Having a Mobile Spa Party

            Not everyone has the time to make it out to a traditional spa location. And planning an event at a spa can be hard to coordinate and can get very expensive fast. There is the issue of transportation and finding a place that can accommodate all of your friends and family. High end spas are very expensive, so just imagining that cost per a person would drive you nuts. To avoid these hassles, a number of companies offering mobile spa treatments have arose.

            A mobile spa service revolves around a team of massage therapists and Estheticians bringing the treatments found in a spa to your home or office. This is a great way to plan a spa event for a party or company outing. There is no need to arrange transportation as they come to you. There is no need to worry about a spa being able to hold all of your guests. Everything is carried out in the privacy of the venue specified. Host a spa party in an empty board room, your living room, backyard, or hotel room.

            The details of your spa event will be worked out with the company’s event director. Here you will work out how many people need to be accommodated, where the event is held, what types of massage therapy will be practiced, what you will provide, and what the massage therapists need to bring with them. Mobile spa parties are great for bachelorette parties, office retreats, birthday parties, anniversaries, weddings, baby showers, couples pampering, and teen girl parties.

Continuing with the steps presented in the last post, here is the next series of steps for massaging geriatric clients.

Turn client over slowly to Supine position.

1.      From top of table - Effleurage chest and neck.

2.      Gentle alternating push on shoulders.

3.      Slow fingertip pulling up both sides of neck.

4.      Fingertips circles over Pectorals, Deltoids, Lavetor Scapula and up the neck.

5.      Continue circle behind the ears and onto the scalp.

6.      Effleurage forehead.

7.      Circle temples.

8.      Gentle fingertip pressure over cheeks.

9.      Masseter circles.

10. Jaw Effleurage.

11. Ear Massage.

12. Feather stroke over forehead.

Move to side of table.

1.      Effleurage entire arm and hand.

2.      Thumbs circles on back of hand.

3.      Thumb stripping between metatarsals.

4.      Thumb circles over palm of hand.

5.      Thumb and fingertip circles on both sides of wrist.

6.      Massage fingers.

7.      Gentle thumb stripping up both sides of forearm.

8.      Fingertips circles around elbow.

9.      Knead Biceps.

10. Fingertips circles around shoulder joint.

11. Support and lift arm to gently knead Triceps.

12. Milk down the forearm.

13. Final effleurage the entire arm.

14. Repeat all steps on other arm.

Undrape the abdomen.

1.      Effleurage abdomen.

2.      Gentle thumb pressure to open diaphragm.

3.      Clockwise circles.

4.      Petrissage and rake opposite side.

5.      Transition to other side following the rib line.

6.      Petrissage and rake opposite side.

7.      Clockwise circles.

8.      Fingertips vibration over colon pathway.

9.      Wringing.

10. Final Effleurage and cover.

 Undrape one leg.

1.      Effleurage entire leg.

2.      Petrissage and wring entire leg.

3.      Execute proper draping procedures and bend knee with foot flat on table.

4.      Palm stroke up the calf.

5.      Palm strokes up thigh.

6.      Fingertips circles down the thigh.

7.      Fingertips circles down the calf.

8.      While placing the leg back down – fingertips circle on back of knee.

9.      Light thumb circles on front of knee.

10.  Heart the knee.

11. Final Effleurage.

12. Massage the foot. (same as Swedish routine)

13. Repeat all steps on other leg.

All of these articles about aging have led us to this point. Massage therapy is as important for the elderly as it is everyone else, but care must be taken for their more fragile bodies.

Start with client in Prone position.

1.      From the top of table - Effleurage entire back.

2.      Use alternating palm pressure away from spine on one side of back. (Christmas tree)

3.      Move to side of table and use Circular palm strokes (one hand following the other) on the same half of back.

4.      Racking on half back.

5.      Using both palms of hand create an infinity stroke.

6.      Switch sides and repeat steps 2-5.

7.      Thumb splitting away from spine with heart shapes.

8.      Fingertip circles up both sides of spine and slide with flat palm back down.

9.      Light to medium thumb pressure up both sides of spine, squeeze upper Trapizius muscle and slide down.

10. Wringing up and down the back.

11. From the same side you ended on – Half back alternating Effleurage.

12. Separate dermal and muscular tissues with crab walk.

13. Palm friction up the Rhomboids towards the upper Trapizius.

14. Raking over upper Trapizius.

15. Palm glide along lateral border of Scapula towards the arm.

16. Circular palm strokes around the scapula.

17. Petrissage neck while transitioning to top of table.

18. Move to other side of table and repeat steps 11-16.

19. Stand at top of table and palm circle both scapulas. (collecting)

20. Finger tip circles up sides of neck ending at occipital groove.

21. Final Effleurage entire back and cover.

Urinary Diseases

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) - It is a condition in men that affects the prostate gland, which is part of the male reproductive system. The prostate is located at the bottom of the bladder and surrounds the urethra. BPH is an enlargement of the prostate gland that can interfere with urinary function in older men. It causes blockage by squeezing the urethra, which can make it difficult to urinate. Men with BPH frequently have other bladder symptoms including an increase in frequency of bladder emptying both during the day and at night. Most men over age 60 have some BPH, but not all have problems with blockage.

Kidney failure – Kidney failure results when the kidneys are not able to regulate water and chemicals in the body or remove waste products from your blood. Acute renal failure is the sudden onset of kidney failure, which can be caused by an accident that injures the kidneys, loss of a lot of blood, or some drugs or poisons. It may lead to permanent loss of kidney function, but if the kidneys are not seriously damaged, they may recover. Chronic kidney disease is the gradual reduction of kidney function that may lead to permanent kidney failure, or end-stage renal disease. You may go several years without knowing you have CKD.

Urinary incontinence - loss of bladder control, is the involuntary passage of urine. There are many causes and types of incontinence, and many treatment options. Treatments range from simple exercises to surgery. Women are affected by urinary incontinence more often than men.

Urinary retention - or bladder-emptying problems, is a common urological problem with many possible causes. Normally, urination can be initiated voluntarily and the bladder empties completely. Urinary retention is the abnormal holding of urine in the bladder. Acute urinary retention is the sudden inability to urinate, causing pain and discomfort. Causes can include an obstruction in the urinary system, stress, or neurological problems. Chronic urinary retention refers to the persistent presence of urine left in the bladder after incomplete emptying. Common causes of chronic urinary retention are bladder muscle failure, nerve damage, or obstructions in the urinary tract. Treatment for urinary retention depends on the cause.

Visit our home page at http://www.davidamobilespa.com/  for information on Spa Parties and massage services.

The benefits of Geriatric Massage

Geriatric Massage can help the aging with:

1. Stress relief and relaxation
2. Better circulation
3. Overall improvement of bodily systems function
4. Improve skin elasticity and vitality
5. Alleviate depression
6. Increase self-esteem
7. Increase mobility and flexibility
8. Pain relief
9. Improve memory
10. Increase vitality

Furthermore, geriatric massage helps reduce high blood pressure, alleviates lymphedema, and diabetic complications. Geriatric massage also helps stroke patients, circulatory disease and patients suffering from Parkinson’s, MS, Alzheimer’s, Sleep disorders, emphysema, joint replacement, amputation, arthritis, bursitis, and even tendonitis.

Contraindications--physical conditions in which massage may not be advised.

In most cases, client’s physician will be consulted ahead of time regarding massage. In general we are going to use lighter pressure and no heat.

1. Heart problems, Circulation problems, Osteoporosis, Diabetes, and Arthritis - Avoid deep work or percussion movement.   
2. Fractures or Post-operative – Need longer time to heal, consult with doctor.
3. Thrombosis, Phlebitis, Arthrosclerosis, Infections, Inflammations and Numbness - Avoid the area.
4. Ulcers, Prostatitis – Avoid abdomen.
5. Fever – No massage.
6. Seizures – Consult with physician.

INTRODUCTION

Geriatric Massage, also known as Massotherapy, is a form of massage designed to meet the specific needs of the elderly population. It aims to treat the whole person and not just the condition they have. This technique involves the use of our hands to manipulate soft tissue to improve blood and lymph circulation, relieve pain, and increase range of motion.

Active or passive movement of the joints may also be a part of geriatric massage.

As we get older, our body suffers from a variety of age-related diseases like Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, diabetes, or heart disease. As a result, we have poor blood circulation and limited physical activity, which slows our lymphatic drainage. Many of our elderly patients will also be anxious, depressed and lonely. Geriatric massage can help our patients maintain and improve their overall health, as well as regain certain physical functions that have been reduced or lost due to aging. In addition, it can relieve anxiety and depression and provide comfort and companionship to an otherwise lonely person.

DESCRIPTION

Geriatric massage uses the same basic massage techniques as Swedish massage. It is, however, tailored to the specific health conditions and needs of the elderly population.

Geriatric massage has the following characteristics:

• Thoroughly review patient’s medical history.
• In most cases, client’s doctor will have to be consulted ahead of time.
• Short sessions. A geriatric massage session usually lasts between 30 to 45 minutes, as a longer session may be too much for an elderly person.
• Use of gentle hand motions. These motions are comfortable and soothing to the body. They are designed to improve blood circulation and heart function, prevent diabetic complications, relieve muscle tension, and relax the body and the mind.
• Passive stretching movement for shoulders, legs and feet are recommended to improve joint mobility and flexibility.
• Longer hands and feet massage helps relieving arthritis stiffness and preventing diabetes complications.
• Plan on helping your elderly patients with taking of their clothes, getting on and off the massage table, turning over or sitting up, and even getting dressed.
• Extra equipment might be necessary, like pillows, bolsters, blanket and     stepping stool.

Through the course of our day, many of our emotions or psychological responses are repressed and stored in the body, due to a number of factors including ones personality tendencies and social or familial conditioning. The natural healing process includes the release of that which has been stored (in the body or psyche) that blocks the flows of life force, or contributes to disease or disharmony on the physical, emotional, psychological levels. Detoxification is followed by toning and rejuvenation. Therefore, it may be expected that when the natural healing process is facilitated, the client may experience the release of stored “toxins”.

Some examples of experiences that your clients may have following massage include:

Physical: As massage moves metabolic waste into the blood and lymph for cleansing, cold or flu symptoms, headaches or sinus congestion may be temporarily experienced. Flushing the system with a great deal of water (preferably distilled with lemon as properties aid in flushing toxins), should alleviate the symptoms promptly. Blemishes, acne, rashes that emerge following a massage, are also indicative of toxins beneath the surface and are the body’s way of eliminating them. Again, measures should be taken to aid the body in cleansing, rather than using substances, which suppress that which the body is rejecting.

On the emotional and psychological levels, when the muscles are reflex and parasympathetic nervous system functioning takes over, some of the stored “toxins” on those levels are also released. Clients very often report remembering vivid dreams the night or nights following a massage, or even during the massage. A client may also experience weepiness, anger, fear, grief, or any emotions, which have been locked in the musculature rather than being experienced and released. This emotional release may occur during or following the massage. The emergence and release of stored emotional and psychological toxins is an important part of the natural healing process and should be honored with the detached awareness of letting go.

Psychoneuroimmunology, a term coined in 1982, is an allopathic study which has grown out of the acknowledgement of the ancient wisdom that body, mind and emotions are inseparably linked with regard to disease, health and well being.

While the term “crisis” often carries a negative connotation, it serves as a motivational force and generally precedes significant growth patterns on the level or levels on which it is occurring. With this in mind, it may be noted that any temporary discomfort associated with symptoms emerging due to natural therapies, will eventuate in greater health and well-being.

So What Is Reflexology?

Reflexology is a natural healing art, which is based on the principals that there are reflexes in the feet and hands which correspond to every part and organ in the body. By applying the correct pressure on specific points on the feet or hands, the nerves are stimulated and circulation of blood and energy occurs. Reflexology has been used around the globe for centuries to diagnose and treat disease. This widely known healing art has been used in the past mainly for the relief of stress and pain reduction, due to the release of endorphins caused by the pressure points. “Crystals” that form at the end of nerves cause blockage in the flow of life force, energy. Through reflexology these energetic blockages dissolve, natural energy flow is restored, homeostasis is achieved and the body heals itself naturally. These special points on the hands and feet connect to the organs of the body through both the nervous system and energy paths.

Benefits to Reflexology

Through the use of reflexology we can affect any system in the body. It has been proven to:

·        reduces stress

·        relieves chronic pain (headache, migraine, ect.)

·        releases tight muscles

·        cleanses the lymphatic system

·        helps with hormonal imbalances

·        balances high or low blood pressure

·        improves digestion functioning

·        clears inflammations (fever)

·        helps with sleep disorders

·        helps with reproduction problems

·        helps with spinal and joint injuries

The most concrete evidence of the practice of reflexology in ancient culture was the discovery of the above wall painting depicting the practice of hand and foot reflexology in the tomb of Ankhmahor (highest official after the Pharaoh) at Saqqara, which is also known as the physicians tomb. This Egyptian wall painting is dated at the 6th dynasty, about 2330 B.C. Prior to this discovery it was widely believed that reflexology had ancient origins and frequent conjecture was made about its relationship to and development alongside the ancient Oriental practices of shiatsu and acupuncture. Similarly, North American Indian medicine men are believed to manipulate and stimulate the feet as a part of their healing practice.

As additional information being gathered, it seems that variations of the modern practice of reflexology existed in all of the ancient healing cultures. In our western culture one of the earliest books to be written on reflexology was published in 1582 by two eminent European physicians, Dr. Adamus and Dr. A'tatis. A second reflexology book by a Dr. Bell was published shortly after.

 It was, however, a Dr. William H. Fitzgerald who advanced and developed the initial popular practice of reflexology in our contemporary Western society. Dr. Fitzgerald studied at the University of Vermont and graduated in 1895. For two and a half years he practiced medicine in Boston City Hospital before transferring to the Central London Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, England. He also practiced under the famous Professors Pulitzer at an ear, nose and throat clinic in Vienna.

How Dr. Fitzgerald originated his research in this area remains a mystery. Conjecture has been made that he discovered his ideas in Europe and brought them to North America. Alternatively, it is suggested that, in his desire to develop a method of anesthesia for minor surgery, he noted the instinctive tight gripping of a chair arm by patients in their response to pain, and began to explore that phenomenon.

In 1913 he brought his initial findings to the attention of the medical profession while he was head of the Nose and Throat Department of St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, Connecticut. He had discovered that pressure, when applied to certain points on the body could relieve pain and improve the functions of certain organs of the body. In his research Dr. Fitzgerald developed a new system of ten zones running from the top of the head to the tips of the toes and hands. Dr. Edwin Bowers, medical critic and writer, investigated Dr. Fitzgerald's claims, appeased his skepticism, and jointly authored with Dr. Fitzgerald the book "Zone Therapy" - the name by which reflexology was known until the early 1960's.

Welcome to our blog. With it we will share with you our knowledge on Massage therapy and Spa Treatments.