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The Healing Benefits Of Massage Therapy
By:
Published: July 25, 2006
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is said to be one of the oldest and simplest healing methods of the world. Although the list runs long when it comes to different massage therapies, they all rely on the same foundation – the power of touch. Massage therapy is the practice of various hand manipulations to promote the health of soft tissues, muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the body. Just one massage can yield physical, mental, and even spiritual benefits, with regular practice only amplifying these benefits.
Massage Benefits
People who love massages usually return for the simple reason that it feels great. Some common reactions are feeling loosened up or centered in ways people can't achieve otherwise. These are the most obvious benefits, but many people are unaware of why they feel this way.
So, what exactly happens in your body when you get a massage?
When a massage is performed on you, a whole range of reactions is triggered in your body which directly improves its functionality, thus impacting your sense of well-being. If performed over time, massages can have a marked difference in you health and vitality. The benefits are cumulative, making massage therapy a powerful choice not only in the short term, but in preventing disease as well.
One of the main benefits of massage therapy is reduced muscular tension, which fosters a sense of relaxation throughout the body. Another benefit is increased lymph circulation, which enhances the elimination of toxins and wastes in the body. The lymph system is the one in charge of our immunity. Our bodies feel noticeably fatigued when our lymph system is under strain, as a result of too much activity, excessive exercise, or even long periods of inactivity such as sitting at your office desk. In both extremes, lactic acid builds up, contributing to cramped muscles and a general sluggishness that we've all experienced at one time or another. Getting rest corrects this imbalance but unfortunately inadequate sleep is all too common these days. You may ask, "what is a poor sluggish person to do?" The answer is….massage!
Different Types of Massage Therapies
Massage is offered in almost every spa, with a variety to choose from. Here are some common massage therapies that have different intended effects, all with your health in mind.
Swedish Massage
A full body massage which incorporates various hand motions to relax the muscles. Pressure is applied so as to penetrate deeper muscles and bones, while rubbing is performed in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. The purpose of the massage is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles. It can be used for stress management and for various medical uses. This massage is a popular choice among first time spa-goers.
Deep Tissue Massage
This is a massage technique that aims to release chronic patterns of tension in the body by targeting the deeper layers of muscle tissue. This type of massage uses slow strokes and deep finger pressure on tense regions. The deep tissue massage differs mainly from the Swedish massage because of the deep pressure applied and the greater focus on specific areas. Soreness can occur during or immediately following the massage. If the massage is performed correctly, however, you should feel better than your usual self in a day or two.
Thai Massage
This massage technique originates from Buddhism and has been practiced for over 2,500 years. Sometimes referred to as Yoga massage, the purpose of this massage is to align the energies of the body by placing it in various stretched positions. It's energetic focus on Sen lines or Thai "meridians" resembles that of acupuncture and shiatsu. People sometimes say it feels like you're getting the benefits of yoga without doing any of the work! Reported benefits include expanded spiritual awareness and physical relief from chronic back pain, migraine headaches, soft tissue disorders and syndromes, complications of inflamatory process, lymphadema, and joint pain.
Sports Massage
As we now know, massage is an efficient way to rejuvenate your body because it speeds up our bodies' normal recuperation process. Therefore, when muscles are strained muscles from exercise or injury, the recover process is accelerated. Sports massage takes advantage of this idea. While accelerated recovery time is seen with most types of massages, sports massage therapy has expanded upon this concept by targeting certain muscle groups to prevent injury. However, it is not used typically to treat injury once it has occurred.
Orthopedic Massage
Orthopedic massage is the most "medical" form of massage technique out of them all. It combines neuromuscular therapy, muscle energy, stretching, myofascial release, structural balancing and patient home care to produce both immediate and usually permanent results. This type of massage is used to relieve chronic pain and sports injury conditions, emphasizing the underlying causes and pathology of each condition. Orthopedic massage is typically administered by a medical professional.
Stone Therapy
Also referred to as "thermotherapy," this massage technique combines heat, cold and pressure, with smooth hot and cold stones. The client undresses and lies facedown on some type of platform, with a sheet or towel draped over his or her lower half. The hot and cold stones are applied in sequence to the client's back. This form of therapy is extremely relaxing and aids in healing of the body and mind.
Massage has become increasingly legitimized within the scientific community as a viable and relaxing way to heal the body, mind, and spirit. An important point to remember is that there is no "one" amazing technique that is the end all technique. Everyone has different needs and preferences and this will be reflected in their choice of massage therapy. You should make sure to choose a massage that resonates with you.
Massage therapy is said to be one of the oldest and simplest healing methods of the world. Although the list runs long when it comes to different massage therapies, they all rely on the same foundation – the power of touch. Massage therapy is the practice of various hand manipulations to promote the health of soft tissues, muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the body. Just one massage can yield physical, mental, and even spiritual benefits, with regular practice only amplifying these benefits.
Massage Benefits
People who love massages usually return for the simple reason that it feels great. Some common reactions are feeling loosened up or centered in ways people can't achieve otherwise. These are the most obvious benefits, but many people are unaware of why they feel this way.
So, what exactly happens in your body when you get a massage?
When a massage is performed on you, a whole range of reactions is triggered in your body which directly improves its functionality, thus impacting your sense of well-being. If performed over time, massages can have a marked difference in you health and vitality. The benefits are cumulative, making massage therapy a powerful choice not only in the short term, but in preventing disease as well.
One of the main benefits of massage therapy is reduced muscular tension, which fosters a sense of relaxation throughout the body. Another benefit is increased lymph circulation, which enhances the elimination of toxins and wastes in the body. The lymph system is the one in charge of our immunity. Our bodies feel noticeably fatigued when our lymph system is under strain, as a result of too much activity, excessive exercise, or even long periods of inactivity such as sitting at your office desk. In both extremes, lactic acid builds up, contributing to cramped muscles and a general sluggishness that we've all experienced at one time or another. Getting rest corrects this imbalance but unfortunately inadequate sleep is all too common these days. You may ask, "what is a poor sluggish person to do?" The answer is….massage!
Different Types of Massage Therapies
Massage is offered in almost every spa, with a variety to choose from. Here are some common massage therapies that have different intended effects, all with your health in mind.
Swedish Massage
A full body massage which incorporates various hand motions to relax the muscles. Pressure is applied so as to penetrate deeper muscles and bones, while rubbing is performed in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. The purpose of the massage is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles. It can be used for stress management and for various medical uses. This massage is a popular choice among first time spa-goers.
Deep Tissue Massage
This is a massage technique that aims to release chronic patterns of tension in the body by targeting the deeper layers of muscle tissue. This type of massage uses slow strokes and deep finger pressure on tense regions. The deep tissue massage differs mainly from the Swedish massage because of the deep pressure applied and the greater focus on specific areas. Soreness can occur during or immediately following the massage. If the massage is performed correctly, however, you should feel better than your usual self in a day or two.
Thai Massage
This massage technique originates from Buddhism and has been practiced for over 2,500 years. Sometimes referred to as Yoga massage, the purpose of this massage is to align the energies of the body by placing it in various stretched positions. It's energetic focus on Sen lines or Thai "meridians" resembles that of acupuncture and shiatsu. People sometimes say it feels like you're getting the benefits of yoga without doing any of the work! Reported benefits include expanded spiritual awareness and physical relief from chronic back pain, migraine headaches, soft tissue disorders and syndromes, complications of inflamatory process, lymphadema, and joint pain.
Sports Massage
As we now know, massage is an efficient way to rejuvenate your body because it speeds up our bodies' normal recuperation process. Therefore, when muscles are strained muscles from exercise or injury, the recover process is accelerated. Sports massage takes advantage of this idea. While accelerated recovery time is seen with most types of massages, sports massage therapy has expanded upon this concept by targeting certain muscle groups to prevent injury. However, it is not used typically to treat injury once it has occurred.
Orthopedic Massage
Orthopedic massage is the most "medical" form of massage technique out of them all. It combines neuromuscular therapy, muscle energy, stretching, myofascial release, structural balancing and patient home care to produce both immediate and usually permanent results. This type of massage is used to relieve chronic pain and sports injury conditions, emphasizing the underlying causes and pathology of each condition. Orthopedic massage is typically administered by a medical professional.
Stone Therapy
Also referred to as "thermotherapy," this massage technique combines heat, cold and pressure, with smooth hot and cold stones. The client undresses and lies facedown on some type of platform, with a sheet or towel draped over his or her lower half. The hot and cold stones are applied in sequence to the client's back. This form of therapy is extremely relaxing and aids in healing of the body and mind.
Massage has become increasingly legitimized within the scientific community as a viable and relaxing way to heal the body, mind, and spirit. An important point to remember is that there is no "one" amazing technique that is the end all technique. Everyone has different needs and preferences and this will be reflected in their choice of massage therapy. You should make sure to choose a massage that resonates with you.
