An occult touch massage is a unique form of bodywork that combines elements of massage therapy with spiritual healing practices. This type of massage goes beyond the physical aspect and aims to provide a holistic approach to well-being by addressing the mind, body, and spirit. At its core, an occult touch massage incorporates different spiritual and occult techniques such as energy healing, chakra balancing, crystal therapy, and aromatherapy. These techniques are believed to help restore the natural balance of the body's energy and promote overall relaxation and healing. During the session, the massage therapist will use a combination of massage techniques and spiritual practices to help the client release any blocked energy, alleviate pain, reduce stress, and promote a sense of deep relaxation. The therapist may also use specific tools or modalities like essential oils, crystals, or sound therapy to enhance the healing experience.
The receiver should tell the giver what he or she likes; the giver should watch the receiver's responses and adjust the pressure, speed and direction accordingly.
The receiver should tell the giver what he or she likes; the giver should watch the receiver s responses and adjust the pressure, speed and direction accordingly. Every one of us experiences stress in our life, and whether it is physical or emotional, it is always stored in the body, resulting in the common symptoms of.
The therapist may also use specific tools or modalities like essential oils, crystals, or sound therapy to enhance the healing experience. The main idea behind an occult touch massage is the belief in the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. By addressing not only the physical symptoms but also the spiritual and energetic aspects of a person, this type of massage aims to promote a sense of overall wellness.
THE MAGIC TOUCH Massage catches on as a stress reliever
Rochester massage therapist Christine Holme says every massage should start with a warm, comfortable atmosphere. With today's emphasis on holistic health, massage has risen from the ill repute of back-alley parlors to an accepted form of physical therapy, sports rehabilitation and stress relief.
``It's so exciting to see massage up and coming,'' said Rochester massage therapist Christine Holme. ``Ten years ago you couldn't even give one away. They associated massage with massage parlors.'' Now, more people feel comfortable visiting massage therapists just to relax and feel better.
But you don't have to shell out a lot of money at a spa to get the benefits of a good massage. You can do it for virtually nothing at home.
When done correctly, massage can relax muscles, increase circulation, reduce swelling, relieve pain and reduce scars and adhesions. It can also decrease stress and fulfill needs for human touch.
Holme, who teaches massage through Rochester Community Education, said every massage should start with a warm, comfortable atmosphere.
``You want to have it when it's quiet,'' she said. ``You want to take the telephone off the hook. You want some nice, relaxing music because it relaxes the person giving it and the person receiving it.''
Susan Raye of Susan Raye's Therapeutic Touch and School of Massage in Rochester said massage tables cost $200 to $400, so it's much more economical to give the massage on a firm mattress or on the floor.
Holme said a picnic table covered with blankets or some foam would also work for a back massage, while the floor is best for a foot massage.
To give a head and neck massage, have the receiver sit on a chair in front of a table with pillows in his or her lap to cushion the upper body.
Using a lubricant, such as massage lotion or oil, can help minimize friction and skin irritation. Such lotions are available in a variety of scents and forms in health food and bath and body stores.
But Holme mixes her own by combining plain cooking oil with essential plant oils that she finds at health food stores. English lavender, she said, is particularly uplifting.
You can warm the oil or lotion in a pot of water on the stove, in the microwave or simply in your hands. But be careful not to get them too hot; they heat up very quickly. You should also keep them away from the eyes.
Holme also advises massage givers to remove any jewelry, such as rings, that could scratch the receiver.
To give a massage, simply knead and stroke the skin on the back, head, neck, hands or feet using as much or as little pressure as the receiver feels comfortable with.
The receiver should tell the giver what he or she likes; the giver should watch the receiver's responses and adjust the pressure, speed and direction accordingly.
``As long as the two people communicate well, there is little harm that can be done, and there's more good,'' Raye said. ``It's being sensitive and intuitive enough to get the right pressure and speed.''
However, people with skin infections, cancer, heart disease, broken bones or other questionable conditions shouldn't receive massages without first consulting their physician.
Holme said couples should have an even exchange of massage, meaning each partner gives massage as much as they get it. And that massage should be rotated night to night so the receiver can really relax.
``Otherwise, you can't really get relaxed because you're thinking `now I've got to get up and do this,' '' she said. ``A big, big factor that is part of the massage is trust. If I didn't trust someone, I wouldn't let them give me a massage.''
She also advises against giving a massage if you really don't want to or if you're feeling out of sorts.
``If you're mad at your husband one night, don't do it,'' she said. ``Because what you're feeling really does come through your hands. You've got to really zero in on the person you're giving it to, because it's a gift.''
The person who is receiving the massage needs to relax and enjoy it, Holme said. The giver can give the massage as long as he or she wants to, but keep in mind that it can be tiring.
``Even if somebody would rub your feet or your neck or shoulders for 10 or 15 minutes,'' she said. ``To massage the head, it's just incredible.''@et
BOX; Among the scented massage lotions to try: The Spa in the Galleria has 4-ounce bottles of massage oil that sell for $6.95 and come in four spicy scents: cypress and thyme, lemon and cedarwood, ylang ylang and nutmeg, and lavender and tangerine.
Bath &; Body Works in Apache Mall sells 8-ounce bottles of massage lotion in vanilla bean, peppermint, flowering herbs or juniper with aloe for $8. It also sells 8-ounce bottles of massage oil in vanilla bean or flowering herbs for $8.
Smaller, 3.93-ounce bottles of stress-relief massage oil and muscle-soother massage oil sell for $18.50.
Some illustrated soft-cover how-to books to guide you: The Complete Book of Massage by Clare Maxwell-Hudson takes you step by step through whole-body massage, self-massage and mini-massage. Published by Random House books, it sells for $14.
The Book of Shiatsu by Paul Lundberg shows you how to use the hand pressure and gentle manipulation of the Asian massage art shiatsu. Published by Fireside books, it costs $14.95.
Source: The Spa, Bath &; Body Works, B. Dalton Booksellerp
Bath &; Body Works in Apache Mall sells 8-ounce bottles of massage lotion in vanilla bean, peppermint, flowering herbs or juniper with aloe for $8. It also sells 8-ounce bottles of massage oil in vanilla bean or flowering herbs for $8.
It is important to note that an occult touch massage is not associated with dark or negative practices often associated with the word "occult." Instead, the focus is on using spiritual and energetic tools to facilitate healing and enhance well-being. Overall, an occult touch massage offers a unique and holistic approach to healing by combining massage therapy techniques with spiritual and energetic practices. Whether someone is looking to relieve physical pain, reduce stress, or achieve a deeper sense of relaxation and balance, this type of massage may provide the opportunity for a transformative experience..
Reviews for "Healing the Soul: An Exploratory Study on Occult Touch Massage"
1. Amy - 1 star - I was really hoping for a relaxing massage experience, but the "occult touch" just felt weird and uncomfortable. The therapist started chanting strange incantations and using odd oils, making me feel uneasy throughout the entire session. I left feeling more stressed than when I arrived. Definitely not recommended for those looking for a traditional massage.
2. John - 2 stars - The concept of an occult touch massage intrigued me, but unfortunately, the execution fell short. The therapist seemed more focused on the occult aspect rather than providing a soothing and therapeutic experience. The room was dimly lit with eerie decor, and there were bizarre symbols all over. The massage techniques felt rough and amateurish, leaving me with sore muscles instead of relaxation. I wouldn't recommend this service to anyone seeking a genuinely rejuvenating massage experience.
3. Michelle - 1 star - I couldn't wait to try something different and exciting like the occult touch massage, but it turned out to be a major disappointment. The therapist's idea of incorporating occult practices into the massage was more like a gimmick than a genuine approach to holistic healing. The session was disorganized and lacked professionalism. Instead of feeling relaxed, I felt creeped out by the chanting and the strange energy in the room. Definitely not worth the hype or the price.
4. Michael - 2 stars - As someone interested in alternative healing practices, I thought the occult touch massage would offer a unique and transformative experience. Unfortunately, I was left underwhelmed. The therapist seemed inexperienced and unsure of their techniques. The incorporation of occult elements felt forced and superficial, rather than enhancing the massage itself. Overall, it lacked the soothing and therapeutic qualities one would expect from a massage session. I would not recommend this service to others.
5. Sarah - 1 star - The occult touch massage sounded intriguing, but it ended up being a complete waste of time and money. The therapist seemed more interested in playing the part of a mystical healer than actually providing a quality massage. The session was filled with strange rituals and incantations that didn't contribute anything to my relaxation or well-being. I left feeling frustrated and disappointed in the lackluster experience. I would advise others to look elsewhere for a true massage therapy.