Best massage spots in town?

Does anyone happen to know of a decent website dedicated to massage therapy, maybe something that goes deep into specific techniques and all that stuff?
Thanks

😁 velvetwolf92 😁

velvetwolf92 said:Does anyone know of a good website about massage techniques and stuff?
Thnx

😁 velvetwolf92 😁

Massage... over 1,500 pages in English!

🙂 😉 😎

Thanks, though I honestly could have just figured that out on my own. And I did, actually—I spent way too much time digging through several different browsers. I just assumed it was obvious that I wasn't looking for general advice, but specifically trying to find someone who actually knows which exact site holds the useful stuff. I guess I'm just too lazy to go hunting for 😁
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😁 velvetwolf92 😁

Your question reminds me of those karate instructors you read about in 😁

You have an Open University in your city that offers a top-tier massage course, and the entry-level training costs less than $133.

So, I pretty much just finished up my Aromarin course over in Santa Barbara, and man, I paid a serious amount of money for it.

The whole issue is that I ended up taking a year-long break, and now, I don't know, I feel like I can't remember a single thing from the material.

I really want to wrap this thing up properly, so I guess I'm looking for some kind of online resource or a way to refresh my memory through the web.

😁 velvetwolf92 😁

velvetwolf92 said:Does anyone know a good website for massage techniques and stuff?
Thanks

😁 velvetwolf92 😁

Depends on what kind of massage you're looking for. If you're going for medical, first thing is to
get those muscles supporting the spine active—the ones on either side of the vertebrae. 😁 Use your thumbs to make strokes moving from the base of the skull down toward the tailbone. Actually, wait—remember that movements should always go from the lower body up toward the head to help blood flow upward.
Second, you can use a closed fist instead of just thumbs, but stay gentle. Never press directly on the spine or any bone; stick to the muscle.
Third, work on the lower spine area, specifically that triangular section right above the base of the glutes 😁 and give it a little massage.
After that, move to the muscles between the ribs. Spread your palm, slide your fingers between the ribs, and pull from the ribs toward the spine. Watch out, though; most people find that pretty ticklish.
Next, hit the area around the shoulder blade. A lot of people get myofascial trigger points there—little lumps you can feel under your fingers. They aren't dangerous, but they hurt when touched. A firmer massage helps break them up.
Once the shoulder blade is done, move to the neck and shoulders. You can get creative here with circular motions using your whole palms. Just be careful; the neck is sensitive and gets sore easily if someone has bad posture.
A few ground rules: always massage the right side before the left. Never massage anyone who is pregnant, has varicose veins, skin conditions, or open wounds.
For lubrication, you can use various oils or even a heavier massage cream.
There you go.👋

Thanks, but does anyone happen to know where I can actually find some cold-pressed sunflower oil? I’ve been poking around a few local grocery stores, but it seems like it’s nowhere to be found. I guess I don't want to go dropping cash on those super expensive boutique oils while I'm still just finding my footing, but then again, I really don't want to be doing a massage with total garbage either.
Anyway, I'm working—well, about to start working—as an aromatherapy massage therapist, so I'll be using essential oils, but I'm planning to focus more on reflexology and intuitive massage.
Thanks again, as I said.

😁 velvetwolf92 😁

at herbal apothecaries

velvetwolf92 said:Thanks! Does anyone know where I can find cold-pressed sunflower oil? I've checked a few local grocery stores, but no luck. I don't want to drop a fortune on fancy oils while I'm still learning the ropes, but I also don't want to be massaging people with total junk.
I'm planning on doing aromatherapy massage—so essential oils will be part of it—but I'll mostly be focusing on reflexology and intuitive massage.
Thanks again

😁 velvetwolf92 😁

I'm not sure about the sunflower oil. Honestly, I just massage with whatever is on hand, basically whatever works best for the client.
For me, those oils from Whole Foods are the best; they're high quality, you don't need much, and the skin absorbs them quickly.
If someone has sensitive skin, I usually stick to Nivea or Johnson's baby oil.
Over at that boutique shop in the mall, the lady there can actually whip up a custom massage oil in a small bottle just for you. She takes a base oil and mixes in a few essential oils based on what you pick out.
To be honest, I've never even heard of that sunflower oil before.😕

Can I book an appointment through you? Do you have a price list available? Also, do you offer massages for guys? (I'm actually asking for my girlfriend—her back is killing her from work—but honestly, I could probably use one too)

I know a lot of people at Aromarin use sunflower oil during massage classes, but I also know plenty of clients who can't stand the smell of it (to be honest, I’m not a huge fan either). Personally, I prefer using almond oil as my base. As for other options, grape seed oil is great, and hazelnut oil is lovely too, though it gets a bit pricey... Olive oil works fine, but it has that distinct scent that some people just don't care for.
I'm also big on using different lotions and milks—basically whatever is handy. The only thing I stay away from is powder or talcum.

Regarding those massage websites, just browse through them a bit. At the end of the day, it's mostly about getting hands-on practice and finding your own unique style...

Right now, I'm totally immersed in Thai massage, but it isn't really what most people think of when they hear "massage." It's more of a manual technique that feels a lot like chiropractic work than a standard massage.

Jeffrey Edwards5 said:First off—you want to gently stimulate those muscles supporting your spine, the ones running along either side of the vertebrae 😁 and then you massage them by using your thumbs to pull upward from the base of the skull... just remember, your strokes should always move from the bottom of the body up toward the head. That’s how you drive the circulation upward toward the brain.

Not necessarily, though. You can actually go in the opposite direction too.

Jeffrey Edwards5 said:Myogelosis—those little lumps of milk cells you feel under your fingers—aren't dangerous, but they can be pretty tender to the touch. You can work those knots out with a slightly firmer massage.

Actually, myogelosis refers to muscle knots where the tissue has basically turned from a solid to a gel state, not clusters of milk cells. They usually happen from prolonged tension, most often in the dominant arm or for people with desk jobs here in the States. You might find them between the spine and the shoulder blade, or even on the outer edge of the scapula. They can also show up in the lower back area near the spine...

Jeffrey Edwards5 said:Just a few more tips—always start massaging the right side of the back before moving to the left.

That is completely incorrect. I have no idea who told you that, but it really doesn't matter whether you hit the right or left side first. Personally, I massage them simultaneously—working one side a bit, then the other, or even using both hands at once for certain movements...

Jeffrey Edwards5 said:Never massage someone who is pregnant, someone with varicose veins, or anyone dealing with skin diseases or open wounds.

Pregnancy isn't an absolute "no" when it comes to massage. As long as everything is going smoothly with the pregnancy, they can absolutely get a massage, though you definitely have to adjust their positioning. In fact, most pregnant women struggle with lower back pain, so a good massage can be a lifesaver...
Beyond what you mentioned, the list of contraindications is actually quite long—you could find it in any standard American massage textbook. One massive red flag is malignant diseases; in those cases, massage is strictly forbidden.
As for people with varicose veins, they can still receive massages, you just skip over the affected areas or stick to very light, soothing strokes...

Casey Palmer5 said:Malignant diseases are a massive contraindication—you absolutely cannot do a massage if someone has cancer.

Are you actually serious right now? 😲
Like, why though? Can you maybe walk me through the reasoning behind that? Thnx 🙂

It’s mostly because of the risk of spreading metastases.

Also, if any lymph nodes were removed, you should stick strictly to lymphatic drainage. You definitely want to avoid an aggressive massage, since that can actually trigger edema...

Wow, is that something you can actually order? Honestly, I knew a few pregnant women—well, they aren't anymore—who used to go for a massage during their pregnancy just because they were dealing with back pain for the very first time...

Yes 🙂

I'm heading out to Thailand in a few days to level up my skills, but I've been back in Washington, D.C. since March.

lahor said:Sure can 🙂

I’m heading to Thailand in a few days for some training—been back in Washington, D.C. since March...

I’m impressed. No, seriously. Given how things are looking, you’ve picked up two more clients—and if luck is on your side, one of them might actually be worth the trouble...