Quantum Metta School of Massage

Spotlight on Lavender

We were reading recently that lavender farming in the UK is currently undergoing a revival. Farmers are looking to diversify and some are turning to lavender growing as it's fairly resistant to pests and diseases. In addition, lavender essential oil is hugely popular and as well as it's therapeutic use by aromatherapists, it has other applications including being used in shampoos, lotions and perfumes.

Aromatherapists have long known the value of having a bottle of pure lavender in the cupboard. It not only smells good...fresh, calming, floral, comforting...but it's so versatile in its use.

The botanical name for lavender is 'Lavandula angustifolia', though you'll also find synonyms such as 'Lavandula officinalis' or 'Lavandula vera'. Chemically it contains a fairly high amount of esters which are generally considered to be calming and anti-inflammatory. So lavender can be used to alleviate stress, anxiety and nervousness, as well as for inflammed joints, muscles or skin conditions.

There's a small amount of a chemical called 1,8 cineole which occurs in higher amounts in another popular essential oil - eucalyptus.1.8 cineol is a chemical that gives eucalyptus it's characteristic menthol aroma. It has been found to be an expectorant and clearing for the respiratory tract.

Lavender is often used to help with sleeping. E.g. placing a drop of lavender on the pillow. Though we know of at least one person who thought that if one drop is so effective then 2 or 3 or 4 must be even more so...no - don't try this at home! It will just keep you awake. Remember that less is often more.

Another well known use for lavender is in the treatments of burns and sunburns. It has a cooling quality and is healing to the skin. Every home should have a bottle!

NB: please consult an aromatherapist for safe dilutions before using essential oils.

Happy aromas - Doreen and Dympna

Massage Techniques: focus on Effleurage

Massage techniques are classically categorised into these groups: effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement and vibration. Let's focus on effleurage...the word comes from the French word 'effleurer' which means 'to touch lightly' or 'to skim'. In a massage, effleurage is usually the first massage technique to be applied. It's also usually the last massage technique to be applied too.

 

Here's more info on effleurage...

1) it can be used on any part of the body and face

2) it's a longer gliding stroke that follows the contours of the body or face

3) it's used for massaging in a 'general' way, not 'specific'

4) it can be light or deep, but always lighter to start with

5) you can effleurage making whole hand contact, with the palms of the hands, fists, knuckles, fingertips and forearms

6) it is used to apply the massage medium (oil, cream, lotion) to the skin

7) this technique prepares tissue for deeper massage, and soothes tissue after deeper massage

8) it warms, soothes, relaxes - both body and mind

9) light effleurage helps with lymphatic drainage, flushing waste products from the tissues

10) slow effleurage has a calming effect on the nervous system, and quick effleurage has a stimulating efect on the nervous system

11) the massage therapist can use a lot of effleurage where other deeper and more specific techniques are too tender for the individual client to receive

12) it accustoms the client to the therapist, and the therapist to the client

13) it is used as a way of exploring, sensing and evaluating the client's body...finding out where areas of tightness or soreness are

14) it's used to end the massage over the particular body part; to soothe the area that's been worked on

15) it is used as a linking movement between one technique and the next, facilating a smooth and fluid feel to the massage treatment

16) it reduces muscle tension

17) it prompts dilation of capillaries and improves circulation

18) it helps with desquamation of dead skin cells, leading to a healthier looking tone to the skin

19) it passively stretches muscle when applied along the muscle fibres

20) it can lead to greater flexibility

21) it can relieve tired achy muscles, decrease oedema, help with insomnia

22) effleurage is good for us!

Happy massaging - Doreen and Dympna

How to Choose a Massage Table

When choosing your massage table...ask yourself the following questions...

How often are you going to use your massage table? If you'll have light usage then you might find that a cheaper, less substantial model, would be ok for your use. If you're planning to use the table more often, then it's probably worth investing in a more substantial and very likely more costly model.

Where are you going to use the massage table? In your home only? Is it going to be set up in a room and not likely to be moved around much? Then maybe a heavier, non-folding table will fit the bill. Or even - budget allowing - a hydraulic table. If the room has other uses and you need to set up your table, then set it down again on a regular basis, then a folding table is the one for you.

Will you be visiting clients in their homes? You'll  need to ensure that you're able to lift the table in and out of your car fairly easily; and also carry it in and out of your clients' homes (and sometimes up and down stairs) with relative ease. You can buy lightweight tables (around 6/7kg) which are really easy to transport, yet sturdy too. Though they're more costly than heavier tables.

    

If you're working in a health club, clinic or spa...do they have massage tables already? So do you need to buy one of your own at all?

When choosing a table, we'd recommend the minimum requirements you'll need are...easily adjustable height legs (so you can adjust the height up or down to suit how you work and to suit the frame of your individual clients); a face cradle (so you're able to step around to the side of the face cradle - which is attached to one end - and maintain good postural alignment; it also makes your table longer for taller clients).

Generally massage tables are 24/26 inches wide and 72 inches long (excluding the face cradle). Some tables have a facehole set in the table itself instead of a face cradle. This means that taller clients will have their feet dangling off the end which may compromise their comfort. It also means that you might compromise your posture.

Wider tables are available which will be more comfortable for clients with larger frames. The downside is they are also heavier so less portable and could be more challenging to the therapist's posture as you'll need to lean further across the table than usual.

Some massage tables have adjustable back rests which are great for clients unable to lie down, or if you practice another therapy such as reflexology. Some tables come with leg and/or arm extensions and arm slings. All these will make the table heavier to carry around.

Happy massaging - Doreen and Dympna