At Zandella we are all about using alternative medicines and therapies to feel better. One of our favorite and most useful therapies is massage. Massage is defined as the practice of soft tissue manipulation with physical or anatomical functional or physiological, and some cases phsychological purposes. The etymology of the word massage is French, from the word "massage" 'friction of kneading', or from the Arabic "massa", meaning 'to touch, feel or handle'. No matter the origin of the word, masage involves acting on and manipulating the body with pressure, using structured, unstructured, stationary, or moving tension, motion or vibration, whether done manually or with mechanical aids. Usually massage is performed to provide relief to specific areas or groups of areas; for example muscles or muscle group, tendons or ligaments, joints or ther connective tissues. It is also sometimes aimed at providing some sort of relief to the skin. Massage can be, and often is, performed with almost any part of the body by the masseuse; hands, feet, elbows, wrists, fingers, knees, etc. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine and the inspiration for the Hippocratic Oath, wrote in 460 BC that "The physician must be experienced in many things, but assuredly in rubbing." Massage oils are now an integral part of some people's massage therapy regimen. Touch is important for both mental as well as physical health. It brings on feelings of intimacy, relaxation, arousal and well-being. Scientific research has shown that it is a basic human behavioral need when stroked or touched caringly, humans, as well as animals alike, thrive and remain in better health. Proper massage can result in better skin tone and blood flow to the body's extremities. Research has shown that just stroking a pet can reduce a person's blood pressure. Two of the therapeutic benefits of massage, slowing of the pulse and increasing the circulation of both blood and lymph, help in the elimination of toxins from the body. And the proper application and use of massage oils can heighten these feelings of well-being and enhance one's health. Massage oils are made from many different ingredients. The carrier base oil provides lubrication so that the strokes of the masseuse can be performed in a flowing manner. They also provide nutrition for the skin. These oils contain the fatty acids and vitamins essential to maintaining healthy skin. Many people believe that the use of massage oils in massage therapy is something new, something that technology has made possible. This is untrue. Ancient cultures such as the Chinese and the Egyptians practiced massage with oils. There are biblical references as far back as 493 documenting daily massage with olive oil and myrrh as a part of the beauty regimen of wealthy women such as the wives of Xerxes. There are many different types of oils used in massage therapy, and they are used for many different purposes, to accomplish many different things. There are oils used for reaxation and stress relief. There are oils used for the relief of pain and discomfort brought on by menstruation and menopause. At Zandella, we carry a wide variety of massage oils for almost any purpose. Acne relief. Relief of anxiety. Even exotic and erotic massage. Surf on over to www.zandella.com and check out are large selection of massage oil for a variety of purposes.
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