Indulging in a massage can do more than just help you relax. In fact, there are many different forms of this procedure and multiple associated health benefits.
What is massage?
This procedure involves rubbing, moving, and applying pressure to a person’s skin, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Some well-known types include Swedish, deep, sport, trigger point, hot stone, Thai, and shiatsu. The Swedish technique is a gentle procedure in which the masseuse helps the client to relax by kneading the muscles with long movements. This method can also involve circular motions, vibration, and tapping. In the deep technique, the practitioner manipulates the muscles slowly and with more force to reach the underlying layers of muscle and connective tissue. The goal is to help a person recover from muscle damage. The sports technique is similar to the Swedish form; however, the intent is to prevent or help athletes recover from injuries. During the trigger point method, the massage therapist focuses on relieving tension in tight muscle areas that have formed as a result of injury or heavy use. In the hot stone technique, the practitioner places heated stones at certain pressure points on the patient’s body. The specialist may leave the stones in place for a period of time or use them to manipulate the client’s muscles. The Thai technique requires the practitioner to use her own body to move the client into various positions. Acupressure, compression of the muscles and movement of the joints are part of this technique. The Shiatsu technique requires the practitioner to apply rhythmic pressure in varying degrees to the client’s acupressure points.
How can you improve health conditions?
Massage therapy has been shown to improve many health conditions, including reducing headaches. This therapy can help decrease the number of migraines one experiences and help the patient sleep better. This procedure stimulates the body to release endorphins, which are natural pain relievers. This explains why osteoarthritis and back pain can also improve in patients who undergo this therapy. Used in conjunction with traditional medicine, this therapy has also been shown to reduce cancer symptoms and alleviate treatment side effects such as nausea, fatigue, pain, and swelling. In addition, this technique can help alleviate the patient’s anxiety and depression. Other conditions that have shown improvement after receiving this therapy include rheumatoid arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, dementia, chronic neck pain, and premenstrual syndrome.
What are the health benefits?
In addition to improving many health conditions, massage therapy has many other health benefits as well. It can improve circulation, improve energy levels, boost immunity, and make joints more flexible. This therapy can also help premature babies gain weight and help pregnant women experience a shorter and less difficult labor. It can help lower blood pressure, improve patient performance during exercise, and may lead to improvements in balance among the elderly. Also, this therapy can help counteract some of the adverse side effects of sitting too often.
With all the health benefits and positive results associated with massage therapy, there’s no reason not to make this procedure a regular part of your life!