The blissful benefits of massage

We may think it’s just pampering — but the healing effects of a massage go much deeper than we sometimes realize. Massage has the power to improve circulation of the blood and lower blood pressure as well as acting as a detoxification system for our bodies. It can also help improve muscle tone and prevent muscles from atrophying from inactivity or illness. Many people use it to reduce stress and promote emotional well being.

There are many different forms of massage available, all with various benefits to your health.

Swedish Massage

This is the most common massage technique and is often just referred to as massage therapy. Using massage oil or lotion, therapists employ long, smooth strokes and circular movements on the superficial layers of muscle to knead out knots.

There are many benefits of this type of massage including relief of muscle tension and pain, clearing of lactic acid and other waste, increasing flexibility and mobility and reducing pain and stiffness in muscles and joints.

You may want to try regular sessions with a massage therapist if you suffer from back pain, headaches and migraines, stress, inflammatory conditions (such as arthritis and tendinitis), muscle conditions (such as spasms), strains and sprains, circulatory or respiratory problems, post-injury and post-surgical rehabilitation or repetitive strain injuries (such as carpal tunnel syndrome).

Aromatherapy Massage

This technique is similar to Swedish massage, but with the added benefit of one or more scented plant oils to target specific needs. Your therapist will select oils that are relaxing, energizing, stress reducing or balancing based on the issue you would like to address. The various types of oil all have different healing properties. For instance, lavender is the most commonly used essential oil for its calming and relaxing effect.

Aromatherapy is best for those suffering from conditions such as stress, insomnia, headaches, premenstrual syndrome, back pain and digestive disorders.

Shiatsu Massage

Shiatsu is a form of Japanese bodywork based on the principle that illness comes from imbalances in the natural flow of energy in the body. It uses pressure from fingers in a rhythmic sequence similar to acupuncture, holding each point for two to eight seconds to help improve the flow of energy and help the balance the body.

Benefits of this treatment include calming an overactive sympathetic nervous system, improving circulation, relieving stiff muscles and alleviating stress.

You may want to try this treatment if you suffer from premenstrual syndrome, headaches, anxiety, back pain, insomnia, neck and shoulder pain, tiredness, stress, arthritis, constipation, depression or poor digestion.

Thai Massage

Similar to Shiatsu, this technique is more energizing and rigorous than the more classic forms of massage. It is sometimes described as Thai yoga massage because the therapist uses his or her hands, knees, legs and feet to move you in a series of yoga like stretches.  Like yoga, Thai massage is usually done on a padded mat on the floor. No oil is applied so you remain fully clothed — you should wear comfortable clothing instead —  and sessions can last from one to two hours.

Thai massage is best used for relaxation, reducing stress, increasing energy, flexibility, range of motion, circulation and centering the mind and body.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue and is helpful for chronic issues such as a stiff neck, lower back tightness and sore shoulders. It is similar to classic Swedish massage therapy, but the movement is slower and the pressure goes deeper to concentrate on specific areas where the patient is feeling tension and pain.

This treatment works to physically break down adhesions in the muscles that can block circulation, cause pain and inflammation and limit movement. The therapist uses direct deep pressure applied across the grain of the muscles to achieve results. It can be somewhat uncomfortable and it is therefore important to tell your therapist when things hurt and if any pain you experience is outside your tolerance.

You will usually feel some stiffness or pain following a deep tissue massage, but it should subside within a day. Applying ice to the area can help speed up the recovery process.

You may want to ask your doctor about this treatment if you suffer from limited mobility, chronic pain, postural problems, osteoarthritis pain, fibromyalgia, muscle spasms, carpal tunnel syndrome or are recovering from sports injuries, whiplash or a fall.

Hot Stone Massage

Hot stone massage uses smooth, heated stones made of basalt, a rock that is rich in iron so it retains heat well, placed on certain points on the body to warm and loosen tight muscles and balance energy.

Stones are first placed in water and heated in an electric heating device until they reach the correct temperature range, then they are placed on certain points on the back, in the palms of hands and between the toes. The heat serves to warm and relax muscles, which then allows for deeper pressure to be applied if desired.

This treatment works best to improve circulation and calm the nervous system. You may want to consider this treatment if you suffer from back aches and pain, poor circulation, osteoarthritis or arthritis pain, stress, anxiety, insomnia or depression.

Reflexology

This technique uses the foot as a guide to heal other parts of the body. It is believed that certain areas of the feet are linked to other areas and organs in the body, thus applying pressure to these reflex areas on the foot promotes health in the corresponding organs through energy pathways. Science says that the pressure may send signals that balance the nervous system or release chemicals like endorphins to help ease pain in that area. Most people find the technique to be very relaxing. If it is at all painful, the therapist may spend more time in that area, as the soreness usually decreases with pressure.

Typical sessions last 45 – 60 minutes and the therapist will begin by assessing your feet and stimulating various points to identify tender spots. Brisk movements will be used to warm up the feet, and then pressure is applied from the toes to the heel.

It is great for the treatment of hormonal issues, arthritis, insomnia, stress, headaches, back pain, sports injuries and digestive disorders.

Be aware, many massage therapies are not recommended for people suffering from skin diseases, those who have just had surgery, chemotherapy or radiation, people with osteoporosis, or pregnant women. It is best to ask your doctor before pursuing any form of treatment.

If your muscles are sore or you just want to take some time out to relax, a massage is the perfect option. Massage therapy schools are a great cost effective option for trying out all these different techniques and finding the one that works best for you. Senior students work for affordable rates while they complete their internship. Discover the method that helps you and take some time out for yourself.

Article Source: http://altmedicine.about.com/od/massage/a/massage_types.htm

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