Ma-uri Massage

What is MA-URI?

MA-URI is a spiritual empowerment and healing system that works for each and every person no matter what their cultural background is.

MA-URI and its healing systems have been designed as a modern adaptation of ancient Polynesian principles and developed to facilitate empowerment and healing of both physical and emotional realities as well as dealing with spiritual dis-ease or dysfunction.

It is a modern development of ancient Polynesian traditions, Hawaiian as well as Maori. Its primary function and purpose is to be a tool to clients for their self-improvement and self-healing.

In its present form, MA-URI® possesses values and principles that honour its Polynesian origin and spiritual Source at the same time as it is adapting these to the focus, understanding and needs of modern society. This keeps it connected with the ancient traditions as well as with modern realities.

What does MA-URI mean?

The name of MA-URI was created by Hemi Fox in 1990 and the vision and commitment supplied by both Hemi Fox and Katja Fox of the MA-URI Institute was directed towards the creation of a Polynesian based empowerment & healing system and a philosophy that could be adapted and developed for a modern reality beyond specific cultural boundaries.

MA-URI is pronounced /ma-'uri/, i.e. with the stress on the second syllable and the two mid-vowels clearly separated. ‘MA-URI’ is the word that was created to give name, life and ‘voice’ to the special development of a healing system and philosophy that has its roots in ancient Polynesian traditions. Translated into English the name MA-URI means ‘descendant or child of those who are free of inner limitations’ and ‘descendant/child of the white light’ – to give you two translations here that hold the most important basic meanings.

The name MA-URI® was copyrighted by the Institute in 1996.

What is MA-URI Huna?

HUNA means ‘knowledge that is not immediately accessible, but kept hidden’. Another translation is ‘secret knowledge’.

MA-URI HUNA acquires its energy from spiritual sources at the same time as it draws all its power from within – and as practitioners we use this combination to create transformation within our physical, emotional and mental realms – and to create harmony and a strong connectedness between body, mind, soul and spirit. One part of MA-URI HUNA is concerned with the development of physical tools such as the massage, for instance, and a wide range of healing techniques that recognise and draw on the body’s inbuilt wisdom. This wisdom is released and becomes available in the intense moments during a massage session where collaboration occurs between body, mind, emotions and spiritual energies via movement and touch. HUNA has nothing to do with religion, but a lot to do with LIFE and the ART of living.

"All Power comes from Within, all Energy comes from Above".

Source: The MA-URI Institute’s resource material on MA-URI. For further

details see the Institute’s website www.ma-uri.org.

Stone massage

Stone massage uses stones, sometimes heated, to massage the body. The hardness of the stones allows the therapist to address specific problem areas with more detailed work or deeper pressure. Basalt stones of various sizes, shapes and weights are used throughout and heated in water.

The stones are used in two ways during the massage:

• one is to impart heat onto the body by laying stones under the client with a layer of fabric between the client and stone (a sheet or towel)

• and/or on top of the client, again upon a towel.

Stone layout typically will be along both sides of the spine, or along the chakra centers on top and baseball sized stones would be placed in the hands. While these layout stones are delivering concentrated centers of heat, the therapist is simultaneously massaging the client with oiled, heated stones held in the palm of the hand with firm strokes along the muscles of the legs, arms, and torso areas.

The stones are used as tools to deliver effective tissue and muscle massage at a pressure level comfortable to the client.

The client can request light, medium or deep pressure, which is the beauty of the hot stone massage technique. It can be customized in an instant to the request of the client. The hardness of the stones makes for a deep tissue massage and is easy on the joints of the therapists hands.

The heat from the stones relaxes muscles, increase the blood flow to the area being worked on which further accelerates the healing process. This increase in circulation and the relaxation of the muscles also aids in mental relaxation. Mental relaxation is key when a Therapist is attempting to work into deeper muscles of the body.

Stones need to be kept heated in clean, sanitized water between 120 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit (about 50°C). Typically, gloves, tools, or mesh bags are used in removing stones from the hot water for sanitary reasons since hot water promotes the growth of bacteria. Alternatively, water temperatures kept too low may allow the proliferation of bacteria, algae, and mold, especially if the water has not been changed. Ideally the water should be changed for every round of sessions the therapist performs, the stone should be thoroughly cleaned and dried between patients. Your therapist or practitioner should have attended an intensive course over a period of a few days, with a resultant qualification. While the length of time the practitioner has spent being trained can be important, in general a recognised qualification from a reputable practical training source is preferred.

LaStone Therapy is a form of massage that uses both hot & cold stones to massage the body. Cold stones feel refreshing on your warmed skin, and have a highly beneficial effect.

“LaStone” is a trademarked style of massage and can only be performed by a certified LaStone therapist. It was created in 1993 by Mary Nelson, a massage therapist and native of Tucson, who began to get visions and verbal guidance from her Native American Spirit guide, San Jaunette.

The idea quickly caught on and was adapted to become hot stone massage, a treatment that is now found in almost every spa. LaStone involves a more spiritual or metaphysical component than simple hot stone massage. The stones themselves are called the Stone Clan People and are considered to have healing properties.

LaStone therapy:

1. begins with gentle stretches and Swedish massage to warm up the body's muscle tissue. You sit up and the therapist places two rows of warm stones on the treatment table in alignment with both sides of your spine. The therapist covers them with a soft towel to protect you from the heat, then assists as you lay back down on them.

2. then he or she places stones of varying weights on the body's key energy channels, including the seven main chakras. Pebble-sized warm stones are placed between your toes and medium-sized flat stones are placed in your palms. The therapist also uses both hot and cool stones as an extension of his or her hand while doing Swedish massage.

3. Alternating between heat and cold both stimulates and relaxes the circulatory system, which is very detoxifying for the body. In cooperation with heated stones, chilled marble stones create a dramatic movement of fluids within the body.

It's not that easy for the therapist to maintain their sensitivity of touch with a big rock in their hand! And the body can start to overheat.

Hot stone massage is a specialty massage that uses smooth, heated stones. They are often basalt, a black volcanic rock that absorbs and retains heat well. It is a deeply soothing, relaxing form of massage. The heat helps tight muscles release.

Chinese massage

Chinese massage can be described as acupuncture without needles, and uses the same diagnostic tools, such as taking the pulse and looking at the tongue.

Anyone can benefit from Chinese massage as it can be used in the treatment of many illnesses. The therapy ranges from paediatric massage, to sports massage and massage for the prevention of injuries and diseases.

Not only does it treat muscular aches, pains and tension, like sports injuries, traumas and repetitive strain injuries, Chinese massage can also treat internal disharmonies. These may range from colds and flu to insomnia, menstrual problems, digestive disorders, stress and mood disorders.

Chinese massage focuses on ensuring that the qi and blood flow correctly. If qi is stagnant, then pain is dull and an ache can move around the body, but if the blood is stagnant, the pain is sharp and fixed in one position. This therapy incorporates styles such anmo, tui na, and dian xue.

Anmo (translation: push, pull) developed by Tina Sohn, is like a relaxation massage, in that it works just on the muscles that are causing stiffness and tension.The technique uses deep tissue, friction and touch along the meridians to stimulate healing. Tina Sohn has discovered some powerful energetic points. The therapy also uses detoxification, herbs, vitamins and therapeutic exercises.

Tui na is an ancient Chinese system of manual therapeutics with a wide range of techniques and indications. While traditional Chinese medical precepts form its theoretical basis, clinical experience governs its application. Tui na techniques range from those that are light and soothing to those that are strong and invigorating. Refined over the centuries, tui na facilitates healing by regulating the circulation of blood and qi (vital energy), which controls body function and enhances resistance to disease. The term tui na (pronounced t-weigh na) combines the names of two of the hand techniques, tui meaning to push and na meaning to lift and squeeze, which are used to represent the system. Practitioners of tui na claim there are more than 365 hand techniques, although they can be generally placed in the category of pressing, rubbing, waving, shaking, percussion, or manipulating. The term “tui na” first appeared in the Ming Dynasty text Pediatric Tui Na Classic in 1601.

Dian xue is like acupuncture without needles, in that pressure points that would normally be stimulated by needles are instead stimulated by massage.

There are 24 different main techniques used in Chinese massage and each technique has a specific action on the flow of qi and blood. Tonifying, sedating, invigorating and dispersing the flow of qi and blood can be done by implementing different techniques.

Chinese massage also works well with other therapies, such as acupuncture and herbal medicine. Lifestyle and diet are also taken into account during a treatment session. Exercises such as tai chi, qigong and yoga, to name just a few, can also really help to benefit and maximise a massage treatment.

It is a very safe therapy, with the practitioner consulting with the patient before any treatment is begun. This is so that they can gain an accurate diagnosis and select the appropriate technique to achieve the desired therapeutic benefit.

So if you’re after a massage therapy that can help to treat a health condition while still providing you with relaxation, then Chinese massage is just right for you. Whether you opt for just the massage treatments or choose to add in some complementary therapies, you’ll soon be feeling fuller of vigour than ever before!

Zhi Ya is a form of Chinese massage based on acupressure. It is similar to Tui Na massage except it focuses more on pinching and pressing at acupressure points.

SOUND THERAPY

SOUND THERAPY
Using the media of sound (music, tones, vibrations, etc.) as tools for healing, sound therapy enables the realignment of natural body rhythms. Therapy may include, but is not limited to, the use of Tibetan singing bowls, chimes, acutonic tuning forks, rattles, and drums.

Head massage

Head massage techniques are a combination of different strokes, pressure points and the right positioning.

All these aspects play a very important role in order to give the right head massage. Head massage has been a very popular concept all over the world for hundreds of years and is still regarded to be one of the best massage techniques.

There are numerous benefits of receiving a head massage.

1. A head massage is considered to be a very effective stress reliever.

2. The head massage helps the person relax the muscles of the head, shoulders, neck and even back.

3. A head massage is also known to relieve both chronic and acute headache.

4. A head massage is considered to rejuvenate the brain cells.

5. A head massage is very instrumental for achieving a sound sleep.

A basic head massage technique is to apply the right amount of pressure on the head by the use of fingers and thumbs. You can also use your fists and knuckles in order to apply extra pressure.

Some of the effective head massage techniques are:

1. Spread your fingers on the head stroke it gently upwards and downwards. Apply pressure on the head with the use of your fingertips. Change the direction of your fingers every few minutes so that the entire head gets the treatment.

2. After stroking the fingers upwards and downwards, switch it to clockwise and anticlockwise. Keep switching this position every five minutes.

3. Apply pressure on the sides and the back of the head with the knuckles. You will experience relaxation in no time.

4. Pull the top of the ears with your fingers and you will hear a cracking sound. This will help in expanding the ear muscles and reduce tension.

5. Apply pressure on the eyebrows with the use of your thumb and index finger. You will experience instant relief from headache.

Do-In Massage

Do-In: A Self Massage

This is an ancient Chinese technique. Practice this routine daily to stimulate the natural flow of energy within the body and promote well being.

1. Rub hands together in front of face and clap 2 times. Breathe deeply and slowly to massage your own system.

2. Gently shake joints loosely at fingers - wrists - elbows - shoulders.

3. Hold right elbow with left hand - make a loose right fist - keeping wrist loose, gently pound upper left back - shoulder - side of neck. This should feel good and very relaxing.

4. Continue gently pounding down the inside of the left arm and up the outside. Do this 3 times.

5. Pressure Points (on these points - use a gently circular motion) on the arm: 3 mile - front of forearm, below elbow. Lung point - thumb base. HO-KU - between thumb and index finger (large intestines). Palace of Wearines - middle of palm (heart).

6. Rotate thumb - fingers - gently flex wrist – gently shake hand, arm and shoulder.

7. Repeat #3 through 6 reversing side.

8. Gently tap head at spiral with fingertips – then use knuckles. Using fingertips tap: forehead, nose and chin. Gently rub: cheeks and ears. Pinch: ear perimeters and tug on earlobes. Press: boney part behind ear and around the underneath of chin and

jaw. Massage temples gently with the flat part of your fingertips. Check breathing and relax.

9. With both fists: Gently pound chest and abdomen - go down inside and up outside. Gently pound back - go as high as possible onto the rib cage. Be careful to go lightly or skip over kidneys located between the ribs and buttocks. Firmly pound buttocks - remember to keep the wrists loose.

10. With left fist - gently pound down outside of left leg and go up inside. Do 3 times.

11. Bend knee - with thumbs: press middle left calf (Bladder) - exhaling with each press. Do the length of calf 3 times. Loosen calf muscle by gently pounding. Firmly pound left sole and massage foot. Use a comfortable pressure.

12. Pressure Points on leg and foot: buubbling spring: sole of foot (kidney). 2 points: on each side of heel (sex organs). Happy Calm: between big toe and second toe (liver). Yin Crossing: 1st - Inside of leg, little finger on anklebone – 4 finger widths (kidney, spleen, liver). 2nd - 3 finger widths above 1st point (spleen, sexual organs). 3rd - Widest part of calf - inside leg (stomach, liver).

13. Repeat #10 through 12 reversing side.

14. Sit back - Gently bounce legs breathe – slowly and deeply. This can be done more than once a day.

Infant Massage

Infant Massage This type of massage has been practiced by other cultures for centuries. Much research has been done to show that touch is very beneficial when done at an early age. It stimulates growth and is nurturing to the soul. Techniques can be done to stimulate digestion and calm an upset baby.

What are the benefits of infant massage?

• Relaxes Infant Loving touch lessens tension, fussiness and irritability. Digestion is aided and this can provide relief of gas and colic. Massage is also a wonderful way to lessen stress parent and baby.

• Improves Baby's Sleep As your infant learns to relax and release stress, sounder and longer sleep is often the end result.

• Enhances Bonding Touch conveys nurturing and love, the essential ingredients for emotional and physical growth and well being.

• Aids Growth and Development Studies have shown increased weight gain, and immune function. Myelination of nerves is also increased. These things in turn are needed for brain and muscle development.

• Promotes Communication Parents become more aware of baby's nonverbal cues. One-on-one communication instills a massage of love and security.