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  Introduction
Massage brings the mind and body together.
Massage improves the circulation of the blood and lymph,
improves the ability of the body to purify itself by the
expulsion of toxins through the skin, loosens the joints
and muscles and tones up the internal organs through a
special kind of contact.
Massage is also intuition, attention and communication,
qualities innate to each individual which can be expressed
through a consciousness of oneself and others in this
form of non verbal communication.
In the above the aim is to modify physical condition by
controlling breathing.
Simply placing our hands on the body we come into contact
with life itself.
Creative rather than technical massage reunites the divided
being. In such an undertaking one becomes aware of the
true nature of beauty both of body and spirit.
If the approach is gentle and delicate the body will grant
us an awareness that goes beyond consciousness.
 Shiatsu
Shiatsu, from the Japanese Shi (finger) atsu (pressure)
is based on the idea of the human body as a unit of energy.
It is offered as a therapeutic technique.
Shiatsu is a form of therapeutic manipulation based on
the principle of adding and taking away energy.
It is important to note that the therapist does not usually
give or take away energy as such, but, starting from the
principle that where there is an emptiness there is also
a fullness the therapist acts in such a way as to restore
harmony or balance to the patient's own energy taking
away where there is excess, moving and giving energy where
there is a lack.
Above all Shiatsu is a method of re-establishing the normal
flow of energy in the meridians and secondary vessels.
In human beings energy flows along channels which are
of two types: principal meridians and the secondary vessels
each of which takes the name of an organ.
The points or "tsubo" are connected spots along
these channels and it is here that one can find an excess,
or a lack of energy or indeed an influx of "perverse
energy".
The technique of Shiatsu involves the use of pressure
(mostly of the thumbs) on the acupuncture points. This
is a kind of micro massage which works in a similar way
to acupuncture but in a much less energetic manner. The
therapeutic results are identical to of acupuncture but
they are usually achieved much less rapidly.
Obviously Shiatsu does not carry any of the dangers involved
in the use of needles.
There are however condition and occasions when Shiatsu
should not be used: in feverish illnesses, congenital
or hereditary illnesses, during severe atmospheric disturbances
such as, storms, hail, earthquakes etc, and in the presence
of a tumour.
Through the practice of Shiatsu, thanks to the development
of a natural pressure the life of the therapist comes
into a direct contact and communication with the life
of the patient.
Shiatsu means finger pressure, but to develop a natural
pressure other than hands one needs balanced respiration,
a positive development of thought and the unity of these
forces toward the origin of life itself.
Pressure, and breathing come together in the technique
of harmonization through the energy meridians and the
vital points.
The aim of Shiatsu is not limited exclusively to the eradication
of symptoms but is also experienced as the transformation
of therapy into an educative process which develops the
vital force and contributes to the development of the
person.
 Ayurvedic
Massage
Ayurveda means the 'science of life', rather than a kind
of medical practice it is a way of life practiced since
time immemorial in India and nearby countries.
"What is health"?. According to the Ayurveda
a person is healthy when his or her mind, body and spirit
are in a state of perfect equilibrium.
According to the surgeon Sushruta, who probably lived
and practiced in the seventh century B.C. a person is
to be considered healthy when there is balance between:
Dosha (Vata, Pitta and Kapha, responsible for the function
of the organs); Agni, enzymes responsible for digestion
and metabolism; Dhatus which constitutes the structure
of the body; the happiness of the spirit, of the senses
and of the mind.
The Ayurveda places as much emphasis on maintaining and
promoting health, as on the prevention and treatment of
disease. For this reason some therapies are prescribed
for those who are ill and some for those who are well.
"When does the body need treatment?". In the
course of time the body of an individual undergoes a series
of trials; during the phases of the day and night; throughout
the seasons; and at different times of life.
In the Ayurvedic texts we find different treatments (with
great emphasis on massage) which favour the power of the
body to resist change or heal any illness then present.
The doctor Vagbhata, in the Astanga Hrdaya explains that
massage has the following benefits: it slows up the process
of aging and lengthens life; it helps a person overcome
the tiredness that is the result of daily labour; prevents
and treats problems of the nervous system; improves the
sight; encourages sleep; improves the capacity of the
body to react to disease.
Massage can then be given regularly to prevent various
illnesses. It can also be used as a therapy for limited
periods to rejuvenate the body and slow the aging process
(Rasayana) or to treat more stubborn conditions.
Apart from the aims listed above, massage together with
hot packs, is the basis of various techniques of elimination
(in the language of the Ayurveda, Panca- Karma).
The Ayurvedic treatment practiced by us is, essentially
Abyanga, body massage with oils. This technique is carried
out by a single masseur and can have many different combinations
of rhythm, pressure and oils, and so it can be adapted
to the work of restoring balance to a particular person.
Ayurvedic massage can be further combined with cold massage
and massage of the points (Chakra) of the feet.
 Thai
Massage
Thai massage acts upon ten energy lines: "The invisible
body" (prana nadi) along which the most important
points of acupuncture are found.
By massaging these it is possible to treat particular
illnesses and to alleviate pain. Working on this flow
of energy by massage can eliminate blocks, stimulate the
free flow of prana and so contribute to a general well-being.The
development of therapeutic massage in Thailand has its
roots in India.
The theory upon which this technique of massage is based
is also the foundation of the Chinese systems of acupuncture
and acupressure.
Along with massage go exercises to lengthen and stretch
muscles, These exercises are the application of "Hatha
Yoga", or physical yoga. The masseur applies the
exercises to the patient and so it would be correct to
call this technique "Massage Yoga".
In India the tradition of this massage is more or less
lost and Ayurvedic massage and Yogic massage as they are
practiced today have developed differently through the
centuries, but the Yogic origin of Thai massage is clearly
visible in the more "acrobatic" positions
 
Reflexology
Holistic and natural medicine have ancient roots which
go back to archaic eastern culture and the practices of
the ancient shaman.
The massage of the feet called in the West "Plantar
Reflexology" reappears as a new medicine with antique
roots.
It is extraordinary to think that the entire human body
can correspond to particular zones and points of the feet,
and that manipulation and massage of these can aid the
psychophysical well being of an individual, maintaining
health reinforcing the immune system and favour the fluid
and dynamic mind-body exchange that is the psychosomatic
basis of our entire being.
The equilibrium of all levels and systems of the organism,
healing and a state of wellness are the consequences of
the immediate effects of massage on the nervous system
and on the circulation of vital energy within our body.
But reflexology goes into the unexplored areas of the
psyche and liberates mental energy held back by emotional
blocks. Reflexology is also very relaxing and pleasant,
a series of sessions is aimed at normalising the function
of the organism, of relieving tension and stress and of
improving the action of the nervous system and the circulation
of the blood thus helping the organism to more rapidly
eliminate the toxins which accumulate in the liver, kidneys
or intestine and prevent them reaching a dangerous level.
Reflexology also helps control the perception of pain
by stimulating the hypothalamus to secrete endorphins
- analgesics produced naturally by the body - which are
then released into the blood.
However reflexology works best when used to bring balance
and harmony to the organism as a whole rather than being
used to treat particular problems. In this way it can
improve the functioning of an organism making the physiological
process of healing more rapid and efficient.
Lymphatic
Drainage
Lymphatic drainage was known to the ancient Greeks but
in recent times it has become a therapeutic technique
used in cosmetic treatment.(beginning of the twentieth
century by the Dane, Emile Wodder) .
At the Institute of Physical Therapy at Cannes he was
able to develop his technique on two basic principles:
1. The technique must involve emptying and rotating movements
(spiral movement) at each lymphatic station; groin, armpit,
solar plexus, cisterna del Pecquet , collarbone. 2. The
massage must not create an excessive blood flow and must
finish at the point above the collarbone, called the Terminus.
Through manual lymphatic drainage Wodder was able to strengthen
the body's immune system because in massaging lymph nodes
one encourages the release of immune cells into the blood,
increasing the body's resistance to infection.
A third benefit of Manual Lymphatic Drainage is the renewal
of intercellular and interstitial fluid. In fact as Alexis
Carrel demonstrated in 1964 a continual supply of fresh
lymph is indispensable for the renewal and life of the
cells.
Beneficial
Effects:
· Purification of connective tissue.
· Relaxes the legs and eliminates heaviness.
· Reduces pain and swelling.
· Encourages healing.
· Has a regenerating effect.
For cosmetic purposes this treatment is advised for: fluid
retention, cellulite,, poor blood flow in veins, slow
microcirculation and it is also able to improve the microcirculation
of the skin thus rejuvenating and improving skin tone.
The treatment must not be given when the following conditions
are present: tuberculosis, acute infections, in the presence
- ascertained or suspected - of a tumour. It may not be
suitable in cases of kidney disease, heart disease, asthma
or hyperthyroidism.
The relaxing and analgesic properties of the massage due
to the slow rhythmic movements often have a sedative effect,
leading to sleep in patients who are stressed or particularly
tired.
This massage is used for its analgesic effect on muscle
contractions such as those found in cases of sprains and
strains where the reduction in swelling is also useful.
Aromatherapy
Today we witness a true and proper rebirth of the practice
of massage with essential oils.
Aroma massage, the most ancient form of aromatherapy can
be a great help in combating problems of our time.
It is particularly useful for reducing stress and tension,
and it is worth taking time to enjoy the pleasure of a
fragrant massage.
The more we realise that our problems have psychosomatic
origins the more we appreciate remedies which treat both
parts of the person; the spiritual and the physical. In
this sense massage is an ideal remedy in that it is good
for the body and soul.
Essences make of massage an integrated therapy that acts
upon body , soul, and spirit. Thus an aroma massage is
not limited to treating symptoms, rather it acts upon
the origins of the illness. On the other hand aroma-massage
is not just an auxiliary therapy but rather something
which helps us to feel well
During the massage the essences must penetrate the skin
in order to exercise the desired effect on muscles and
tissues. Once the essences have passed through the barrier
of the skin via the lymph and the microcirculation of
the blood they enter into the circulation.
This results when the essences, mixed with oil, are massaged
into the skin slowly, with the palm of the hand. The heat
of the hands also helps the process. It follows that in
aroma-massage one uses mostly slow caressing movements.
A massage has many effects: it relaxes and distends the
muscles, tones the connective tissue, improves the tone
and stimulates the renewal of the skin, liberates energies
etc.
Massage or Chair Massage
In
our centre, it is possible have a massage on "massage
chair"
One of the main contributors to our everyday stress is
our workplace. 70% of workers say that their job is very
stressful. Stress is the first cause of disability. More
and more employers are recognizing that a regular massage
can reduce the physical and mental effects of stress,
thus reducing burnout and stress related diseases.
Indeed, studies have shown that massage improves bottom
line of employers. The massaged experienced reduced stress
and improved performance. The massaged workers completed
math problems in half the time as normal and with half
the errors they had before they were massaged. The massage
recipients also said they were less fatigued and more
clear-headed.
The recipient is seated in a specially designed chair
which allows the therapist to work on the back, neck,
shoulders and arms addressing the common problem areas
of today's workers. There is no oil used and the worker
is fully clothed. The massage session usually lasts 10-
15 minutes, the time for a coffee break.
Benefits of therapeutic massage
relieves
physical problems associated with repetitive tasks
Helps
balance the effects of stress in our lives thus reducing
tension headaches, reducing anxiety level and restores
a calm mind and feeling of well-being.
Therapeutic
massage helps balance the effects of stress in our lives,
and avoid stress related disease and dysfunction by:
Relaxes tense muscles
Reduces
anxiety level
Normalizes
blocked energy flow
Improves
immune system functioning
Restores
a calm mind and feeling of well-being
Massage
- Precautions/ Contra-Indications
Certain medical conditions require the exercise of caution
concerning the advisability of giving or receiving massage.
If you are in any doubt, check with your doctor or other
qualified medical practitioner before embarking on massage
therapy. This advice applies particularly in the case
of cardiovascular conditions and heart disease, especially
in cases of thrombosis, phlebitis, and oedema.
The causes of acute back pain should first be diagnosed
by a physician before receiving massage treatment. Consult
a qualified medical practitioner in cases of raised temperature,
infections, or contagious disease.
Massage of the abdomen, should not be given during the
first three months of pregnancy.
Cancer patients are best treated by specially trained
practitioners.
Toning
Massage
This
type of massage is practiced for its important physiological
effects.
Above all it stimulates the peripheral circulation of
blood and lymph, slowing the normal process of aging.
One of the factors that brings about the aging of tissues
is the slowing of the peripheral circulation which reduces
the normal nutrition of the cells and causes a retention
of the products of metabolism, toxins, which are poison
to the tissues.
Massage improves the cellular exchange and elimination
of toxins, it reinvigorates, making muscle fibres which
have lost elasticity and drooped more solid and active.
By certain movements it is possible to press the excretory
channels of the sebaceous and sweat glands and so normalise
the functions of these two secretions. Massage encourages
the re-absorption of liquid retained in the tissues and
a cause of cellulite. One should not forget the effects
of massage on the skin, which becomes softer and more
elastic thanks to the elimination of dead cells.
 
Reiki
The name Reiki is Japanese and refers to the vital energy
that is in everything, everywhere, including us.
Rei is the universal, infinite, ki is that which flows
all that lives.
Reiki is a way of knowing and actively connecting and
communicating the Universal Energy, so that we can receive,
convey and transmit this energy. It is very simple and
may be undertaken by every one. It comes from ancient
teachings which form part of Tibetan Bhuddism.
Vital Energy has been known since ancient times by different
names in many cultures.
In many cultures and methods of treatment we find the
knowledge and use of this energy, presented with different
names: In Japan, ki, in China Chi, in India, Prana, in
Egypt Ka and so on.
All is energy, energy is in everything. All is balance,
balance must be in everything. An imbalance creates a
dysfunction. Restoring balance re-establishes the function.
All that lives has need of this energy.
A good connection with this energy brings about a better
psychophysical balance, a better harmony within ourselves
and in our relationships with all that surrounds us, and
with which we have a relationship
As function: when for internal or external reasons the
Energy cannot flow freely and correctly in us, there arise
gaps, or blockages of energy and thus infirmity or problems.
Each infirmity is accompanied by a disturbance in the
correct flow of energy. Our spirit uses infirmity to teach
us that we have made a mistake, that we are not living
in the best way for us. But it also prevents us from doing
ourselves more harm and serves to bring us back to the
truth, the most authentic truth.
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