SEATED ACUPRESSURE MASSAGE
Please contact me if you are a business requiring more information on the benefits of Seated Acupressure Massage for your employees and we can arrange to visit you.
TEL: 01807 590518/07900821920 or
EMAIL: info@wnaturaltherapies.com
WHAT IS SEATED ACUPRESSURE MASSAGE?
Seated Acupressure Massage is a 20 minute routine that is performed on a fully clothed client either on a specially designed chair or an ordinary chair. It often takes place in the workplace, airports and other sites of a similar nature. The massage covers the lower and upper back, shoulders, neck, arms and head and also incorporates stretches and joint mobilisations. Blood circulation and nerve endings are stimulated thereby increasing a sense of well-being. Acupressure points in the body are also stimulated allowing the organs of the body to be re-vitalised. These are applied along the meridian lines that lie in the back, shoulders, arms, neck and head. Regular seated massage of this type will allow the body to achieve and remain in good condition.
SEATED MASSAGE IN THE WORK PLACE
For the employer it can mean less days off sick from work and therefore increased productivity and for the employee are the full benefits of the massage itself and the commitment of the employer is recognised and appreciated. The following list is a generally recognised as the benefits of the massage:
- Muscle and joint stiffness relieved
- Relaxaton
- Improved concentration, focus and energy
- Relief of tension headaches and migraines
- The nervous system is calmed and therefore stress is alleviated.
- Blood circulation is improved thereby bringing a fresh supply of oxygen and nutrients to the body
- The removal of toxins from the body
- Revitialisation of the body
- Boosted energy levels
- Feeling of well being
Today, it is a legal requirement for the employer to assess the risk of stress-related ill-health that arises from work activities under the Health & Safety Act 1974. It is with this is mind that many employers have incorporated Seated Acupressure Massage into their environment and therefore reducing the risk of ill-health to their employees. It is used on a regular basis and has become extremely popular for this purpose. No matter what your occupation maybe the benefits of seated massage can help to ease stress particularly those who work with computers, in offices or generally stressful situations.
The following causes are among the major causes of absence from work and can go on to be chronic illnesses:
- Back pain, often caused by minor damage to the muscles and ligament in the back by sitting or standing in the wrong position. Or straining when lifting or twisting. Seated Massage can help to alleviate the pain but also there are a few general points that can help, for example: becoming fitter, good posture, stretching and toning muscles, practise yoga, lift safely. Office workers should avoid slouching at their desks.
- Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is an activity that maybe repeated constantly and therefore puts considerable strain on your limbs. For example, use of computers and assembly workers. The neck, back and arms are usually the areas affected and can cause pain and stress.
HISTORY
Seated Acupressure Massage has been performed by traditional Chinese therapists for more than 2500 years ago. Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics show people massaging one each other’s hands and feet as far back as 2500 BC. Japanese block prints show people sitting on low stools receiving massage.
Acupressure was part of the routine treatment and was called ANMA which means to push-pull, press-rub in Chinese. Shiatsu derived from ANMA. Shiatsu used the same techniques of the Anma and combined them with western philosophies, physiotherapy and acupuncture procedures. Oriental medicines revolved around the philosophy of self-care routines to prevent disease which was similar to the way we in the West used folk-herbal medicines. The theory behind this is the flow between qi or chi (energy) around the body. Chi is required to flow around the body freely through the 12 meridian lines of the body, to feed and nourish all parts. When these meridian lines are restricted ill-health can occur. The meridian lines are a system of lines that link up around the body.
Anma is important to the therapist as it forms a flow of massage named a KATA, a form of Dance. More recently in the mid 1980’s David Palmer, at the University of San Francisco in California started teaching seated massage. His aim was to make massage available to everyone in a convenient, affordable and accessible way. By using a chair he achieved his goal. From his initial teachings he was approached by Apple Computers to perform massage for their employees. 350 massages were performed on a weekly basis. During this same year a French cabinet maker and Palmer designed the first portable chair and it is this design but made with light weight metal, that we use today.
AFTERCARE
To ensure full benefits of the massage it is advisable to drink plenty of water for the 24 hours following treatment. Please avoid alcohol, nicotine and eat plenty of fresh produce (fruit and vegetables). Gentle exercise can be taken.
The following exercises can be followed during the period between treatments:
· If using computers use the 20/20/20 rule whereby you take a break every 20 minutes, focus on another object 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
· Deep breathing-Breathe in to the count of four, hold for two and breathe out for four. Repeat this several times.
· Gentle walking.
· Stretch frequently.
· Maintain correct posture
· Meditation
· Exercise
· Stretches
The following websites may be useful:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/treatments/healthy_living/nutrition/
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