subject: Melt Away Your Stressful Day But Also Promote Healing By Way Of A Soothing Massage [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:
Relief from chronic pain;
Mental relaxation resulting in improved concentration;
Better skin tone;
Physical relaxation resulting in sounder sleep;
Lower heart rate and blood pressure;
Reduction in stress and tension-related headaches.
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.
Massage therapy is one of only a few methods available to aid in managing stress and tension in your body and your mind. But to enjoy the maximum benefits that massage therapy offers, it's best to include it as an integral part of your overall, ongoing health regimen. People who are healing from the effects of injury or surgery are experiencing an easier rehabilitation process through massage therapy. It can also be very beneficial in treating depression, infertility and stop-smoking programs.
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.
Before including massage therapy in your healthy-body routine, consider the following:
Research is needed regarding any massage therapist you are thinking about visiting. Consider their credentials and training. Ask questions to determine if they are a good fit for the benefits you hope to derive from massage therapy
Consult with your doctor to determine if massage therapy is a good addition to any existing medical care you are currently undergoing.
Before including an ongoing program of massage therapy, get your doctor's opinion and discuss how it can address your particular health needs.
Many don't realize that massage therapy is also used in the treatment of the following common health concerns:
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Bronchitis
Sports injuries
Allergies and asthma
Fibromyalgia
Anxiety/depression.
You might also want to talk to your employer to see if they might consider including massage therapy as an addition to their existing health benefits package. Many companies - both large and small - who offer massage therapy to their employees are finding that it relieves stress, and in doing so, results in better morale and productivity, while decreasing absenteeism.
