Massage Tools

A massage is the art of literally extracting the aches and pains that accompany a tiring and stressful work schedule or a condition post injury or illness. The art involves extensive exertion of pre determined and required pressure of the palms and fingers and sometimes, feet.
While the services of a trained and professional masseur can still be availed of at home, there are now special massage parlor that run commercially. The art is now enjoying the status of a full fledged business, where walk-in customers can receive a massage at a price. In an authentic therapeutic massage, the customer’s intimate body parts are not touched at all. In a massage parlor, the customer’s body remains covered with a specially designed velcro-held drape made of the towel material or cotton. A client's modesty is respected at all times by any licensed massage parlor and therapist.

There are a number of specially designed and crafted tools and support gadgets that are now marketed to add sophistication and more comfort to the endeavor. The commercial massage table is an exclusive design which can be cleaned very easily before every use and is heavily padded to offer the feel of ultimate luxury. The surface material ranges from fabric to rexine and comes in a varitey to colors and textures. The quality, durability and design largely depend on the budget. The massage tables have a horse-shoe-shaped support structure for the head. This enables the client to breathe easily while enjoying a back massage and lying face down. The massage tables can be both, stationary and portable. The portable variety have small, sturdy wheels attached to the legs of the massage tables.

The orthopedic pillows and bolsters are designed and marketed by professionals. They are great in achieving the desired and correct body position for a massage. The mechanical massage chairs are ergonomically designed. They are designed to position the customer who will be receiving a massage, in the position apt for the head, neck, hand or foot massage. The function of a massage chair is similar to that of a massage table and the chairs too can either be stationary or portable models. In fact, massage chairs are easier to maneuver than the tables and since the clients do not disrobe for a chair massage. The practitioner can maneuver than massage chairs around the parlor, in case there is a space constraint. A chair massage is very often offered at outdoor festivals and shopping malls.

Another and probably the most important massage tool is the massage oil. You can work even in a regular setting, with regular, stationary furniture, but definitely not without the oil! The massage oil functions not only as a lubricant in the exercise, which is of course very important, but also as a healing tool. There are a number of different types of oils that are considered by the masseur or therapist according to the body part and complaint being dealt with. The oils can be used directly or fractionated. The tried and tested and widely used massage oils include extractions of coconut, grape seed, sesame, mustard, olive, pecan, macadamia, almond, pine and neroli.

Oils are also extracted from flowers, like arnica oil that is extracted from the flowers and leaves of the Arnica Montana. In aromatherapy, the massage oils are mixed with other oils, known as carrier oils. Olive oil works well as a base oil, when used medicinally. Along with the furniture and the oils, the correct type of lighting also plays a very cruical role in a massage. It is important for the masseur to view the massage area well and detect any kind of rash or reaction developing due to the use of an oil or pressure applied. Massage parlors can be fitted with special focus lights that are commercially marketed. Today, there are electronic massage equipment commercially available, which operate without the requriement of additional manual assistance.

In countries like South Korea, Canada, New Zealand and the Philippines, the term ‘massage’ is synonymous with paid sexual favours. In these places, the massage tools and equipment used, change according to the services rendered. However, irrespective of the kind of massage and the body part massaged, the overall approach in the designing of massage tools is to ensure total relaxation and a rejuvenated spirit!

By Gaynor Borade
Published: 2/20/2008

Source: www.buzzle.com