Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Massage, Harmful Or Not!

By Ann Chester

Is it a waste of money to have a massage? Are you just paying to have your back rubbed? Massage is far more than that and although the benefits are varied, whichever type of massage you opt for the results are similar. Sports and muscle injuries may benefit from a specific types of massage, such as a Swedish massage.

If there are any benefits, is it worth paying to have a massage or not? Massage has had a place in the healing tradition of the far East for thousands of years. But in the West massage was only introduced into Europe a couple of hundred years ago, and even later into the USA.

In traditional healing, medicines would have been given, as well as advise on diet and exercise, and often massage with oils was also reccommended. Sometimes massage was given as a stand alone therapy and a variety of oils would have been prescribed.

Although the west accepted the traditional methods of massage, over the last century massage in the west has evolved into a blend of traditional and modern techniques. Massage has been incorporated into main stream medicine as the scientists have proved that there are real benefits to having a massage.

If asked the majority of people would tell you that massage is used to relax you, but I have to say that it does far more than that. Although saying that the benefits are similar for every type of massage, each method does bring their own unique technique to create healing in the body.

As you are an individual you have to find the type of massage that suits you. It may be that you have tried one type but found no benefit, please do not dismiss all massage, as you may find a different type to be just what your body needs. Also depending on what your body needs at a particular time will dictate which type of massage you choose to have.

If you are a fan of meditation then you know how to relax, for most of us relaxation is a big problem. Although our ancestors led stressful lives, their stress was in short bursts and not for the prolonged length of time that we in the modern world live with. Maybe you wake up stressed and go to bed stressed, and spend all of the time inbetween rushing around trying to get things done.

You live in a very stressful world, your pace of life is most likely far too hectic, do you rush around all day long busy doing something every minute of the day. If that sounds like you then you may be heading for health problems in the future, may be you are already feeling exhausted both mentally and physically.

Unless you live in some remote mountain top, you live with air pollution, chemicals in your food and water, and so much stress you may wonder how you will cope. The result of all of this is toxins in your body and tense tight muscles. One way to combat all of this pressure on your body is to have a regular massage. The first thing you will notice is the you feel more relaxed and more able to cope with the everyday hassles of life. More subtle is the removal of excess toxins which will benefit your health now and in the future.

On the physical level a good massage will leave you feeling invigorated, when you have finished your massage you may feel as if you are walking on air.

Your blood circulation will be improved when you have a massage, and there will be an increase of flow of the lymphatic fluid throughout your body. Toxins in the cells can impede the correct working of those cells and when this happens disease can follow, a regular massage can help prevent this.

When you have a massage there is a lot of physical manipulation of the muscles, this can reduce stiffness, release tension and increase mobility. Due to the nature of this physical manipulation, massage is very good as part of your regular exercise regimine, as it can help in the prevention of muscle injury.

Many scientific studies confirm that massage therapy can:

Reduce heart rate.

Lower blood pressure (if high).

Increase blood circulation and lymphatic flow.

Stimulates weak and inactive muscles to compensate for lack of movement due to an illness or an injury, stiffened and tense muscles are also relaxed.

Increases endorphins.

There is a reduction in anxiety and tension.

This list is very impressive, but I am sure over the next few years the scientists will find even more benefits of massage.

The type of treatment offered by skilled masseur combines healing techniques which will work with the natural healing powers of your body to bring about wholeness to your mind, body and spirit.

Of course, it is recommended that anyone with any severe condition or chronic pain should consult with a licensed medical professional before embarking on a massage. Also any well trained massage therapist will be able to tell you if it is wise for you to have a massage or not. - 14130

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