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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 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