There is no better therapy out there (for almost any ailment) than physical massage therapy. Let's take it more fundamental than massage therapy and call it physical connection, touch, and energy exchange. On the most basic level, living things need touch to survive, thrive and feel connected and happy. Cut to professional massage: Okay, maybe there are a few other wonderful treatment alternatives to melt away the anxiety, relieve aches and pains and leave you feeling like floating on cloud 9 (like a piece of hot molten lava cake while sitting in a hammock overlooking Bora Bora waters). Once touted as a luxury for the insanely rich or famous athlete, modern-day massage therapy (either for recovery, relaxation or lymphatic drainage) is no longer only offered in upscale spas, resorts, and health clubs. Today, massage therapy is offered in businesses, clinics, hospitals, in your own home, and even airports. Let's learn about the many health benefits of massage, no matter if you are an infant or centurion senior.
We all have a general idea of what massage is—Massage is a general term for pressing, rubbing and manipulating your skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Massage therapists typically use their hands and fingers for massage, but may also use their forearms, elbows and even feet. Massage may range from light stroking to deep pressure. I would like to remind the reader that any touching or exchange of sensual and physical connection is beneficial 🙂 We do not do it enough in our societies.
This is a gentle form of massage that uses long strokes, kneading, deep circular movements, vibration and tapping to help relax and energize you.
This massage technique uses slower, more-forceful strokes to target the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue, commonly to help with muscle damage from injuries.
This is similar to Swedish massage, but it's geared toward people involved in sports activities to help prevent or treat injuries.
This massage focuses on areas of tight muscle fibers that can form in your muscles after injuries or overuse.
Massage is generally considered part of complementary and alternative medicine. It's increasingly being offered along with standard treatment for a wide range of medical conditions and situations.
Studies of the benefits of massage demonstrate that it is an effective treatment for reducing stress, pain and muscle tension.
⚝ Anxiety
⚝ Digestive disorders
⚝ Fibromyalgia
⚝ Headaches
⚝ Insomnia related to stress
⚝ Myofascial pain syndrome
⚝ Paresthesias and nerve pain
⚝ Soft tissue strains or injuries
⚝ Sports injuries
⚝ Temporomandibular joint pain
Beyond the benefits for specific conditions or diseases, some people enjoy massage because it often involves caring, comfort, a sense of empowerment and creating deep connections with their massage therapist.
Despite its benefits, massage isn't meant as a replacement for regular medical care. Let your doctor know you're trying massage and be sure to follow any standard treatment plans you have.
Most people can benefit from massage. However, massage may not be appropriate if you have:
❢ Bleeding disorders or take blood-thinning medication
❢ Burns, open or healing wounds
❢ Deep vein thrombosis
❢ Fractures
❢ Severe osteoporosis
❢ Severe thrombocytopenia
Discuss the pros and cons of massage with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant or have cancer or unexplained pain. A good notion to have is if it is hurting and there is a pinching that does not feel good, ease up. It should (on the whole) feel good, rejuvenating and relaxing.
Some forms of massage can leave you feeling a bit sore the next day. But massage shouldn't ordinarily be painful or uncomfortable. If any part of your massage doesn't feel right or is painful, speak up right away. Most serious problems come from too much pressure during massage.
❢ Internal bleeding
❢ Nerve damage
❢ Temporary paralysis
Allergic reactions to massage oils or lotions ( I always bring my own therapeutic essential oils and jojoba oil or fractionated coconut oils to my massage appointments. This way you know there are only organic products being used and a deeper level of relaxation that will occur using the essential oils).
