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              Thanks to timtinman for permission to use this Photo.                 

Even though you massage only one body part at a time, it’s critical that you keep the body’s “wholeness” in mind.  The book explains this concept well.  For example, when someone has a headache, you know that they will benefit from a head massage.  That’s obvious.  But if you have a good understanding of the body’s wholeness, you’ll know that you need to massage the neck and shoulders as well.  As we’ve discussed in previous lessons, it’s all connected.  Everything!  I know you’ll be absolutely amazed as you begin to experience for yourself the interconnectedness of bodily regions and parts.   

You’ll probably find that the majority of the massages you give focus on relaxing the neck or back.  These are the two most common “problem areas.”  Both of these regions affect posture, which can be dramatically improved with massage.  I’m sure you know someone who spends a good part of the day sitting hunched over a computer or desk.  Prolonged sitting with a forward head position is by far the most common cause for bad posture.  Again, consider the body’s wholeness.  Work the neck and back, but don’t forget about the chest.  By loosening up the chest and the front of the shoulders, you can “open up” the upper body, bringing shoulders and neck back into proper positioning.  Stretch the neck, shoulders, and chest on a regular basis, and you will improve posture. 

Kristy Carter
Massage Techniques Program Instructor
Ashworth University

                Thanks to Lina Nunez for permission to use this Photo.

A study conducted by the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami suggests that Massage Therapy can help with migraine headaches.  A group of randomly assigned participants received twice-weekly massage for 30 minutes.  A second group was not treated.  The group receiving massage reported fewer headaches than those in the second group.  In fact, almost 60% of them went the entire month without a headache!

Massage has also been known to alleviate tension headache pain for some time now.  Massage relieves muscle tension, which plays a large part in making the pain worse. 

Prevention is key to beating headache and migraine pain.  Regular massage can help keep you and your muscles relaxed and loosened, which leads to fewer, less-intense episodes.

Just one more reason to have a massage!

Kristy Carter
Massage Techniques Program Instructor
Ashworth University

                Thanks to Valerie for permission to use this Photo. 

Massage is an age-old remedy for many types of pain, but many fibromyalgia sufferers believe it to be the best treatment for their pain. Massage warms and lengthens muscles and soft tissue, increases flexibility, and reduces stiffness, often resulting in a significant decrease in pain. This is great news for the estimated 3-6 million people in America who suffer from fibromyalgia and must learn to manage chronic pain.

Kristin McIntyre
Massage Techniques Instructor
Ashworth University 

               Thanks to Rachel Zack for permission to use this Photo.I want you to understand how truly wonderful an experience massage can be for the terminally ill.  No matter what condition the person is in, conscious or unconscious, it’s nice to think that somehow, on some level, he or she knows that you are there and are caring for them in such a gentle, loving way.  This type of massage may not seem appealing to you.  Maybe you have a hard time dealing with death.  That’s okay.  Never do anything that makes you uncomfortable.  But if someone you love is at the end of his or her life, you may be surprised by the strength you are able to find.  It is very important that you practice self-care in this situation.  If you are able to maintain your emotional well-being, this massage can be a very powerful experience for both the receiver and the giver.  This memory will be one you will cherish after your special friend is gone.  Also keep in mind that massage can be a blessing to the grieving family members of the person who has passed.  Be prepared for emotional release.  Just be loving and understanding.  That’s all you can do. Kristy CarterMassage Techniques Program InstructorAshworth University

Thanks to gruntzooki for permission to use this Photo

Have you ever noticed that when your feet hurt—your whole body hurts?

There are reflex areas in the feet that correspond to all the glands, organs, and parts of the body. The science of stimulating these points in the feet to affect the body is known as Reflexology. It’s so important to keep your feet healthy, limber, and in comfortable footwear. Think of all the weight they support day after day. Problems in your feet can throw your whole body out of whack. Give yourself a foot rub, do your body good!

Discover how areas of the feet and hands are approximate to the body’s anatomy with this interactive reflexology map.

Kristy Carter
Massage Therapy Instructor
Ashworth University