Like electricity, subtle energy exists all around us but can be hard to grasp until one experiences it first-hand.
Start off by giving a friend or family member a foot massage; this exercise is an excellent way to tune into their body’s energy and discover how it operates.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been practiced for more than 3000 years and is widely recognized as one of the oldest forms of medicine worldwide. Acupuncture involves balancing vital energy flows known as “qi or “chi” along pathways called meridians to maintain overall body wellness. Acupuncture uses thin needles inserted into the skin that only feel like a mild pinch, to provide pain relief from chronic headaches, menstrual cramps, back problems and osteoarthritis. Acupuncture may also help manage other health conditions, such as insomnia. Studies have demonstrated that acupuncture can significantly reduce both frequency and severity of migraine headaches, as well as help ease other chronic headaches. Acupuncture has also been shown to assist with controlling nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy and surgery, reduce fibromyalgia pain, and treat asthma — specifically allergic asthma, which the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology defines as caused by inhaling allergens like pollen, dust mites, food or mold particles.
People often report feeling peaceful and at peace after receiving an acupuncture session, as the needles stimulate brain chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine to be released by their bodies – chemicals which have been shown to alleviate stress, anxiety, depression and pain symptoms.
Polarity therapy complements massage in that it expands client awareness of their energy and cosmic forces that impact them. While massage may help with awareness of ergonomic factors and postural influences, polarity goes further by showing clients how to release unconscious holding patterns, creating greater spiritual and emotional balance and connection with the universe.
Cranial Sacral Therapy
Craniosacral Therapy, commonly referred to as CST, is a form of massage that utilizes light touch manipulation of cranial bones and sacrum as well as membranes lining the brain and spinal cord. Practitioners believe manipulating these structures can promote healing, alleviate physical or emotional discomforts and support natural self-healing mechanisms within our bodies.
CST practitioners typically begin the session by palpating the bones of the skull and sacrum with less than five grams (the weight of a quarter) of pressure, often using less than 10 g. While palpating, they may detect any uncontrollable movements of bones which indicate imbalance or restriction within their systems; CST practitioners are trained to recognize such subtle motions throughout their bodies and use their hands to gently adjust energy flow so as to restore equilibrium to all.
Once a therapist has palpated the cranium, they can move onto other parts of the body for manipulation. Gentle pulling of ears may release tension at frontal bones; hand compression on nose may reduce sinus pain and pressure on mandible. They may also induce “still points” by applying light finger pressure directly on head; according to Dr. Upledger’s research at CV-4 could significantly decrease sympathetic nervous system tone associated with fight-or-flight responses.
Though its benefits remain unclear, research indicates that Cranial Sacral Therapy (CST) massage can relieve tension and stress as well as improve overall quality of life. Furthermore, CST may treat headaches, chronic neck and back pain, as well as symptoms caused by fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis – however not all therapists are trained in the technique; to ensure maximum benefit it’s important to find one who specializes in CST and is certified in treating it.
Hot Stone Therapy
This popular massage technique utilizes warmed stones to relieve muscle tension and pain. These smooth basalt rocks eroded by moving waters are heated in a special stone warmer until they reach between 100-130 degrees Fahrenheit before your massage therapist places them strategically around your body – perhaps using them to work deeper into muscles!
Warm stone therapy can loosen tight muscles and release knots more easily for massage therapists to manipulate. Furthermore, its warmth may help promote muscle relaxation which could provide greater pain relief than with just traditional massage alone.
Hot stone massage can be used to address numerous conditions, including arthritis, fibromyalgia, sciatic nerve issues, spinal stenosis, plantar fasciitis and chronic fatigue. Furthermore, hot stone massage may provide additional benefits for stress or anxiety sufferers or insomniacs by stimulating blood flow while simultaneously relaxing nerves – helping you get better rest at night!
As with any massage, it is crucial that you communicate with your therapist if the stones are too warm or too cold for you. If their heat becomes intense, your therapist should move them faster to bring down their temperature to meet your comfort level. Furthermore, drinking plenty of water before and after undergoing this therapy treatment to avoid dehydration. While this therapy is generally safe for most individuals, those with high blood pressure or early pregnancy stages should consult their healthcare provider prior to beginning this practice.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is an elegant massage technique that utilizes long gliding strokes over muscles and joints to increase circulation and relieve stress. A Swedish therapist typically employs five fundamental strokes: effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement and vibration. Effleurage strokes use long gliding motions that draw blood toward the heart while increasing tissue blood flow; petrissage strokes mimic dough-kneading action while petrissage relieves muscle tension while friction strokes use deep circular movements with thumbs or fingers for tight muscles or trigger points relief; finally tapotement is used rhythmically tapping or percussive movements which promote invigoration and revitalisation.
Swedish massage is an ideal way to ease tension and anxiety by relaxing all parts of the body at once. Additionally, it stimulates lymphatic system to flush out toxins from the system, as well as increasing flexibility and range of motion while decreasing high blood pressure levels.
Massage has an immense positive influence on one’s mood, as it increases serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin levels – decreasing these neurotransmitters can contribute to anxiety, depression and overall lethargy. Furthermore, studies show that massage lowers cortisol, the stress hormone, while improving sleep; further improving one’s wellbeing while simultaneously raising energy levels.
Regular massage can help treat symptoms associated with stress and anxiety, including chronic headaches and neck pain, as well as conditions like fibromyalgia and lower back pain. Massage may even provide relief to cancer survivors recovering from chemotherapy treatments by decreasing inflammation and fatigue associated with treatments while relieving anxiety, improving sleep quality and leading to improved immune function.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy involves using fragrant essential oils in massage, baths and skin care applications in order to promote physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. Aromatherapy is a safe, relaxing and natural therapy which can improve mood, reduce pain and anxiety levels as well as sleep quality. Furthermore, Aromatherapy may also relieve nausea, constipation or headaches by alleviating pressure point areas of the scalp or neck.
At home, aromatherapy can also be utilized. An experienced aromatherapist can demonstrate how to use oil in diffusers, vaporizers or spray bottles; alternatively, you could combine it with carrier oils for use during massage therapy sessions.
Studies have revealed the therapeutic potential of certain essential oils to have positive psychological benefits and reduce stress responses. Lavender and chamomile oils in particular have been found to ease feelings of anxiety and depression while simultaneously encouraging relaxation. Other oils may alleviate fatigue, boost energy levels and enhance concentration.
Aromatherapists take great care in choosing an oil that best meets each person’s individual needs. After asking questions about medical history and symptoms, aromatherapists blend the oil with carrier oil for use during therapy sessions. Relaxing music might also be provided during sessions to enhance relaxation; scent preferences will likely also be discussed with you before being applied directly onto bare skin using light touch techniques.
Many cancer clinics and hospitals provide aromatherapy massage at no charge. If you are being treated for cancer, it is essential that you discuss aromatherapy with your doctors first, particularly if your immune system is compromised or you take medications that interact with certain oils.
Polarity massage using pure essential oils deepens both client and practitioner perspectives by targeting energy patterns in the body – often caused by trauma or unsupportive relationships.
