Asian Massage

Thai Massage is one form of Asian massage that takes place clothed on a thin futon mat. The therapist uses her whole body.

Photo by Canyon Ranch in the Berkshires

Definition: Asian massage is any massage style that uses techniques developed in Asian countries. Records show that massage was practiced in China as part of health care as early as 3,000 B.C.

Today the major types of Asian massage are amma and tui-na from China, shiatsu from Japan, and Thai massage from Thailand. Some people believe reflexology is a form of Asian massage, but in fact it was developed in America in the early 20th century.

Asian massage is also sometimes a code word for massage that has a "happy ending".

The easiest place to get Asian massage is in cities that have large Asian communities like New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, where spas are run and/or staffed by Asian therapists. Asian massage tends to be more vigorous than Western massage. It can "hurt so good" and you often feel results from one session.

Korean spas, frequently found in the same urban centers, are another good place to get good Asian massage.

Sensual Massage Builds Intimacy With Your Partner

Sensual Massage

Sensual Massage Builds Intimacy With Your Partner

Massage between partners has a sensual aspect, but the main purpose is to relax the body.

Getty Images: Nacivet

Sensual massage is a great way to build intimacy and closeness with your partner. But massage is a skill, and it's beneficial to learn some basic massage techniques so that what you do actually feels good to your partner.

One way to learn basic Swedish massage techniques like effleurage is to take a class from a local learning center.

If you can't find a class, you can arrange with a massage therapist to show you how to give a massage. They will focus on basic massage techniques, but with a willing partner you can use some creativity and go places that the professional massage therapist can't.

Another way to learn sensual massage techniques at home is "The Art of Sensual Massage" (compare prices)" by Gordon Inkeles. This fully illustrated book and DVD teaches you how to give a sensual massage at home. Keep in mind, however, that massage relaxes the body, whereas lovemaking excites it. It's best if you approach massage as an end in itself, not merely as a prelude to lovemaking.

Sensual Massage Toolkit

A massage table compare prices will make it much easier to give your partner a massage without hurting your back. And they're not that expensive anymore.

Keep a few sets of sheets just for the massage table as they will get oil on them.

The Basics of How To Give A Sensual Massage

Set a romantic atmosphere with candles, rose petals and relaxing spa music. Make sure the room is warm enough so that your partner won't be cold.

Bring the attitude that you are giving something to the other person, not that you are trying to get something.

Start with the person face-down, preferably in a table with a face cradle so they don't crank their neck. If you don't have a massage table, it's better to use a firm surface like a floor that you've covered with a few blankets. It will also give you better access to their body.

Start with their back. Fold the sheet back, put a little oil in your hand (make sure they're warm) and make light hand-over-hand motions to warm up their tissues. You can work on their knots a little bit but don't try to do serious therapeutic massage. The point is just to enjoy connecting with your partner in a relaxing way and make them feel good.

Generally the order of a massage is back and legs, then you have your partner turn over. You massage their legs and feet, then their arms, and finally their neck and shoulders. You can also give a scalp massage.

When you're giving a sensual massage, you can massage areas that are generally off limits, like breasts, but again, it's best if your attitude is one of giving instead of having an agenda of "getting her in the mood". Of course if that happens, you're free to go where you want with it!

Sensual Massage and The Spa

Sensual massage is not offered in a professional spa. The massage therapists who work at spas are trained in therapeutic massage, which is based on Swedish massage techniques. If you asked for sensual massage at a spa, it will be interpreted as a request for sexual contact.

It is a breach of spa etiquette to ask for sex as part of a therapeutic massage. If you do, the massage therapist will explain that is not the purpose of this massage. They may continue working (unless you persist) or end the massage.

Men sometimes ask for sex during massage in an indirect fashion by directing them "work higher" when they get to their thighs or "work lower" when they massage their chest. They also ask the therapist to remove the sheet or ask if the therapist does "extras" or "happy endings." None of this is appropriate -- or legal -- in a spa setting.

Sensual Massage and Avoiding Confusion

Spa Nudity

The Truth About Spa Nudity Uncovered!

Relax! Only the part of the body being massaged is exposed.

Photo by Getty Images: Medioimages/Photodisc

Spa nudity is a big issue for first-time spa-goers. They're usually anxious about taking their clothes off for a massage-- by a stranger! Here's the real story with spa nudity, and how to stay within your comfort zone. (Watch a video on spa nudity.

• You generally change into a robe and slippers in the locker room. Sometimes there are private changing rooms. At some day spas you might take your clothes off in the treatment room and slip under the sheet.


• Resort spas generally have steam, sauna, and hot tubs in separate men and women's changing areas. You can go nude, wrap yourself in a towel, or wear a swimsuit.


• While you're in the lounge, be aware of whether the robe completely covers you and be considerate of other guests. Large men, especially, need to be careful about how they're sitting. If you sit with your legs spread, the robe can fall open.


• The massage therapist usually picks you up in a waiting area, takes you to the treatment room then leaves. This gives you time to hang up and your robe and slip between the sheet or towel. The therapist will always knock before entering.


• Generally you are nude during the massage, but always covered with sheets. Only the body part being massaged is exposed. The therapist holds the sheet so you're covered when you turn over.


• You can wear underwear if you're uncomfortable with spa nudity.


• European spas, like the spas in Germany are more relaxed about spa nudity. They don't use elaborate draping techniques, and men and women typically take steam and sauna baths together, nude.


• There are styles of massage like Thai Massage or reflexology where you stay fully clothed. If you're uncomfortable with spa nudity, ask about those.


• Facials are another good option if you're uneasy about spa nudity. You can keep your robe on. Even if you take it off, the esthetician is only touching your head, arms, shoulders and possibly feet.


• Think twice about getting a body treatment like a salt glow or a Vichy shower if you're uncomfortable with spa nudity. You are more likely to be exposed at some point.


• Most spas offer disposable panties for the body treatment. Sometimes they're optional, and sometimes the spa requests you wear them.


• Spas may request you wear a swimsuit or disposable briefs during hydrotherapy treatments. (This is especially true with men.) Women are often allowed to choose, but you have to be comfortable with the idea that the therapist will see everything.


• Even though you're nude for your treatment, legitimate spas don't offer happy endings and it's a serious breach of spa etiquette to ask for one or show signs of sexual arousal, like groaning in a suggestive way, or for men, allowing an erection.
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Massage Therapy Helps Relieve Pain

Relax and Find Relief With Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is an alternative treatment used to relieve pain. Simple enough, right? It makes sense that massage could relax and relieve muscular aches and pains. Did you know though that there are more than 80 types of massage therapy?

In all 80 types, massage therapists manipulate the muscles and soft tissues. It's the technique that varies. If you are interested in exploring massage therapy as a possible treatment, discuss your plans with your doctor.

What You Need to Know About Massage Therapy

• Massage therapists mostly use their hands and fingers, but some use their forearms, elbows, or even their feet to manipulate the patient's muscles and soft tissues. The amount of pressure used and direction of movement is variable.

• The goal of massage therapy is to relax muscles and soft tissues, increase blood and oxygen being delivered to the massaged area, warm the affected area, and relieve pain.

• Some of the well-known and popular types of massage include:
  
  Swedish massage - Therapist focuses on using long strokes, kneading, and friction on the muscles. Joints are moved to promote flexibility.
  Deep tissue massage - Therapist uses deep finger pressure focusing on muscles that are tight or knotted.
  Trigger point massage - Therapist focuses pressure on myofascial trigger points and uses other strokes as well. Trigger points represent a source of radiating pain.
  Shiatsu massage - Therapist applies rhythmic pressure with their fingers to body parts linked to vital energy, called qi.

• A massage therapy session usually lasts 30 to 60 minutes, with some being more or less. Chronic pain patients are usually advised to complete a series of sessions.

• Depending on the location of the muscles being massaged, you may sit in a chair for a chair massage or you may be asked to lie on a padded table. Typically, oil or powder are used to allow the therapists' hands to glide over your skin.

• Certain precautions must be taken before getting massage therapy. Though there are few serious risks, there are certain individuals who should not get massage therapy. Unsuitable candidates for massage therapy include patients with:
  
  deep vein thrombosis (blood clot)
  bleeding disorder or taking a blood-thinner
  damaged blood vessels
  osteoporosis
  recent fracture
  cancer
  fever
  

  Open wounds, tumors, damaged nerves, or infection and inflammation in the area to be massaged could also be problematic.

• If you are pregnant, have cancer, have fragile skin, heart problems, dermatomyositis or a history of physical abuse, discuss massage therapy with your doctor before signing up.

Points to Remember

• Researchers are still studying the effects of massage therapy on health conditions. It is clear though that massage therapy promotes relaxation while reducing stress.

• Due to the popularity of massage therapy, it is imperative that you check out the credentials of your massage therapist. Physical therapists also are trained in massage therapy. Know your therapist! Ask questions that will ensure your safety.

How To Give Yourself a Facial at Home

Home Facial

How To Give Yourself a Facial at Home

A home facial is a great way to , and a good way to relax at home once a week. But a home facial doesn’t really a substitute for a a licensed special training in skin care.

For one, a professional facial includes extractions which you shouldn't do yourself at home. When done improperly, extractions can scar your skin or cause broken capillaries or hyperpigmentation -- something you definitely don't want!

A home facial works best when done in conjunction with regular facials by an esthetician you trust. Using the products she has recommended as right for your skin type, you can usually lengthen the time between your facial at the spa.

How To Give Yourself a Home Facial

Find an Esthetician You Can Trust. Why is this important? A professional esthetician can advise you on your skin type and condition, and give recommendations on how to take care of your skin at home. If you have a good feeling about her knowledge and skills, invest in products she recommends.

Spa skin care line are higher quality than products you find in a drug store, which use cheap ingredients, or a department stores, which have artificial fragrances, expensive packaging and big advertising budgets.

On your own you might pick out products that can actually harm your skin, like apricot scrubs and aggressive foaming cleansers. Also, an esthetician can also give you advice on home care, and show you how to avoid common problems like overly vigorous rubbing and over-exfoliation during your home facial.

Cleanse Your Skin. A home facial begins with a cleansing with cotton pads and a clean washcloth and a product chosen for your skin type (normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive, mature.)

Pull your hair back with a clip or headband so you have access to the whole face, neck and decollete. Start by putting a creamy cleanser or eye make-up remover on a round cotton pad. Stabilize the delicate skin around the eye by pressing your middle finger on the skin outside the eye along the eye socket.

Gently wipe your eyelid with the cotton, starting near your nose and making little downward movements until you reach the other side of the eyelid. Repeat if necessary to get all mascara and eyeshadow off. Then fold the cotton round in half and wipe it gently underneath the eye. Repeat on other eye with a fresh cotton pad. Then cleanse your lips with another small cotton pad with cleanser.

Bend over the sink, splash your face with water, and apply a small amount of cleanser to your fingers. Gently massage it into your skin without pulling or dragging at the skin. Make sure you take time to cleanse the areas near the hairline, the indentation where the nose and eye meet, next to your ear, and your decollete.

Once you've covered the face with a cleanser and gently massaged it in, remove it with a clean white washcloth, again, stabilizing the skin. Make sure that the washcloth is free of all make-up. Then you know your skin is really clean.

Stay away from foaming cleansers -- they are too harsh and strip your skin's protective barrier, called the acid mantle.

Exfoliate Your Skin. Have an esthetician help you find a gentle exfoliant. Avoid the apricot scrubs and other harsh, chemical-laden scrubs with a very scratchy texture. Don't overdo exfoliation during your home facial. A dry stretched feeling and redness are signs that you are over-exfoliating. Again, you need to protect your skin's acid mantle.

Apply A Facial Mask. This is the treatment part of the home facial. There are lots of different kinds of masks for different skin types and conditions. Have your esthetician help you choose the best mask for you. It can change depending on the time of year, what climate you're in, your age, and where you are in your monthly cycle.

Apply to your face and decollete and it back and read, relax, or watch TV. It usually stays on for 15 or 20 minutes.

There are lots of different kinds of masks, so follow instructions for how long it stays on and removal. Splash your face with water and make sure all traces of the mask are removed. You can go over your skin with clean cotton pads or a clean, damp washcloth again to make sure it's all off.

Apply Skin Care Products.

Spritz your face with a toner (it helps hydrate the skin), apply the serum that's right for your skin, and end with a day moisturizer or night serum. Again, it's good to follow your esthetician's product recommendations. When you try to pick out inexpensive products for yourself it's easy to make a mistake.

Relax!

Enjoy your beautiful skin. You should see a difference after your home facial if the products are good.

Spa Week's $50 Spa Treatments

When Is Spa Week?
Spa Week takes place in the spring and the fall in the U.S. and Canada. The next Spa Week is April 11-17, 2011. It generally has two different weeks in both spring and fall -- one for the East Coast and one for the West Coast. A similar event called also takes place twice a year.

Where Is Spa Week?
Spa Week mostly takes place in major markets with a high concentration of spas. Participating Spa Week markets in the western U.S. include include Arizona (Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sedona and Tempe), California (Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, San Francisco), Seattle, Las Vegas, Denver, Minnesota (St. Paul and Minneapolis)and Texas (Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio.

Spa Week markets in the Eastern U.S. and Canada include New York (primarily New York City and Long Island), Chicago, Washington D.C., Florida (Miami and Ft. Lauderdale), Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Detroit, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania (Philadelphia and Pittsburgh), Nashville, Virginia (Virginia Beach, Reston, Richmond and Fairfax) and Toronto.

How Do I Find Out Which Spas Are Participating and What They're Offering During Spa Week?
You have to register at Spaweek.com to get access to the listings. They usually go up a few weeks before Spa Week is set to begin. Log in, then click on your city or state to see a list of participating spas and the treatments they offer. Once you see a treatment you want, call the spa directly to make your reservation. The spa will ask for your credit card number to secure the reservation.

Can I Get Any Treatment I Want for $50 During Spa Week?
No. Each spa chooses two or three treatments to offer, not the whole menu. It could

How Do I Get The Best Deals Out Of Spa Week?
Look at what kind of service it is and how long it lasts. Spa Week requires a minimum 45-minutes treatment, but some spas offer 60-minute services. Check out the spa by going to its website if you're not familiar with it. You can look at their regular price to find out how much of a discount it is. The very best Spa Week deals will be at resort spas, which commonly charge $185 for a treatment. Go there and enjoy all the amenities.

Why Do Spas Participate in Spa Week?
They hope you'll to try the spa, like it, then come back and pay full price. Sometimes the spa offers treatments like microdermabrasion or photo facials that are best done as a series. However, not every spa in your city will participate. Sometimes the best-known ones feel they don't need the publicity.

What If I Cancel My Spa Week Appointment?
Cancellation policies vary by spa, so check when you're booking your Spa Week treatment. If you let them know early that you need to cancel or reschedule, it shouldn't be a problem. If you cancel at the last-minute or don't show up, you will be charged.

Is there a limit to the Number of $50 Spa Treatments I Can Try During Spa Week?
No. You can try as many treatments as you want. But your body has limits. Don't get two facials or two microdermabrasion sessions in one week. It's not good for your skin. Instead, try treatments that complement each other like facial, a body treatment, and a massage.

How Much Should I Tip During Spa Week?
Tip 15-20% on the full value of the service, not on the $50 you're being charged. Spa Week customers have developed an unfortunate reputation for undertipping or not tipping at all, which is a breach of good spa etiquette.

Chair Massage

A Fast Way To Deal With Muscle Tension

Chair massage is a style of seated massage that is typically short -- 10 or 15 minutes -- and focuses on your back, shoulders and neck and arms. Chair massage is done over clothes and doesn't require any massage oil.

For chair massage, you are seated in a special chair with your face resting in a cradle, looking down towards the floor, with supports for your arms. Your back and neck completely relax while the therapist relieves muscle tension using Swedish massage moves like kneading and compression and tapotement, which don't require oil.

Chair massage is often offered at high-stress locations like airport spas and trade shows. It's a great way to work out muscle tension before it turns into a full-blown spasm.

Chair massage is sometimes a free perk at corporate party or event. And some enlightened employers bring therapists in to offer chair massage to their employees. Companies can pay the entire cost, split it with employees, or give employees the time and let them pay for the chair massage themselves.