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Massage Therapy: Earth's Oldest Form of Pain Relief
After nearly two and a half milennia, massage therapy persists as one of the most effective methods to ease pain and alleviate stress.
The benefits of massage therapy have long been known to athletes and those with active lifestyles, but new research has shown that it can provide benefits to people of all walks of life. These benefits include stress relief and possibly even weight loss!
Said to have been developed around the year 400 B.C., massage therapy has developed into one of the most persistantly well known forms of passive exercise. Derived from the Greek word "massier" (which means "to knead"), massage involves the manipulation of the human body's soft tissues in order to stimulate circulation and the nervous system, thereby relieving tension in the muscles. Additionally, massage therapy hastens the body's elimination of natural toxins and waste materials, which offers an obvious medical benefit to it's participants. It has also been said that facial massage can be effective in removing wrinkles.
Techniques
In the art of massage, there are five different techniques which can be used interchangeably to provide the most effective massage possible:
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Effleurage- This is a process involving the palms of one's hands, particularly moving in long strokes over the surface of the body. This is a very common method of massage, and is meant to provide relaxation more than muscle rehabilitation.
- Friction- This method involves circular motion of the hand and the use of all five fingers, which knead the muscle and facilitate the release of toxins and deposits out of the body. It can be particularly helpful in soothing nerve inflammation.
- Petrissage- Typically an agressive form of massage, petrissage involves deep kneading, rolling, and pressing of muscle tissues in order to rehabilitate the muscles. This type of massage is also very helpful in releasing toxins, and also is said to aid in metabolic processes.
- Tapotement- The "karate chop" technique. Tapotement involves a rapid succession of strikes to the body's surface in order to sooth nerves and relax the muscles. It is a very effective technique for eliminating atrophy of the muscles.
- Vibrations- The vibration technique involves the user to place his/her hands on the surface of the body and rapidly "shake" their hands against the skin. This is particularly effective for those who suffer from low-back pain.
The techniques listed above can seem daunting to the amateur, but any experienced massage therapist will have the knowledge to employ the techniques which best suit the individual, so a complete understanding of each technique is not necessary.
Materials
Massage oil (or lotion) is instrumental to a good massage, and can make a world of difference in regards to the therapeutic aspects. The oils used in massage oil vary widely, though most often are made up of cottonseed, coconut, or other light oils. Many massage oils have added fragrance (essential oils in quality grades) to enhance the relaxation of those who enjoy them, but it is important to remember that these aromas can be bothersome to those sensitive to perfumes or other fragrances. If you're unsure about whether you could handle a scented oil or not, it is best to err on the side of caution and stick with the unscented. The massage itself will not be affected by this choice!
In addition to massage oil, it is also important to decide on whether you prefer a chair massage or a full table massage. Traditionally, the table massage is revered as the more complete option. A chair massage is more of an "on-the-go" option that provides fast relief and fewer benefits. Additionally, a chair massage is designed to focus on the back muscles only, while a table massage will provide relief for all areas of the body.
Hot Stone Massage
Recently, a form of massage known as Hot Stone Massage has become increasingly popular. This form of massage employs heated stones, usually basalt, which are then applied to the body and used to massage the muscles. The purpose of the hot stones is to provide heat to the muscles, thereby further relaxing them and perpetuating the effects of massage. This form of massage typically costs more than a standard massage because it requires a significantly increased amount of setup time.
Seek Professionals
The most important step to take when choosing a massage is to ensure you are choosing a professional, reputable massage therapist. Throughout the years seedy "massage parlors" have given massage therapy a negative stigma, but these illegal operations are rapidly growing extinct. In their place, responsible and professional clinics are opening all over the country that provide licensed therapists at reasonable rates. One company, Massage Envy, has become a nationwide franchise that offers memberships to its clients for a low monthly rate. They only accept experienced massage therapists and the company has even been featured on "The Oprah Winfrey Show." The official website for Massage Envy is listed in our Helpful Links section, so head over and find the location nearest you!
For more information on massage therapy and its benefits, visit the EnvyMyHealth.com Massage Therapy Channel!
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