Hands-On Health: The Healing Benefits of Massage
By: Nicky Pilkington
The healing power of human touch is a positive experience that many people enjoy through
therapeutic massage or bodywork. The effects of a good massage go much deeper than the
skin's surface. Massage can:
1) Help improve circulation of the blood and lower blood pressure.
2) Act as a detoxification system by propelling toxic waste products through the lymphatic
system.
3) Help to improve muscle tone and prevent muscular atrophy resulting from inactivity or
illness.
4) Reduce emotional stress and promote a sense of well-being.
How can something as simple as this hands-on therapy have so many positive benefits? A
tense or painful muscle is one which is often chronically contracted. In an acute
situation such as recent injury, the muscle can be in actual spasm. This contraction or
spasm decreases the flow of blood to the muscle, which leads to a decrease in the nutrient
and oxygen supply to the cells of the muscle and related nerves. A chronically contracted
muscle will build up lactic acid, a sign of fatigue. This oxygen shortage and lactic acid
buildup irritates the nerve cells, which perpetuates the contracted muscles. Massage can
help remove the lactic acid and other metabolic waste products from the cells and reverse
this process, interrupting the vicious cycle of pain-spasm-pain.
There are a multitude of massage styles which are beneficial, depending upon the
individual's needs and preferences. They include:
Swedish Massage: this is the basic "relaxation" style of bodywork, which uses
long strokes, squeezing and kneading. The Swedish practitioner helps to improve
circulation by working to loosen or relax the superficial layers of muscle. This type of
massage is particularly useful for muscles which are already sore from stress or a tough
workout, as it is often more gentle than other styles.
Sports Massage: this form of massage works on a deeper level of musculature or connective
tissue. This style fits more with the "no pain, no gain" philosophy. The
therapist uses slow, hard strokes and deep, sustained finger pressure to work deeply into
the contracted muscles, fascia and tendons. This technique increases flexibility,
encourages muscles to work at their fullest capacity, and speeds up the healing process by
reducing swelling following an injury. It is especially indicated for athletes and
"week-end warriors" who suffer from tight or sore muscles.
Shiatsu and Acupressure: rather than being simply relaxing, this form of bodywork tends to
be invigorating. Fingers, thumbs, fists and elbows are used to apply pressure to points
along acupuncture meridians, which are believed to be the energy pathways of the body. The
focus of this type of therapy is on relieving blocks in the pathways and rebalancing the
flow of energy.
Reflexology and Zone Therapy: reflexology works on the assumption that parts of the feet
(as well as parts of the ears and hands) correspond to other parts of the body's anatomy.
In other words, stress or illness in a certain part of the body may show up as a painful
or sensitive area on a specific area of the foot. Reflexologists apply pressure to the
side, top or bottom of the feet to help reduce dysfunction in other parts of the body.
Not all techniques work for everyone, so make sure to inquire about the philosophy and
style of the massage therapist you call. If your massage isn't as satisfying as you had
hoped, don't give up. Try another therapist! Massage therapy schools are a cost-effective
way to test out different styles of massage; senior students generally work for lower fees
while they complete their internship.
There are a few conditions in which massage would not be a good option, such as marked
inflammation, fever, significant swelling or very severe pain. But for the garden variety
aches and pains that most of us experience, as well as for the general stresses of life,
massage is an outstanding way to treat ourselves to a positive, revitalizing experience.
Author Resource:-> Find out more about General
Health at healthandfinesse.com
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