Showing posts with label Pain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pain. Show all posts
Massage Therapy for Holistic Wellness
| Massage is a fantastic rejuvenator for every part of the body that massage therapy is administered. This amazing type of therapy is natural and holistic in nature, positively affecting the system's physiological and psychological states of being. After a great massage session, the body feels good for days after. But what is more important about the ideal massage is how the mind responds to it. There are various types of massage, such as the conventional facial, they incorporate in beauty parlors and spas. Sugar massage, acupressure, Shaitsu massage, Swedish massage, Thai massage, Deep Tissue massage and so on. Each type of massage bestows wellness on a person's entire system. Massage therapy is unlike most other forms of therapy, it is actually more intuitive in nature. A good masseuse works his fingers on the body of his client and immediately comes to know how to make him relax and forget his cares and worries. A massage, when properly administered, can help the body immensely. Here are some of the benefits of massage therapy: Massage improves general blood circulation in the body. Loosening the muscles and letting the body relax, it lets the blood flow freely and unhampered within the body. The skin becomes clearer as the blood circulation improves in the body. A good massage can regulate vital functions of the body such as lowering the heart rate and blood pressure, reduce stress and anxiety and give a feeling of well-being to the client. Certain forms of massage are known to bestow healing properties on one who is ailing. If there is an internal injury in the body, such as pain or inflammation, a massage can help remarkably reduce, even destroy the pain. Since a massage goes to the core of the problem, the patient immediately starts feeling better. Some Ayurvedic massages are known to bring back the life and strength to weakened muscles. Of course, this type of massage takes a lot of sittings to show effect, but there are many people who have recovered completely from their condition after such massages. Below is also a list of how massages can help a patient on the mental level: A good massage is known to 'lift spirits'. This actually means, it enhances the amount of endorphins released in the system, thereby giving the person a 'happy', 'feel-good' attitude! A nice massage puts the patient totally at ease, inducing a sleep-like, calm state in him. This drains away the stress, worries and depression from his being. Touch is one of the most important senses of the body. The masseuse's act of touching and kneading the body in gentle rhythmical strokes can soothe the patient's frayed nerves, allowing him to relax completely and forget the tensions of the day. Hence, the massage can nourish and nurture the patient into a feeling of happiness and contentment. Many patients have reported of feeling mentally very alert for days after a good massage therapy session. Once the person's mind calms down, he lets go of all his subconscious psychological fears and worries. This 'de-clutters' the mind of various types of confusion, which makes him think more clearly and alertly for a long time after the therapy session. The meditative state that some types of massage induce in the receiver helps develop a peaceful and serene attitude in him. Some studies suggest, though do not prove conclusively, that massages even help develop immunity in the person's system. This happens as massages help bring down the cortisol level in the body, that usually diminish the body's strength to fight against disease and illness. When cortisol levels are brought down, these studies indicate, the body can ward off its enemies more effectively. Though a good massage can give various benefits, you should make sure to go to the right masseuse in order to gain the full benefit from it. |
| Author Resource:- Scott Meyers is a staff writer for Its Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Massage. |
| Article From New Ezine Articles |
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_skVRfyp8y-R2VHdyuTfBBnltofW0rpamqhHZ4AF5XIy9Xlp2vVCHkpqNggk-KTRr5ztrUAOLmU9qFkVQMyzrHMPM2TTiEhy2CLres6J-E6QUxk5G8EnzOylTxbqnBbSs8aDCF3YR03MNWsDbJWUDFO=s0-d)
How To Best Choose A Massage Therapist
If you've never had a professional massage before, you may be understandably nervous. One thing to consider is the fact that most professional massage therapists will allow you a free test massage. This won't be a full session, but it will be enough to let you know if you feel that you can receive any benefits from the therapist. This is a great way to test the massage therapist's services as well as see if you feel comfortable with him or her. It's very important to make sure that you are contracting the services of a licensed, professional massage therapist. Make sure that you check their credentials with the American Massage Therapy Association.
In addition to checking with massage organizations, many people also find massage therapists through word of mouth. If you have a friend or family member who swears by their therapist, then you may just want to give them a call and set up an appointment.
When you find a massage therapist that you are interested in, it is important to arrange a session where you can interview the practitioner. You should never agree to a massage from someone with whom you feel uncomfortable. The key to a successful massage is relaxation, and if you don't feel comfortable with the massage therapist, you will not be relaxed. Take your time and choose your therapist carefully. Interview them and ask them questions. If you don't feel comfortable then choose another therapist. When you find the therapist that best meets your needs, you'll appreciate the fact that you took the time to find someone you feel relaxed with.
Some things to take into consideration when you are choosing a massage therapist is whether or not they have open communication with you. This means that before the therapist touches your body, they should have a clear understanding of where you are feeling tight muscles, tension, or pain. Ask yourself whether or not the massage therapist is taking the time to find out how you feel.
You should also feel comfortable with the degree of privacy that the massage therapist provides for you. There is no need for the therapist to see you completely disrobed. If you don't feel that your privacy is being respected, then you should consider finding another massage therapist. The therapist should respect your privacy, from the time you disrobe, throughout the massage, and afterwards. Finally, it's important that you feel comfortable enough with your therapist to let him or her know if you are sensing any pain or discomfort throughout the session. The ideal situation is that the therapist will continually ask for your feedback on the degree of pressure they are using for the massage. However, if they do not ask, be sure to let them know if you are experiencing any discomfort.
BlueWaterArticles.com: - How To Best Choose A Massage Therapist
About the Author
Jonathan Hook offers a free ecourse on Massage Therapy techniques. Go now to fullmassagetherapy.info to claim your copy.
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_uTMCcEOrrSjdh9LCrLd9MHhyIrmXOUighNsaNvr13ddrNAUgMd4G17hs0P7mn2jJD91sZo33_62dNbhoEVMfzhlwlJCDn8KPBf0lYQJt4AjPv4ybXfLHl8VpaTTbIb0FS-PU-3TEQZmLQLtiRtoZBQ=s0-d)
Reflexology Is Another Form of Massage Therapy
This form of massage therapy has been around for thousands of years. There is archaeological evidence that suggests this was used by the Egyptians in 2330 BC, China in 2704 BC and Japan in 690 BC. The West only knew about reflexology in the 19th century.
Although reflexology is usually applied to the feet and hands, there are those who also apply the same thing to the ear. This technique is considered to be a modified from auricular therapy which is an acupuncture technique.
In general, reflexology is used to reduce stress because both the feet and hands help set the tension level for the rest of the body. If you are able to fix that, then there is balance in the body. It can also help those who are suffering from arthritis, back pain, digestive disorders or problems, hormonal imbalance, insomnia, menstrual disorders, sports injuries and tension headaches.
You must never go for reflexology if you are pregnant, have foot ulcers or blood clots. If you are doing this for the first time, you better tell the professional your medical history.
Whether reflexology can help certain conditions and diseases is still being determined. But even if other tests need to be made, many experts agree that it is complement to standard medical care. With that said, patients should never use it as a replacement to medical help.
The best part about reflexology is that it is not painful. If this happens, you should tell the reflexologist to go down one notch. If there are certain areas in the body that are sore, tell them to focus on it as this will decrease with pressure.
Reflexology can be done at anytime and anywhere. If you have the time, you can even do this once a day. In fact, given its popularity most hospitals and HMO’s now consider this for insurance reimbursement as it is often used for post-operative or palliative care. In fact, one third of cancer patients undergo reflexology regularly.
Most sessions being conducted by practitioners may last from 30 minutes to an hour. It is also a clothed session so the only thing you have to remove is your shoes and socks. You don’t even have to lie down on a table because some will perform this while you are seated on a chair.
At the end of each session, you should feel relaxed. How long it lasts is a good indicator as to how effective it was. If you will be having another session in the future, you should give feedback to the reflexologist so they know what to do the next time you drop by.
Reflexology is another form of massage therapy you can try if you want to relieve tension from the body. If you are interested in trying it, all you have to do is check if there is one within your neighborhood.
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_vkhXLhx7IGtOOh8zn6oYEfGndu9TIIXsjH3tYekJCwWfsTWPDFX2C1NxQnl0BmProVNOzJGtUBoXef2Eht1c3ih7ykY8_r31iJcPDJT8WAihl1jK3gYEAFOwljJpiJSkxkffyaxmQGu3JLMHFtwRVH=s0-d)
What Should You Know About Massage Therapy
For starters, there are more than 10 types being used to date. Some examples of these include reflexology, shiatsu, back massage, Thai, hot stone, deep tissue, aromatherapy and Swedish.
There are only a few serious risks with regards to massage therapy and this can be avoided if you take the proper precautions. The best thing to do will be to consult with your doctor to see if it is safe for you to see a masseuse.
Patients who have the following conditions should not undergo massage therapy. These include deep vein thrombosis that happens to be a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the legs, a bleeding disorder or taking blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin, damaged blood vessels and weakened bones from osteoporosis, a recent fracture, or cancer.
You also should get a massage if you have a fever, have an open injury, been diagnosed with a tumor, have damaged nerves, have an infection or acute inflammation. Certain conditions could also be dangerous if you decide to have a massage. These include pregnancy, cancer, fragile skin, heart problems, dermatomyositis and a history of physical abuse.
There are certain side effects associated with massage therapy. These include temporary pain or discomfort, bruising, swelling and sensitivity or allergy to massage oils.
Massage therapy should not be used a substitute for regular medical care. If your doctor tells you that you can see a specialist, do some research about the person.
You should check on their credentials or licenses, years of experience and training. If you need massage therapy to help cure medical condition, find out beforehand if they have specialized training in this field.
It wouldn’t hurt to also ask if they use other CAM practices aside from massage therapy to help their patients. Some examples of these include the use of herbs and requiring the patient to go on a special diet.
If everything checks out, then this is the time you find out how many treatments will be needed, the cost and if this will be covered by your insurance. In most cases, this will not be honored. Some people may even ask for a free ten minute test to see how well they perform.
Part of the criteria should include giving you privacy when you change, he or she covers your body for modesty and warmth, inquires before beginning the session what part of the body you want worked on, asks for feedback as to how they are doing and accommodates requests for less or more intense pressure.
The best part about massage therapy is that it can provide relief without the need to ingest pain killing drugs and knowing some facts about it is good so you know what you are getting yourself into once you visit the place. You can read more about this by doing some research which isn’t bad even if you just go for a session to relieve some stress or pain and not have to visit because of a medical condition.
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_s2Odc6xKHnnPs4y7ie2ORh9YWxYZBMBA-_kJKx3KgyBV18mj3L9enKgFLip_6dWlwtuHOS9mtGRMYqqVQwGBwv8AgF3kQc4ryaYXM_UoCal1wF5PfAjics1nTCUFDZXia7-rDU_Irr_GANPyUsiOLQ=s0-d)
The benefits of massage therapy
Now, massage therapy cannot just be called as ‘rubbing.’ With most of the young Hollywood getting a massage or two every week, it has become the toast of the social set. Its popularity can be seen with the way a lot of massage therapy clinics have opened shops in the last few years with many more planning to in the next couple of months. Currently there are about 100,000 massage therapists in the country and the numbers are increasing two-fold.
Massage therapy in the scientific terms is the process of putting pressure on muscular structure and soft tissues in the body for relaxation. Pressure in this instance can mean a lot of things, from holding and pressing to kneading and rocking. Massages are primarily done with the hands although some massage therapists also use other parts of their bodies like the forearms, elbows and the feet.
Its popularity is actually not surprising especially with this stressful world. Many people are turning to massage therapy for relaxation and regeneration. And unlike other de-stressors, massage therapy is scientifically based and its advantages are all research proven. Besides its physical benefits, it also known to improve the overall wellbeing of the mind and the spirit.
Below are some of the benefits that massage therapy gives us.
1. Relaxation
This is the number one reason why people coming back to the clinics. After a week of stress in the office or at home, people especially women, just want to relax. Massages are great for the skin as it stimulates the release of toxins and hormones. In fact, some studies have even shown massages as being able to lower the possibility of wrinkles production.
2. Relieves pain
Another benefit of massage therapy is the fact that it can loosen those tight muscles especially if you frequently have cramps on your legs. Going to the clinics can also relieve you of your tired and aching muscles. This is especially useful with people who are into sports or those who live the active lifestyle.
3. Makes you a better athlete
People who are into sports can also benefit much from massage therapy. If you feel that your muscles have become tight and rickety, massages can improve on your flexibility and also increase your range of motion. If you get massages all the time, you will notice that you can now do movements that were painful to do before. Massages also improve the body’s resistance. It lowers the blood pressure, heart rate and even helps in recoveries from injuries and sprains. It also strengthens the immune system.
4. Improve mental faculties
Massages are also great ways to improve your mental performance. It can actually reduce mental stress, allowing you to work better and think clearer. It is also known to relieve headaches. Massage therapy also allows you to concentrate better on the task at hand. After a massage, you will basically have a clean slate in your mind that is equivalent to the restful therapy that sleep gives.
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_tDbgos8zjfiPROzOZB1uRSIRbbGmSe1yDUIzj9Xzq45qxivFehAqj1IfAvdp4TqnJeKspvGXTm5lfRTmpqQQ1r5T0UyZ16oyygDLk_hdg9NPQ0lBDMVr311EiKS3_a7qnud-PVOSbScdPkI6PzASEZ=s0-d)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
