subject: Rejuvenate Your Body But Also Fight Pain 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.
With literally hundreds of different variations of massage therapy available, many therapists are using multiple techniques to treat the same client. The use of various forms of stroking, kneading, vibration, friction and pressure, along with the use of lotion and oil, has also been proven to boost one's metabolism significantly.
There are few treatments available today that can effectively manage the tension and stress you may be experiencing, but massage therapy is proven to be one of them. By including it in your regular health regimen, you will be able to enjoy the maximum benefits it offers. After someone suffers injury or surgery, massage therapy has been known to provide a faster and more comfortable rehabilitation process. It is also being used in conjunction with programs designed to help clients stop smoking and in the treatment of symptoms associated with such conditions as infertility, depression and anxiety.
The known side effects of massage therapy are few. Other than some temporary pain or discomfort during the procedure, most who receive a massage - at the hands of a trained therapist - report benefits that far outnumber any fleeting side effect.
Before integrating massage therapy into your regular health regimen, please keep the following in mind:
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.
