What is a Massage?
Massage Therapy has been practiced for thousands of years, and has been developed from our natural tendency to rub ourselves better when we hurt.
Our modern understanding of anatomy and physiology has helped to develop massage techniques that can be used to alleviate muscular and skeletal problems.
A massage is the treatment of superficial parts of the body by rubbing, stroking, kneading, or slapping. Massages are usually performed to relieve muscle stiffness, spasms, or cramps and to relieve anxiety and tension.
Massage may also help improve or protect your memory.
There are many different types of massages. The types of massages are generalized to their origin (eastern and western). Some of the most common Eastern types are: Shiatsu, Acupressure, and Polarity. Eastern types of massages involve an understanding of the body's energy. Some of the common Western types are: Swedish, Escalen, Neuromuscular Therapy, Trager, Myofascial Release, and Connective Tissue Therapy. Western types are based in an anatomical understanding of our body.
Each person responds differently to massage and there isn't just one style which is best for all.
How Does Massage Work?
Basic Massage techniques such as stroking, kneading, and rubbing stimulate physical and emotional healing. They stimulate physical and emotional healing by:
- Physical therapy on the part of the body that is being massaged
- Stimulation of the lymphatic system. (The lymphatic system carries waste products out of your body and defends your body against infection)
Regular massage reduces damage to the tissues, improves circulation, relaxes muscle spasm, improves flexibility and reduces tension.
- RELIEVES PAIN by easing muscle spasm and increasing local blood flow and nerve stimulation.
- BOOSTS YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM by stimulating the production of T-Lymphocytes, which are cells that fight infection and increasing lymph flow which filters the body fluids, fighting infection.
- SOOTHES AND RELAXES both body and mind. As muscle spasm reduces, the body relaxes, therefore the mind relaxes. Massage stimulates the release of hormones such as endorphins.
- RE-ENERGISES the body, through the release of muscle tension and endorphins, you will feel like a new person!