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Massage Benefits & Techniques
By Joe Fier | June 22, 2009
Touching your body where it hurts seems to be a basic instinct, like running from danger or eating when you’re hungry. Massage is a natural remedy, no matter how humble or low-tech it may look like, but can be a powerful healer. Massage requires acting on and manipulating the body through pressure and is done manually or with some mechanical aids. Massage can be done by a massage therapist or by health care professionals like chiropractors, osteopaths, athletic trainers, or physical therapists. Many different kinds of oils can be used including coconut oil, sesame oil, grape seed oil, macadamia oil, pecan oil, and mustard oil. Aromatherapy oils like neroli oil and pine oil can as well be mixed with carrier oils.
There are many massage techniques, we hear great things about getting a massage from friends and family but rarely know what type of massage is right for us. Four very common forms of massage in the United States have been described below:
Deep tissue massage focuses on the deeper layers of your muscles and tissues that connect the muscles. This type of massage is good for people who suffer from lower back pains, stiff neck and sore shoulders that are often caused by chronic tension.
When there is constant muscle tension, bands of rigid muscle tissue are formed in the ligaments, muscles and tendons. These rigid bands then block blood circulation which leads to pain and inflammation. Deep tissue massage actually breaks down rigid muscle tissues and pain and inflammation is relieved.
Hot stone massage is a variation of what many people would consider classic massage. Heated flat stones are positioned at certain points of the body; the skilled massage practitioner may also hold the heated stones to massage parts of the body.
Hot stone massage is great for people that would be good candidates for deep tissue massage but prefer a lighter softer touch to their massages. The heat of the hot stones warms and relaxes the muscles and nervous system. In hot stone massage, a massage therapist can perform a deep tissue massage but do not have to apply as much pressure.
Swedish massage is one of the most well known massage technique practiced. Swedish massage is also the foundation for many other massage practices such as deep tissue massage, sports massage or aromatherapy massage. Swedish massage is good for people who suffer with constant back pain, stress or stress related conditions, regular headaches, muscle strains and sprains and post injury rehabilitation.
Swedish massage increases the oxygen flow in the blood, releases toxins from the muscles which relieve aches, tensions and thus improving a person’s flexibility. The Swedish massage practitioner uses 5 different movements as part of the massage; long gliding strokes (Effleurage), rubbing (Friction), shaking (Vibration), tapping (Tapotement) and kneading on specific muscles (Petrissage).
Aromatherapy massage is a massage technique where a massage therapist performs classic massage and incorporates the use of concentrated plant oils that are called essential oils within the massage lotion or oil. Aromatherapy is good for people who suffer from stress related issues.
The principle behind aromatherapy is that the nostrils are connected to the limbic system that controls our emotions and also influences our hormones and nervous system. Aroma the essential oils sends messages to the limbic system that will influence a persons blood pressure, immune system, digestion, stress level, heart rate and breathing.
Massage has several health benefits. Here are a few of them:
- Muscles massage decreases the tension in the muscles and reduces muscular pain. Strenuous exertion results in the accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles, massage helps to get rid of this acid accumulation and thus imparts a feeling of freshness.
- Massage stimulates the glands located at the skin level and hence keeps skin fresh and hydrated.
- Massage increases the circulation of the blood in the part being massaged, so that the part is supplied with more nutrients, and its healing powers are improved. The accelerated circulation even helps in reducing swelling.
- Massage increases the capacity of the blood to carry oxygen and to utilize it effectively. Hence it helps in fast recovery from injuries and burns.
- Back pain and strong headaches are also treated with massage sessions.
- Massage helps to open the pores of the skin thus resulting in the elimination of toxins from the body through perspiration
- Massage gives the mental benefits as well, as it stimulates a state of mental relaxation and reduces stress. It also helps to release endorphins, a substance that is released by the brain and gives a sense of well being and alleviates pain.
- Stress affects us both mentally and physically, and reducing stress is one of the most noticed benefits of massage therapy. We cannot deny that Massage helps in overall health improvement.
Topics: Relaxation, Stress Management | 1 Comment »
July 14th, 2009 at 10:48 am
Nothing is more relaxing for me than getting a massage, especially if I’m under a lot of stress. It’s a great way to release all the tension in my body built up by stress. After I get a massage I feel relaxed and tension free. I highly recommend massages.