Massage for Pregnant Women

You might be thinking if a complete body massage is safe during pregnancy. If you follow the right massage techniques, applied at right places, it definitely gives you some benefits. Read this article on massage for pregnant women to get the details.

During pregnancy, it's very natural for your body to experience unusual things. Your mornings might start with lethargy, griping you all through the day. Tiredness and lack of energy can let you feel drained and sluggish. You might also feel drowsy and sleepy most of the times. Slow body movements and lack of sufficient activities can lead to swelling in feet and body ache. During this period, you need some special body massages that can instantly rejuvenate you. And this is the right time, when you deserve care, concern and comfort from your husband. His loving touch will definitely soothe all discomforts in your body. Read in this article on massage for pregnant women, the complete information about it. Read more on prenatal massage.

Benefits of Massage for Pregnant Women

Before I go into the proper , you should know the benefits of massages during pregnancy. They're listed down under. Get more on

• A good massage relieves you from anxiety and depression caused due to hormonal imbalances during pregnancy.
• It alleviates your body from discomforts like stiffness, swelling, tightness, tension and cramping.
• It increases blood circulation and oxygen supply. This implies greater vitality for mother and better nourishment for baby.
• A proper removes waste products from the body and eliminates fluid retention in limbs and feet.
• It eases labor pain and improves outcome of labor by making the muscles flexible. Read more on
  
• It soothes and relaxes nervous tension, improves sleep and makes you strong physically to bear the responsibilities of motherhood.
• Massage during pregnancy, makes you energetic and joyous. It lets you feel happy and rejuvenated.

Massages During pregnancy - A Complete Guide

Before starting the massage therapy, you must know which parts should undergo massage and proper positioning of your body, so that no harm is done to you and your baby. The following content shall give you all details. You can either ask your partner to do these massages or even go to spas to get a good massage done for you during pregnancy. Read more about

Positioning
Massages during pregnancy are completely different from the traditional massages. Lying down on belly is out of question. So there are special postures that can give you and your child maximum comfort. While massaging the abdomen, you can lie on your back during the first few months of your pregnancy. Put a soft pillow below your knees for support. With passing months your baby grows and so does the size of your stomach. You might feel uncomfortable to lie down on your back. So take a semi-sitting position, supported with pillows at back. The other position is to lie down side wise and let your abdomen fall from side. You can enjoy the massage this way.

For back massages you can lie down side wise or get the massage done while sitting. For back massages, the most comfortable posture is, sitting on you bed and thrusting your front body to a soft support. Cuddle a pillow for support while getting your back massages done. Back massage for pregnant women are extremely comforting. It relieves you from backaches and fatigues.

You can get foot massages done by lying down on your back and resting your legs on a pillow. Stretch your legs completely and get a relaxing foot massage done for yourself. You can also sit by stretching your legs and rest your back to a cozy support. Raise your legs on a pillow and extend it for the massage. You can place your legs on your husband's lap and get ultimate satisfaction while he massages your feet. You can maintain the same sitting posture for getting shoulder and head massages.

Breast massage during pregnancy improves fluid circulation and keeps your skin healthy. It also helps to improve the flow of milk after childbirth. A good pelvic muscle relaxes the hip bones and reduces stress of labor. You can place your one elbow behind your head, while massaging your breast with the other hand. Pelvic massages can be done by lying sidewise exposing the hip bones for the massage therapy.

Oils to Apply for Massage
While selecting oils, use only those oils formulated for pregnant women. These oils are safe for you and your baby's development. Essential oils like, geranium, petitgrain, rose otto, lavender, mandarin, bergamot, tea tree, sandalwood, chamomile, grapeseed, almond and neroli oil are safe to use. Before applying any oils or body care products, it's always advised to take suggestion from doctors. Aromatherapy massage oils for pregnant women are also extremely soothing. You can also apply medicated oils under doctor's prescription. You might also like to know about acupuncture during pregnancy.

Safety Measures
Before going for any massages, always remember that your baby is developing inside your womb. So whatever you experience, will be felt by your baby also. Keep your body movements gentle during the massage. Massage the body parts, especially the abdomen, in clockwise direction. The massage strokes must be soft, smooth and gentle. Do not massage rapidly, rather follow an even motion.

I hope I have sufficed every detail about the proper massage for pregnant women. Be a little careful with whatever you do. Get into a massage therapy to make your pregnancy days vibrant.

Massage Techniques

Want to learn different styles of therapeutic massage techniques? Here's a step-by-step description of three different massages.

When we think of massages, automatically our entire body, which is under stress most of the times, calls out for it. As a proven technique to relieve pain, relax the body, and enhance immunity, different types of massages help achieve them. The following article will give you some tips on proper massage techniques for different parts of your body. Read more on

Back Massage Techniques

When you are looking for therapeutic benefits where you need to relax and release some stress, will provide you complete satisfaction. Take a look at this step-by-step demonstration to target those .

• Choose a room which is quiet and somewhat dark. Ignite fragrant candles and put on some relaxing music to set the ambiance.
• The person who is getting the massage will lie face down on the table. Keep a pillow under the shins, as this will help him/her release pressure on the lower back.
• Ask if the person getting the massage has any problematic area where you should concentrate. You can use essential oils or massage lotions as well. Now pour few drops of essential oil in your palms and rub your hands together. This will turn the oil warm.
• Start from the shoulders. Rub the shoulders in a circular motion and keep continuing till you feel that the muscles in the area have loosened up.
• Check with the person if the pressure of the massage is comfortable or not. Alter the amount of pressure depending on the response. The areas which are more tender can be rubbed gently.
• Slowly move down the sides of the spine while you move your fingers in a circular motion. Use the tip of your fingers for gentle pressures and base of the palms for more pressures.
• Spend enough time on each of these areas for a complete relaxation. Come down to the lower back and here, use your thumbs for the massage. Make large circular motions with good pressure.
• Spend more time on problematic areas till the person is thoroughly satisfied. While ending the massage, use the palms of your hands and firmly stroke up and down the entire back. Don't put any pressure over the spine and keep asking the person if he/she is enjoying it.

Foot Massage Techniques

Foot massages help relieve headaches, sinus problems, and improve vision all at the same time. So, whether you're searching for massage techniques for headaches or strained eyes, these foot massage techniques will provide you complete satisfaction.

• Clean feet by soaking them in warm water and scrubbing them with a pumice stone. Add a cup of Epsom salts in one gallon of warm water, as it will help de-stress the feet before the massage begins.
• Dry the feet properly, especially, between the toes. Apply lotion or cream on the feet and massage each foot using gentle strokes. Don't forget to include the top and bottom of the feet, from toes to ankles.
• Use your fingers and thumbs to give deep strokes on the soles of the feet. Put some pressure and slide the thumbs between the tendons of the ankles and toes (try not to tickle, so use appropriate amount of pressure).
• At the soles and bottom of the feet, use circular motions with enough pressure. Start from the base of the toes and work your way down, towards the heels.
• At the toes, use gentle and circular motions. Stretch each foot by pulling on the toes and making the popping sound. Also, bend the toes one by one and rotate them as well. You can individually rub each toe in circular motions from the base till the tip.
• Now rotate each foot by holding them in your hands and moving them up, down, and in circles. Do a quick massage all over the feet and remove the excess lotion, if any.

Infant Massage Techniques

The most essential reason to give infants a massage is to enhance the bodily functions, increase the bond between the child and parents, and decrease any stress levels. Infant massage is a great way to show your love to the baby.

• Lay the baby on a comfortable and well-padded table. When your baby is laying on the table, both of you will get a chance to maintain eye contact and bond properly.
• Gently stroke the baby's face with the fingertips. Start at the hairline and work your stroke downwards. Come down to the area near the eyebrows and start form the central area and work your stroke outward.
• Now come down to his/her tummy and gently, in clockwise circles, move your hands over it. This way you can easily relieve any food or gas from his/her digestive system.
• When you come down to the thighs, grab them and gently squeeze them. Keep working your way down as you squeeze the baby's entire legs. Come back to the thighs and do it again. Do at least 5 routines this way. Follow the same routine with the hands as well, but make sure you don't pull on the hands too harshly.
• Now grab the baby's feet in one hand and with the other one, gently massage the sole of the foot using your thumb. Keep the thumb in one place for 3 seconds and then release. Follow this technique on the rest of the foot. Do the same for at least 2 more times on each foot.

The massage techniques, let they be for any part of your body, can only work effectively when all the elements come together. The de-stressing and inviting ambiance, concentrating the correct pressure points, releasing harmful toxins from the body, and relaxing the muscles is highly significant.

Massage Etiquette

Being comfortable in a spa is what a client wants, and making the client feel comfortable is what a therapist should do before starting the therapy. This article is for all of those who have queries related to massage etiquette, and massage therapies.

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The word 'massage' is derived from a Greek word masso, which means 'to touch'. This form of therapy is being followed since ages, and is one of the best means of relaxation relating to body and mind. The person on whom the is being performed has to be very comfortable with it, and has to follow the massage etiquettes, as the main purpose behind it is relaxation. Massage is also a healing therapy for the people who are suffering from muscle diseases, and disorders such as muscle pain, chronic pain, sprains, strains, back pain, muscle fatigue, chronic muscle disorders, etc.

Massage means rubbing or pressing of body parts especially to increase blood circulation, relax the muscles, and provide sensual stimulation. This therapy is being followed since ancient civilizations, and has come from different countries and regions in the world, but however, the basic purpose of performing it is common to all the regions. There are different massage therapies which have originated from different regions, such as , a Chinese massage therapy, Anma from Japan, from India which is a very famous from Thailand, and Lomi Lomi from Hawaii, and , etc. Massage means manipulation of the muscle layers and tissues to promote relaxation, and remove stress.

However, a beginner who is planning to go for a massage has a lot of questions, queries, and doubts in his mind related to his clothes, body structure (being overweight), and skin disorders (stretch marks and pimples), etc. It becomes very important for both, the client and the therapist to follow proper massage etiquettes, so that it makes the client feel comfortable and free to reveal his likes, dislikes, and what body parts to emphasize on. It also makes the therapist feel comfortable to give suggestions and perform the therapy with ease.

Massage Etiquette Tips for Clients And Therapists

Fixing The Appointment
It is very necessary for a client to fix the appointment, and always reach a few minutes before time. This is always appreciated by the therapist, as the next client won't have to wait for too long for his turn. If a client is planning to cancel the appointment, it is always advisable to do it well in advance, and not at the last moment, so that the therapist gets the liberty to give that time to some one else who needs it.

Disclosing Medical Condition
Most probably, if you are a first time client, you need to fill out a form stating your medical history. This is important so that the spa has an idea about your medical health, if you have allergies, heart disease, asthma, etc., and can advice against any massage type that may be harmful.

Discussing Important Points
A therapist is always willing to know certain likes and dislikes of the client, what body parts the client wants him to emphasize on, and this is known as full body massage etiquette. There will be numerous occasions when the client would want the therapist to apply pressure on a particular body part. At times a client is not comfortable to be completely nude, and it is always advisable to undress to your personal level of comfort. Therefore, it is necessary to discuss all these things well in advance, and not in the middle of the therapy. It also becomes the duty of the therapist to give certain suggestions to the client regarding the flow of the therapy, and is considered to be a part of spa massage etiquette.

Controlling Sexual Excitement
It is very much possible that a male client may get an erection during a massage. This happens when the client is in a very relaxed state, and not because he is sexually excited. This can get very embarrassing for the client but it is not considered to be sexual misconduct. However, if a client has any plans of getting sexually excited with the help of the therapist, it comes under sexual misconduct, and the therapist has all the rights to terminate the therapy. At times, it can also be the other way round. There will be occasions when the therapist might take the first step, and try to excite the client. Then it becomes the duty of the client to tackle the situation, and be direct with the therapist.

Tipping The Therapist
This is something optional. It is just a gesture to show that the massage was satisfying and the client totally liked it. This is still not mandatory, but is something most of the clients do to express their happiness and satisfaction. It will also build goodwill and make you feel more welcome for future appointments.

I am sure that this article must have given brief knowledge to a lot of people about massage etiquettes, and help them get over their shyness and awkwardness of taking a massage, and rather enjoy it.

Infant Massage May Not be the Answer, but it Doesn't Hurt

Although many are skeptical about the alleged benefits of infant massage, the act alone may be a rewarding experience for both parents and child.

We’ve recently begun having an occupational therapist come to our home to work with our two-year-old son. He is on his way out of an early intervention program through our local public school system and we are now visiting with all of the specialists on staff, even those not associated with the speech delay that originally qualified him for the program. The O.T. has visited about 5 times so far, each time working on some of our son’s sensory issues, which are pretty minor, but with access to free professional services, we feel like it’s worth exploring. He exhibits a desire to have fairly intense pressure on certain parts of his body, specifically his forehead, the bridge of his nose, the back of his head, his shoulders and elbows. It’s not a constant thing, but usually when he’s getting tired or when he’s recently woken up from a nap.

Ultimately, we don’t view the sensory stuff as that big a deal, especially now that he’s tested above his age range in every developmental area. But it’s been nice to get a new viewpoint and our occupational therapist is a big proponent of infant massage. Thus far, our son has seemed to really enjoy the time spent with the O.T., allowing her to gently massage him with various techniques. She talks to him and makes it fun and he’s even asked us when Miss Cory is going to come back to put her hands on him. Overall, it’s been a pretty fun experience for all of us.

My wife has made a point to try to incorporate some of the massage techniques with our son at different times of the day, especially just before she puts him down at night. He seems to really like the massage and it helps to relax him a little more before bed, which is always a good thing.

Some of the techniques our O.T. has focused on deal with the head and neck area, which are believed to aid in opening sinuses and improving blood flow around the neck and scalp. It’s impossible for us to know if there is any true benefit to the massage, but it seems fairly clear to us that he likes the act itself and it’s nice to spend some quiet time gently massaging your toddler, if they’ll let you.

The little bit of reading I’ve done about infant massage offers the expected extremes offered by both credible sources and regular folks who like to voice their opinion. With information ranging from infant massage as a must-employ tactic for raising healthy children to infant massage as a complete waste of time, it’s all out there. In our experience, we’ve found it to be a no-lose situation. Even if the massage itself isn’t really helping with our son’s minor sensory issues, it’s clearly not hurting him and he seems to enjoy it.

In that sense, we’ve embraced it as a means to ensure that we get a few quiet and peaceful minutes with our son every day. At his age, that can be difficult to achieve in the course of a normal day’s activities. From pre-school to playing outside and making sure that he’s not too rough with his little sister, his days are pretty jam packed at the moment. A little massage at the end of the day has proven to be a great little moment of relaxation for our son and whichever one of his parents gets to perform the massage.

Massage Tips

A little massage help from you can greatly help relax the person. Here are some massage tips, which will come handy while giving a massage.

Massage has been used since ages, to treat many ailments. However, if you are a total beginner to giving massages or want to give a little better massages, then learning some massage tips and tricks, will help you give a better, more relaxing massage. Massage has many benefits, like the therapeutic massage is used to treat certain ailments. However, if you are planning to give a massage to a friend, a family member or your partner, it is more aimed at relaxing rather than for therapeutic purposes.

Massage, apart from relaxing the body of the person, can also provide other health benefits, like improved blood circulation, better skin texture and removal of toxins in case some special oils were used. Massage also helps to relax the body and improve immunity. But, one of the important advantage of massage for both the giver and the person getting a massage, is that this will help to increase intimacy or build better relationship. If you wish to learn how to give a good massage, then make sure you use these massage tips for beginners.

Massage Tips and Techniques for Beginners

• First and foremost comes, hygiene. This is an important massage etiquette, so make sure you wash your hands clean and have well-trimmed nails. Also, if your hands are cold, then warm them up by rubbing hands together, before you touch the person to massage.
• Then ask the person to lie down, or sit in a comfortable position, which also allows you to massage the person easily. Make sure the room is not too bright. You can turn off the lights and light up a candle or two. Make sure they are at a safe distance from you. To add more to the ambiance, burn an incense which has a relaxing scent.
• If you don't know any massage techniques, then reading about Swedish massage techniques, can help you learn the various massage techniques, which you can use to give a more fulfilling massage.
• Now start massaging the person with circular motions, ask the person if the pressure is right for them. If not, then adjust the pressure according to the person's liking. Use circular motions to cover the whole body area for relaxing.
• After you are done with this, then find the especially stressful regions on the body. For example, while giving a back massage the shoulder and lower back are crucial, and while giving a scalp massage massaging temples can greatly help.
• To relax such areas, use your finger tips to relax. Finally, find out the tight spots in the body. And use your palms and fingers in a pressing or small circular motions, to further relax. You can also use kneading massage technique if the knots are bigger.
• Once you are done massaging, you can use some stretching techniques, to further relax the person. You can update yourself on some stretching exercises and techniques, which you can do even if the person is sitting or lying down. Then use the stretching exercise, and hold it for a reverse count of 10 seconds and slowly release the body part.
• These were massage therapy tips using which, you can give a good dry massage. If you find gliding your hand is difficult, then you can consider using some aromatherapy oils. Lavender oil is one of the most favorite essential oil, you can mix it with olive oil, and use it for massaging.

So use the above mentioned massage tips, next time you give a back rub or scalp massage to somebody. The person will be relaxed with the massage and impressed with your skills to give a massage. Good luck!

Stomach Massage

The stomach is a very important part of the body. Simple and complex problems associated with the stomach can be relieved with a regular stomach massage.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, the stomach is the center of energy; therefore massaging this area also energizes the entire body. A stomach massage can be included into a regular exercise routine and can be done first thing in the morning, before breakfast.

A stomach massage does wonders for a person’s body. It is a good remedy for nausea, indigestion, over eating, diarrhea and vomiting. Massaging the stomach opens the abdominal cavity and releases the fascia so that the organs can lie unrestricted in their natural positions in the abdominal cavity. Since the stomach is the softest, least-protected area of the body, it is always advisable to work very gently and rhythmically in this area, only increasing the pressure slowly.

How to massage the stomach

• To begin the exercise, you need to stand with your feet parallel.
• Bend your legs a little and sink your weight into them.
• Remember to keep your back in an upright position.

You could also sit on a firm but comfortable chair with your back straight, or even lie down on your back in bed or on the floor.Once this is done you can either take your top off or pull it up so that your stomach and abdominal area is bare.

• Next, rub your hands together briskly until they are hot.
• Place them on your belly button, one on top of each other.
• Use your fingers and palm to rub in small, anticlockwise circles around your belly button, following the path of your colon, that is, from the right side to the left.
• Use fairly firm pressure while massaging. (Make sure you are comfortable with the amount of pressure.)
• Begin rubbing in small circles and gradually make them bigger.
• Concentrate on the heat penetrating your stomach.
• You need to do about 40 to 50 circles or simply massage for several minutes.
• Follow this routine once or twice a day, after which it is important to cover the area to keep it warm.

Stomach Massage – Benefits

• Stimulates a vital center of energy
• Stimulates the abdominal organs
• Increases blood circulation in the area
• Remedies indigestion and constipation
• Stimulates slow digestion

Stomach Massage – Do’s

• Make sure you always use a lotion or massage oil
• Begin massaging from the right side towards the left
• Spend at least 5 minutes relaxing
• Sit up slowly, instead of standing up straight away

Stomach Massage – Don’ts

A stomach massage should be avoided in the following cases:

• Pregnancy
• Hypertension
• General, femoral, inguinal and umbilical hernia
• Inflammation of the uterus, bladder, ovaries and fallopian tubes
• Stones in the gall bladder, kidneys or bladder
• Ulcers of the intestines and stomach
• Bleeding of the stomach, lungs or brain
• Straight after a heavy meal

Back Massage Techniques

A back massage is very beneficial. It helps the body relax, takes away stress and increases awareness. Here are some techniques that are used in a back massage.

A back massage is always a welcome treat after a hard day at work or after completing all the chores at home.

A back massage is said to have the following benefits:

• It helps relax and releases tight muscles.
• Provides emotional and stress management.
• Increases consciousness in the body.
• Improves circulation of the blood and lymphatic drainage so that toxins are released.

Equipment needed for a back massage are:

• A warm and quiet environment.
• A firm and comfortable surface, such as a bed, floor mat or massage table.
• Massage oil.
• A set of towels to lie on and cover the body with.
• A couple of cushions and pillows.

Tips

• Do not use too much massage oil, as the lesser the oil the greater the friction and the deeper the pressure.
• When using the finger and the thumb to apply pressure, make sure you provide support with the other thumb and fingers.
• Use slower movements while massaging.

Technique 1
Effleurage (Smooth rhythmic stroking): Using the Whole Hand

Before you begin the massage, warm the oil in your hands and apply a small amount with the whole hand using smooth rhythmic strokes. It is important to use the whole surface of both hands. Use firm movements to stroke upwards, i.e. from the lower back right up to the neck, using gentle pressure circle around and slowly move to the lower back region. Follow this procedure for 5 to 10 minutes.

Technique 2
Effleurage: Using the Heal of the Hand

In this technique there is a smaller area of contact because of which the pressure is deeper. Start at the lower back using both the hands and working in circles. Using the same circular movement, move outward first and then upward. Return to the center gradually and then progress to the upper back. This procedure should be followed for 5 minutes.

Technique 3
Effleurage: Using Reinforced Fingers

Like the previous technique, this one too concentrates on a smaller area of contact. Stand on the right hand side of the area that you are working on. Place one hand on top of another and push with the flats of your hand away from the centerline, and then glide back towards the spine. Begin this procedure at the lower back and work up to the upper back. Follow this procedure for 5 minutes.

Technique 4
Stripping: Using the Reinforced Thumb

Use deep continuous pressure up to the full length of the muscles that are located at either side of the spine. As you move to the neck, lessen the pressure a little. Move slowly and intentionally feeling for sensitive spots and knots are you glide from the lower to the upper back. Continue this three tines each side, alternating it with a couple of minutes of effleurage (Smooth rhythmic stroking) and then repeat the stripping.

Technique 5
Friction: Using the Reinforced Middle Finger

In this technique firm deep movements need to be applied on each side of the spine. Begin the massage at the lower side of the spine and move upward. 5 frictions need to be applied on each spot with a few more in case of a sore spot.

Technique 6
Effleurage: Using Forearms

Begin the massage by applying firm downwards pressure and then move the arm that is closest to the head up to just below the shoulder blade. Follow the procedure with 6 strokes taking into consideration the possibility of lower back pain.

Technique 7
Trigger Point Release: Using sustained pressure of the Reinforced Thumb

For this massage you need to depend on the patient’s pain. To begin with place your thumb on tender knots or spots that your patient has told you about. Press down on those points; increasing the pressure gradually till the pain reaches 6 or 7 on a scale of 1 to 10. Hold the pressure till the pain lowers to about 4 on a 1 to 10 scale. Repeat the steps. Muscle and back pain may miraculously disappear using this technique.

Technique 8
Using Effleurage to finish the massage routine

Apply effleurage with supported fingers, the heel of the hand and the full hand. Using these techniques will increase the good that you have done with the trigger and stripping point release. After this is done, leave the patient quiet for a few minutes.

Massage And Saunas

Massages and Saunas are fast becoming the perfect way to be healthy and fit in a exciting way. Here are some details about massages and saunas.

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Massages have been known to humankind since an eternity. Massages are a sure fire way of relieving stress and pain. The massage is also a good way of ensuring a healthy and fit body. A massage is simply the manipulating of the skin, muscles and tendons, the soft tissues of the body. The person who delivers the massage is known as a masseur.

During a massage, the masseur uses his or her fingers, fists and palms to apply tension to the soft tissues of the human body. The massage can be administered to the connective tissue, muscle, joints, ligaments and the lymphatic vessels of the body. Though massages are mainly used to relieve stress and pain, they can also be used as a catalyst for healing from injury and increase or enhance blood cirrculation.

If the massage is used for the mental or physiological benefits, it is known as therapeutic massage. This kind of massage therapy is generally practiced by massage therapists.

However, other medical practitioners like osteopaths, chiropractors and physical therapists also use this form of therapy.Massages are also helpful for anxiety, pain, labor pain, infant growth, sports related soreness, alcohol withdrawal and cancer symptoms.

Massages can be applied to the entire body or some parts of the body. During a typical massage, the person lies down on a massage table or lies down on a pad on the floor. In some cases, the person sits upright on a massage chair.

There are many kinds of massages in the world. Some of the famous massages are ayurvedic massages, Chinese massages, Roman massages and chair massages. Massages can also be a part of love making. These massages are known as erotic massages. There is a major difference erotic massages and therapeutics massages.

Massages are very beneficial to the health of a person. However, if not done carefully, massages can also harm the body. Before going in for a massage, one should discuss with their doctor if they have a recent injury or an open wound. Further, heart patients should inform the masseur before going in for a massage. Other factors one should keep in mind before going in for a massage are deep vein thrombosis, unhealed fractures or severe osteoporosis.

Apart from massages, saunas are another way to keep healthy and fit. The Finnish first built the sauna in the fifth or eighth century. A sauna is a closed place designed to experience hot or wet sessions. The people in the saunas perspire and therefore lose impure toxins from their bodies.Temperatures in an average sauna today are 160 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit.

A common session in the sauna lasts for 10 to 20 minutes. During a session, the heart beat rate almost doubles. Therefore, ten minutes in a sauna is equivalent to a walk or a jog. Saunas also enhance the the working of the blood vessels and therefore increase the blood flow in the body.

This increased blood flow gives the human body important nutrients and promotes cellular activity and growth. The skin capillaries as well as the sweat glands cool down in a sauna, while essential fluids are transferred to the skin during a sauna.

The sauna was considered a holy place in Finland. In fact, women used to give birth in Saunas due to the pure and sterile atmosphere in a sauna, while the bodies of the dead used to be washed in a sauna too.

Saunas are unsafe for people with heart problems. People with stable coronary diseases may be safe in a sauna, but people with uncontrollable heart diseases must stay away from saunas The blood pressure may rise or drastically in a sauna. Also, the sauna is a risk for people with autoimmune diseases.