subject: Massage Therapy Relieve Pain Faster [print this page] Aches, pains, bursitis, fatigue, high blood pressure? The list goes on, diabetes, immunity suppression, infertility, smoking cessation, depression, found what ails you yet? Try low back pain, maybe arthritis? All of these, as well as an immense number of other ailments can be treated with massage therapy.
Many physical rehabilitation programs accept this as an acceptable form of treatment. Millions of people the world over vow that massage helps relieve these symptoms, as well as the tension of everyday living that can lead to disease and illness.
The art of massage involves rubbing the superficial layers of muscle and connective tissue. When done properly, is has been known to enhance function and promote relaxation and well-being. Think this is something new? No, in fact it dates way back in many cultures. It has been documented by the ancient Hindus, Persians and Egyptians. They all used some form of massage for a wide variety of illnesses, aches and pains. Hippocrates even wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems.
Are you interested in finding how this art of massage is practiced? Many, many, many methods, over 250 to be precise, are used. Some of these are tapping, kneading, vibration, rocking, applying pressure to muscles, stroking and compression!
All sorts of massage therapy started to become quite popular in the US in the 1800's and continued to grow in popularity until the 1930's and 40's when modern medicine breakthroughs discounted its benefits, and use dwindled. Nurses began to use it in the 1960's and 1970's to alleviate pain in patients. In the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta massage was deemed a core medical service, which gave it great credibility. It is good enough for world class athletes! Feel like trying it?
So, how do you find a massage therapist? Well, as with everything, there are qualifications, and there are genuine qualifications. You can ask your doctor to refer you to one he/she works with. Sometimes this is even covered by insurance.
There are many ways of having a massage done. There are also many types of oils, seeds etc that can be used. A person receiving a massage may be on a mat, chair, or table, usually without clothes, but covered with towels or sheets. If one is uncomfortable with this, he/she may wear underwear.
Some massage therapists use oil, or even such thing as body rocks! Different oils can be used to stimulate blood flow and relaxation. A body rock can be either cold or warm and coated in different sorts of oils such as fractionated coconut oil, grape seed oil, olive oil, macadamia oil, sesame oil, pecan oil and mustard and aromatherapy oils. You may even be surprised to find it is covered by insurance.
Not only are there a variety of oils etc that can be used, but there are a variety of body parts used to do the massage. Pressure is applied by hands, fingers, elbows, knees, forearms and even feet. Go ahead, try it!
