Full Throttle Massage, Inc. - Chattanooga, TN

*Note* I received this information in an email and thought I would share it.

Breast Massage - Benefits Of Loving Your Body!

 

The reason why the current fascination for breast massage has gained so much attention is due to the fact that experts believe that wearing restrictive clothing that decompresses or enhances body parts such as whale-bone bras and corsets besides tummy-trimmer panties is because the emphasis on over-shapeliness causes toxins in the body to accumulate, whereas they need to be released from the tissues. When these are not flushed out properly and regularly, it can lead to unhealthy levels of toxicity in the breast tissues and eventually to breast cancer.

However, experts also recommend that since this is one of the reasons for promoting breast cancer, it is better to focus on the preventive nature of the same and raise awareness about ways to educate women we love about avoiding the condition altogether - and so we have medical experts advocating regular breast massages as a preventive step for breast cancer. The argument stems from the belief that the increased blood circulation caused by breast massage builds up to a warmth suffusing the breast area that works to flush-out toxin from this delicate zone besides encouraging the lymph fluids to flow easily so they help in draining out remaining chemicals that may be harmful. (The lymph fluids are the watery liquid surrounding the cells; they contain disease-fighting components and thus are important to pay attention to in cases of a family history of breast cancer or for those at risk for it).

A breast massage is very beneficial for women and it can be practiced on self or by someone else. It requires a gentle kneading movement combined with rubbing or squeezing techniques to induce improved blood and lymph flow; it is best done by gently stroking in a circular direction from the nipple out to the breast outline. Repeat the step a few times like you would if you ran your fingers along wheel-spokes - but avoid any aggressive stroking as this can be harmful.

You may use scented lotions or warm massage oils to build up the pleasure of the breast massage and to prevent any hand-rubbing friction caused in the lack of these 'helpers.'

Ideally, breast massages should be performed at the end of a working day when shedding clothes and it is also recommend that women do not wear their bra and sleep (no more than 12hrs).

Other times a breast massage helps are when during a premenstrual cycle when some women suffer tenderness in their breasts; during nursing after surgery to reduce scar tissue marks and simply as an activity that keeps them a-breast with their bodily changes (such as a lump in the breast), which is easy to notice for those that regularly breast massage.

Best regards
Abhi 

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The Ultimate Book On Massage Therapy!
http://www.Fitness-Magic.com/584/index.htm
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Every State has different rules and regulations regarding breast massage. In Tennessee breast massage may be done. The therapist has to be of the same sex as the client, and a written informed consent form must be signed before the breast massage can be performed.

By: Daniel J Brownell

© Copyright 2008 Full Throttle Massage, Inc.

Reflexology is the stimulation of the feet for healing purposes. This is achieved through applying pressure to specific points in our feet. It is a form of acupressure, which has been around for thousands of years. Dating back as far as 5000 B.C. there are written records from Asia that document acupressure massage techniques. Hieroglyphic references to foot reflexology have been discovered in Egypt. Native Americans have known about the relationship between the feet and the whole body for centuries. Native Americans would use various herbs and mud to rub into the soles of the feet. They used this form of treatment for disease, pain, and illnesses. They believed this form of treatment would improve one's health and reconnect his spirit with the Earth.

Modern Reflexology

In the early 1900's modern reflexology began. Pioneered by Dr's. William H. Fitzgerald, Edwin F. Bowers and George Starr White. They developed "Zone Therapy" in which they believed the body was "mapped" in different zones. These zones corresponded with different structures in the body. Dr. Eunice Ingham is known as the "Mother of Modern Reflexology." She expanded on the zone therapy by mapping the feet. She discovered very specific points in the feet and hands that corresponded with the various organs, glands, and structures (ie: spinal column) in the human body. By stimulating these points with applied pressure, the corresponding organ or gland is stimulated.

How Reflexology Works

Your reflexology session will start with a gentle "warming up" of the feet. Once this is completed the reflexologist will then begin applying pressure to specific points located on your feet. This is done to stimulate the nerve ending of the pressure point. In turn, the corresponding organ or gland will be stimulated. Sometimes a "crystal deposit" is found on a specific point. It is believed these crystals are blocking the nerve ending. Your reflexologist will break up these deposits with pressure and massage. This will open up the channel between the nerve ending and the corresponding organ.

Reflexology Results

Everyone is different in how their body responds to reflexology. Some people will see and feel the results rather quickly. Others, will need several sessions to start noticing the results they desire. Like all forms of treatment, it depends on how long the condition has existed and the severity of the condition. Reflexology is a holistic treatment and a good alternative to certain remedies. Another key to positive results is the belief that reflexology works. The mind/body connection is a powerful thing; if you have a positive mental attitude your body will react in a positive fashion.

Here are some of the results my clients have reported back to me:

Most people have reported the relief from constipation in 3-24 hours.

Relief of menstrual cramps.

Relief from stress, reflexology is very relaxing.

Sleeping better and longer at night.

Relief of back pain.

Relief from migraine headaches.

Benefits Of Reflexology

Like benefits of massage therapy, reflexology is a holistic approach to treating the body. Reflexology improves the functionality of the kidney's, intestines, skin, circulation, and lungs. It will increase the control of the bladder and bowels. Reflexology helps in pain relief by the release of endorphins (the body's natural pain killer); by stimulating the nerve endings in the feet. It can help reduce stress and fatigue. It provides cold and flu relief as long as you are not in a feverish state. It can help induce labor in over-due pregnancies. Reflexology can help with the unpleasant side-effects of different cancer treatments.

Dan is certified in Integrative Reflexology®, you can schedule an appointment online or call Full Throttle Massage, Inc. at (423) 870-8611.

 

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To re-print this article contact the author at info@fullthrottlemassage.com

By: Daniel J. Brownell
© copyright 2008 Full Throttle Massage, Inc.

There are 3 different categories of sports massage; event, maintenance, and treatment massage. While each type offers specific benefits, all sports massage can help reduce the risk of injury, increase circulation, and improve recovery time; which are three very important factors for all athletes. This article is going to focus on Event Massage.

Event Massage can be broken into the sub-categories of pre-event, inter-event, and post-event. Pre-event massage will help an athlete prepare for the upcoming physical exertion. Inter-event massage is used during and event such as track, where an athlete may be entered in multiple activities. While post-event massage is used to help athletes recover from the exertion of the event. Event massage targets the large muscle groups, is short in duration (10-15 minutes) and fast paced.

One of the most important benefits of pre-event massage is helping to reduce the risk of injury. This is achieved through the warming up of muscle and connective tissue. As muscle and connective tissue warms, it becomes more elastic; therefore it is less likely to tear. Pre-event massage also increases circulation. This will help supply the muscles with the needed nutrients during the event. Pre-event massages also help create a positive state of mind and can help improve an athlete’s performance potential.

Inter-event massage is administered between the events during a single day’s competition; such as track and field, swimming, and tennis. Inter-event massage is used to identify any areas of tension that developed during competition. Using effleurage and pétrissage massage strokes, a therapist can loosen the tension; therefore reducing the risk of injury.

Post-event massage is best done after an athlete performs normal cool exercises and stretches. The benefits of post-event massage include returning the muscles to a resting or relaxed state. It will help with venous return to support the metabolic recovery; this includes lactic acid build-up in muscle tissue. A massage therapist can identify and de-activate any trigger/tender points that developed during competition. Post-event massage will also reduce the risk of “next day” muscle soreness.

Event Massage is a faced paced style of massage intended to enhance an athlete’s performance potential. It will increase circulation and core body temperature; aide in recovery time and reduce the risk of injury. Event Massage is not intended to take the place of normal warm-up and cool-down routines; rather it is an aide to enhance and complete these routines.

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To re-print this article contact the author at info@fullthrottlemassage.com

By: Daniel J Brownell

© Copyright 2008 Full Throttle Massage, Inc.

You just opened your massage therapy office and it is growing at a slower rate than anticipated. Your advertising budget rather small and you are wondering what will give you the best return for the dollar. You’re thinking maybe a web site will boost the traffic to my office. Or you already have a web site, but are getting very little traffic both online and in your office, and you don’t understand why. Right now you may be thinking “What can I do to help build my practice? I’ve tried everything I can think of, and nothing seems to be working.” If you are reading this article, you have taken a step in the right direction. I will tell you some secrets that will make your online efforts pay off. Besides paying for a web site; the best thing about my strategy is it doesn’t have to cost you a thing except some of your time. The more you put into it, the more you will get from it.

 

First things first, if you don’t have a web site, you will have to get one. There are many free sites available out there but they have limitations. The best thing you can do for yourself is get a quality web site. This will be your only recurring expense and it is well worth the small amount of money it will cost. Many web site providers out there are geared for massage therapists. Do some shopping and find out exactly what comes with the web site. You will want to have control of what is on the web site. If you can’t add your own content, links, photo’s, services, etc., etc. then don’t buy that web site. Don’t let some sales pitch tell you that all you have to do is pay for the site and it will run itself. Oh it will run itself, but you will never see any new clients from it. It will be on page 10 million of the search engines and nobody searches that deep. This is where you invest your time in your web site.

 

Your thinking “I don’t know anything about how to make a web site.” Not to worry; if you can copy and paste, you can do everything that is needed to get your web site found by potential clients. Let me explain in simple terms what your web site has to have; in order for it to be “search engine friendly” and client worthy.

 

The first thing you need is relevant content. That means you have to have words, sentences, articles; on your web site. They have to be meaningful, or relevant, to your web site. If your web site is about massage therapy, then write about massage therapy. Don’t fill your web site with meaningless garbage. Remember you are trying to attract new clients and the search engines. If you are not very good at writing then find relevant content elsewhere on the Internet and copy and paste it in your web pages. If you choose to add your content this way, be sure to follow the rules of the web site you are getting the content from. The people who take the time to submit articles only get compensated through the links that are included in the author biographies. Which brings me to the next most important thing your web site will need; LINKS!

 

Why are links so important? Links are important to search engines like Google and Yahoo. Besides content, links are what these search engines use to determine how important your web site is. I can best explain this as the more important your web site is, the higher it will be placed in the search engines. The higher, or more important, your web site is, the better your chances are of potential clients finding it. After all that is our main goal; to gain a steady supply of new clients.

 

There are two different kinds of links; these are reciprocal links and one way links. Reciprocal links are an exchange of links between two web sites. One way links are where one web site links to another web site without reciprocation. Remember when I talked about content and following the rules if you are going to use someone else’s content on your web site. This way the person writing that article gets a one way link to his web site. This is the “compensation” he gets for his time and effort. Which is better, the reciprocal link or the one way link? They are weighed differently by the search engines so it’s best if you can get both. But if you are not into writing content, the reciprocal link will be just fine. The more reciprocal links you have the better your web site will rank with the search engines.

 

Just as with your web sites content, your links need to be relevant also. Not every link has to be to another massage web site, the links can be to other healthcare related web sites. You can also have a few links that are with non-related web sites. I would not have more of these non-related links than you have of related links. The best way to get link exchanges is searching web sites and directly asking the web site owner. You can also join link exchange directories; most are free and only ask that you place a reciprocal link on your web site.

 

Exchanging links with other relevant sites can be frustrating. This is especially true with the massage therapy industry. There seems to be a misconception with massage therapists that if they link to another massage web site, they will lose potential clients. This might be true only if you exchange a link with another massage therapist in your home town.

 

Let’s examine this a little more closely. I have a massage therapy office in Chattanooga, TN called Full Throttle Massage, Inc. I find a great massage therapy web site in Tombstone, AZ called Acme Massage, and exchange links with them. Any potential clients to my web site will not be making an appointment Acme Massage as they are not in Chattanooga, TN. The same goes for anyone visiting Arizona’s Acme Massage’s web site, they are not interested in scheduling with a massage therapy office in Chattanooga, TN. So my web site and the Arizona web site have exchanged valuable relevant links without competing for clients. By doing this with many relevant web sites you raise through the ranks in the search engines.

 

Let’s revisit the first paragraph of this article. You want to build your clientele. You don’t have a web site or your web site is not giving you the results you hoped it would. You have a limited budget for advertising. What did all this talk about content and links have to do with that? Simple, remember I said all you would need to do was to put some time into your web site. You add content and links to your web site, your web site improves in the search engines. All of a sudden you are booking more appointments each month (remember that was the goal). How much did it cost you? The cost was only the price of your web site and some spare time. That, my friend, is known as a great return on investment or ROI.  

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I have more secrets and tips that will help you get more from your web site. I will help anyone I can. This offer is almost completely free. All it requires is a reciprocal link! That's a fair price. Just send me an email at fullthrottlemassage@gmail.com 

By: Daniel J Brownell

© Copyright 2008 Full Throttle Massage, Inc.

Reflexology is the stimulation of the feet for healing purposes. This is achieved through applying pressure to specific points in our feet. It is a form of acupressure, which has been around for thousands of years. Dating back as far as 5000 B.C. there are written records from Asia that document acupressure massage techniques. Hieroglyphic references to foot reflexology have been discovered in Egypt. Native Americans have known about the relationship between the feet and the whole body for centuries. Native Americans would use various herbs and mud to rub into the soles of the feet. They used this form of treatment for disease, pain, and illnesses. They believed this form of treatment would improve one's health and reconnect his spirit with the Earth.

Modern Reflexology

In the early 1900's modern reflexology began. Pioneered by Dr's. William H. Fitzgerald, Edwin F. Bowers and George Starr White. They developed "Zone Therapy" in which they believed the body was "mapped" in different zones. These zones corresponded with different structures in the body. Dr. Eunice Ingham is known as the "Mother of Modern Reflexology." She expanded on the zone therapy by mapping the feet. She discovered very specific points in the feet and hands that corresponded with the various organs, glands, and structures (ie: spinal column) in the human body. By stimulating these points with applied pressure, the corresponding organ or gland is stimulated.

How Reflexology Works

Your reflexology session will start with a gentle "warming up" of the feet. Once this is completed the reflexologist will then begin applying pressure to specific points located on your feet. This is done to stimulate the nerve ending of the pressure point. In turn, the corresponding organ or gland will be stimulated. Sometimes a "crystal deposit" is found on a specific point. It is believed these crystals are blocking the nerve ending. Your reflexologist will break up these deposits with pressure and massage. This will open up the channel between the nerve ending and the corresponding organ.

Reflexology Results

Everyone is different in how their body responds to reflexology. Some people will see and feel the results rather quickly. Others, will need several sessions to start noticing the results they desire. Like all forms of treatment, it depends on how long the condition has existed and the severity of the condition. Reflexology is a holistic treatment and a good alternative to certain remedies. Another key to positive results is the belief that reflexology works. The mind/body connection is a powerful thing; if you have a positive mental attitude your body will react in a positive fashion.

Here are some of the results my clients have reported back to me:

• Most people have reported the relief from constipation in 3-24 hours.
• Relief of menstrual cramps.
• Relief from stress, reflexology is very relaxing.
• Sleeping better and longer at night.
• Relief of back pain.
• Relief from migraine headaches.

Benefits Of Reflexology

Like benefits of massage therapy, reflexology is a holistic approach to treating the body. Reflexology improves the functionality of the kidney's, intestines, skin, circulation, and lungs. It will increase the control of the bladder and bowels. Reflexology helps in pain relief by the release of endorphins (the body's natural pain killer); by stimulating the nerve endings in the feet. It can help reduce stress and fatigue. It provides cold and flu relief as long as you are not in a feverish state. It can help induce labor in over-due pregnancies. Reflexology can help with the unpleasant side-effects of different cancer treatments.
_________________________

To re-print this article contact the author at info@fullthrottlemassage.com

By: Daniel J Brownell

© Copyright 2008 Full Throttle Massage, Inc.

All Knotted Up

There are different terms for the different conditions of a muscle. These can vary wildly and mean different things to different people. You might hear your therapist say "That's a ropey knot." What he may be referring to is a long tight band of muscle. Two forms of knots that have definitive meanings are trigger points and tender points.

• Trigger Points: There are several types of trigger points; active, latent, primary, and satellite. For the purpose of this article we are going to just call them trigger points. Basically a trigger point is a knot in the belly of a muscle that when pressed on, refers pain to a specific point in the body. Trigger points are knots that are in a constant state of contraction. Normal massage strokes will not "release" a trigger point. A massage therapist has to use direct pressure on the trigger point to interrupt the nerve impulse that is causing the muscle contraction.
• Tender Points are similar to trigger points with the difference being a tender point does not refer pain when pressure is applied. The method for releasing a tender point is different also. The therapist must place the muscle in a passively contracted state until the tender point relaxes and dissipates.

Some Miscellaneous Terms

• Fascia: is a layer of connective tissue. Fascia is found throughout the human body. think of it as a nylon stocking wrapping everything in the body. This is what helps hold everything in its place.
• Tendons: These connect the muscle to the bone.
• Ligaments: These connect bones to bones.
• Draping: A technique used to cover a client in order to protect the clients modesty.
• Drape: The material used for draping, this can be a sheet, pillow case, towel, etc.
• Face Cradle: The area where a client rests their face on a massage table
• Bolster: A specifically designed cushion to aide in the clients comfort while lying on the massage table
• Lotion, Oil, Gel: The lubricant used to aide the therapist in giving a massage.
• Prone: This is the face down position when a client is on the massage table
• Supine: This is the face up position when a client is on the massage table.
• Contraindication: A term used when a person has a condition that prevents them from receiving a massage.

As stated earlier, this is not a definitive list of massage terminology. These are some of the more common terms used by most massage therapists. The next time your massage therapist uses any of these terms; you will know what he is talking about. You can be proud that the power of educating yourself has payed off!
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To re-print this article contact the author at info@fullthrottlemassage.com

Massage Terminology:

Types Of Massage

• Swedish Massage: One of the most common forms of massage therapy. It is a very relaxing and therapeutic form of bodywork.
• Hot Stone Massage: A massage that uses basalt stones that are heated. They aide the therapist in providing deep penetrating heat to the muscles.
• Deep Tissue Massage: A form of massage therapy that uses a lot of pressure to relieve muscle tension.
• Sports Massage: A form of massage therapy designed for athletes. It's more vigorous than a Swedish Massage.
• Trigger Point Therapy: A form of massage therapy designed to release a specific type of knot in the muscle. (see "All Knotted Up" below)
• Therapeutic or Medical Massage: A form of massage therapy designed to work specific muscles.
• Seated Massage: A form of massage therapy that uses a specially designed chair for the bodywork.
• Reflexology: A form of bodywork that uses pressure points in the feet, hands and ears to stimulate the corresponding body organs.
• Pregnancy Massage: This is also referred as side lying massage. It is used for pregnant women (obviously) but also used for special circumstances. A client may be physically handicapped, or in pain that prevents him from lying face up or face down on the table.
• Energy Work: This involves many different massage modalities. It comes from Eastern Medicine and the belief that there is more to the human body than what can be seen physically. Most of these modalities date back thousands of years. Western cultures and medicine are only just starting to realize that energy work is real, although inexplicable.

Visit Full Throttle Massage.com for a complete listing of our massage services.

Different Strokes For Different Folks

• Effleurage: A gliding stroke used by massage therapists. This is typically used at the beginning and end of the massage. It's purpose is to warm the tissues by providing increased circulation.
• Petrissage: A kneading stroke used by massage therapists. This stroke is designed to lift and knead the tissues. It helps in removing the metabolic wastes that have built up in muscle tissue. It also helps to draw new blood to the tissues.
• Friction: Also referred as cross fiber friction. This stroke is most commonly used by the therapists fingers or thumbs. The therapist will sink into the muscle with his fingers, then rapidly move them back and forth across the muscle. This helps in breaking down tight knots that have built up in the muscle tissue.
• Nerve Strokes: This is a form of effleurage that involves a light touch. It is usually done in a manner that is both light in touch and quick in movement. It's purpose is to stimulate the area after it has been worked with other methods.
• Tapotement: This is what you have seen in the movies. The boxer that lays on the table while some big burly guy appears to be beating on the boxers back. In reality there are many forms of tapotement, from light finger tapping to the heavy beating. This is generally used at the end of a massage session and it helps stimulate the tissues.
• Stripping: This is a stroke used by massage therapist that is designed to help lengthen a muscle. Usually the therapist uses his thumbs and while applying pressure he glides the full length of the muscle that is being worked on.

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To re-print this article contact the author at info@fullthrottlemassage.com