Many people ask or want to know what massage therapy is and
there has been lots of definition regarding this but from my own perspective,
it is the treatment or handling of several constituents of the body such as tendons, ligaments,
skins, face, muscles and joints. To some
people, this is more than a practice but a religion. Message therapy has been
in existence since the beginning of days in the days of our fore-fathers and is
still being used today. These days people attend formal school to get trained
in this practice.
The benefits of this practice are enormous. It assists in
easing pain and day to day performance. As a whole, it impacts the overall
emotional and mental well-being of individuals practicing it. Other benefits
include, aiding relaxation, controlling anxiety and depression.
Effective massaging will do the following for you;
- · boosts the immune system,
- · ease pain,
- · reduces blood pressure and heart rate,
- · relaxes the body
- · increases endorphins
- · stimulates lesser used muscles
- · aids physical rehabilitation
- · improves blood and lymph circulation
Several techniques and therapies are used in the area of
massage in which some are common. Most
of the time, the details of the common ones are not known.
Acupressure: This
is similar to acupuncture but in this case, needles are not used. Pressure is
applied to some specific points in the body so as to create a therapeutic
effect.
Swedish: This is
the most common technique.
Canadian Deep Tissue
Massage: This focuses on a muscle
group. It helps to rejuvenate muscle tissues including deep tissue.
Aroma Therapy: This is usually combined with some other
technique. In this technique, fragrant oils are used for healing benefits. The
oil can be applied to the skin or perfumed the air allowing those around to
benefit from the healing benefits through the nose.
Infant Massage: As the name implies, this technique is
practised on infants and its becoming very popular around the world. Part of
its benefit is that it helps infants to gain weight and also makes them grow
faster.
Hot Stone Massage:
In this technique, warm stones are
used. The stones which are usually warm are
place on the body with gentle pressure applied to provide a soothing,
therapeutic sensation.
Deep Tissue Massage:
This technique revitalizes and stimulates the deep muscle tissue. It has more
remarkable health benefit including toxin release from the body.
Other techniques include; Aston Patterning, Bioenergetics,
Alexander Technique, Bowen Technique, Craniofacial therapy, Shiatsu, Chi Nei
Tsang and Thai Massage.
To receive a license and become a registered massage
therapist, it is mandatory for massage therapists to pass standardized tests. Training
is usually completed in 2 years or less under trade, vocational or career
college. Because of its proven healing and beneficial results, Massage therapy
is considered under health field.
