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HOME MASSAGE
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The beginnings of massage date back to ancient times. The book "Kong-fu", which was written in 2698 B. C., describes exercises and provides knowledge on massage. It is known that Herodicus of Selymbria, the teacher of Hippocrates, did daily exercises. Classical massage is a treatment technique which affects the body as a mechanical irritant. It employs various techniques such as caressing, rubbing, kneading and vibration when the tissues are irritated slightly, moderately or vigorously, which intensifies the flow of the tissue liquids (lymph, blood), facilitates the rejuvenation of the body following physical and mental exercises, strengthens the immune system etc. Many muscle groups of the human body perform mutually opposite (antagonistic) movements. By stretching and moving the tissues, it is possible to eliminate the lack of coordination (imbalance) of movements between the muscles-antagonists, for example, abductor and flexor muscle of the hand, as well as between stereotype muscles, for example, the same group of spinal muscles on both sides of the body. It is not only the local effect but also the neuroreflectory effect that is important, as the mechanical irritation is transformed into the signals carrying this information further to the nerve centers both in the spinal cord and brain. Relaxing effect of the massage is also very important. Classical massage, when combined with passive exercising (the elements of yoga and TAI) can increase the range of movements of the muscle in the joint, correct the muscle tone, eliminate the imbalance between the stereotype muscles and the antagonists as well as reduce the agglutination, thickening, and shortening of the fibrous tissue membranes (fascia) of muscles in sedentary people. SPINAL THERAPY & MASSAGE There is a reflex
connection between every organ system and the spine. The malfunction of an
organ will produce tension in a specific part of the spine, while a
misalignment of the spine will cause tension in a specific organ.
Additionally, various acupressure-points along the inner branch of the
bladder meridian, close to the spine, are linked to specific organs.
Furthermore, on both sides of each vertebra, less than one inch from the
midline, are 'extra' acupuncture-points not included in the meridian system,
but generally related to certain regions of the body. Press along both sides
of the spine and especially where you encounter any tender points. Massage A spinal massage is best
given as part of an overall body or back massage. For an initial general
massage you may or may not use massage oil. It is helpful to know special
massage techniques, but not essential for home practice simply rub, stroke
and knead as it comes naturally. A caring attitude during massage is more
important than technique. Start by giving attention to the feet. Glide slowly downward
with your thumbs on each side of the spine (fingers or the knuckles may be
used as well). Press reasonably hard for a moment then glide to the next
vertebra, basically along the inner bladder meridian. When a sore spot is
encountered, ease the pressure, and press for several minutes with a slightly
circular motion. Increase the pressure when the pain subsides. Repeat this
several times, gliding down the spine, pausing at tender areas. Moving back
from the base of the spine to the neck, press with the base of the palm,
supported by the other hand, along the tops of the vertebrae. Other points in need of
special attention are the base of the skull, neck, shoulder, the tops and
centers of the shoulder blades; the buttocks, the hips and the back of each
knee. Another technique to
treat tender points along the spine is to apply a constant moderate finger
pressure on each tender spot for about 90 seconds. Direct the pressure
against the spine, and simultaneously raise the opposite body side of the
patient against the pressure. This is done to relax the treated muscle and,
in doing so, to ease any pain caused by a strong pressure. When treating the upper
part of the spine, the shoulder is lifted; when treating the lower part, the
hip is raised. On the neck, move the head against the finger pressure. The
patient should remain completely passive during the treatment and should not
try to help move any body part. Apply an overall massage
and pressure massage once a week, best after a bath or shower. This is an
excellent exercise for developing a harmonious relationship with a friend or
partner. When using long strokes during massaging, try to follow the flow
directions of the meridians. Massage Oils Massage oils are commonly
used to let the hands glide over the skin in long strokes. However, with
pressure therapy, deep muscle work and for feeling the energies it is often
better not to oil the skin. Massage oils may also be selected according to
the specific needs of the massaged person. Edgar Cayce (American medical
psychic) has left us the following recommendations. GENERAL TONIC MASSAGE
- Peanut oil 6 parts, olive oil 2 parts, dissolved lanolin 1 part,
rosewater 2 parts; shake well before use. PEANUT OIL & OLIVE
OIL MIXTURE - 2 parts of each and 1 part dissolved lanolin; this is
good for arthritis and rheumatism, after-effects of anesthesia, injuries from
accidents, kidney disorders, menopausal complaints, multiple sclerosis,
prostatitis and toxemia. PEANUT OIL ALONE - For
apoplexy, arthritis, cholecystitis, coronary occlusion, fatigue, glandular
disturbances, low vitality, menopause, multiple sclerosis, palsy, paralysis,
Parkinson's disease, polio, poor circulation, ulcerated stomach. Preferably
heat the body with an infrared lamp or by exposing it to sunshine during and
after the oil rub. CASTOR OIL ALONE - For
arthritis, back pain, contractions and spasms, rheumatism and all muscular
and joint pains. Rub very warm castor oil into the affected parts, preferably
using an infrared lamp or sunshine to work it into the skin. REMOVAL OF SCAR TISSUE
- Combine 1-2 parts camphorated oil with I part peanut oil; massage into
the scar tissue for several months. Alternatively or in addition use vitamin
E oil. COCOA BUTTER - Stimulates
the circulation in massaged areas, and strengthens the nervous system and
eliminating functions. It is especially useful for massaging babies and young
children gently along the spine. It helps body development and guards against
head congestions. For increasing the size of underdeveloped breasts, massage
around the glands under the arms and below the breasts. Direct massage of
breasts with cocoa butter combined with alum water has been recommended by
Edgar Cayce to decrease their size. You may use melted cocoa butter on its
own or as part of a massage-oil mixture. To increase breast size also see breasts.html. In addition, you may add
various aromatic oils either just for their fragrance or for any additional
healing effect. The olive oil should be extra-virgin and the peanut oil
cold-pressed, both having been stored in a cool and dark place. You may also
squeeze some vitamin E oil capsules into the massage oil. A small amount of
the oil may be lightly warmed before applying it to the body. I am not in
favor of using polyunsaturated oils as massage oils as these become easily
rancid. Muscle Pain Muscle pain is commonly
due to a contracted or spastic muscle. This may generate pain from pressure
on a nerve or from an inflammatory condition resulting from overacidity. The
original cause may be an injury or overuse of the muscle. This causes a
lactic acid accumulation in the muscle, which prevents calcium from moving
out of the muscle fibers to allow them to relax. The blood and lymph
circulation through the contracted muscle is greatly diminished. Therefore,
lactic acid is removed very slowly and oxygen supply to the muscle is rather
low. With this, any further
use of this muscle generates more lactic acid and keeps it contracted and
either weak or painful. If this condition becomes permanent, then the area
gradually tends to calcify, such as two vertebrae fusing together or a joint
becoming immobile. The solution is to use suitable therapies to relax this
muscle and increase the blood and lymph flow through this area. The first thing to try is
a period of rest to allow the lactic acid to disperse. Heat such as a hot
pack or bath or rub greatly speed up this process. Using additional Epsom
salt or magnesium chloride aids muscle relaxation by displacing some of the
calcium in the muscle with magnesium. Adding baking soda to a bath or pack
helps by reducing the overacidity of the muscle. Magnesium as well as an
alkalizer may in addition be used internally. MSM internally as well as
externally speeds up these processes. A quick but also painful
way to relax a tense muscle is to press right into it for several minutes. In
addition or instead of this a deep muscle massage greatly speeds up lymph and
blood flow through the muscle, pressing, kneading and rubbing the area. Color
therapy with blue light, the south pole of a magnet, reflexology, acupuncture
and meridian therapy may all be used in difficult cases as supportive
measures. Spinal Correction Frequently, health
problems are intensified by a misalignment of the spine. Hereditary factors,
incompatible food and negative or suppressed feelings will cause organ and
gland functions to become overactive or under-active. This in turn weakens or
tenses muscles in associated reflex areas of the back. The same may happen
because of one-sided strenuous muscle activity. This causes an uneven pull of
muscles on the spine, and individual vertebrae can easily become misaligned,
causing pressure on nerves emerging from the spine and consequent pain or
malfunction. Therefore, most people
with health problems will benefit from an initial professional adjustment of
the spine. However, if the muscles are not balanced simultaneously, the
correction will not last and you may become a regular customer of a
chiropractor. This, of course, is not necessary. You may either see an
osteopath or a chiropractor who does muscle balancing as well. Furthermore,
working with a friend, you can easily balance each other. For backache, first find
out, by pressing, which side of the back is more tender. Frequently trace the
bladder meridian of the tender side with a south-pole magnet (or the fingers)
from toe to head. Trace the bladder meridian on the other side from head to
toe with a north-pole magnet. For neck problems also the gall bladder meridian
should be retraced in the same way. In addition, apply ear
acupuncture, and reflexology, and a strong south-pole magnet to the painful
area. Finally press into the tender muscle until the pain eases, then press
harder and circle the thumb, knuckle or elbow with which the pressure is
applied. Check for other tender points in the same area and work these out in
the same way. Often misaligned vertebrae will then realign themselves during
subsequent back-stretching exercises or with the head-and-neck exercise. As a general rule, neck
and shoulders are affected by the gall bladder, upper back by the lungs and
heart, the middle by the stomach and pancreas, the lower end of the ribcage
by the kidneys and the lower back by the intestines. Liver problems often
manifest as a pain near the lower right shoulder blade. Treat implicated
organs with other suitable methods. If the spine of the
partner or patient has not been injured, you may occasionally place your
hands, facing in opposite directions, on both sides of the spine and press
down for a moment with a twisting or turning motion. Start at the lower back
and gradually move towards the neck. The patient should lie on a reasonably
hard surface and exhale with the downward pressure. Then you do it from the
other side and twist in the opposite direction. Sometimes you may hear a
vertebra jump back into place. Adjust the pressure sensibly according to the
condition of the patient. As a variation of this method, you may carefully
walk along the spine of a robustly built partner. One of the best methods
for back improvement is regularly hanging upside-down, from either special
inversion equipment or a ladder. Traction on the neck improves the upper
spine. Spinal Concussion This is an effective
method for stimulating and strengthening weak organs and body parts. The
general principle is to stimulate the nerves emerging from the spine with
rapid soft taps to certain vertebrae. If the patient is bony, or if you use a
small rubber hammer, you may put a folded towel over the area to be treated.
You may use the edge of the hand or the knuckles to tap the selected vertebra
rapidly (but not very hard) for about 30 seconds. Then rest or treat another
vertebra for 30 seconds and return to the first vertebra. Repeat this process
for about five to eight minutes. For general health
improvement, you may go up the whole length of the spine and stimulate each
vertebra in turn for about 30 seconds. You may tap firmly at the lower spine
but only lightly at the neck. Let your patient or partner tell you how hard
to tap so that it feels invigorating and pleasant. For serious problems this
treatment may be repeated daily, otherwise once a week or when feasible. If
tapping produces pain, professional advice should be sought. If sedation rather than
stimulation is required, try prolonged pressure, gradually varying in
intensity, on the appropriate vertebra. Select suitable vertebrae from the
following compilation. Vertebrae selection Cervical 1 head, brain, pituitary,
sympathetic nervous system 2 eyes, tongue, hearing
problems, sinuses, allergies, fainting 2-3 for headaches:
prolonged pressure between C2 and C3 3 cheeks, teeth, outer
ear, acne, eczema, neuralgia, neuritis 4 nose, lips, mouth,
Eustachian tube, catarrh, hayfever 5 vocal cords, neck
glands, throat problems, pharynx 6 neck muscles,
shoulders, tonsils, upper arm 7 thyroid, goiter,
shoulders, elbows, bursitis, nose bleeding, fainting; contracts inner organs,
contracts dilated heart, normalizes blood pressure, angina, palpitation and
tachycardia (fast pulse), lung and kidney diseases, diabetes. C7
is the most prominent vertebra at the base of the neck; use it as a landmark
for counting the other vertebrae along the spine. Dorsal or thoracic 1 lower arms, hands,
esophagus, trachea, asthma, cough, breathing problems, thymus 2 heart, coronary
arteries, lungs, chest pain 2-3 for hiccough: press
between D2 and D3 3 lungs, breasts,
increases milk flow; contracts gall bladder, esophagus and pylorus; dilates
heart and peripheral vessels, reduces blood pressure 3-4 tap both for
developing breasts 4 contracts and empties
gall bladder, increases secretions of pancreas; jaundice, hepatitis, shingles 5 liver, solar plexus,
low blood pressure, poor circulation, anemia; opens pylorus and empties
stomach 6 stomach, indigestion,
heartburn, dyspepsia 6, 7 tapping both dilates
kidneys, nephritis 7 pancreas, duodenum,
diabetes, ulcers, gastritis 8 spleen, diaphragm,
hiccoughs 9 adrenals, allergies,
dilates gall bladder, biliary colic 10 kidneys, nephritis,
dilates pancreas and blood vessels, reduces blood pressure; ataxia, anemia 11 kidneys, urethra;
dilates heart, stomach, liver, spleen, abdominal arteries, intestines,
increases blood supply to lungs; spasms, nervous diarrhea, angina, skin problems 12 small intestines,
Fallopian tubes, lymph circulation, enlarged prostate, contracts kidneys Lumbar vertebrae 1 large intestines:
constipation, diarrhea, colitis, hernia 2 appendix, abdomen,
upper leg, cramps, varicose veins 3 sex organs, ovaries or
testicles, bladder, knee, menstrual problems, impotence, bed wetting 1-3 contracts stomach,
intestines, liver, spleen, uterus 4 prostate, lower back
muscles, sciatic nerve, lumbago, backaches; difficult, painful or too
frequent urination 5 lower legs, feet, leg
cramps, cold feet, contracts bladder Sacrum: hipbones, buttocks, sacro-iliac
conditions Coccyx: rectum, anus, hemorrhoids, pruritus. Energy-distribution
Massage This method for balancing
the bio-energy of the body was developed by Gerda, Mona-Lisa and Ebba
Boyesen. As a result of unreleased emotions, the energy flow in the
unhealthy, neurotic body (that is, in most of us) usually runs too much
upward and inward. In addition, there is an excessive accumulation of
pathological energy in general, a deficiency of vital energy, and an
'ungroundedness'. In addition to the
removal of excess energy and the energy distribution between over-energetic
and under-energetic areas, a main aim of this treatment is the
re-establishment of normal psycho-peristalsis. (Peristalsis means the
wavelike contractions of the intestines by means of which food and waste are
moved through the digestive tract.) In the healthy person, any excess of
nervous energy will be discharged through increased peristaltic movements of
the small intestine. This can be heard with a stethoscope or by placing an
ear against the abdomen. The normal, harmonious sound is like a 'running
brook'. If there are spasmodic movements, the sounds may be 'explosive' or
like 'rolling thunder', and so on. If psycho-peristalsis is absent, there
will be silence inside. Of course, there should be no effects from a previous
meal when you are testing. The general massage
movements are smooth strokes, starting at the head and working downward. The
aim is to establish a contact between the energy in the hand of the therapist
and the energy congestions of the patient and in this way to lead the energy
down. Another massage direction is from die midline to the sides and,
finally, from the inside to the surface. This energy is led outwards by a
succession of three strokes, the first very firm to connect with the energy
at the bone level, the second moderately firm to connect with the muscle
energy, and the third very light, sometimes even above the skin level. While in some patients an
excess of energy has to be released through the skin and the feet, in others
sealing of the aura to prevent excessive leaking of energy is required. The most important parts
to massage and free for the flow of energies are the narrowings, such as the
neck, waist, wrists, ankles; joints; and edges, as along the eye sockets,
nose, chin, tops of shoulders and bottom of the ribcage. The therapist is
guided during the massage work continually by the peristaltic sounds to which
he or she listens through a stethoscope with an extra-long tube. In addition,
he or she may be able to feel the energy flows of the patient and act
accordingly. This technique was
developed by E. Vodder. It is designed to improve the lymph flows,
accelerating the transport of waste products from the tissues into the
bloodstream, from where it can be eliminated through the kidneys. A congested
and stagnating lymphatic system is a main cause of infections, inflammations
and degenerative diseases. The lymph flows upward
through the legs to the large lymph nodes at the groin and up the arms to the
main lymph nodes at the armpits. From the groin and abdomen, the lymph
collects in the thoracic duct, which flows along the midline of the body and
empties, together with the lymph from the upper left side of the body, into a
large vein under the left collarbone. The lymph from the upper right side of
the body joins a vein under the right collarbone. Any lymph massage should
start and end with the chain of glands at the sides of the neck running from
below the ears to the hollows of the collarbones. For massaging the limbs,
use light, slow, circular movements with the four fingers of the hand.
Movement may be clockwise or anti-clockwise, whatever feels better, but do
not change direction during the massage. The skin should be moved lightly
over the underlying tissue. Generally, five circles are made at any one
place, one circle per second. Vary the finger pressure during the circling to
achieve a pumping effect. Then move about two inches along the limb and
repeat the circling. During massage a limb should be raised, while well
supported and relaxed, to help the backward flow of the lymph. To massage the arms, circle
first ten times at the armpits, then at the insides of the elbows, and
finally from the palms upward to the armpits. The legs, similarly, are
started at the groin, then the backs of the knees and finally from the feet
upward to the groin. Along the trunk, from the
groin upward, you may use long, firm upward strokes towards the left
collarbone, and also along the spine and the sides of the back. However, the
main benefit for the trunk lymph drainage will be derived if the patient lies
on his or her back and makes bicycling movements in the air. The movements
must be either parallel to the floor or, better still, vertical while in the
shoulder-stand position. In between positions are not effective. Do this
exercise for about one minute before and after leg-drainage massage to make
room in the trunk for lymph from the legs. Varicose veins should not be
massaged. An alternative drainage of the
limbs may be achieved by encircling the limb with both hands and moving them
in opposite direction in what is commonly called ‘Chinese burns’. However, in
this case the action should be rather gentle and move in small steps from the
wrist or ankles towards the trunk. Full Body, Sexual, Massage Т his massage
article is for men who's wives don't have significant sexual problems. If
your wife has "sexual hang-ups," and especially if she has sexual
abuse in her past, please see the Non-sexual
massage article.
Massage is inherently
sexual, and you can make it more or less sexual depending on how each of you
feels when you are giving the massage. Unless you so relax her that she is
more asleep than awake, there is a good chance your efforts will arouse her
because of the intimacy, and because the massage will release a great deal of
oxytocin into her body (more on oxytocin here).
If she is open to it, massage can be a great form of foreplay, first relaxing
her, then arousing her. If you get it just right, you won't be allowed to
finish the massage! To start, have
her take a bath or shower. To make it even nicer give her a bubble bath
(prepare it for her and help her wash) or get in the shower with her and do
the washing for her. When she is dry (do that for her too) have her lay face
down on a beach towel on the floor (better thanthe bed, you need a firm
surface). Have a small pillow for her head, and another to put under her legs
just above the feet - a hand towel over the pillows will protect them from
the massage oil. Use a good massage oil(see below), and apply the oil to your
hands, not directly to her skin.Start at her feet, and work up, slowly!
Feet can be ticklish, so be careful - firm pressure will reduce tickling.
Your strokes should be towards her heart, or firm moving towards her heart
and soft on the return stroke. Spend a bit of extra time on her rear end, as
it's a sensual area. You can use your full hands and a good deal of pressure
on her rear. Avoid her spine as you move up her back. Learn where she carries
tension, and pay special attention to those areas; the shoulders and neck are
common tension spots. When you reach
her head, turn her over, and work back down towards the feet. The face is a
sensuous area for a woman, so spend a bit of time there. Use light finger tip
massage tracing her features.
Work down the front of her
arms and do her hands before you move to her breasts. Don't just grab on,
tease her. Move over her breast gently, then move around to the outside edge
and around back to the top. Cup as you rub, with one or two hands depending
on what best covers her. Give some special attention to the nipples, but only
after you have spent plenty of time on the rest of the breast. Don't squeeze
the nipple too firmly. Work on down
now, but don't be in a hurry to get to her genitals. Move over and around her
tummy, then run your hands down the outside of her legs. Roll your hands in
and come back up the inside of the legs. Follow the line where her leg and
groin meet, just barely caressing the edge of her vulva as you go by. Do this
a few times before you focus on her genitals. You want her legs apart now -
lift and bend at the knee, then rotate the leg outward to give the best
access to her vulva. Vary soft strokes with firm ones, and finger tips with
the whole palm. Upward strokes are likely to be more stimulating, but be
careful not to over stimulate. A small amount of oil in the vagina is not
usually a problem, but don't get anything scented in there, and be aware that
oil could interfere with condoms and spermicides. From here you're
on your own - play it by ear and either finish the massage back down to her
feet, massage her genitals till she orgasms, or move to some other sex act. Most of what you
can buy isn't very good; so you might want to make your own. I like 40%
walnut oil and 60% safflower oil as a base, but any edible oil will
work. You could use straight cooking oil just fine, but a nice blend feels
better for both giver and receiver, and the scent adds a nice touch. You can
play with the mix; some oils have more "drag" than others.I've seen
sweet almond, grape seed, sesame, soy, and sunflower oil mentioned by those
who give massages. An almond and sesame mix seems to be fairly popular with
masseuses - it's light, glides easy, and washed off easily. You can use
vitamin E oil to thicken the mixture, it won't take much, or olive oil, it
will take more than the E. For selection of Massageurs and
their services
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