Massage Therapy
Massage Therapy is a therapeutic art that masters the technique of total mind and body relaxation. It has been in practice for thousands of years and may be the oldest and simplest form of medical care. Over the centuries, many different forms of massage have been developed that deal with specific areas of the body, but, on a whole, the main goal of massage therapy is to alleviate physical, mental and spiritual stress that will in turn lead to a complete state of mind and body relaxation.
There are many benefits of massage that, when put into practice, can affect individual’s physical and mental health. A simple massage can relieve congestion and improve overall body circulation; massage can also increase blood supply and nutrients to the muscles and joints, which in turn helps to reduce fatigue that might be brought on by strenuous exercise. Massage Therapy helps to improve muscle tone, which will reduce chances of muscle delay or muscular atrophy. In addition, it reduces swelling and inflammation in the joints, which in turn alleviates pain. These benefits can lead to overall reduction in stress and a healthier lifestyle.
While general massage can help alleviate certain ailments, there are several different forms of Massage Therapy used by therapists today that, when administered, trigger certain effects within the body. The most commonly used forms of massage are Swedish, Deep Tissue, Acupressure and Reflexology.
Swedish Massage: reduces muscle tightness, provides relaxation, enhances circulation and improves muscle tone; the Swedish massage targets all of the major muscles in the body. It helps to release toxins from the muscle and helps regenerate oxygen and blood flow to the muscles.
Deep Tissue Massage: uses slower strokes and deeper finger pressure in order to release patterns of tension within the body. Deep Tissue massage works to loosen muscle tissue which, in turn, releases toxins and allows the muscles to resume proper balance as well as normal blood flow and oxygen circulation.
Acupressure: involves applying deep pressure to certain points on the body to garner a specific result. When performed, muscle tension is released and an increased flow of blood is allowed to the muscles. Acupressure today is used largely to relieve pain, balance the body and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Reflexology: deals with alleviating stress and tension solely through the hands and feet. Reflexology is based on the notion that there are reflexes in the extremities that transmit to every organ and gland in the body. When pressure is applied to these areas, energy blocks are removed which causes increased circulation throughout the body and promotes improved bodily and muscular functions. |
