Traditional Massage Therapy
Massage Therapy is a natural healing process. If you accidentally bump yourself instinctively you massage the area to relieve the pain, it is a natural process. Studies have proven that therapeutic touch can reduce stress, alleviate depression, reduce pain and boost your immune system.
Types of Massage
There are three types of massage therapy. There is the light massage which includes Reiki, Swedish, Energy Work and Spa massages. This type of massage helps you to relax.
A medium massage is usually done by well trained professionals with a great deal of experience. This type of massage can cause some light bruising. You should never feel sharp pains although some discomfort is normal and only momentarily.
Deep massage is done on athletes or individuals who do heavy work and those with acute pain. As with the medium massage you should not be feeling any sharp pains. Some bruising is normal after the first few sessions and you may be sore for a day or two. By the third of fourth session your body will begin to change dramatically. After your sixth or seventh session you will be more flexible and will understand the value of having regular massages.
How Massage Works
Looking at massage from a physics point of view, electromagnetic energy is transferred from the giver, massage therapist, to the receiver and back. This transfer of energy cannot be duplicated by gadgets or machines. The oriental culture refers to this energy as Chi´ or life energy. This human energy transfer is an important part of the healing process. Massage gives you the feeling of comfort and relaxation.
The History of Massage Therapy
Massage is a natural healing process that can be traced back through out history. The ancient medical practitioners of Europe and the Orient describe how and when massage should be performed for healing. During the Middle Ages the church regarded the body as sinful and massage therapy was banned. Sweden revived the practice of massage therapy in the 1800’s. This resurgence brought about some of the methods and practices currently used by many of todays massage therapists.
Benefits of Massage
Massage therapists have studied the benefits of using specific strokes and have developed systematic techniques to relieve pain and stress. Massage therapy has been found to help:
- premature babies gain weight
- reduce stress hormones
- alleviate symptoms of depression
- reduce pain
- improve the immune system
- alter EEG in the direction of heightened awareness
But the most obvious benefits of massage are increased circulation and flexibility.
Massage helps to increase the lubrication between muscle fibers which in turn helps the muscles move optimally. Muscle fibers are designed to work independently of each other. When muscles dry out, fibers tend to stick together and the muscle becomes stiff or ridged. As the fluid is reintroduced, the muscle will soften and regain its flexibility. When the circulation increases between the muscle fibers, nutrients reach the cells and toxins are carried away more efficiently.
Degenerative diseases like cancer and muscular sclerosis are anaerobic and cannot live in an oxygenated environment. Because blood carries oxygen to the cells, circulation is necessary for optimal health. Massage increases circulation, which increases the delivery of oxygen to the cells.
