Massage

Russian Massage Basic Stroke: Continuous Flat Effleurage

This is the second in a series of brief videos introducing the principles and practice of Russian Medical and Sports Massage.

Our first video gave a brief Introduction to the Principles of Russian Massage. The second video, presented here, gives a brief demonstration of flat continuous effleurage on the back.

Continuous flat effleurage is very calming to the central nervous system and a good beginning and ending stroke. In Russian Massage, we are very specific about how the strokes are done. How the hand is held, how the fingers are placed, all enhance the stroke and make a small but significant difference. The continuous movement in one direction produces a unique feeling that is a little different from common Swedish effleurage. Since the hands are working alternately, each hand has a moment of rest between strokes. These brief periods of rest make the stroke less fatiguing for the therapist than in traditional Swedish massage, where both hands are always working at the same time.

Try it and let us know what you think.

 

More Thoughts on Energy Work: Massage as Ritual

Yesterday I posted an article about my thoughts on energy work. I was surprised at the discussions it prompted among some manual therapists on forums off this site and was pleased with the thoughtful, respectful comments. I had actually been just a little nervous, afraid that my science-based friends might have thought that I'd gone daft and abandoned science, but they totally got it. I'm glad.

So now, I have a confession to make. I don't do it often but yes, I have engaged in energy work. In fact, some of the most profound experiences have occurred during sessions when my approach has come from this direction. Now, before you think I've gone over to the dark side, let me explain. Most of my work is done from a physiological approach, its purpose being to solve a particular physical problem. Some of my work, often with clients who have suffered trauma and have been referred from a psychotherapist, comes from an approach that is less focussed on physiology and more attentive to the emotional state of the client.

St. Louis Massage For Couples Class, Oct. 1, 2011, Now Full

I have just received notice that the Oct. 1 Massage for Couples class is now full. This class is getting quite popular! My apologies to those who are unable to get into the class. The size of the room and my desire to give individual attention to participants limits the number of couples we can have in the class.

Dates have not been set for the next class but it is usually offered in February. If you'd like to stay informed about when registration will open for the next class, check your St. Louis Community College catalog when it arrives in the mail (we're listed under Health and Wellness in the Personal Interest section) or "like" Massage St. Louis on FaceBook, where we usually post an announcement when registration opens.

This class is offered once or twice a semester, depending on my schedule. You can also arrange for private instruction. Give me a call (314-670-0650) or email (Alice@massage-stlouis.com) and you can arrange for your own personal "class."

New Massage Education Website: POEM Takes the World of Massage Therapy to a New Level!

The world of therapeutic massage took a giant leap forward today as Ravensara Travillian presented the Project for Open Education in Massage (POEM) to the public. The world of massage therapy will never be the same.



What is POEM?

Impossible to describe in just a few words, POEM is a resource for massage therapists like nothing ever seen before. It is an online gathering place for massage therapists that is intelligent, articulate, and civilized, much like Ravensara herself. It is a resource for learning about the latest research, learning how to read and understand research, learning how to do case studies. Still incomplete and in a testing stage, it will include forums, quizzes, places to pose questions, articles, and educational material, including Raven's book on research literacy for massage therapists. Not only will research papers be presented but also analyzed and critiqued, allowing the massage therapist to learn to evaluate the quality of research. POEM's stated intention is to:

St. Louis Massage For Couples Class: Saturday, October 1, 2011

Have you ever wanted to do massage at home with your partner but didn't know where to start? Do you try doing massage but get tired quickly? Are you wondering how to please your partner, who keeps asking for "harder," without hurting yourself? If so, you need to take one of the Massage for Couples classes I'll be teaching at Forest Park Community College on Saturday, October 1, 2011.

This class is ideal for couples who would like to massage each other at home, athletes, dancers, performing artists, and anyone else who would like to learn simple massage techniques they can use at home.

Does Massage Make You Taller? It Might!

Clients will often remark after a massage, "I feel taller!" Turns out, it actually may be true.

Two psychology students at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, Kim Goral and Meghan Burkett, found that their subjects consistently stood about a half inch taller after massage. (story here) They were conducting a small research project investigating whether there might be a relationship between posture and anxiety.  After massage, the subjects felt less anxious and had improved posture. Although the study only involved two subjects, the results were very consistent. Their advisor,  Christopher Moyer, Ph.D., remarked, "The results are very strongly consistent with the hypothesis that massage therapy reduces anxiety by first altering the recipient’s posture. This would generate neural feedback from the body that would be incompatible with the emotion of anxiety. By standing taller, and having a body that is physically looser, a person's body would actually be telling their mind that 'you can't be anxious because your body is relaxed.'"

Father's Day Special on Massage Gift Certificates!

You know your Dad probably wouldn't do it for himself and could probably use a good massage.

Give Dad a massage gift certificate for Father's Day and get a special discount. On orders of $100 or more, you'll get a 10% discount. Even better, if you sign up first on our FaceBook page, you can receive an extra 5% off orders of any amount.

To get the Facebook discount, "Like" us on the Massage St. Louis FaceBook page. You will see a recent entry that will give you a promotion code. Use this code when placing your order for gift certificates of any amount and you will receive a 5% discount on your order. If your order totals $100 or more, an additional 10% will be discounted.

 

I'll be offering specials through FaceBook for my FaceBook fans, so be sure to stay signed up! Tell your friends and pass the savings on to them!

 

St. Louis Massage For Couples Class 6/11/11 & 7/16/11 Registration Now Open

Have you ever wanted to do massage at home with your partner but didn't know where to start? Do you try doing massage but get tired quickly? Are you wondering how to please your partner, who keeps asking for "harder," without hurting yourself? If so, you need to take one of the Massage for Couples classes I'll be teaching at Forest Park Community College on Saturday, June 11, or Saturday, July 16, 2011.

This class is ideal for couples who would like to massage each other at home, athletes, dancers, musicians, and anyone else who would like to learn simple massage techniques they can use at home.

Mother's Day Special! Buy Massage Gift Certificates Online Now!

Are you looking for a last minute gift for Mother's Day? You can buy massage gift certificates online right now! During the month of May, you can get a Mother's Day discount of 10% on any package over $100. The discount will be deducted from your purchase automatically. You will be able to print out your massage gift certificate instantly on your computer.

You know your Mom deserves a massage! And you can also purchase one for yourself or any other special person in your life.

It's very easy. Go to this page and click on the icon "Buy Gift Certificate Now." You will be taken to a page with various options. Or use the link on the top right corner of this page or the home page. If there is a combination you'd like to purchase and don't see offered, contact me directly by phone or email and I'll do my best to accommodate you. It can take up to 24 hours to respond to individual requests so please keep that in mind.

If you'd like to be informed of future promotions, sign up on my FaceBook page.

Happy Mother's Day!