The Massage Magic

There’s no sense denying the magic and power of getting a massage. Whether you get one when you feel bored or stressed or when you just want to take a break, getting a massage gives you the perfect relaxation get-away plus the countless health benefits that it brings.

Technically, a massage is a term for manipulation, rubbing and pressing of the skin as well as ligaments, muscles and tendons. People who perform massage are called massage therapists and often use their hands and fingers to perform the activity, but the use of elbows, feet or forearms have been practiced as well. The definition of massage may vary depending on its origin, for massage has encompassed almost all parts of the world as a therapeutic activity in which every place had its own version of the massage.

A brief history of massage can be traced thousands of years ago and appears in the writings of India, Japan, China, Arabic Nations, Greece, Rome and Egypt. As massage became popular in Europe, two American physicians who have visited Sweden established massage therapy in the United States, where it became popular for a period of time but then died down because of advances in medical treatment.

Kinds of Massage

There are many kinds of massage, and the most common types include Swedish massage, a relaxing and energizing massage of gentle form through strokes, kneading, vibration, tapping and deep circular movement. The Deep-Tissue massage involves forceful and slower strokes that help in preventing damage of the muscles from injuries by targeting the deep layers of the muscles and tissues. The Sports massage, as the name suggests, is geared toward people engaged in sports activity to address to injuries. The Trigger-Point massage is focused on trigger points or in areas where tight muscle fibers could form in the muscles by overuse or injury.

Though scientific research on the effectiveness of massage therapy is still limited, we cannot deny the health and psychological benefits it brings. Some of which include pain and stress relief, depression and anxiety management, control of blood pressure, sports-related injuries, cancer treatment and immunity booster and a lot more, which will be discussed elaborately later on. Not only does it help psychologically and physically, but emotionally as well. Clients account that they indeed felt better after getting a massage.

As good as the name massage therapy sounds, and as the many benefits it could bring, it could also provide a serious risk if performed by an untrained therapist. Side effects and serious injuries that come from massage include allergy to massage oil, swelling, bruising and temporary discomfort. Cautions before massage should be observed especially for people with cancer, fractures, open wounds, and low platelet counts.

Benefits of Massage

• It has a calming effect on the nervous system.

  Massage can bring about a relaxing and calming effect on the nervous system depending on the reaction of the nerves stimulated and the length and type of massage. It helps balance the autonomic nervous system and is known to have a certain effect on the brain’s neurotransmitters by increasing endorphin production. It also eases depression and anxiety due to the calming of the nervous system and helps restart proper tonus by its effect on the pathways of neuromuscular reflex.

• It helps reduce anxiety.

  In the human body, almost 90% of diseases are stress-related, which may not pose a serious effect at first, but ages us faster internally and externally. While finding medicinal ways to treat stress, why not try massage? An all natural therapeutic activity that can, in no doubt, relieve stress, decrease anxiety, enhance sleep, greater energy, improved circulation and concentration and many more. Anxiety is commonly stored in certain areas of the body like the shoulders, lower back, neck and abdomen and by relieving these tension areas, the mind can relax and let go of the anxiety and have a lighter feeling.

• It promotes relaxation and a general sense of well-being.

  The total effect of getting a good massage has something to do with providing one with the relaxation that he or she needs as well as a general sense of well-being. As it gives numerous benefits to the nervous system and all parts of the body and makes us well physically, emotionally and psychologically, a massage temporarily frees us from all our worries and anxieties giving an over-all sense of well-being and relaxation.

• It helps improve blood circulation

  Massage helps in removing blood toxins and encourages healthy blood circulation. An enhancement in lymph and blood circulation helps a person maximize energy levels and gain more strength and power. It also enhances natural healing process, growth and muscle recovery.

• It prevents muscle spasm and cramps.

  When the muscles are regularly exercised and touched, the probability of experiencing injuries is limited. The muscles are well-exercised and cramps and spasm are not prevalent. It also improves flexibility of the joints, avoiding damage from overuse because of the stored tension.

• It is used to manage painful conditions.

  Massage can help in pain management during muscle spasms, sciatica and arthritis. Massage can also be effective in reducing pain in many other conditions.

• It boosts immunity.

  A study published in the Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that massage sessions can help boost immunity and ward off diseases. Massage recipients were observed with decreases in stress hormones and increased production of other cells that boosts the immune system.

These are just some of the benefits of getting a therapeutic massage, and there are a lot more. Getting a massage can give one more than what he expects, most especially if done frequently. Engaging in this kind of therapeutic activity plays a huge role on how you are able to live and manage your life and how youthful you’ll become for the coming years. If you are still not into this kind of activity, starting it now would be a good investment. Finding a certified therapist is a must if doing so. Make massage a part of your wellness plan, for nothing beats an all-natural therapeutic massage.

Sources
associatedcontent.com
mayoclinic.com
spas.about.com
www.medicinenet.com
deservingbodymassage.com
massagetherapy.com
health.yahoo.net