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How to Give Yourself a Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Back when I was but cub reporter Bella, one of the editors at the magazine where I worked had a singular obsession: lymphatic drainage. The woman talked about it as if it was the holy grail of spa services, and she'd return from her appointments glowing and, she swore, five pounds thinner. Lymphatic drainage is a massage technique designed to help the body rid itself of extra fluids, so for the water-retentive among us, it can mean a visible slim-down.
Definition: Rolfing
It's not what you think, I promise. Although its name sounds unfortunately like what can happen during a bout of nausea, rolfing is actually a form of deep-tissue work (practitioners don't call it massage) named after its creator, Dr. Ida P.
Definition: Myofascial Release
This term from the realm of physical therapy refers to a form of deep-tissue massage intended to stretch and release bonds between connective tissues, thus giving healthier muscle alignment and greater range of motion. Lately, however, it's become popular in antiaging facial massages, since some people believe that stretching the fascia (the soft tissue that protects your muscles and organs) can help eliminate wrinkles and sagging in your face's underlying musculature, or at least relieve tension to minimize fine lines.
These Massage Goodies Let You Get Stoned
If a massage is good, a stone massage is great — which is why hot-stone massages are a perennial favorite at spas. While we don't condone picking up gravel from your driveway (pyrite, microwave, disaster), we can get into the kneading spirit with JimmyJane's new Contour Q massage stones ($25/pair, at right). The ridged, rippled devices are made of ceramic, so they can be heated or cooled safely.
Give Yourself a Hand . . . Massage, That Is
I'd get a nice, long massage at a spa every day if I could, but fortunately for the massage therapists of the world (and my wallet), I have work, family, friends, Mr. Bella, and pets to keep me from going completely shiatsu, Swedish, and Thai stone crazy. That doesn't mean that I've given up on pampering myself, though. Instead, I've picked up some simple techniques from the pros that relax and recharge my muscles.
These Blind Massage Therapists Have the Right Touch
A massage clinic in a Dallas suburb has hired four massage therapists with one unusual thing in common: they're blind. Diana Alvarez, Bill Thayer, Zane King, and Paul Hughes work at the Massage Envy clinic, using their sense of touch to guide them. "Massage therapists who are blind really rely on touch alone," King explains.
Your Frequently Asked Massage Questions... Answered!
There's no question that getting a massage is one of the most relaxing ways to spend an hour. But if you've never had a massage before, you probably have some questions about what to expect. Fortunately, Rianon Cepriano, Spa Therapy Supervisor of The Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay can help clear things up.
Have You Ever Had a Massage Go Too Far?
Last month, I told you about a new law in California that hopes to eliminate seedy massages by setting higher standards for massage therapists. I think we all know the "massage parlor" establishments from the truly legit ones. However, recently a friend told me of an occasion in which a massage therapist took it too far, brushing over areas of her body in inappropriate ways.
How-To: Give Your Loved One a Hand Massage For Valentine's Day
Whether you're hanging out with your gals or your significant other, one thing's for sure. Valentine's Day is all about sharing the love. And I've got a great (and cheap) idea to pamper your loved one that's calorie and hangover-free — a hand massage.
Beauty Byte: New Law Will Help Eliminate Seedy Massages
When you think of a massage, you probably think of treatment in a relaxing spa or deep tissue work by a medically trained expert, who helps release the kinks out of your neck. But come on, you probably also think of the naughty side of massage, happy endings and other shady territories that this business can bring.
According to the LA Times, there's been a recent push nationwide to help distinguish therapeutic massage from the not-as-legit kind by creating laws that protect both consumers and legitimate massage therapists.
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