, and wind-stroke.
If you like watching martial arts movies, there are certain scenes where the hero takes down his enemy just by pressing on certain areas of the enemy’s body. These pressure points, in the movies, anyway, debilitate the enemy by causing pain, or even by blinding or paralyzing him. These artists are applying something similar to acupressure.
Acupressure is not a form of combat technique and you don’t need to worry about pain or blindness. Acupressure is a form of massage and healing developed by the Chinese perhaps 5,000 years ago. Acupressure is quite similar to Japanese Shiatsu.
Chinese medicine believes that the body has meridians in which energy, known as chi, flows, much like blood through the various veins and arteries of youir body. If there are imbalances in this Chi flow, or blockages, then the body may experience various sorts of pain, illness, or disease. One of the main purpose of acupressure (and Acupuncture) is in removing these blockages, restoring the proper energy flow along the meridians. Releasing the energy allows the body to naturally heal itself.
Benefits of Acupressure
There have been many claims that acupressure has treated various kinds of illnesses apart from muscle pain and stress, such as nausea, morning sickness, eyestrain, arthritis, and fibromyalgia. According to conventional sciences, these claims were not proven, but some tests have shown that application of pressure to the body’s focal points tends to encourage the release of the feel-good hormones of the body, the endorphins.
A chronic pain, however, is not removed in just one sitting. Acupressure, like other massage forms, needs time to completely do its work. Treatments can take eight to ten sessions, sometimes even more. There are certain illnesses and situations that are contraindicated with acupressure, like skin diseases and infection, including those people who have kidney, heart and lung problems. For people having these afflictions its highly recommended that you consult with your doctor before using acupressure.
Regular exercising and maintaining a healthy diet are considered the two most significant issues that lead to a healthy body. This is true for both males and females.
However, there exists one routine that is exclusive for males. This is prostate massage. It is a procedure which will cleanse the interiors of your prostate gland. This is actually the target of this article: the key benefits of prostate gland massage for men’s health.
It is known as prostate gland milking or prostate therapeutic massage as the milking refers to the act of exciting the prostate gland and taking out its content. The milk alludes to the white substance or the ejaculate. You can undertake it by yourself or get pleasure from it together with your spouse.
There is an alternative like employing a prostate massager or a toy, or else you may opt to make use of your finger. In either case, if you do it properly, you may be capable to enjoy the key benefits of prostate gland milking.
Permit me to give a light about what this regimen really does. You arouse the prostate gland in order for it to liberate its contents. You may well be wondering precisely why we should do that activity if the common masturbation or sexual activity really does precisely the same job. Truly, it does not. Throughout the regular orgasm, you merely get to discharge some of the alkaline compound from the prostate gland. The rest of the content is the typical primary cause for prostate disorder.
One more big difference is definitely the product you discharge with prostate gland massage therapy. The actual consistency is a lot more watery because of the alkaline ingredient. This fluid from your prostate gland is a organic neutralizer which takes on a vital role in the course of reproduction. This can deal with the acidic vaginal walls. An acidic wall can easily kill the semen cells, that leads to an defeated fertilization. This is actually the scenario that the alkaline element would like to avert.
One of the most serious things that prostate gland massage therapy can protect you from is definitely the threatening prostate gland cancer. It can possibly aid men who definitely have serious case of prostate enlargement. Clearing the prostate gland with its seminal fluid can decrease the pain that the patient is having. Also, it is the proper way to guard you against the development of prostate disorders.
You can do it habitually to guarantee the health of the prostate. Perhaps you may choose to get it performed by your doctor or a medical specialist. If you elect to do it yourself make sure that you learned about the proper methods to carry out prostate gland therapeutic massage. If you ever failed to do as instructed, chances are you’ll only deteriorate the situation of your prostate gland.
In case you have a medical condition of severe prostatitis or an infected prostate gland, you are not advised to do this practice. There’s an easy risk of infecting other regions of your body. This is especially valid if you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. We don’t wish the cancer cells from your prostate gland to transfer to different body parts and threaten it.
Consequently, just what should you do to execute appropriate prostate massage therapy? You need to be clean, lubricated, and calm. Aside from that, you need to have an open mind. Massaging the prostate usually requires you to touch your rectum and investigate its insides. Should you be queasy with this suggestion, there is an alternative way to do a prostate massage.
Therefore, ensure that you thoroughly clean your body, notably your fingers before you decide to do the routine. Buy yourself a good lubricant. You may very easily buy some from a neighborhood drug store. Furthermore, fixed your room with a peaceful ambiance. You may put on a favourite melody or perhaps you may possibly light some candles to get you in the ambiance. Just follow these guidelines so that you can take pleasure in the health benefits of prostate massage regimen.
Searching a technique for stress reduction, relaxation and healing?
Try for a technique called reiki, which helps you in reducing stress and providing relaxation and healing.
Reiki is a Japanese form of healing technique that is becoming increasingly popular worldwide.
Reiki is a unique alternative healing technique in a way that it combines the elements of every other alternative healing practice such as aromatherapy, auras, chakra balancing, crystal healing, homeopathy, meditation, naturopathy, and spiritual healing.
Reiki is mainly focused upon universal life energy. Hence reiki energy is considered as life energy. It is a simple, natural and safe method of spiritual healing and self-improvement and all of us can use it.
Reiki can also work in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery. It uses specific techniques for restoring and balancing natural life force energy with your body.
Mainly reiki involves transfer of energy from practitioner to you to increase the body’s natural ability to heal itself through the balancing of energy. It is a holistic, natural, hands-on energy healing system that touches on all the levels the body, mind, and spirit.
Effects of Reiki:
Reiki is extremely effective for total relaxation and stress reduction. It can not only effect the changes in the physical structure of the body by helping to regenerate organs and re-build tissues but also helps to create balance on the mental level.
Reiki can be used for all types of injuries, illnesses and diseases. They can be either cuts and bruises, strains and sprains or other more severe injuries.
One of the greatest benefits of reiki is self-treatment. Treating by yourself helps to release withheld emotions and energy blocks.
• It provides vitality in the form of healing universal life energy and postpones the aging process.
• It balances all the organs and glands and your bodily functions.
• It creates a feeling of deep relaxation.
• Reiki destroys all energy blockages.
• It increases the vibrational frequency of your body.
• It removes toxins from your whole system.
• This technique accelerates your body’s self-healing ability.
• It helps in removing the pain.
• Reiki helps to reduce the side effects of drugs and also helps your body to recover from drug therapy after surgery and chemotherapy.
• It helps in spiritual growth and emotional clearing.
• It can never do damage to your health since it flows in quantities necessary for you.
• Reiki helps to boost, strengthen and improves your immune system.
• On the whole it is an extremely pleasant and holistic method of healing.
If you get benefit from reiki then you can have more joyful existence. You can find recovery from illness much more quickly than any other conventional medications.
Lymphatic massage is a form of therapy which was created to encourage healthy lymph nodes through massage. The lymph nodes are crucial to one’s immune system, because through it passes a liquid that protects the body from viruses and other infections.
It was developed in the 1930’s and has long been recognized as a very effective method of therapy and treatment for a number of health conditions.
Various causes can attribute to blockages in the lymph system. Some of these include a poor diet, surgery, fatigue, lack of sleep, and reactions to various medications.
If you are feeling sick, you should give lymphatic massage a try. Just like other forms of massages, it guarantees to relieve you of pain and relax your body and mind. Here are the benefits of having a lymphatic massage:
1. The lymphatic massage focuses on eliminating blockages in the lymph systems, which is important in helping one feel healthy and have a stronger immune system.
2. Having a clear and healthy lymphatic system is also crucial to the good functioning of the body’s other systems, as it allows the lymph fluid to flow freely and provide protection and circulation.
3. Lymphatic massage is also recommended before surgery, as it ensures that the lymph system is healthy. Likewise, it is also used after surgery to reduce swelling caused by the operation.
4. Lymphatic massage is a non-invasive form of holistic treatment that can be used by anyone to keep their systems healthy and in good condition. However, if you have existing diseases or infections you should abstain from getting this type of massage treatment because it can promote the spread of the infection through the body.
5. Lymphatic massage is also used as therapy for overall well-being, even if you are not sick or suffering of anything.
6. Some lymphatic massage practitioners offer breast massage, as lymph nodes are also located in these areas, to provide relief from the pain that is brought about by changes in breast tissue as a result of pregnancy.
7. It can be used to treat a number of illnesses including: colds, allergies, joint pain, sports injuries, appetite deficiencies, headaches, fatigue, and cellulite.
8. Lymphatic massage is an effective way to stay healthy at the onset of flu season. Simply go to a practitioner and one or a few sessions of therapy will ensure your immune system is strong enough to fight the flu virus during the remainder of the season. There is no additional need to take pills or use special equipment because it is a holistic approach and non-invasive.
9. Unlike other types of massage treatments that use high pressure, lymphatic massage is very delicate and gentle, so one never experiences pain. The vessels of the lymph system are located right under the skin, so not much pressure is required to provide relief and unblock the system.
10. There are various forms of lymphatic massage available. Also, the sessions do not focus on only one part of the body because lymph nodes are located throughout, such as in the armpit, breast, neck, and groin.
Reiki is a Japanese word for Universal Life Force Energy. Reiki massage pertains to the use of spiritual energy to heal a person’s aura through kneading and rubbing various body parts to obtain spiritual therapy.
Although reiki and massage are two different things, the combination of these in Reiki massage helps a patient achieve physical and spiritual well-being simultaneously.
In order to learn how to conduct a Reiki massage, one must learn with a sensei or teacher, who is a skilled Reiki practitioner. They teach the apprentice how to absorb energy from the universe, and channel it to their patient to promote well-being.
The master will also act as a channel through which bad energy is removed and replaced with good energy. The entire procedure will then allow the patient to heal spiritually and physically.
Reiki massage is a recognized form of holistic healing that has been around for thousands of years. It is known for providing an alternative treatment to many ailments in the body. Its benefits include the following:
1. Reiki massage helps greatly with pain relief and management.
2. Removes energy blockages and helps with circulation of good energy and blood flow.
3. Helps protect and strengthen the immune system.
4. Increases one’s vitality and postpones the aging process.
5. Promotes spiritual growth and emotional clarity.
6. Speeds up the body’s healing properties.
7. Encourages better sleeping and breathing.
8. Assists in detoxifying and removal of waste and toxins.
9. Reduces high blood pressure.
10. Reduces side effects from drugs and medical treatment.
Because of the many benefits and illnesses that Reiki massage can heal, it has become a popular choice for alternative treatment.
It has also been around for thousands of years, yet patients today can still benefit from the art of the massage in the local wellness centers.
If you want to maximize the good that Reiki massage can do for your body and well-being, it is recommended to do long-term practice instead of just a few sessions to address your problems.
Long-term treatment through this type of massage will open your energy channels and allow you to enjoy stronger immunity, and mental and spiritual defense and clarity against the stress that daily life can bring.
Everyone can benefit from the use of Reiki massage; it doesn’t matter if you are young, pregnant, or old. However, it should be noted that it should not be seen as an instant cure-all for disease.
It should be used as a complementary treatment and can also be used alongside Western medicine and other forms of treatment especially for serious conditions.
However, if you simply want to use the massage to treat minor problems such as pain management, Reiki massage can be of great help.
It is also a great way to achieve emotional well-being even if no pain or illness is being experienced. Make sure you only work with a licensed Reiki massage practitioner to maximize your benefits of this ancient art and method of healing.
Giving your partner a Reiki massage is an openhearted and nurturing demonstration of your love. For some couples, it may be a good way to arouse each other sexually. For others, it may have a calming, relaxing effect, easing the stresses from the recipient’s body and sending them right into a slumber pose. Whether you use it for foreplay or foresleep, Reiki massage is a wonderful way to be intimate with your partner.
The basic Reiki hand placements are not used while giving a massage. Reiki will naturally kick in during the session. For instance, you can lovingly give your partner a Reiki back rub:
1. Charge your (preferably organic) massage oils with Reiki energies. Sweet almond oil and jojoba oil are favorites for releasing stresses.
2. Have your partner lay on her stomach on the bed.
3. Cover the lower part of your partner’s body with some warm towels so she will not be chilled.
4. Pour a handful of massage oil in your hands. Allow your Reiki hands to warm the oil.
5. Begin by smoothing your hands in slow, sweeping movements across your partner’s neck, shoulders, and upper back.
6. Begin stroking and rubbing the neck and shoulders.
7. Continue kneading out any kinks or stresses as you move your hands down your partner’s back.
8. Finish the massage by lightly scratching her skin surface with your fingernails in circular or figure-eight movements.
9. Lie down and snuggle up next to your partner.
Note: The back rub massage described here should not be used as therapy in a clinical setting or as a healing practice. Such behavior is not acceptable between a practitioner and a client and should be reserved for your intimate relationship.
Reiki and massage are essentially two separate things. While Reiki is the art of holistic healing that uses universal life force energy, massage is the practice of rubbing or kneading different parts of the body for restorative and invigorating purposes. Reiki therapists, who are also trained in massages, combine the two practices many times for better health results. You can also see certified massage therapists usually take classes of Reiki, to gain knowledge of energy usage and encourage spiritual and physical well-being in their treatments.
Said to have started in Tibet ages ago, Reiki massage therapy was introduced to the western world in 1970′s. In this therapy, life force energy is directed by Reiki Massage practitioners in a particular pattern, to restore the body. Actually Reiki massage starts from the head and makes its way through seven chakras of the body. The practitioner just places his hands above the recipient and energy itself gets channelized to treat the body. In this too, the treatment is only possible when the recipient is willing to receive that healing energy.
Reiki massage helps to reinstate order to the body whose fundamental energy has become deranged, thus contrasting other healing therapies anchored in grounds of human energy field. It is really effective, causes deep relaxation, destroys energy blockages, detoxifies the system, provides new strength in form of healing energy and augments body’s vibrational frequency. It is different from normal massage, since the practitioner doesn’t knead the muscles of the patient. Instead the practitioner’s hands remain still while healing energy is sent via channels into the patient.
You need not worry about the Reiki massage treatment as it is absolutely safe and harmless. In fact, there is nothing in it which can make you uncomfortable. You will be fully clad because there is no need to have skin-to-skin contact in this treatment. Some can feel a sensation of warmth or tingling whereas a feeling of relaxation and balance can be experienced by others. It is also possible not to feel anything at all since, it varies from person to person. Thus, Reiki massage is another holistic practice to deal with pain and augment the quality of living.
Reiki massage is a calm practical healing method to decrease strain, ease pain, and help cure. Reiki practitioners hold that the fundamental power of the cosmos, is channeled through the practitioner to energize the various, body systems on levels that endorse curing and completeness. The hands of the Reiki practitioner are used to examine a client’s body, and to recognize and treat parts of condensed energy in the client.
The technique is based on the same principles of energies as acupressure. But as compared to acupressure, Reiki massages do not require physical agility. Truly speaking, Reiki and massage are two separate things. Most of the times it is seen when the people who are trained in both areas combine the two to get the best results out of them.
It can sometimes be confused that massage establishments and practitioners are offering a Reiki – type therapy. They are not, usually. Reiki requires skill and devotion by the practitioner. Traditional massage therapists also require skills – but they are different to the Reiki practitioners.
The Reiki massage helps in relaxing and healing a lot of sickness in the individuals. Even if you are not sick, this process is a method to give you peace and reduce the stress level of life. It is is first carried out on the head of the client and works out its path through the seven charkas or the centers of energy of the human body and is considered to be the best to relieve pain and cure the illness of various body areas. In essence, this specific process is unique and targeted and is not the same as the normal massage.
