Advanced Massage DVD Videos

My friend Judah Lyons, of the Lyons Institute, has just released a series of advanced massage videos. This goes beyond our basic How to Massage Video Lessons and gets into the ideas and concepts of the legendary Ida Rolf.

Understanding the importance of fascia in the role of massage is critical for long term massage success. Even in our videos, we explore the benefits of release the fascia (protective covering around the muscles and viscera). And then in Judah's 3 DVD's on Structural Integration : Conversations with the Body, he takes it a step or two further.

I have watched the videos and picked up a couple new techiniques even as a seasoned pro whose been doing massage for nearly a decade now. So there's really no limit to what you can learn and what the body is willing to teach you, if you are listening to the body.

The late Dr. Rolf has really created a whole field of advanced massage. The massage modailty of Rolfing, while always hasn't enjoyed the best reputation (because it is a deep tissue modality and has been known to be painful from time to time) is still as valid today as it was 30 years ago.

Judah's adpated style of Structural integation offers a kinder, gentler take on the modality. Probably corrupted by his Biodynamic Cranial Sacral background, Mr. Lyons shows that Structural Integration can be highly effective without the pain and discomfort commonly associated with it.

Massage techniques? Is more better?

Recently I have seen a rash of massage videos spouting hours of new massage techniques and some even offering 300 or so massage techniques.

How much is too much? In my opinion, human beings can only remember a handful at any one time. According to George Miller, people can typically only handle 7 +/- 2 bits of information at any one time. And depending on how you chunk the information together that can be a lot or a little. Might have to do something with why phone numbers are only 7 digits long, don't know for sure.

So what's that got to do with massage? Everything. Having been a therapist for more than a few years now, I have forgotten most of what I was taught in school and continuing education. Why? Because most of it was just stuff people make up to have something to teach, in my opinion.

I think when it comes right down to it, in order to give a great massage, you only need to know a handful of massage techniques. The rest might be good to know if you somehow got to the point where you mastered the fundamentals of massage. Easier said than done by the way.

Massage is very similiar to martial arts and life for that matter. It's not how much you know, it's what you DO with what you know. When it comes to massage, I sincerely think quality is more important than quantity.

3 New Massage Video Lessons just added!

Learn-Massage-Online.com has just added 3 new lessons to our online massage video library. This brings the total to 18 massage video lessons. All for just $25? That's crazy.

Clearly, this is the tremendous benefit and advantage to joining Learn Massage Online, free massage video updates as well as instant access to the lessons at one low lifetime membership price.

If you've ever wanted to learn some new tips and techniques for how to give a great massage, then now's the time.

Join today and you'll get instant access to all the massage video lessons, including the new ones and any more that we come up with.

Enjoy,
Robert
www.learn-massage-online.com

The value of weekly massage

When was your last massage? I recently just had a massage and I gotta say, everytime I do get a massage I remember how good they feel. AND how much better I feel afterwards.

Massage Therapy is truly an amazing thing. It's so easy to let stress and tension just sneak up on us. I didn't realize I was THAT stressed out. But it isn't until you get a massage that you realize that. At least for me anyway.

So my latest thing is to try to get a massage weekly, and at the very least monthly. You wouldn't think it would be that tough of a commitment, but like all of us, time and scheduling becomes a factor.

I guess it's all a matter of priorities. Feeling good vs. working all the time? Tough choice, right?

Last minute Valentines Day Gift Idea

It's still not too late to give a great gift for Valentine's....You. Starting in just a few mintues from right now, literally, you can easily learn how to give a great massage with our online massage video lessons.

Imagine the surprised look on your Valentines face, when you have a whole candle light, soft music, deeply relaxing massage waiting for them...

Click here to start - online massage video....

Massage Tips for Valentines

Massage could just very well be the ultimate gift to give to your loved one this Valentines. The benefits seem endless... relaxing, sensual, allows you to connect with your mate at a much deeper level, paves way for more pleasurable experiences, and more.

But in my opinion, as a therapist and massage instructor, there's a big difference between a good massage and a GREAT massage.

And anyone can learn how to give a great massage this Valentines and it doesn't have to be a huge effort. In fact, we created some online massage video lessons which helps to make it easy & fun to learn.

Starting today, anyone can learn how to give a great massage. To help get you started, here are 5 tips to giving a great massage.

1) Speed - For a valentines massage, the speed of your massage should be slow and lingering. Try paying attention to your partners breathing rate and massage at the same rhythm.

2) Pressure - Pressure is a biggie. Start off light and gradually increase the pressure. Unless you're really into S&M, pain is NOT the goal. Some of the most powerful touch therapies in the world only use the weight of a nickel. Keeping your touch light will help pave the way to trust and deeper intimacy.

3) Consistency - Being consistent with your strokes and your pressure will help to create a sense of trust. Trust is the ultimate with massage. They want to know they can trust you with their bodies. Consistency helps give them an idea of what to expect and allows them to relax their guard and really begin to relax. Think of massage as coaxing the body into relaxing rather than forcing it to relax.

4) Focus - Pay attention to what you're doing. Be FULLY PRESENT is crucial to give a great massage. People can tell when you're not focused an paying attention to their bodies. And it's easy to stay focused, just really get into the lay of the land of their bodies. Allow your hands to simply blend and meld with the skin and person you're massaging. If your using oil, try to see how much of your hand you can make contact with their skin.

5) Some Key Massage Techniques - Massage is an innate thing. It's something we all know how to do. And learning a few key massage techniques can greatly enhance your skill level. As with everything in else in life, there is always more we can learn about massage and touch.

Besides chocolate and flowers, ultimately it's YOU they want for Valentine's. The real beauty of learning the gift of touch is it will only get better in the years to come.

Happy Massaging and Happy Valentines
Robert Sigler
www.learn-massage-online.com

Touching Massage : Human or Machine?

Which would you rather be touched by? A human being or a machine?

Recently I ran across this article...

http://www.charlotte.com/mld/charlotte/living/style/13667868.htm?source=rss&channel=charlotte_style

It was suggesting that robots are beginning to replace human beings at certain spas. And that a new invention could be paving the way. Makes for a nice story and PR release, but give me a break.

As a professional massage therapist, I have tried and used many machines for 'relaxation' and NONE of them come even remotely close to the value of two warm hands and the rest of the human being attached to those hands. The electromagnetic distortion alone created by those machines is enough to cause me more stress, not less.

I have sat in those massage chairs that are designed to heat, vibrate and shake and cajole you, and they can begin to allow for the physiological relaxation response, but that's about it. I certainly don't feel like I do after a REAL live massage.

It's quite ironic, one of the reasons we carry so much stress is that the majority of us sit behind machines all day. Now we're going to go to a machine and have that machine work our muscles and relax us? Not me. Give me a real live person any day. You can feel the energy or resonance of compassion and caring and universal love from another human being. A machine doesn't care.

When two people touch each other, there is an exchange of energy. Literally. In one of my classes I show people the energy ball. It's a little plastic ball with two metal strips on it. I stand in a circle of about a dozen people all holding hands. Except I have one finger on one strip of this little energy ball and instead of holding hands with the person next me, they are also touching a strip on the energy ball. Guess what?? It lights up and makes a noise. In fact, one person anywhere in that circle can stop holding hands with the person next to them and the energy ball light goes out. It's a great metaphor to show that we're all connected. And that we transfer energy to and from each other.

And in complex ways that we certainly don't understand and shouldn't have the arrogance to think we do. Considering all the different possible frequencies and harmonics involved in that energy exchange, that we don't even think about or for the most part aren't even aware of, it's truly a mind boggling experience. Just simple human touch. And actually we transfer energy just being close to one another, but that's a different topic.

If you've ever had a massage and paid attention to the exchange of energy flow between you and your therapist, then you have an idea of what I am referring to. You can tell, even with your eyes closed, what your therapist is sensing, whether or not they are paying attention to you, whether or not they are focused, whether or not it's going to be a great massage or they're still working on the basics. You can feel how well the energy is flowing through them and where the restrictions are in them. Try it and see for yourself, next time.

Massage is so much more than a mechanical response. It's one of the oldest healing art forms. It truly does involve body, mind and soul. And the information and energy you can perceive through your hands is and always will be more than a machine could even begin to offer.

So my vote might be a little biased, but for my money, give me a real live person any day of the week.