What is massage?
Massage will make you feel as if you are in a trance, where boundaries dissolve, time disappears, worries and problems no longer seem important, or are forgotten altogether. Massage is perhaps the oldest and simplest of all medical treatments. In traditional cultures, especially in the East, it is naturally accepted that people of all ages can benefit from regular massage. But here in the West, though its value has always been recognized in the world of sports, its use has only quite recently spread to other fields. All too often, we tend to be afraid to touch one another. Yet increasingly, research is proving the extraordinary effectiveness of touch, and that touch is the core of massage. In a recent survey, the simple act of massage was shown to have improved patients' moral, increased blood flow, decreased tension and hastened their rate of recovery. I have found this very principal to be true in my own work. Massage is not only physical, but it also encompasses psychology as well. Understanding the needs of a person in your hands develops empathy towards their well-being, and as every good Massage Therapist in the field knows, "They are here to help." The art of massage is an amazing thing. It is not only pleasant to receive a massage but it is also pleasant to give one as well. Think about petting your beloved dog or cat. The soothing and relaxing massage of the animal has a calming effect on both of you. Why? Sensory input. It can lower your blood pressure, stimulate your senses, calm your nerves or even relieve tension. Massaging humans is no different. (Minus the amount of hair ;p) Massage can be stimulating or soothing, depending upon the speed and depth of the strokes. It can make a person feel alert and relieve tension, soothe away headaches, relax taut and aching muscles, and banish insomnia. Above all, it can provide a context for recovery by inducing a sense of well being and an introduction of increased blood flow to your muscles. So while the art of massage is definitely relaxing, it is also therapeutic as well! Remember, life will take it out of you, but massage can put it back.
Where does it come from?
Massage is a 4,000 year-old art form of therapy in which muscles and other soft tissues of the body are manipulated to improve health and well-being. Variants of massage range from massaging light tissues to deeper manual techniques. Massage has been practiced as a healing therapy for centuries in virtually every culture throughout the world. It can help relieve muscle tension, reduce stress, and evoke feelings of calmness. Although massage affects the body as a whole, it particularly influences the activity of the musculo-skeletal, circulatory, lymphatic, and nervous systems. In the 19th century, a form of massage called "Swedish" was introduced, and although massage was rather unpopular through the 20th century, 1970 began a new renaissance of this form of natural therapy.
How does massage work?
During a massage, the electrical nerve signals and synapses in the body are awakened and forced to fire more rapidly. This forces the body to respond to such sensory input in a manner that stimulates circulation to the muscles, clears waste products, and boosts the activity of the immune system. Massage reduces pain and tension of the muscles and joints, giving overall calming effect. In addition to the palpation of muscles to relieve tension, massage also releases increased levels of endorphin, the body's natural pain reliever. This decreases any hormones contributing to stress, and increases an overall euphoric sense of well-being.
What benefits do I get from massage?
Massage is frequently used to support healing, boost energy, shorten recovery time after an injury, as well as a method to enhance relaxation by melting away stress.
Massage itself, effectively relieves chronic pain without the need of pharmaceutical drugs and other traditional home-remedy techniques. It has even been scientifically proven to be more effective than other techniques such as acupuncture to relieve such pain. Mothers and newborns alike can also benefit greatly from massage, making the 'mother-child' bond even stronger. In almost any treatment, massage can be introduced as support for conventional therapy. For example, it is often used in treatment of autism, cerebral palsy, rheumatoid arthritis, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Massage itself, effectively relieves chronic pain without the need of pharmaceutical drugs and other traditional home-remedy techniques. It has even been scientifically proven to be more effective than other techniques such as acupuncture to relieve such pain. Mothers and newborns alike can also benefit greatly from massage, making the 'mother-child' bond even stronger. In almost any treatment, massage can be introduced as support for conventional therapy. For example, it is often used in treatment of autism, cerebral palsy, rheumatoid arthritis, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Avoid massage? Since when?
Generally, massage should be avoided by people with congestive heart failure, infection of superficial veins, soft tissues and several other health problems. Also, pregnant women should also be cautious (and choose a specially trained therapist).
In any case of doubt, first consult your doctor, who should be the final judge in this matter.
In any case of doubt, first consult your doctor, who should be the final judge in this matter.
Fun Facts:
Did You Know?
* By massaging and gently pulling on your ears - top, middle and bottom of outer earlobes once per day increases your immune system and protects your organs and tissues. This works because all of your acupuncture and TCM points are located within each ear.
* One hour of massage equates to 7-8 hours of sleep on the body.
* Bob Hope lived to be 100 years young, and is believed to have had therapeutic massage daily as part of his healthy regimen.
* There are approximately 5 million touch receptors in our skin - 3,000 in a single finger tip.
* Touch stimulates the release of endorphins (the body's natural pain killers), which is why a mother's hug for a child's skinned knee can literally make it better.
* People with eating disorders who received massage three times a day for ten days, gained weight faster and got out of the hospital six days sooner than those who didn't.
* Massage before an athletic event, improves the athlete's flexibility, enhances speed and power, and reduces risk of injury.
* Massage and bodywork therapy is sought out by a large number of people in certain age brackets:
Age 18-24 (22%)
Age 25-34 (31%)
Age 35-44 (25%)
Age 45-54 (22%)
Age 55-64 (19%)
Age 65+ (9%)
* By massaging and gently pulling on your ears - top, middle and bottom of outer earlobes once per day increases your immune system and protects your organs and tissues. This works because all of your acupuncture and TCM points are located within each ear.
* One hour of massage equates to 7-8 hours of sleep on the body.
* Bob Hope lived to be 100 years young, and is believed to have had therapeutic massage daily as part of his healthy regimen.
* There are approximately 5 million touch receptors in our skin - 3,000 in a single finger tip.
* Touch stimulates the release of endorphins (the body's natural pain killers), which is why a mother's hug for a child's skinned knee can literally make it better.
* People with eating disorders who received massage three times a day for ten days, gained weight faster and got out of the hospital six days sooner than those who didn't.
* Massage before an athletic event, improves the athlete's flexibility, enhances speed and power, and reduces risk of injury.
* Massage and bodywork therapy is sought out by a large number of people in certain age brackets:
Age 18-24 (22%)
Age 25-34 (31%)
Age 35-44 (25%)
Age 45-54 (22%)
Age 55-64 (19%)
Age 65+ (9%)