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Frequently Asked Questions |
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 | What is a Californian massage? |  | Californian Massage is a technique that is steadily gaining in popularity. It is much appreciated by people who are looking for effective and long-lasting relief of tension, especially a rebalancing of the whole system, through deep relaxation. In fact, it’s the perfect anti-stress massage!
More than simply relieving fatigue, this massage was meant to enable people to get back in touch with their bodies and discover their uniqueness. Californian massage has maintained a number of its strokes: percussive movements, kneading and rotating friction which oxygenate and relieve deep tension, and effleurage or gliding pressure which improves circulation and the flow of liquids.
This technique is distinguished mainly by the gentleness of the strokes and the originality and fluidity of the movement sequence.
The gentleness of Californian massage is not about lightness but more about the intention of the giver with respect to the recipient. Californian massage is known for its long enveloping and fluid movements. For many, receiving a Californian massage is like being offered a healing oasis.
Although it is not curative, it does provide effective relief for people with chronic pain. For people suffering from fibromyalgia, arthritis and other problems, it not only offers relief of muscular pain, it also lessens some of pain’s negative aspects by allowing them to maintain a positive relationship with their body.
In sum, whether preventive or palliative in intent, Californian massage is suitable for anyone who wishes to maintain a health relationship with her or his body and whole being.
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| | What is a Swedish massage? | | Swedish massage is a series of manipulations applied to the muscles and joints with the goal of replenishing tired, out of shape or congested muscles.
This type of massage is based on classical kinesiotherapy, consisting of sports, rehabilitation and medical massage.
Swedish massage aims to maximize the body’s range of movement. It improves blood circulation because it facilitates blood flow toward the heart. It improves lymphatic circulation, cell nutrition and toxin elimination.
While prevention is not one of the goals of Swedish massage, the changes brought about by a session nevertheless have this effect. Swedish massage mainly dissolves tension and stimulates and fortifies the body while generating overall relaxation. It relaxes and restores the organism, thereby improving the quality of people’s everyday lives.
The primary function of Swedish massage is to correct muscular attitudes. In Swedish massage, motions are continuously blended, including the seven well-known manipulations: light and deep effleurage (acts on fluid levels), friction, percussive movements, pulling (specifically for muscles), traction and compression (specifically for joints and bones), vibrations and joint movements.
The rule of thumb is to direct the blood back towards the heart, in a clockwise direction, using centripetal force. The therapist will usually adapt to the needs of the person being massaged. In Swedish massage, the skin is the medium used to relieve muscular pain. The warmth of the hands dilates blood vessels and increases the flow.
The massage generally concludes with a rest period of varying duration. The client then has a chance to savour the benefits of Swedish massage’s energetic manipulations.
Swedish massage rids muscles of their toxins through drainage. It may also serve to regularize intestinal peristalsis by relieving muscle tension in the back and stomach.
Swedish massage does not claim to cure illness, but it will help the recipient relax. Swedish massage is addressed to everyone who is concerned with physical strength or muscle tone. In Québec, Swedish massage is one of the most popular forms of massage.
Swedish massage is not appropriate for hypersensitive persons, nor individuals who are already engaged in intensive body work, because their muscles are already working hard.
Since there are a number of contra-indications to Swedish massage, it is recommended to consult a massage therapist before making an appointment.
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| | What is the Amma massage? | | Amma massage is a pressure point massage with similarities to acupuncture, shiatsu and many forms of acupressure massage. With Amma, there is no specific diagnosis for the treatment of illness. Its aim is to induce calm through touch. For a long time, Amma was the principal massage approach in Japan. Shiatsu techniques spring from Amma and their theories coincide.
Principles of Amma massage is based on Chinese medicine. These principles consist of balancing the Yin and the Yang and all the energy channels within the body.
The primary goal of Amma practitioners is to give the client a good massage. Amma can satisfy needs such as relief of an illness or psychological problem. Amma massage is addressed to the widest possible clientele. It offers clients relaxation, stress relief and overall well-being. By restoring balance to the body’s energy channels, Amma massage promotes healthful energy flow.
The basis of Amma massage is touch. In Amma massage, the therapist applies direct pressure to many “tsubos” and acupuncture points located throughout the body. The techniques include numerous sophisticated manipulations, movements and percussive actions, which are mastered over a long time. Amma differs from other more general types of massage in that practitioners employ neither oil nor the long effleurage strokes that are often connected with the use of oil. With Amma, contact is made through a sheet or clothing rather than directly on the skin, an inheritance from the Japanese tradition of massage. With Amma, twice as many pressure points may be touched in a complete body session than is generally the case in Shiatsu. People with particularly sensitive skin or psyches or who are ill should not receive Amma massage; nor should pregnant women, because the pressure may induce premature labour.
Kata is a Japanese word meaning form. It is a ritual that is practised as a component of Amma massage. It is a kind of choreography consisting of a 60-minute massage involving 140 points, 25 techniques and various rhythms. |
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| | What is Reflexology? | | Reflexology, or zone therapy, is the practice of stimulating points on the feet, hands and ears, in the belief it will have a beneficial effect on some other parts of the body, or will improve general health. The most common form is foot reflexology. The foot is divided into a number of reflex zones corresponding to all parts of the body, and by applying pressure to tight or "gritty" areas of a person's foot and by stimulating the corresponding body part and cause it to begin healing itself. Many practitioners also emphasize the holistic aspect of reflexology, recognizing that the cliché "When your feet hurt, you hurt all over," didn't get passed down for generations by being inaccurate. Reflexology simply tries to make the whole person feel better by making the feet feel better.Reflexology has been shown to be effective for Back Pain, Migraine, Infertility,
Arthritis, Sleep disorders, Hormonal imbalances, Sports injuries, Digestive disorders, Stress-related conditions. Reflexology does not claim to cure, diagnose or prescribe.
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| | What is a Hot stone massage? | | If you have never experienced this unique indulgence, you owe yourself this exquisite moment.
Stone massage is a unique connection we experience with nature, offering a sense of profoundness and sacredness that we too often forget. It's a deep healing and unique moment that enhances our awareness and brings us closer to our true essence. It is the perfect treatment that is as enjoyable and healing for the client as it is for the practitioner.
Stone massage involves the application of water-heated volcanic stones of varying sizes to key points on the body, giving a deep massage and creating sensations of comfort and warmth. The direct heat relaxes muscles, allowing manipulation of a greater intensity than with regular massage. ENJOY!!!
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