Massage Therapy
Massage is an old art of healing. Problems with joints and circulatory system were healed using rubbing and friction based on Hippocrates recommendations. Since over 3000 years ago Chinese records state the use of massage by Hindus, Egyptians and Persians. Today, the benefits of massage therapy are immense; it is used to treat chronic health problems such as arthritis, upper and low back pain, body ache, high blood pressure, fatigue, infertility, depression and many more illnesses. Massage as a part of physical rehabilitation and holistic healing to relieve stress and tension are well known to everyone.
What is Massage therapy
Massage Therapy involves the use of hands to manipulate soft body tissues to reach the desired muscle for therapeutic treatment. Today, a masseur or skilled massage therapist may even use his/ her physiological knowledge with instruments or massage equipment designed for massage. Masseurs these days use a combination of massage techniques. The purists prefer using a traditional preset massage technique. Massages may vary from a shallow massage using a gentle touch with soft movements on the surface to a deeper massage in which more pressure is applied to reach more muscle at the deeper level but give better relief overall.
Massage Equipments
Massage equipments are available in the form of portable and adjustable devices such as massage tables, massage chairs, inversion tables, height-adjustable stools, eye pillows, face cradle covers, anatomical pillows and electric warmers to assure an appropriate temperature of the massage table. Massage equipments are used by the therapist to give the patient the best treatment along with a high level of comfort. For example, a masseur who tries to apply pressure to a deeper section of the muscle can do so with minimal discomfort by using the right kind of massage therapy equipment for the type of massage technique. Various massage supplies are available including skin care equipment such as facial steamers and so on. The patient can get the optimal level of relaxation from his/ her therapy session.
Massage Oils
Massage oils are a vital medium which provide a smooth glide on your skin, enhance the pleasure of a massage and promote therapeutic healing. Massage oils come as various types of oils and varieties. Some base massage oils are coconut oil, olive oil, sweet almond oil, emu oil. Each massage oil serves specific functions due to its individual positive characteristics and special uses. Aloe vera, hibiscus, and other natural plant ingredients may be added to the oil to give additional benefits. You will be able to pick and choose the perfect oil suited to your needs if you understand the natural properties, effects and health benefits that are derived from the oil ingredients and added herbs. For example, some oils are suited for relieving muscle sprains and back aches while others may be suited for treating skin disorders. Aromatic essential oils are natural, concentrated products used to add fragrance to massage oils. Cheaper fragrant oils made with synthetic ingredients can also be added to massage oils for scent. But essential oils, though more expensive are of high quality and are less likely to cause any adverse physical reactions on a user than fragrance oils. Essential oils are usually diluted with base carrier oils such as coconut oil and olive oil.
Types of Massage Therapies
Some popular massage therapies used are aromatherapy massage, ayurvedic massage, bhreema, lomi lomi massage, craniosacral massage, thai massage, swedish massage, shiatsu, to name a few. Modern day massage therapies also use massage along with a combination of acupressure, yoga, water energy, kinesiology, meditation, aromatherapy, attunement and so on. The objective of such therapies is to harmonize the body and mind to revitalize the body and achieve mental peace.
Benefits of Massage
Massage can be a wonderful health therapy to rejuvenate your mind, body, soul and achieve good health and vitality. We have come up with various massage oil recipes for you to incur health benefits at home with ease. A relaxed you will have clarity of thoughts, actions and be more enthused to give your best at work, at home and to the world. You will be better able to face the challenges around you and deliver the best results. Massage equips you with the right reserves for a stronger more youthful you! Its not just a luxury but an important part of nurturing and caring for yourself. This reflects on your work, your activities and manifests itself as a positive ripple effect.
The broad health benefits of massage means less anxiety, increase in endorphin levels pep up mood and reduce flow of stress hormones, less insomnia, increased blood circulation, improved concentration, increased energy levels (less fatigue), better self esteem and increased security, less health problems as it boosts the immune system. It combats pain, depression, joint problems and particularly beneficial in rehabilitation programs. Massage helps to subside symptoms associated with asthma, arthritis, burns, high blood pressure, and PMS.
Massage therapy when imparted properly; reduces expensive medical costs, doctor visits, over the counter medications and promotes natural health and healing. The best thing is that, massage is a home remedy you can do by yourself once you read and understand about the types of massages, oils and their health benefits. Regular massage has positive effects on several aspects of your life.
