Massage
therapy is often written off as a ‘new age’ or alternative
therapy, but it is based on ancient principles that have been
around for centuries to aid in good health, so massage can do
much more for your body than just making you feel great!
There are different kinds of massage therapy, for example Swedish
massage or Shiatsu, and each method utilizes a particular system
of stroking the skin on different body parts, with equally distinctive
names for those strokes including kneading, cupping, plucking,
gliding, wringing, and friction or percussive strokes. Whatever
the names are – they all feel incredible on your skin!
And not only does massage therapy feel great, it has a positive
healthy effect on the body’s soft tissues including the
muscles, ligaments and tendons, which means that massage can
ease pain, relax or stimulate the body, or tone muscles over
a number of treatments.
Registered massage therapists perform any number of treatments
including back or chest massage, shoulder and neck massage,
abdomen massage and head or face massage, as well as the very
popular foot massage, each treatment or combination of treatments
working to alleviate aches, pains and tensions in the body and
muscles. Although pregnant women should consult with their physicians
prior to seeking out massage therapy, the gentler massage strokes
can work to alleviate back pain, or if a doctor advises that
back or abdomen massage be avoided, a face, arm or foot massage
can be a valuable relaxation technique.
Massage therapy is not recommended on skin that is bruised,
has open sores or recent scar tissues, or if the client has
swollen varicose veins or is experiencing a high fever or nausea,
or has just undergone a major operation in the hospital.
Some proponents say massage therapy can reach deeper muscle
layers and even have a positive health benefit to our vital
organs. The proven effects of a relaxing and soothing massage
are an increase in blood circulation, easing stiffness and tension
to aid in preventing muscle injuries, and massage definitely
enhances a person’s well being with the best results coming
from cumulative sessions of massage therapy. |
