How To Massage Sore Muscles

Try to make all strokes rhythmic and repetitive so that they are as warming as possible. It helps if you rub in some liniment or eucalyptus essential oil, as well as your massage oil; the menthol heat skin and soothes muscles even more. If you have a warm bath beforehand, the sore muscles will respond better to the massage and hurt less. If muscles are stiff as well as sore, it is more comfortable to have a pillow under the knees (to relax leg and back muscles) for the first half of the massage.

1. Place your hands, palms down, across the left leg, with fingers pointing in opposite directions. Then gently push down and slide your hands up from the ankle to knee. Move your hands over the knee lightly, and then continue the stroke with downward pressure up to the thigh. Slide your hands back down along the sides of the leg and repeat for several minutes. Then do fast, firm frictions rub, with palms flat, from feet up to the thighs.

2. Bend the left leg up at the knee and prop the foot against your thigh for support. Place your hands, palms up, around the back of the calf muscle above the ankle. Wring the leg by sliding your hands backwards and forwards in opposite directions to twist the flesh. Keep the motion going and gradually work up the back of the leg from ankle to knee. Repeat two or three times.

3. In the same position, knead and stroke the back of the thigh. Place your right hand, palm up, behind the knee, with your thumb on the outer thigh and your fingers to the inner side so that your hand makes a V shape. Press and pinch in as you push the hand up the leg to the top of the thigh, to give a deep, kneading stroke. Bring the fingers together, slide round to the front of the thigh and back down to the knee. Then repeat for several minutes.

4. With the left leg straight again, start a criss-cross stroke from the ankle to thigh. Place your hands, palms down, across the leg with your fingers pointing to the inner ankle. Then do a firm stroke from one side of the leg to the other, so that your hands criss-cross and one pushes forward as the other pulls backwards. Make sure your fingers curve under the leg on the downward inner stroke and that the heels of your hands push into the outer leg on the upward stroke.

5. Now the person being massaged should bend the left leg and keep the other straight while you stand at his feet. Bend forward from the waist and pick up the bent leg, placing the heel on your shoulder. Keep your own legs apart with your knees slightly bent to avoid straining your back, then gently place one hand behind the knee and one behind the ankle for support, and straighten the leg as you push up slightly with your shoulder. Hold this stretch for a count of 15, then release your hands so the knee relaxes. Now do steps one to five on the other leg.

6. Place your hands palm down over the upper arm and biceps. Do a fast, firm friction rub so that your hands make a sawing motion. Place your palms down around the wrist, with fingers pointing in opposite directions. Slide your hands up the arm, moving together in a slow, firm stroke from wrist to shoulder, but being gentle over the elbow joint. From the shoulder, slowly pull your hands down the sides of the arm. Repeat for several minutes.

7. The person being massaged should turn over to lie face down. Knead the muscles, pinching the flesh between your thumbs and fingers, right across the shoulders, upper arms and middle of the back. Then do a firm, flat-handed stroke from below the shoulder blade diagonally up to the opposite shoulder, repeating several times on both sides. Finish with a firm, fast friction rub from the middle of the back up and over the

8. Make your hands into loose fists and pummel all over the upper back, using the base of the fist in an up-and-down hammer movement, one hand after the other. Keep your fists relaxed so that your hands bounce off the body and avoid the spine and bony shoulder blades. Then pummel the buttock muscles between hips and thighs, using the same fist movement. Finish by doing firm palm strokes in circles over the buttocks and the top of the back.

9. With your hands, palms down, between the shoulder blades, press down and slide your hands diagonally out to the tops of the arms, then pull them in across the shoulder tops and up the sides of the neck, before sliding them lightly back down either side of the spine to the start position. Next, with palms down below one shoulder blade, glide them upward in a diagonal direction to the top of the arm, fan them out in a circle and draw them together at the start. Repeat as a smooth, flowing stroke.

10. Please take special note of lifting instructions for this massage. To stretch and release tension in the lower back and shoulder muscles, do a half-body lift. Stand astride the hips of the person being massaged and slide your hands under his arms to the front of his chest. Gently and slowly pull the torso upwards, bending your knees to take the strain off your back, and stretch him up as far as is comfortable. Hold for a count of 15, then relax back down. Repeat twice more.

Zero Balancing: Harmonizing Our Body

Zero Balancing is a simple, yet powerful hands-on method of aligning body energy with body structure. It integrates fundamental principles of Western science with Eastern concepts of body, mind and spirit.

By correcting imbalances between energy and structure, the Zero Balancing practitioner can enhance physical, mental and spiritual health. A Zero Balancing session consists of gentle pressing, stretching and bending.

A Zero Balancing session generally takes 30 minutes and is done through the client's clothing.

Zero-Balancing therapy was designed by physician Dr. Fritz Smith in 1973, when he decided to invent a way for the physical body to harmonize with the energy within the body. Dr. Smith concluded that to achieve perfect health and happiness, the body must be aligned structurally and vigorously.

A typical Zero Balancing session will commence with the therapist (also called a Zero Balancer) asking the client questions about their current state of life - physically, emotionally and spiritually. The therapist is non-judgmental, so its vital for the client be open and honest for the treatment to be successful. After this initial consultation, the client and the therapist will determine the aims of the Zero Balancing therapy based on the information shared.

The Zero Balancer will approach the session with goals to harmonize both the emotional state of their client (balance mood, stress, etc.) with their physical state (soothing aches, injuries and chronic conditions). The therapist will do this by first asking the client to the lie down face up on a massage table. The client will remain fully clothed during the Zero Balancing session, as no oils or massage lotions are used. The practitioner will start the therapy with a series of traction techniques, which are applied with the fingertips in various pressures from fingertips starting at the feet and moving up the entire body to the clients head.

Zero Balancing is said to be effective in treating a variety of ailments such as stress-related anxiety, chronic headaches, back and neck pain, and by creating an overall sense of well being.

Getting Your Guy Into The Aromatherapy Mood

Aromatherapy has been used for years for both enjoyment and medicinal purposes. You can count on a variety of essential oils to enhance your mood, ward off depression and heal the mind and body. Everyone can benefit from the use of a few essential oils. So, how about you man? Did you know that you could use these same oils as an aphrodisiac? Just mentioning the word aphrodisiac will probably turn most men’s heads. So if you want to introduce your man to the wonderful world of aromatherapy, your best bet is to start down this avenue.

Most men would not mind a little boost in the bedroom. There are a few essential oils that have been used as aphrodisiacs as well as to assist in getting or maintaining an erection. The difference between the two is that an aphrodisiac is something that heightens sexual drive or libido. An aphrodisiac will probably not give a man an erection, but it will certainly help him on his way. Getting or maintaining an erection is a different story. It is not that the man doesn’t have the sexual desire; it is that his penis is not doing what it’s supposed to do.

Agarwood is an essential oil that is said to be the most powerful of the herbal aphrodisiacs. In Indonesia ylang-ylang is known as the flower to be spread across the bed of newlywed couples. This is because the essential oil is said to have a euphoric, sedative and sensual effect on the nervous system. You can have this in the bedroom and burn the oil or use it in a massage.

If your guy is having trouble getting or maintaining an erection, try using some yohimbe essential oil. This drug is said to help blood flow to the penis and increase the strength of an erection. Do consult a physician about using this oil because it can cause problems in some men. In fact, this oil has been used for years, way before Viagra. It must work!

Now that you have got their attention by using a few essential oils in the bedroom, you can turn them onto other aspects of aromatherapy. Introduce them to tea tree oil, lemon oil, or lavender. Whether he likes flowery scents (it’s okay, he can admit it) or woody scents, light scents or heavy scents there is something out there that’ll appeal to him.

Now comes the fun part how will you two use the aromatherapy? You can use an essential oil diffuser or lamp to heat the oil and inhale the aroma. However you choose, you can be certain that the both of you will get the full benefits of these wonderful and useful oils.

A bath would be fun. Fill it up to the top with hot water and add his favorite essential oil. Besides getting the benefits of inhalation, the both of you will be soaking and softening your skin, as well. Then jump in and have fun.

One favorite that many men like and maybe yours too, would be to use your favorite essential oils to give each other massages. Make sure you dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil so that you do not irritate your skin. Essential oils are very potent and only need a little bit for each use. That’s why the bottles they come in are so small. Do not overdo the oils, as they can irritate the skin.

You could start by massaging his temples, and go to his shoulders and back. Use long, deep strokes down his arms and gentle light ones down to the tips of his fingers. You get the picture. Use this time to breathe in the relaxing aromas, give your guy a killer massage, and bond. You’ll enjoy it just as much as he does.

Or, how about washing the sheets and pillowcases in a few drops of the oil? This ensures that the scent will always will be where you need it! It is easy to add just a few drops in with your regular laundry. Just be sure that you are not adding too much. Once your man has experienced the benefits that aromatherapy offers, he will be hooked.

What Is A Vichy Shower?

A Vichy shower is a metal arm with five to seven shower heads that runs parallel to a cushioned treatment table, so you can get a shower while lying down. It is usually part of a body treatment, like a salt scrub or body wrap. Instead of jumping up and getting in a shower to rinse off the salt or mud, you simply lie there.

The Vichy might be attached to the wall, or freestanding. It has a hinge so the therapist can turn the water on and adjust the temperature while it's away from the treatment table. Once it's the right temperature and pressure, he/she will swing it over your body. The cascade of water feels delicious!

During a Vichy shower you are usually draped with towels -- one between your legs and for women, one across your breasts. You can wear disposable underwear. When you're on your back, the therapist might put something over your face to minimize the water spray in your face.

If you're anxious about nudity, this is probably not the treatment for you. Turning over with wet towels tends to be a little sloppy.

Where Can I Find A Vichy Shower?

Large day spas, resort spas and destination spas usually have a Vichy shower, but a small local day spa probably won't.

G-Spot or Sacred Spot Massage For A Man

The G-Spot or Sacred Spot of a man is his prostate gland. Tantric philosophy considers the G-Spot a man's emotional sex center. Massaging the man's prostate releases tremendous amounts of emotional and physical stress. Coupled with stimulation of his penis or "lingam", massaging his prostate can be extremely pleasurable and healing to the man. Since the most direct way to massage the man's Sacred Spot is through his anus, it takes time to adjust to being penetrated in this way. It is not for every man. The benefits are many and the pleasure can be very intense. For tantric partners, lovers or those otherwise genuinely comfortable with one another, massaging the sacred spot can be a powerful experience. Not only in terms of ecstatic pleasure for the "receiver", but in the sexual empowerment it bestows on the "giver".

The walnut sized prostate gland is located directly underneath the bladder, not far from the internal root of the penis (see diagram). As can be seen, the gland is in close proximity to the rectal wall, allowing for easy access through the anus.

Why is prostate massage pleasurable? There are number of reasons:

Ejaculation reflex sensation

No matter which method is used it is not possible to touch the prostate directly. The nearest indirect access is through the rectal wall, which means that there is still a membrane in the way. This is somewhat akin to the inhibiting sensitivity a glove. Despite this restriction the lobes of the prostrate are highly sensitive to pressure. An array of sensations may be produced by pressing, rubbing or by means of stroking the gland through the rectal wall. The most profound of these feelings is similar to that sublime sensation which is normally felt during ejaculation, as the prostate begins pumping semen.

Anal sensitivity

Along with the genital areas, the anus is connected to and interwoven with millions of delicately sensitive nerve endings, which can yield most pleasurable sensations.

Hidden penis

Unknown to most, over one third of the penis is buried inside the body. It is the base of the (hidden) penis which may be pressured in a similar manner as the prostate. The effect of stimulating all three can be awesome, if done in concert with genital stimulation. Still more overwhelming than the physiological effects is the psychological aspect of prostate massage, due to the unaccustomed nature of penetration of the receiver.

Psychological high

As powerful as physiological stimulation might be, it pales when compared to the immeasurably greater psychological or mental high. The very notion of the male placing himself into such a vulnerable position, results in a powerful mental rush, for both receiver as well giver. The willingness of the naturally controlling male to allow himself to placed in an unaccustomed submissive role, should be particularly cherished by the giver.

Preparation

As in any intimate activity, certain basic rules apply. The receiver should be meticulously clean. The giver should have available form fitting latex surgical gloves (not the loose fitting variety). It's desirable for a number of reasons to use gloves, of which the first and foremost benefit is to protect the delicate anal membranes from sharp fingernails and rough skin. Secondly, a well lubricated rubber surface will glide more easily than exposed skin. Lubrication should be water based, such as K-Y jelly.

Taking a hot bath or shower prior to the massage is a good way to relax. While bathing the receiver will find it pleasurable to begin to fanaticize in anticipation of the experience to come.

Positions

Face to face (for greater intimacy)

After completely undressing the receiver should assume a seated position; his back reclined and supported by large firm pillows (at about a 45 - 65 degree angle). His knees pulled in the direction of his chest and somewhat angled outward. The resulting position should be both comfortable for the receiver, as well as allowing the giver unobstructed view and unfettered access to the anus and genitals of the receiver. The giver may sit cross legged, or kneel in front of the receiver.

As a way to relax the receiver, the giver may begin by massaging the receivers lower extremities, particularly the abdomen. Initially, the receiver may choose to relax by closing his eyes, but as the massage progresses it is of great importance that the receiver and giver maintain eye contact.

It will be up to the giver to decide when the receiver is sufficiently relaxed and aroused. At this time the giver should unobtrusively slip on a glove and to begin lubricating the receivers anus. The lubrication process should be lengthy and ceremonial. Beginning with circular motions, stroking the anal opening. The objective is to pleasure and relax the nervous rosebud.

The giver should "never" poke the anus with the tip of the finger, but to gently and firmly apply pressure with the pad of the finger. Continuously add lubrication; there can never be too much lubrication! When the anus is ready it will allow the finger to enter. All that is needed is time and patience.

Remarkably, when the moment comes the giver will notice that the finger will seem to be drawn into the anus. Once the finger has been allowed to enter it is best to be still allowing the anal sphincters the chance to become accustomed to the intrusion. It will not be a good idea for the giver to move their finger in and out of the anus. There should only be one reason for the giver to remove the finger, and this would be to add more lubrication.

The giver is now ready to seek out the prostate: this can easily accomplished by crooking the inserted finger upwards, and feeling for a "roundish" to oblong protrusion about 2 inches inside the rectum. Applying pressure to the prostate will provide a variety of sensations, the most desirable of which is the feeling of impending ejaculation. By applying more or less pressure to the gland, the giver will be able to control these sensations; even to the point of inhibiting the receiver from ejaculating. The ability to control ejaculation through prostate massage, allows for nearly unending stimulation of the receiver's genitals. The penis may be massaged by the giver, or by receiver himself, to a point of near ejaculation. Only to be kept on the brink by varying pressure on the prostate.

During the arousal cycle the giver may begin to rhythmically move the inserted finger partially in and out, so as to stimulate the rich and super sensitive nerve endings around the anus.

Eye contact is most desirable at the resolution phase of the experience, with the receiver and giver gazing into one another's eyes… various scenarios are now possible:

A. The giver will allow the receiver to masturbate himself to achieve ejaculating. All the while the giver will be verbally encouraging the receiver to the moment of climax.

B. The giver may masturbate the receiver's penis with one hand, while massaging the receivers anal opening or prostate with the other. Both giver and receiver should communicate intently, so as to allow the greatest pleasure for the receiver.

C. The receiver may desire for the giver to “milk” his prostate, without direct stimulation to the penis. To achieve this the giver will gently stroke each lobe, resulting in a gentle flow of semen and the emptying of the prostate through the erect or flaccid penis.

Facing "away" from the giver (a magnificent view for the giver)

In this position the receiver will be kneeling, knees apart, buttocks elevated, while the elbows are resting on a firm surface, such as a cushioned floor matt. This should be both a stable and comfortable position for the receiver.

The giver may kneel or sit spread legged behind the receiver, having easy access and a perfect view, of the receiver's anus. The giver will also be in a position to reach between the receivers legs to allow stimulation of the genitals.

From this point please follow the same procedure as in the face to face method.

Cure Yourself With Acupressure

The next time you have a headache or suffering from neck pain, you don't need to rach for Panadol or other pain-killers. Try some DIY fixes with acupressure, no needles required! Here are recommended techniques to cure common ailments.

When You Have A Headache

Apply pressure (like a pinching motion) to the webbing between your thumb and index finger, says US-based acupressure practitioner Bryn Clark. "This is a focal point for everything going on in your head, whether it is a headache, toothache or jaw pain," he says. Next, apply pressure to the site of the headache. Rub firmly in a circular motion.

When You're Going To Vomit

Firmly press the spot on your wrist that is two finger-widths down from the horizontal line at the base of your palm, says Philadelphia-based acupuncturist Marshall Sager, DO. A Cochrane review of 40 studies found acupressure just as effective as medication at easing post-operative nausea.

When Your Neck Is Sore

Place one of your hands flat on a table and raise your middle finger, says Dr Sager. Apply pressure to the first joint below the nail. If the pain is at the back of your neck, apply pressure on the top of your finger. If it's on the side, press the side of your finger that corresponds to the side of your neck pain.