tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051287954385567079Sat, 06 Mar 2010 08:06:35 +0000Massage and wellness include a wide range of topics and can be a rather confusing area to discover and learn about. It is my hope that I can cover many of the topics in this series of articles. I will not only describe massages, but also expand to other topics related to wellness.http://www.starkeys.com/blog/pia@starkeys.com (Pia)Blogger109125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051287954385567079.post-8179604973220315136Sat, 06 Mar 2010 08:06:00 +00002010-03-06T09:06:32.674+01:00 This blog is now located at http://massage-and-wellness.blogspot.com/. You will be automatically redirected in 30 seconds, or you may click here. For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to http://massage-and-wellness.blogspot.com/atom.xml. http://www.starkeys.com/blog/2010/03/this-blog-has-moved.htmlpia@starkeys.com (Pia)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051287954385567079.post-8232346109197958660Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:00:00 +00002010-03-03T12:00:02.141+01:00TaboosThe massageTherapist and clientDo you know the intent of your massage therapist? The reason why she or he is a massage therapist and enjoys giving you a massage? Are you certain that every single touch is fully professional? Can you be sure your therapist is evaluating your body for professional reasons only? Do you know the reason for every massage stroke used. Are you sure your therapist is properly trained and won't harm http://www.starkeys.com/blog/2010/03/massage-and-trust.htmlpia@starkeys.com (Pia)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051287954385567079.post-6582018313696871329Wed, 24 Feb 2010 11:00:00 +00002010-02-24T17:10:08.053+01:00ToolsLaStoneAs I wrote last week in "The good, the bad and the ugly hot stone", it's important to choose the right stones for your hot stone massages. Therefore I think it's only appropriate that I show you the rocks and stones I use in my LaStone therapy, as well as my Creative Stone massages. Please allow me to introduce my massage stones to you. Image by Taunaki via FlickrThese are my twelve massage http://www.starkeys.com/blog/2010/02/my-massage-stones.htmlpia@starkeys.com (Pia)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051287954385567079.post-4327061629374741263Wed, 17 Feb 2010 11:00:00 +00002010-02-17T12:00:05.882+01:00ToolsLaStoneImage by Caro's Lines via FlickrNot that any stone is ugly, but there are good and bad stones when it comes to Hot Stone Massage. It matters what size and shape the stones used for a Hot Stone Massage are and what they're made from. Energy-wise it matters how the stones were harvested and how they've been treated. Once you've held good stones and worked with them, or received a massage by them,http://www.starkeys.com/blog/2010/02/good-bad-and-ugly-hot-stone.htmlpia@starkeys.com (Pia)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051287954385567079.post-8299378165388209336Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:00:00 +00002010-02-10T12:00:07.947+01:00TaboosThe clientThe massageTherapist and clientGuilt and shame over enjoying a massage is more common than one would expect. Many feel guilt over relaxing and doing nothing. Others feel guilt over pampering themselves. Some feel guilt over spending the money. And others again feel guilt over enjoying the physical touch and the sensuality of the massage. Most of these things you can speak about with others. But enjoying touch is a taboo, http://www.starkeys.com/blog/2010/02/guilt-of-enjoying-touch.htmlpia@starkeys.com (Pia)6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051287954385567079.post-4665195863202097353Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:00:00 +00002010-02-03T12:00:08.671+01:00TipsThe clientThe massageUpon the suggestion from a reader, I here give my advice on how to gain the most benefits from a massage. This is by no means any final list or true for everybody, but aimed to give you inspiration on how to make -your- next massage experience something even better than normally. Before the massage, as a physical and mental preparation: Bathe or shower so you're clean and not embarrassed about http://www.starkeys.com/blog/2010/02/achieve-best-massage-for-yourself.htmlpia@starkeys.com (Pia)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051287954385567079.post-5038643536314338824Wed, 27 Jan 2010 11:00:00 +00002010-01-27T12:00:03.912+01:00TaboosThe clientThe massageImage via Wikipedia Yes. I can answer yes to that question without hesitation. Practically all people can receive a massage. Due to various contraindications, the type and style of massage that suits you the best might vary. But everybody can benefit from and enjoy a massage. Many people let questions and uncertainties stop them from trying massage. They might have the desire for years or http://www.starkeys.com/blog/2010/01/is-massage-for-me.htmlpia@starkeys.com (Pia)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051287954385567079.post-2599201186839152434Wed, 20 Jan 2010 11:00:00 +00002010-01-20T12:00:06.274+01:00The massageTherapist and clientA reader asked the following question: "Is there something as massage addiction? Can going to for a massage on weekly basis harm your body on the long run ? Does your body get too used to it where you get crams if you don't go for one anymore." I have never heard about massage addiction or harm come to the body due to too many massages, so I asked the LinkedIn group, Massage Therapists and http://www.starkeys.com/blog/2010/01/can-massage-become-addictive.htmlpia@starkeys.com (Pia)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051287954385567079.post-2964344232609514597Wed, 13 Jan 2010 11:00:00 +00002010-01-13T12:00:00.517+01:00TaboosThe massageImage via Wikipedia Not many try to have their chest muscles (pectoralis major) massaged. Especially on women there's the worry about the breasts and a massage becoming too intimate or crossing lines. This is rather unfortunate as it's a very important muscle to have massaged, especially when dealing with shoulder and upper back problems due to desk work. Pectoralis major a muscle which is http://www.starkeys.com/blog/2010/01/massaging-pectoralis-major-importance.htmlpia@starkeys.com (Pia)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051287954385567079.post-4387161745343592587Wed, 06 Jan 2010 11:00:00 +00002010-01-06T12:00:08.426+01:00This blog-post is the 100th I've written on Massage and Wellness. I'd like to take the opportunity to thank all my readers and let you know that I greatly appreciate the feed-back I've received over time. Especially the comments on my posts are a great source for inspiration and has allowed me to know what concerns you as readers.I wrote the first post nearly two years ago, taking about Massage http://www.starkeys.com/blog/2010/01/100th-blog-post.htmlpia@starkeys.com (Pia)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051287954385567079.post-4016770449192158893Wed, 30 Dec 2009 11:00:00 +00002009-12-30T12:00:02.062+01:00Massage typesLaStoneGTA, is an association of Geothermal Therapy and Non-Thermal Geotherapy Practitioners, Educators, Vendors and Employers, supporting the safe use of stones combined with body work techniques as a method of wellness.The association was formerly known as Stone Walkers Association, hence the web-address http://www.stonewalkersassociation.com - Their Facebook page can be found at: http://http://www.starkeys.com/blog/2009/12/geothermal-therapy-association.htmlpia@starkeys.com (Pia)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051287954385567079.post-725793035925842074Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:00:00 +00002009-12-23T12:00:06.973+01:00TipsWellnessImage by Getty Images via DaylifeIt is some very simple things that can be done to build mental strength and find what's needed to deal with the challenges of life. A good step is to increase your energy as I described last week in Tips: Find new energy. When we feel tired and drained we lack the mental strength to deal with our challenges in an optimal way.There are some very simple things whichhttp://www.starkeys.com/blog/2009/12/tips-build-mental-strength.htmlpia@starkeys.com (Pia)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051287954385567079.post-528633386228308821Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:00:00 +00002009-12-16T12:00:05.688+01:00TipsEnergyWellnessImage via WikipediaMany of us, especially during the darkest days of the year, feel tired and fatigued and just can't find energy to do what we want or need to do. Fortunately, it isn't difficult to find more energy. All it takes is some lifestyle changes. Remember, focus on a few steps at a time, perhaps one from each category and slowly add to that. It will not take you long to feel the http://www.starkeys.com/blog/2009/12/tips-find-new-energy.htmlpia@starkeys.com (Pia)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051287954385567079.post-5269447763713480684Wed, 09 Dec 2009 11:00:00 +00002009-12-11T10:44:25.872+01:00The therapistTipsEnergyImage by teachingsagittarian via FlickrAs mentioned last week, massage is energy exchange. This makes it important that the therapist is aware of the mechanisms and takes that into consideration both before, during and after a massage.There are different approaches, many depending on personal beliefs and experiences. The preparations and practices can be very personal and should generally not be http://www.starkeys.com/blog/2009/12/tips-to-better-massage-energy.htmlpia@starkeys.com (Pia)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051287954385567079.post-5933381857590116301Wed, 02 Dec 2009 11:00:00 +00002009-12-02T12:00:01.070+01:00EnergyThe massageTherapist and clientImage via WikipediaMassage is much more than a client lying passively in her own world and a therapist just pressing on muscles. There's an entire unseen exchange taking place, which both actively take part in. It isn't something that can be measured except by experiencing it. It's an exchange of emotions, of intent, of compassion. It's an exchange of energy, however that is defined.A massage's http://www.starkeys.com/blog/2009/12/massage-is-energy-exchange.htmlpia@starkeys.com (Pia)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051287954385567079.post-8080195485280560075Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:00:00 +00002009-11-25T12:00:06.458+01:00The therapistTherapist and clientAs a massage therapist I've had some truly moving moments with clients. Pretty much all massage sessions bring something unique and amazing to me. I learn from each session, I gain insights and great enjoyment from letting my hands and stones heal and help the person lying on the massage table.In spirit of the season, I want to share some of my best massage experiences and give thanks for being http://www.starkeys.com/blog/2009/11/my-best-experiences-as-massage.htmlpia@starkeys.com (Pia)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051287954385567079.post-7935327365436992665Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:00:00 +00002009-11-18T12:00:01.123+01:00Self-treatmentThe massageMassage isn't just limited to adults. Children can benefit greatly from receiving massages, and this is true from infancy and throughout all their lives. It's beneficial for their sense of self and knowing their body, for knowing and learning to express what they like and dislike. It bonds parents and infant in a loving way and touch fulfils a very basic need that we all have.It doesn't take muchhttp://www.starkeys.com/blog/2009/11/massaging-children.htmlpia@starkeys.com (Pia)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051287954385567079.post-7928140676163292856Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:00:00 +00002009-10-14T12:00:01.029+02:00Massage typesLaStoneMassage creatifImage by cobalt123 via FlickrCombining the hot stones with massage creates amazing results. LaStone and Massage Créatif compliments each other beautifully and carry the same energy and purposes.The two therapies can be combined in several ways, depending on the needs and requirements of the client.One way is to use the hot stones to warm the tissue before the massage commences, simply adding http://www.starkeys.com/blog/2009/10/creative-lastone.htmlpia@starkeys.com (Pia)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051287954385567079.post-3488972276381772406Wed, 07 Oct 2009 10:00:00 +00002009-10-07T12:00:05.858+02:00WellnessImage via WikipediaToday it's the 65th anniversary for my grandparents wedding. Imagine to live with the same person for so long. It's amazing. They are an amazing couple and I'd like to take the time to talk a bit about them and pay them homage. For they're an example to look up to.Their story is one of romance and wellness. I can't think of it differently. They're both born in 1920, and it's http://www.starkeys.com/blog/2009/10/crown-diamond-wedding.htmlpia@starkeys.com (Pia)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051287954385567079.post-5621344750416056860Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:00:00 +00002009-11-12T11:16:02.419+01:00EnergyWellnessLaStoneImage via WikipediaCocooning can be a great stress reliever, both from current work stress as well as old emotional wounds. The best way to illustrate this is to use a couple of case studies from some clients I have recently given a cocooning to.One came to me after work with a headache after a stressful day. She felt burnt out, tired, and lacking motivation for doing her job. As part of her http://www.starkeys.com/blog/2009/09/stress-relief-with-cocooning.htmlpia@starkeys.com (Pia)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051287954385567079.post-3200207047685794401Wed, 23 Sep 2009 10:00:00 +00002009-09-23T12:00:00.425+02:00Stress and healthHealthThe massageWellnessStressImage by Pandiyan via FlickrStress has a tendency to settle in the muscles, making them tense and eventually painful. For myself, it's especially the jaw-muscles which tense up and can become so tense and sore that it can be hard to yawn. For many mothers I've treated tension is located in shoulders and back. For working people it's often neck and shoulders.Stress is an emotional response to http://www.starkeys.com/blog/2009/09/stress-and-tensions.htmlpia@starkeys.com (Pia)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051287954385567079.post-9189205959414158962Wed, 16 Sep 2009 10:00:00 +00002009-09-16T12:00:07.190+02:00HealthThe massageLaStoneImage via WikipediaNot all people should receive massage. There are contraindications and situations where a massage can be directly harmful. When you use heat and cold in a massage, these multiply and you need to be even more aware of the conditions the client has and how to deal with them.Temperature extremes stresses the immune system, which is no problem and actually beneficial for those http://www.starkeys.com/blog/2009/09/bewares-in-thermal-massage.htmlpia@starkeys.com (Pia)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051287954385567079.post-4091353625955192749Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:00:00 +00002009-09-10T09:51:46.573+02:00HealthToolsThe massageMassage environmentImage via WikipediaHygiene is very important when you massage, especially in these times where the threat of the new flu is hanging over us. We as therapists are very aware of the situation and take our precautions.For a normal massage we do the following:Wash our hands before and after a massage.Change sheets and towels, so a client will always have fresh clean sheets and towels.Wash towels and http://www.starkeys.com/blog/2009/09/hygiene-in-massage.htmlpia@starkeys.com (Pia)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051287954385567079.post-5368936835246391405Wed, 02 Sep 2009 10:00:00 +00002009-09-02T12:00:00.883+02:00HealthWellnessImage by Scott M Duncan via FlickrBody Sense recently published an article "Massage Multiplied - benefits of massage improve with frequency" (the PDF file can be downloaded here). In short it tells how frequent massages can improve your overall health and wellness, get rid of injuries and tensions faster and how it serves as preventive health care. Not to mention, it allows you to be more in tunehttp://www.starkeys.com/blog/2009/09/more-massages-more-benefit.htmlpia@starkeys.com (Pia)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051287954385567079.post-4601862252262112514Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:00:00 +00002009-08-26T12:00:09.814+02:00LaStoneWhat I call Cocooning is within LaStone called Castle-building. I think Cocooning better covers what it is actually about. To be cocooned within stones and emerge revitalized and relaxed after the treatment.It is in essence a very simple treatment that even children can receive and be part of. Heated stones, and cold ones as well, are placed randomly under, beside and on a person lying on her or http://www.starkeys.com/blog/2009/08/cocooning-relaxing-with-stones.htmlpia@starkeys.com (Pia)0