What Is Thai Massage?

This is a kind of alternate therapy that uses massage techniques for the relief of a number of ailments and is believed to have been developed by Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha a contemporary of Buddha and personal physician to King Bimbisara – some 2500 years ago and for centuries was performed by monks as a component of Thai medicine.

This is a form of massage that is more rigorous and energizing when compared to the more classic forms of massage. This is also known as Thai yoga massage since some yoga like stretch exercises are incorporated into the technique. Acupressure, muscle compression, and joint mobilization are also used during a session of Thai massage therapy and is usually carried out on a padded mat on the floor. No oil is used and as such it can be done on a fully clothed person.

A typically Thai massage session last from sixty minutes to as long as two hours.

Thai massage is typically used for the following conditions:

Ø  Relaxation

Ø  Improvement of blood circulation

Ø  Increasing energy level

Ø  Increasing flexibility

Ø  Improving range of motion

Ø  Centering the body and the mind.

What Is Shiatsu Massage?

The word Shiatsu means "finger pressure" and is a form of massage that is practiced extensively in Japan. Just like acupuncture this form of alternate therapy is based on the Chinese system of therapy where illness is considered to be an imbalance of the natural flow of energy or “qi” through the body. This energy flows through specific pathways known as the “meridians” and shiatsu massage brings into balance this unnatural flow of energy thus calming the sympathetic nervous system which consequently alleviates stress, relieves the stiffness in muscles and improves blood circulation.

The therapist applies pressure by the use of his or her fingers, thumbs or the palms continuously in a rhythmic pattern. The pressure is localized and there is generally no pain or discomfort during a shiatsu massage session. In case there is, the therapist should be informed so that the pressure can be adjusted.

This form of alternate therapy is mostly used for relaxation, but it can be used for other purposes also. As an example, applying gentle pressure to the ear lobes is believed to improve memory.

What Is Hot Stone Massage?

A variation on the classic massage therapy, an alternative for of therapy, is called “Hot Stone” therapy where smooth flat stones that are heated are placed on key points of the body. Pressure may also be applied. The use of hot stones as a form of therapy go back a long way to ancient times.

The stones that are used are usually made of basalt, a kind of rock which is rich in iron content and as such retain heat for a long time. River rocks are used as they are smooth.
The stones are heated to a specific temperature and are placed on specific points on the body that are known as energy chakras; especially the back, between the toes or in the palms of the hand. The heat gives warmth to the muscles and relaxes them. Pressure is applied by the therapist, if required, depending on the ailment that the patient is suffering from.

What Is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is a form of alternate therapies that uses massaging as the basic method for relieving aches, pains and stresses. The only difference between this and other therapies is that highly concentrated essential oils (basically plant oils) are added to the massage lotion or oil.

The nostrils are connected to the brain through the limbic system which influences hormones and the nervous system and controls emotions. The inhalation of essential oil, certain messages –  depending on the aroma that you inhale –  are sent to the limbic system and this affects the heart rate, blood pressure, stress level, memory, breathing level, the immune system and digestion. The oil is also absorbed through the skin.

Every essential oil is associated with a different healing property. Some energize, some calm. Here are some of the properties of some of the essential oils.

ü  Geranium, Lavender and Chamomile – Calming

ü  Neroli, Rose, Clary Sage and Ylang Ylang – Uplifting

ü  Rosemary – Energizing and Cleansing

ü  Tea Tree, Pine and Eucalyptus - De-congesting

Why Do Cats Always Fall On Their Legs?

The vestibular system of a cat is highly developed and they are capable of making gyroscopic turns while falling. This capability make cats turn quickly so that their legs point downwards no matter what their orientation was at the start of the fall. This makes them able to disperse the impact of the fall through all the four legs. As such cats have a higher rate of survival when compared to other animals such as dogs. When a cat falls from a very great height, it stretches its legs into a position somewhat like that of a flying squirrel. This not only decreases the speed of the fall but also allows a greater area of its body to absorb the impact. When a cat falls it falls with its feet flexed. As such most of the impact is dispersed through the soft tissues.