subject: Fight Stress And Free Your Mind By Way Of Massage Therapy [print this page] Now - more than ever - busy people everywhere are turning to massage therapy to help wipe away the effects of the tension and stress brought on by everyday life. As a result, they are enjoying improved overall health and a feeling of genuine well-being. But massage therapy is not just for relaxation ... it has healing benefits as well.
The art of massage therapy and the benefits it provides is nothing new; researchers have been touting its healing and relaxing properties for thousands of years. The friction that massage therapy creates through trained "rubbing" has been found to improve circulation and reduce pain in one's joints. Different techniques are used to target different parts of the body to improve the functions of the various systems in our bodies, including our nervous circulatory systems.
The list of mental and physical benefits of regular massage therapy is extensive; here are just a few:
A reduction in the effects of chronic pain;
Enhanced concentration as a result of mental relaxation;
Improved skin tone and elasticity;
A physical relaxing of the body which allows you to sleep better;
Lower blood pressure and heart rate sometimes brought on by anxiety;
Elimination of headaches resulting from too much stress.
Sometimes - in an effort to treat various ailments - a therapist may use a combination of different massage therapy techniques in the treatment of the same client. The use of lotions and oils - combined with the appropriate stroking and pressure techniques - will help to boost metabolism and heighten your energy level.
There are few more effective ways to manage your stress level and relieve the symptoms of tension in your body and mind than with massage therapy. As with any other ongoing health management plan, you'll get the most benefit by having massage therapy on a continuing basis. And by strengthening your overall immune system, massage therapy can aid your rehabilitation after surgery or an injury. It has also proven to be very effective in the treatment of such problems as depression, infertility, and the effects of smoking-cessation, to name a few.
More good news is that massage therapy appears to have few risks or side effects, IF it is performed by a properly-trained therapist. A side effect of massage therapy may include temporary discomfort or slight pain, but the positive results overshadow any risk involved.
So you're ready to include massage therapy into your ongoing healthy-body program; as you do, keep the following in mind.
Research, research, research your therapist to review their credentials and determine their level of experience.
Ask your doctor if massage therapy complements your existing health regimen.
Before beginning a massage therapy program, consult your doctor to determine how massage therapy can complement any preexisting conditions you may currently be receiving treatment for.
If you suffer from any of the following, you're sure to benefit from massage therapy:
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Bronchitis
Sports injuries
Allergies and asthma
Fibromyalgia
Anxiety/depression.
The increase in the popularity of massage therapy has some national companies offering a membership plan to make it a more-affordable option for an ongoing healthcare program. So whether you're simply looking for reliable relief from everyday stress, or seeking assistance with a physical ailment, massage therapy provides something for virtually everyone.
