Shirodhara (which comes from the Sanskrit words Shir or head and dhara or flow) is a form of Ayurvedic medicine that involves a measured and gentle pouring of liquids upon the forehead of the person for various curative purposes.

In Hindu mythology the forehead is thought to be the site of the third eye which is why this restorative therapy is concentrated upon this site.

Substances such as water, milk, buttermilk, medicated oils, and coconut water are generally used, depending upon the nature of the therapy and the problem sought to be addressed.

Shirodhara is commonly used as part of the famous Kerala therapeutic massage and may be used to address a number of ailments such as –

• Problems of the sinus
• Eye disease and other visual problems
• Allergic rhinitis
• Premature graying of hair
• Memory loss or problems with concentration
• Sleep related problems
• Neurological problems
• Problems relating to hearing such as loss of hearing and tinnitus
• Vertigo and other balance related problems
• Certain skin diseases such as psoriasis
• Meneire’s Disease

In addition, Shirodhara is used in spas and as part of Ayurvedic massage therapies to aid and assist in relaxation. This is the non medicinal use of Shirodhara which helps to enliven and rejuvenate the person.

Chinese massage, also known as Tui Na, is a form of massage therapy that dates back 2,000 years in China. During the Chinese massage, traditional medicine and massage techniques are applied to help the body freely flow the Qi.

It is based on Chinese medical theories that just like a globe, the body has meridians through which energy, or the Qi, passes through. If there is a blockage in any of the meridians, this causes sickness or ailments, hence the purpose of Chinese massage is to unblock those passages and bring the body back to balance and achieve equilibrium.

Unlike other forms of massage, Chinese massage is not intended to be used for achievement of relaxation.

It is an art that has been developed to treat and heal internal and external ailments in the body. It addresses ailments on a holistic approach, intending to find and treat the root cause of ailments instead of simply curing the symptoms.

Techniques and methods

A practitioner of Tui Na makes use of hands to treat the patient. Combinations of other traditional forms of Chinese therapy may be used, such as acupuncture, herbalism, Tai Chi, among others.

In Chinese traditional medicine, the body has 8 gates wherein the joints are located. The practitioner will use their hands to rub, knead, or massage these areas to soften up tendons and muscles to open up the systems and allow the energy to freely pass through.

To enhance the process of Chinese massage, tools such as herbs, liniments, compress, and salves may also be used.

Chinese traditional medicine also states that various methods may be used, such as the rolling of hands throughout the body, the use of one finger to push in order to treat internal ailments through acupressure, and bone setting which is used to heal ailments in the musculoskeletal system among others. If you are looking for an alternative method of treatment to aid you, you should give Chinese massage a try.

Benefits of Chinese massage

• The use of Chinese massage can help one have speedy healing for bruises and injuries. It will also aid in the removal of scar tissue.
• It will increase your flexibility and overall posture, because the therapy is focused on loosening up tight muscles and joints.
• Therapy has been recognized as effective in treating emotional distress, as well as stress which can cause blockages within one’s musculoskeletal system.
• Chinese massage has been designed to address problems with internal organs, and can be used with other traditional techniques to fully heal a patient.
• Blood circulation and regulation of the nervous system are significantly improved after one or a few sessions of therapy.
• If you are sickly, you can make use of Chinese massage to improve your overall well-being and use it as a form of preventive care to ensure higher immunity against future disease.
• Chronic pain can also be effectively cured through Tui Na.

Lymphatic massage is a form of therapy which was created to encourage healthy lymph nodes through massage. The lymph nodes are crucial to one’s immune system, because through it passes a liquid that protects the body from viruses and other infections.

It was developed in the 1930’s and has long been recognized as a very effective method of therapy and treatment for a number of health conditions.

Various causes can attribute to blockages in the lymph system. Some of these include a poor diet, surgery, fatigue, lack of sleep, and reactions to various medications.

If you are feeling sick, you should give lymphatic massage a try. Just like other forms of massages, it guarantees to relieve you of pain and relax your body and mind. Here are the benefits of having a lymphatic massage:

1. The lymphatic massage focuses on eliminating blockages in the lymph systems, which is important in helping one feel healthy and have a stronger immune system.
2. Having a clear and healthy lymphatic system is also crucial to the good functioning of the body’s other systems, as it allows the lymph fluid to flow freely and provide protection and circulation.
3. Lymphatic massage is also recommended before surgery, as it ensures that the lymph system is healthy. Likewise, it is also used after surgery to reduce swelling caused by the operation.
4. Lymphatic massage is a non-invasive form of holistic treatment that can be used by anyone to keep their systems healthy and in good condition. However, if you have existing diseases or infections you should abstain from getting this type of massage treatment because it can promote the spread of the infection through the body.
5. Lymphatic massage is also used as therapy for overall well-being, even if you are not sick or suffering of anything.
6. Some lymphatic massage practitioners offer breast massage, as lymph nodes are also located in these areas, to provide relief from the pain that is brought about by changes in breast tissue as a result of pregnancy.
7. It can be used to treat a number of illnesses including: colds, allergies, joint pain, sports injuries, appetite deficiencies, headaches, fatigue, and cellulite.
8. Lymphatic massage is an effective way to stay healthy at the onset of flu season. Simply go to a practitioner and one or a few sessions of therapy will ensure your immune system is strong enough to fight the flu virus during the remainder of the season. There is no additional need to take pills or use special equipment because it is a holistic approach and non-invasive.
9. Unlike other types of massage treatments that use high pressure, lymphatic massage is very delicate and gentle, so one never experiences pain. The vessels of the lymph system are located right under the skin, so not much pressure is required to provide relief and unblock the system.
10. There are various forms of lymphatic massage available. Also, the sessions do not focus on only one part of the body because lymph nodes are located throughout, such as in the armpit, breast, neck, and groin.



When our lives get tangled up in stress and we are finding it difficult to think rationally as a result, there are many ways to de-stress and release the pressure of daily life.

However, one of them, therapeutic massage, remains a constant in many people’s lives for its ability to release bad energy and make one feel very relaxed despite a long day’s work.

Therapeutic massage combines the art of touch therapy, which has been around for thousands of years, together with science, to provide people with pain relief and overall well-being and relaxation.

There are many different kinds of therapeutic massage available today, but one thing they all have in common is the use of hand strokes, and usually with lubrication such as oil or lotion, with pressure applied on various parts of the body to manipulate muscles and soft tissue.

The therapeutic massage practitioner may use just their hands, or other parts of the body to achieve the desired effect, such as fingers, elbows, feet, or forearms.

Types and benefits of therapeutic massage

Therapeutic massage is also recognized for its healing qualities and health benefits.

Although it has been around since ancient times, countless studies have verified the effectiveness of massage and touch therapy as a tool and complement for a person who is undergoing healing.

Some of the most common types of therapeutic massage are the following:

1. Deep tissue massage pertains to the use of patterns of strokes and the use of fingers to apply pressure deep into the muscles to fix knots and problem areas.
2. Swedish massage involves long strokes, kneading, and adding friction to muscles to remove tied up bunches of muscles, stress-related areas, and to increase flexibility within joints. It is a common type of massage for those who want to simply relax and unwind, as well as those with serious blockages or pains in their muscles.
3. Shiatsu massage is based on the principle qi, a vital energy, to flow freely throughout the body for one to have mental and physical well-being and balance. The massage applies pressure and rhythmic movements to unblock anything that may be causing the qi to have a stopped flow in the body.
4. Pressure point massage is a more intensive type of therapeutic massage, prescribed for those who commonly use certain muscles such as athletes. The therapist uses deeper strokes to reach deeper into muscles that have formed knots, and these areas will bring about pain or discomfort during the session when treated however will disappear in a few minutes.

Therapeutic massage has been proven to aid in healing a number of health problems. These include issues with sleep, weight, heart problems, blood pressure, depression, post-surgery healing, trauma, damaged blood vessels, circulation and breathing problems, digestive disorders, and many others.

If you have serious health ailments, therapeutic massage works best when used in complement with alternative medicine and treatment. It’s important to know that you should never self-medicate or self-diagnose.

However, if you simply want to relax and unwind from a long week of work, you can always count on therapeutic massage to make you feel better in just a few minutes.

The benefits of touch and massage therapy has long been recognized as one of the best and most effective ways to achieve mental and physical well-being.

The use of hands in healing hands massage has been developed over the years to help cure a number of ailments, and even to simply promote a state of relaxation, calmness, and health.

Healing hands massages makes use of applying pressure, rubbing, or kneading various parts of the body to reach deep muscles, improve circulation and blood flow, and to remove any blockages in the internal system that may be causing ailments.

Healing hands massage has several benefits, such as:

• Improved breathing
• Depression management
• Decreased fatigue
• Lowering of blood pressure
• Improved posture
• Relieve muscle pain and tension
• Cure headaches
• Increased flexibility

Healing hands massage benefits has been verified in several clinical studies, which is why it is encouraged for all age groups.

Even as young as babies, mothers are encouraged to use their hands for touch therapy, as it has been shown that increased skin contact through healing hands massage between mother and child contributes significantly to the baby’s physical and mental development. It also helps in creating a bond between mother and child.

It should be noted that although healing hands massage can improve overall well being and improve some health conditions, it is not a cure for ailments.

It can be used complementarily with medical treatments and other forms of curing, to help alleviate pain, manage depression and trauma.

Healing hands massage is significantly better than other forms of therapy and treatment because there are no side effects and it can only benefit the patient in the long run.

There are different kinds of healing hands massage to suit the needs of patients. Some of the common kinds include:

• Deep tissue massage – More pressure is used than usual to reach deep muscles and treat them through kneading and rubbing.
• Reflexology – Used to address certain problems with organs connected to nerves on the feet, through a foot massage. Reflexology can also be used as a healing hands massage to simply achieve a state of relaxation and well- being.
• Neuromuscular massage – A more intensive type of massage treatment which is used for patients with serious muscle and medical conditions. Neuromuscular massage makes use of intensive pressure to reach deep muscles and nerves.
• Swedish massage – One of the most common types of massage therapies, Swedish massage uses long strokes and rubs throughout the body to relax muscles and provide a feeling of calmness and relaxation. Essential oils are also commonly used with Swedish massage.
• Sports massage – Usually recommended for athletes, sports massages focuses on specific muscles that are frequently used for certain sports.
• Craniosacral massage – A massage that focuses on the head and spine, with the purpose of relaxing the muscles around and clearing blockages.

With the various types of healing hands massage, many of these have been developed in ancient times and have been developed today to help address people’s health ailments.

Massages are the most therapeutic form of relaxation you can give to yourself and to other people.

There are many kinds of massages, but massages usually have one basic underlying premise and that is to use the hands or fingers to gently break up knots in the muscles and tendons.

If you want to help someone relax, you can easily learn how to give a massage in just a few steps. 

In fact, if you know how to give a massage you can also use this to ease yourself of tension and stress, or teach someone how to do a massage the way you like.

Here are a few basic steps in learning how to give a massage to someone:

1. Ask the person to lie down on their stomach on a flat and smooth surface where they are comfortable in, such as a bed.
2. Ask the person what type of lubricant they prefer. Popular choices include lavender oil for relaxation, or mentholated oil for those who are experiencing severe muscle aches and pains.
3. The main spots you should be focusing on, when learning how to give a massage, are the neck, head, back, and shoulders. These are the areas where tension and stress[way to relieve stress] usually accumulate in the form of knots in and in between muscles.
4. The next step for you in knowing how to give a massage is by using your hands to gently massage in circular motion to both sides of the head. Use your fingers then to gently apply pressure behind the ears and around the head area for about five to ten minutes.
5. Use your thumb to run down from the person’s head to the top of the spine. This area in the neck should feel relieved from tension as it holds a significant amount of tension and stress. Another important thing when you are learning how to give a massage is to focus on the area beneath the skull, where it meets the neck. Tension in this area is usually the cause of headaches.
6. As you progress, you will get used to learning how to give a massage. The pressure you apply should be communicated with the person, in case at times it may be too strong or if they prefer for more pressure to be applied in a certain area.
7. From the neck, move your hands to the person’s shoulders. Focus on the use of your thumbs and index finger for each side; keeping them close to one another when learning how to give a massage. The motion used should be similar to that when you are breaking up pieces of bread. Slight pressure should be applied in these areas for about 5 minutes or until you feel you have cleared up the knots.
8. Furthermore, the next step when learning how to give a massage is to use your palms and gently glide this down to the back region. Use a gentle sliding method to go up and down, giving equal time for each area. When you reach the spine, apply very gentle pressure on each of the shoulder blades until you reach the bottom.

Holistic massage, unlike other forms of treatment and therapy, deals with symptoms and health problems with the body as a whole, instead of just treating symptoms.

Its primary purpose is to find the root cause of a symptom and address it. Because holistic massage treats the whole body, it provides balance or homeostasis among all the systems and organs. Holistic massage promotes overall health and well-being.

It has been around for thousands of years, recognized by old civilizations for its effectiveness in healing the human body inside and out, through the use of touch.

Before you engage in holistic massage treatment, you will be asked to fill out a form that asks you details on the things you eat, symptoms you are experiencing, lifestyle, health history of you and your family, and other aspects pertaining to your health that will help your therapist determine the underlying cause of your sickness.

It is used as an alternative treatment to other types of massages and medical treatments.

There are many benefits to the use of holistic massage, which makes it a popular method of healing. It is used to treat a number of ailments such as:

• Stress and anxiety
• Low energy levels, fatigue
• Sleep problems
• Better breathing
• Promotes mental health and clarity
• Muscular tension
• Joint and muscle pain
• Improves skin elasticity
• Encourages better breathing

Holistic massage is good for practically every one of all ages, even children and seniors. If you are under stress or tension, usually spend long hours standing or sitting, pregnant, an athlete, have repetitive strain injuries or generally want to obtain well-being, you should give holistic massage a try.

Unlike other types of massage, holistic massage also contributes to emotional and spiritual health. It helps prepare one’s mind and body to better cope with the stresses and troubles of daily life and work, which can sometimes take a toll on us.

There are also many other benefits to this type of massage over others, such as:

• Improving overall muscle tone, because the massage can reach deep into muscle layers
• Help in reducing toxins and waste by promoting healthy circulation in the lymph system
• It provides a non-invasive alternative to therapy, and you don’t have to take additional pills or use special tools that may have any side effects in the future
• Strengthen your bone and joints
• Speed up the body’s healing process

The relaxed and soothing effects of the massage are good enough to make people include it in their lives, even without sickness or disease.

It’s a great alternative stress-reliever, and many people attribute this to the touch aspect of holistic massage. It has been proven that touch can signal the brain to release endorphins, which are pain suppressors and evoke a feeling of happiness.

Regular sessions of holistic massage can contribute greatly to your long-term health, and its benefits enough are reasons alone to give it a try.

Oriental massages are becoming more popular every day. These massage techniques were developed in Far East.

This type of massage serves as an ancient ritual that can help in maintaining and restoring good health and well being of anyone.

It can also boost a person’s energy system and that is the reason why it is preferred by most people. There are different kinds of oriental massages. Here are the top three.

Thai massage: This is common and available in any health spa today. It dates back from thousand years ago and was conceptualized by Buddhist monks from Thailand. It was developed by different massage therapists that made it what it is today.

There are a lot of benefits of Thai massages. It can relieve joint and muscle tension. It can increase your flexibility. It uses pressure points combined with different breathing methods as well as stretching techniques. This kind of massage is somewhat described as lazy yoga. You let your therapist do the stretching.

They often help you achieve different positions. They do this while you control your breathing.

You can definitely strengthen your nervous system with this kind of oriental massage. Also you can energize and relax your body.

Shiatsu massage: This kind of massage was developed in Japan. This is quite similar with Chinese acupuncture. But instead of needles, it uses fingers. The word shiatsu means finger pressure.

The main aim of this oriental massage is promoting physical well being as well as energy by using the fingers, thumbs, palms and hand. Pressure is applied in the key points of the body. This is the most relaxing thing in the world and it is commonly preferred by people

Indonesian-Javanese massage: This is a not so familiar Asian massage. The therapist hands including the knuckles are used when massaging. This also kneads the body muscles.

You can do this using massage oils. This could be quite painful however it is relaxing and refreshing. You can benefit from it in the long run.

The massage is effective especially on the body’s nerves and muscles. You can relieve back pain as well as muscle tension.

The best about the oriental massage is that it has conquered the entire world introducing the Western civilization to a world where 30 minutes of peaceful treatment can refresh the mind, and the body, improves the focus, boost the health and help the body heal from any kind of pain it may experience whether it is big or small.

Massage, and particularly Swedish Massage is said to have a number of highly beneficial effects on the human body, such as the obvious feelings of relaxation and relieving of tension and improvement in blood circulation.

In addition, massage is known to help delay and even prevent muscle atrophy among aged or invalid individuals. In addition, Swedish massage is known to:

• Be able to help in lymphatic circulation
• Improve regularity by increasing waste removal efficiency of intestines
• Stretch muscles as well as connective tissues
• Also improve the range of motion of the body’s various joints and prevent formation of adhesions
• Reduce pain and inflammation
• Offer emotional benefit from massage and from the physical touch that it involves.

Per Henrik Ling is considered to be the father of Swedish massage and Johann Mezger is credited with having formalized methods of Swedish massage such as effleurage, petrissage, and tapotement and bringing them within the purview of medical science with definite benefits for the health and wellness. There are several components of Swedish massage, chief among them being:

Effleurage, is actually a French word that means to skim or to touch lightly on. These are a series of massage strokes which are meant to be soothing.

They are stroking movements used in Swedish massage which warm up the individual’s muscles for other Swedish massage techniques that would typically follow.

The strokes are light, do not drag the skin and are performed using the finger tips and palms. There are four kinds of effleurage: Ethereal or aura strokes, Feathering, or nerve-stroking, Superficial effleurage and Deeper effleurage.

Petrissage is a deeper form of massage and it aims at compressing underlying muscles. Kneading, wringing, skin rolling and pick-up-and-squeeze are some of the movements that are used by the masseur.

There are slow and rhythmical kneading movements as well as knuckling and scissoring movements employed by Petrissage in Swedish massage.

Tapotement, as the name suggests, involves tapping or rhythmic percussive movements, using the side of the hand, the fingertips or by cupping the hand.

Additionally Swedish massage also uses other methods such as friction strokes, in which the fist or the open palm or fingers are used to loosen knotted muscles and even reduce scar tissue.

This method is side to hydrate muscles and at the same time rid them of toxins. The vibration strokes use light strokes that is said to help stimulate nerve activity.

Hot stone massage is a great way to relieve stress and tension from the body and to relax the mind too.

Hot stone massage is gaining popularity among people as it is an effective way to treat physical and mental stress, physical pain, muscle strain and inflammation, insomnia, circulatory problems and even depression.

Many spas and salons now offer couple massages. The couple can experience hot stone massage together in the same room.

They also share the locker room and may even get the opportunity to shower together. It is a romantic way to spend some time together and it helps create closeness too.

It’s like therapy where the two get to relax and unwind together. It is a great way to be introduced to massage if a person has not had one before. Also it gives the couple “us time” where they can relax completely.

A couple massage is not exclusive to spouses or partners, they can be taken advantage of by mothers, daughters, siblings or friends who want to spend some time together.

Hot stone massage is a good choice to help the body relax and de-stress at the same time it also helps to treat various physical and mental problems.

Such a treatment encourages communication, removes those “hypothetical walls” and helps people reconnect and remember why they are together.