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. |
