Massage Therapy Basics
Massage refers to the gentle rubbing, stroking, and pressing your body. Massage can be performed using light to intense pressure. There are numerous other kinds of massages, including Swedish massage, Shiatsu, Reflexology, and chair massage. This article will provide the basics of how they impact your body.
Swedish massage is usually thought of as the best form of massage therapy. This involves gentle rubbing, and gentle care for the upper part of your body which includes the shoulders, arms, chest, legs as well as the chest and legs. The strokes of massage are usually very smooth and aim at releasing blockages in the blood vessels. This improves circulation, which aids your lymphatic system in draining out toxins and getting rid of waste products. This kind of massage can help in improving lymphatic drainage, and also reduce swelling and inflammation, because the gentle pressure causes the capillary vessels to relax.
Shiatsu massage therapy, also called acupuncture therapy involves precise manipulations of the acupoints in your hands and feet. This is done to unblock vital energy flow through the meridian canal and to clear areas that are blocked. This is how pressure relief is facilitated on the acupoints and increased blood circulation is improved. Shiatsu massage therapy is an alternative therapy which has grown in popularity throughout the West. It has been used for thousands to treat conditions such as hypertension and high bloodpressure.
Another type of massage technique is reflexology. An experienced massage therapist could apply pressure directly to certain areas of the body, thereby relieving tension and stress. The body responds to pressure by feeling pain or discomfort. Reflexology employs reflex points in the hands and feet which are connected to other parts of the body due to the presence of pressure. This kind of massage could offer a range of health benefits, including increased circulation and the relieving of aches and pains.
Massage therapy can be beneficial on the mental and emotional well-being. Massage therapy can also have positive effects on the digestive tract in its most severe form. Certain types of massage may affect the digestive system, stimulating the lymphatic and parasympathetic nervous systems, allowing the digestion process to function more effectively. A full-body massage may be used to ease colic, a condition in which babies whine or cry for long periods of time. A skilled massage therapist can provide relief to those who suffer from chronic anxiety, insomnia depression, anxiety, depression, or general stress. Other benefits include the reduction of migraine headaches, treatment of periodontal disease and improvement in overall health and appearance of the skin.
It is important to thoroughly review your medical history before scheduling your next massage therapy session. If you have any of the ailments listed above, you should have an entire evaluation with your doctor prior to scheduling your first appointment. The health professional will ask a variety of questions regarding your medical background. They will ask you about the types of massage you receive every week, the routine you are currently following, medication you are taking, as well as your beliefs about the impact massage has on your health. After all the data is collected, your massage therapist will be able examine your medical history in a thorough manner and create the best treatment plan for you.
Massage has numerous benefits that go beyond the physical wellbeing. It can have a positive impact on your general wellbeing as well. Regular massages can aid in relaxation and de-stressing after a long and stressful day at work. Studies have shown this. People who regularly receive massages tend to have greater muscle tone, are more alert, and feel more energized than those who don't regularly receive massages. Massage can reduce injuries and pain and increase blood circulation. Regular massage can also help reduce the stress you feel on a daily basis which can improve your mood and well-being.
You can make an appointment with a therapist for an Swedish massage, or learn to perform one at home. Swedish massage uses smooth, flowing strokes that let tension go from the body. The end result is the release of tension that's built up over the course of the day. A Swedish massage should not take longer than 15 minutes to complete. However it is possible to consult your therapist regarding how long the massage should be.
