| are many massage styles in the market today. With | | | | table sheets, another essential thing you will need |
| the development of these styles, there are | | | | would be massage oils. Essential aromatherapy oils |
| equipments that will suit each style. A professional | | | | should also be handled carefully because they are |
| masseuse should know what type of supplies they | | | | usually in a concentrated formula and are mixed with |
| should have whenever they have a client. | | | | carrier oils. You need to dilute it before applying it |
| After a hard days’ work it is good to go | | | | onto the skin of the client. |
| treat yourself to a relaxing massage. Whether to | | | | Here are the most common massage types: |
| have it done in a Spa or in the comfort of your | | | | • Swedish Massage |
| home, it is always nice to pamper yourself once in a | | | | • Aromatherapy Massage |
| while in order to keep your system balanced. | | | | • Sports Massage |
| Hence, massage can be applied manually with the | | | | • Thai Massage |
| hands, fingers, forearm, elbow, and feet. Aside from | | | | • Shiatsu |
| this, it can be done mechanically, with the use of | | | | • Reflexology Massage |
| machines. In adjunct to massage, some modalities are | | | | • Stone Massage |
| also used in order to increase the effectiveness of | | | | • Deep Tissue Massage |
| the massage such as hot packs, hot stones, or | | | | Here is a list of basic supplies you will need for a |
| ultrasound. | | | | massage: |
| Massage helps ease away the tension from your | | | | Massage bed – should be of good quality for it |
| mind and relax tired aching muscles. Massage also has | | | | to last long. Portable massage beds are available for |
| a lot of benefits and this can be applied in various | | | | those who will do home service |
| ways that will cater to your needs. Research has also | | | | Massage chairs - usually used for back and neck |
| shown that massage has helped relieve pain, reduce | | | | massage |
| depression and anxiety, and improve blood circulation. | | | | Towels - different sizes are needed and several |
| It also has temporary effects such as the reduction | | | | pieces. Towels are changed after each client for |
| of blood pressure and heart rate and helps stimulate | | | | hygienic purposes |
| the immune system. | | | | Carrying case - used to place all necessary supplies |
| There are many types of massage. They usually | | | | such as towels and oils for home service |
| vary in technique, and concerned with how the | | | | Scented candles and diffusers - are used to set the |
| strokes are applied on the body. Hence, it is | | | | mood |
| recommended that when you have plans of having a | | | | Set of music CDs and player – to have a |
| massage done, always have it done by a | | | | relaxing and soothing sound |
| professional. It may look simple but the principles | | | | Hot stones for hot stone massage |
| behind each stroke are important in order to achieve | | | | Hot/cold massage tool |
| the desired effect. When it is done by an | | | | Linens for the massage table |
| inexperienced person, this may only lead to injury and | | | | Body oil - carrier oils and essential oils are needed if |
| harm. Instead of relaxing your tired and tensed | | | | you will do aromatherapy |
| muscles, you may end up with an injured and strained | | | | Carrier oils are also used in order to diffuse essential |
| muscle due to an improper technique that was | | | | oils. This is important, so that the skin will not be |
| applied or too much pressure that was given at the | | | | irritated. Some carrier oils have a light scent and it will |
| area too early. It is also important that your body | | | | not fight with the scent of the essential oil. For those |
| rests in the right position. | | | | who are sensitive to strong aroma but can tolerate |
| Professional massage therapists know which tools | | | | light scents, the use of these carrier oils is |
| and equipments they will use for a particular type of | | | | recommended. |
| massage. A massage can be done on a massage | | | | Thus, when mixing essential oils with the carrier oil, |
| table, massage chair or on the floor using a mat. | | | | add about 12-15 drops of your essential oil to an |
| Towels are used to drape the person during massage | | | | ounce of carrier oil and shake to mix well. A diffuser |
| so that only minimal areas are exposed. For hygienic | | | | can also be used to bring out the scent if you do not |
| purposes, towels are used to cover the table if | | | | like it on your skin but would like to smell it while |
| washable table sheets are not available. | | | | having your massage. |
| Aside from the massage beds, chair, towels, and | | | | |