|
 Therapeutic
Massage
What is therapeutic massage?
Massage has been a part of major
medical delivery systems all over
the world. Western medical
professionals are becoming more
knowledgeable about the healing
properties of massage therapy and
are commonly integrating the
services of massage therapists.
Therapeutic massage applies a
variety of scientifically developed
massage techniques to the soft
tissues of the body. These manual
techniques are applied by the
practitioner to positively affect
the health and well-being of the
massagee. Massage comes in many
forms. The most commonly used method
in
the United States is Swedish
Massage.
Why should I get a therapeutic
massage?
» Stress reduction
» Relieve muscle
soreness, stiffness, & spasms
» Relief of chronic or temporary
muscular tension and pain
» Increase joint movement &
flexibility
Other benefits include…
Improves blood circulation,
strengthens the immune system,
reduces blood pressure, relief from
tension headaches, promotes faster
healing of injured muscular tissue,
improve concentration, reduce
anxiety and create an overall sense
of well-being
How is your body affected by the
therapeutic massage?
While there are a variety of forms
of massage therapy, all with their
own theoretical and philosophical
perspectives, there are certain
basic principles that all tend to
hold in common.
Blood
Circulation
The most basic principle of massage
therapy is to improve blood
circulation. Tension in the muscles
and other soft tissues can impair
circulation thus resulting in a
deficient supply of nutrients and
inadequate removal of wastes or
toxins from the tissues of the body.
This in turn can lead to illness,
slower healing, structural and
functional problems. Recognition of
the importance of blood circulation
is implicit in all forms of massage.
Movement of Lymphatic Fluid
The circulation of lymphatic fluid
plays a key role in ridding wastes,
toxins, and pathogens of the body.
The lymph system can benefit from
the massage, particularly in
conditions where lymphatic flow is
impaired by injury or by surgery.
Release of Toxins
Chronic tension or trauma to the
soft tissues of the body can result
in the buildup of toxic by products
from normal metabolism. Hands-on
techniques help move the toxins
through the body’s normal pathways
for release and elimination.
 Release
of Tension
Chronic muscular tension, as a
result of high stress lifestyles,
trauma, or injury, can accumulate
and impair the body’s structure and
function. Psychological well-being
is also affected. Reduced tension
allows greater relaxation which has
important physiological and
psychological benefits.
Mind/Body Integration
The mind and body have a reciprocal
relationship. Soma (body) affects
psyche (mind) and vice versa. The
condition of the body can affect the
mind and emotions, and psychological
or emotional conditions can affect
the body. A habit or fixed pattern
in one may also impede change in the
other and require special attention.
Often psychotherapy and massage
complement each other.
Reduction of Stress
Stress is increasingly believed to
induce illness, and perhaps 80 to 90
percent of all disease is stress
induced. Massage therapy is an
effective non-drug method for
reducing stress and promoting
relaxation.
Energy
Working with the flow of energy
through the body is a means to
promote healing. Energy can be
directed or encouraged to move
through and around the body in such
ways as to have impact on the
physical structure and function of
the body as well as on emotional
well-being.
Need
for Touch
All human beings are born with the
need for touch. Research has
identified what we always knew
instinctively: We thrive on touch
from infancy through childhood to
adolescence. We can all benefit from
the therapeutic effects found in the
structured touch of massage.
Is therapeutic massage always
appropriate?
Therapeutic massage may not be
appropriate in some cases. Always
tell your massage therapist if you
have a medical problem, even a minor
one. Also, let your primary health
care practitioner know you are
receiving massage therapy.
Who will perform the massage?
Your session will be conducted by a
trained professional who has
received proper training, often in a
variety of techniques. Licensing
requirements vary by geographic
location.
What is the massage session like?
Your massage session will take place
in a warm, comfortable, quiet room.
Soft music may be played to help you
relax. You will be on a table
especially designed for your
comfort. You will be draped with a
sheet throughout your service. As
each part of the body is being
massaged, it is uncovered. Genitals
and women’s breasts will be covered
at all times. A light oil may be
used to permit your muscles to be
worked on without causing excessive
friction to the skin. Feel free to
let you massage therapist know what
you are comfortable with.
Most people feel very relaxed after
the massage. After an initial period
of feeling slowed down, people often
experience increased energy,
heightened awareness, and greater
productivity which can last for
days. Since toxins are released from
your soft tissues during a massage,
it is recommended you drink plenty
of water following your massage.
|
