Massage TherapyA Return To Ancient, Proven Healing
Sometimes in the midst of modern innovation, it's easy to lose sight of a 3,000 year old medical technique like massage therapy. Massage therapy is a proven method for boosting health.
Bodywork Techniques
Massage therapy is more than just a back massage. Massage has roots in ancient cultures (as far back as 3,000 years ago in China); due to the extensive benefits of Massage therapy, it has become a mainstay of many mainstream medical and physical treatments. Massage therapy is no longer considered fake therapy and continues to gain in popularity.
In a broad sense, massage therapy refers to the manipulation of the body. It can be performed on certain areas of the body, or the entire body.
Basic techniques of massage therapy are:
- Compression
- Vibration
- Applying pressure
- Kneading
- Stroking
- Manipulation of joints, muscles, and soft tissues
These techniques are used in different combinations making up more than 200 types of massage therapy. Some well known types of massage therapy are: reflexology, acupressure, sports massage, and Swedish massage. Most massage therapists specialize in a specific type of massage, while others will perform a basket of different types of massage therapy. Each massage therapist will tailor therapy sessions toward the specific needs and goals of a client to achieve the optimal result.
The massage therapist will use different products to provide further benefits. These can include aromatherapies as well as lotions and creams. The most effective tool of all used during a massage is the skilled set of hands of the massage therapist.
Massage has been shown to provide medical and physical benefits. The benefits of massage have been linked to numerous health conditions ranging from circulatory dysfunctions to stress related illness and sports injuries. Demand for massage therapists has continued to grow as doctors and individuals become increasingly aware of the health benefits of massage therapy. Massage therapy is now recognized as an independent health treatment.
How Massage Therapy Works
It's not hard to sell most people on the benefits of massage therapywho wouldn't want to lose themselves in an hour of therapeutic relaxation? But since massage therapy does carry some moderate expense, it helps to know about the many benefits of massage therapy.
Massage therapy goes beyond just providing a relaxing massage to actually eliminating back pain. Massage therapy can also be used in combination with more modern medical treatments.
Regardless of the reasoning behind visiting a massage therapist, it is common that a person will go to a massage therapist to treat a specific condition only to find a wide range of conditions they had were also treated.
Several advantages of seeing a message therapist are:
- Improved blood circulation
- Stimulation/relief of muscle pain due to lack of activity (often caused by sedentary jobs)
- Increased alertness
- Decrease in back pain (one of the leading reasons for seeking massage services)
- Improved mood
- Reduced stress levels
- Reduced instances of stress-related illness including tension headaches
- Decreased muscle stiffness/increased mobility
- Improved ability to heal (in part due to circulation/stimulation improvement)
How Fast Does It Take To Start Feeling the Benefits of Massage Therapy?
Even a one-time visit to the massage therapist can net excellent benefits; but for the most lasting benefits of massage therapy, regular sessions are recommended. The more times you go to a massage therapist, the longer your body will have increased circulation and relief from muscle tension. In time, the expense of massage therapy will be offset by less missed days of work and lower drug costs.
Sometimes in the midst of modern innovation, it's easy to lose sight of a 3,000 year old medical technique like massage therapy. Massage therapy is a proven method for boosting health.
Bodywork Techniques
Massage therapy is more than just a back massage. Massage has roots in ancient cultures (as far back as 3,000 years ago in China); due to the extensive benefits of Massage therapy, it has become a mainstay of many mainstream medical and physical treatments. Massage therapy is no longer considered fake therapy and continues to gain in popularity.
In a broad sense, massage therapy refers to the manipulation of the body. It can be performed on certain areas of the body, or the entire body.
Basic techniques of massage therapy are:
- Compression
- Vibration
- Applying pressure
- Kneading
- Stroking
- Manipulation of joints, muscles, and soft tissues
These techniques are used in different combinations making up more than 200 types of massage therapy. Some well known types of massage therapy are: reflexology, acupressure, sports massage, and Swedish massage. Most massage therapists specialize in a specific type of massage, while others will perform a basket of different types of massage therapy. Each massage therapist will tailor therapy sessions toward the specific needs and goals of a client to achieve the optimal result.
The massage therapist will use different products to provide further benefits. These can include aromatherapies as well as lotions and creams. The most effective tool of all used during a massage is the skilled set of hands of the massage therapist.
Massage has been shown to provide medical and physical benefits. The benefits of massage have been linked to numerous health conditions ranging from circulatory dysfunctions to stress related illness and sports injuries. Demand for massage therapists has continued to grow as doctors and individuals become increasingly aware of the health benefits of massage therapy. Massage therapy is now recognized as an independent health treatment.
How Massage Therapy Works
It's not hard to sell most people on the benefits of massage therapywho wouldn't want to lose themselves in an hour of therapeutic relaxation? But since massage therapy does carry some moderate expense, it helps to know about the many benefits of massage therapy.
Massage therapy goes beyond just providing a relaxing massage to actually eliminating back pain. Massage therapy can also be used in combination with more modern medical treatments.
Regardless of the reasoning behind visiting a massage therapist, it is common that a person will go to a massage therapist to treat a specific condition only to find a wide range of conditions they had were also treated.
Several advantages of seeing a message therapist are:
- Improved blood circulation
- Stimulation/relief of muscle pain due to lack of activity (often caused by sedentary jobs)
- Increased alertness
- Decrease in back pain (one of the leading reasons for seeking massage services)
- Improved mood
- Reduced stress levels
- Reduced instances of stress-related illness including tension headaches
- Decreased muscle stiffness/increased mobility
- Improved ability to heal (in part due to circulation/stimulation improvement)
How Fast Does It Take To Start Feeling the Benefits of Massage Therapy?
Even a one-time visit to the massage therapist can net excellent benefits; but for the most lasting benefits of massage therapy, regular sessions are recommended. The more times you go to a massage therapist, the longer your body will have increased circulation and relief from muscle tension. In time, the expense of massage therapy will be offset by less missed days of work and lower drug costs.