May 23rd, 2010 • Posted by Anne Marie Adams • Permalink
You lay face down as you prepare for your massage. The heated bed feels soothing as you lay your body between the sheets. The scented head rest and the relaxing sounds prepare you for the session that will fade your concerns into 60 minutes of soothing relief. The therapist begins to massage and loosen your tightened muscles and soon your cares fade away as you revel in the calming touch. Experts estimate that 80 percent to 90 percent of disease is stress-related. Massage benefits our bodies to bring about change that helps us to relax. Studies have shown massage may boost immunity. When we are stressed, cortisol is produced in our bodies. Studies have shown massage helps reduce cortisol in the body. Massage also helps to reduce fatigue and gives you more energy to handle stressful situations. Touch is the core ingredient of massage therapy. Therapists learn specific techniques for massage and determine the right amount of pressure to apply to each person and locate areas of tension and other soft-tissue problems. When muscles are overworked, lactic acid can accumulate in the muscle, causing soreness, stiffness, and even muscle spasm. Massage improves circulation, which increases blood flow, bringing fresh oxygen to body tissues. Therapeutic massage can be used to promote general well-being, while boosting the circulatory and immune systems to benefit blood pressure, circulation, muscle tone, digestion, and skin tone. Massage does more than just relax your body and mind - there are physiological and psychological changes that occur with massage. The relaxing feeling that massage brings to your body can have a positive effect in many areas of your life, besides the tranquil feeling you are left with as you leave the massage table to drink the water the therapist hands you. Most Popular Massages Swedish Massage Therapy is the most common. Swedish massage uses long strokes, kneading, and circular movements on superficial layers of muscles. This is a great massage if you have never had one to start first. Aromatherapy Massage adds an essential oil component. Essential oils are used for relaxing, energizing, balancing or stress-reducing. Lavender is used mostly for relaxation. Be sure to let your therapist if you are allergic to any specific oil or ingredient. . Hot Stone Massage uses heated, smooth stones are placed on certain points on the body to warm and loosen tight muscles and balance energy centers in the body. Hot stone massage is good for people who have muscle tension but prefer lighter massage. Deep Tissue Massage applies more pressure. It specifically targets the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. Deep tissue massage is used for chronically tight or painful muscles, repetitive strain, postural problems, or recovery from injury. People often feel sore for one to two days after deep tissue massage. Pregnancy Massage is becoming increasingly popular with expectant mothers. Massage therapists who are certified in pregnancy massage know the proper way to position and support the woman's body during the massage, and how to modify techniques. Pregnancy massage is used to reduce stress, decrease swelling, relieve aches and pains, and reduce anxiety and depression. The massage is customized to a woman's individual needs. Reflexology involves applying pressure to certain points on the foot that correspond to organs and systems in the body. Reflexology is very relaxing, especially for people who stand on their feet all day or just have tired, achy feet. Sports Massage is used by people who are active and work out often. The focus isn't on relaxation but on preventing and treating injury and enhancing athletic performance. A combination of techniques is used. The strokes are generally faster than Swedish massage. Facilitated stretching is a common technique. It helps to loosen muscles and increase flexibility.
