The soothing activity of massage has been part of health therapy from at least 2700 BC in China. Archeologists say that there is evidence of its practice in ancient Egypt and records of its use were found in histories of old Rome and Greece. Traditional Indian medicine combines message with aromatic oils and spices. It’s no wonder that so many styles of massage have developed in so many different cultures over the centuries. The benefit of massage therapy extends to all sorts of disorders, helps stress in many forms and promotes a feeling of well-being.

Modern Therapy

Today’s medical experts have seen the benefit of massage therapy and given it their seal of approval. More than 70% of American hospitals now offer message therapy as part of it treatment of infant care, pregnancy, physical therapy, joint and muscle mobility, stress management, to improve patient comfort and for a variety of other reasons. Specialists in various disciplines now depend on the benefit of massage therapy to give good results for many complaints.

Massage therapy is used in hospitals to treat chronic pain and more than half use it in cases of cancer. It is a regular part of physical therapy for injured or physically-impaired patients to aid in improving mobility. Sixty-seven percent of hospitals even have therapy programs to reduce stress in their own staff members. The benefit of massage therapy extends to all age groups.

Current medical research reveals that those who experience the benefit of massage therapy include patients who have boosted their immune system, have significantly lowered blood pressure, have received comfort during withdrawal from drug and alcohol, have experienced improved pain management, and have found improvement for battle fatigue and combat depression. The benefit of massage therapy includes the contact with a person who is concerned with the patient’s well-being and comfort.

The benefit of massage therapy extends to the muscular, nervous, circulatory and immune systems. Massage therapy can be used in conjunction with other therapies like aromatherapy, reflexology, and acupressure.

Holistic medicine has long embraced the techniques of massage therapy and many other nature disciplines can enhance the benefit of massage therapy as a regular part of a program of well-being. Massage therapy has been used for thousands of years and, because it can be adapted to fit into every type of therapeutic program, the benefit of massage therapy will continue to be with us for centuries to come.

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Guide - Begin the full body massage at the shoulders by kneading the muscles and gently pulling them towards you.

Massage feels sinfully good, doesn’t it? The truth is, massage is one of the best things you can do for yourself; especially during times of change such as menopause.

This soothing therapy has been shown to lower blood press, reduce muscle pain, improve joint flexibility and alleviate headaches, just to name a few of its healing powers.

Most people think of massage in terms of muscle aches, but it’s much more than that. It increases blood flow to your muscles, tissue and every cell in your body which brings oxygen and nutrients to these critical areas. It also stimulates lymphatic flow, improving tissue drainage and the immune system.

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Here are some of the different strokes you have to choose from:

Acupressure
An ancient Chinese technique involves the therapist using his fingers to press key points on the skin to release muscle tension and promote circulation and energy flow. Acupuncture and acupressure use the same points, but acupuncture involves needles. The pressure restores balance to the body and treats ailments such as headaches, menstrual cramps and constipation.

Swedish Massage
This is probably the most common form of massage in the US. Its main goal is relaxation and improved circulation. The therapist applies oil to the skin and uses flowing strokes and kneading movements to relieve tension from the muscles.

Deep Tissue Massage
This type of massage is more vigorous and uses various styles to loosen the muscles. It helps break patterns of tension, relieves chronic pain, including inflammation-related pain such as tendonitis and improves range of motion.

Shiatsu
Shiatsu is Japanese for “finger pressure.” This technique is similar to acupressure where the practitioner uses their finger, thumb, palm, elbow, knee (and sometimes even walk on you) to put pressure on acupuncture healing points. This unblocks the flow of energy and encourages blood and lymphatic flow. It also promotes relaxation and strengthens the body against disease and restores balance.

Sports Massage
This treatment incorporates several massage techniques which is great for athletes. It keeps the body flexible, increases performance and assists in rehabilitation from an injury.

Guide - Currently, there are hundreds of massage therapy colleges, schools and academic institutions designed with the healing hands practitioner in mind. Though some massage therapy colleges provide more modality-specific curriculums comprised of 300-500 hours of course-intensive training, a large number of massage therapy colleges offer anywhere from 750 hours of practical courses to over 2,000 academic and clinical training hours.

Hot Stone Therapy
During this therapy, heated stones are placed strategically on the body which dilates blood vessels and gets blood and oxygen flowing into tense areas. It can feel like a body “rush.” The soothing heat can also prepare the body for deep-tissue work as well as alleviate PMS symptoms.

Aromatherapy Massage
The therapist incorporates essential oils extracted from herbs, flowers and roots into the massage. They select the proper oils based on a particular physical condition and blend them into a massage oil or lotion. The end result is a relaxing massage tailored to your individual needs.

Reiki
This therapy is an Eastern method meaning “universal life energy.” It brings healing energy to the organs and glands in order to bring the body back into balance and help prevent disease. The massage practitioner places their hands on or just above the body to realign chakras and dissolve toxic substances from your physical and emotional being. People often feel warmth or tingling sensations during Reiki.

Guide - In addition to all of the above, massage may directly aid in fat loss. According to some research studies, massage is thought to be able to burst the fat capsule in subcutaneous tissue so that the fat exudes and becomes absorbed.

Pregnancy Massage
This massage focuses on a pregnant woman’s needs including swollen hands and feet, stress on weight-bearing joints, exhaustion and lower back pain. And of course the practitioner positions you to accommodate your baby bump.

Craniosacral Therapy
This therapy involves the Craniosacral system which extends from the skull to the bottom of the spine and consists of the brain, spinal cord, cerebrospinal fluid and surrounding membranes. The practitioner uses a light touch to restore cerebrospinal fluid movement. This can help treat such conditions as headaches, eye and ear problems as well as whiplash and back pain.

Cathy Taylor is a marketing consultant with over 25 years experience. She specializes in internet marketing, strategy and plan development, as well as management of communications and public relations programs for small business sectors. She can be reached at Creative Communications: creative-com@cox.net or by visiting
http://www.howtoconquermenopause.com or
http://www.everythingmenopause.com or http://www.internet-marketing-small-business.com

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Because of the different influences in massage therapy, there are many variations in techniques, but all these different techniques, still offer the same health benefits. The Swedish and Ayurvedic massage both have very different origins and styles, but they still contribute a lot to achieve a healthy and relaxed body.

With so many different kinds of massage therapy programs available today, it has made it difficult for people to choose which one is for them

The Swedish Massage, which is often called the classic or traditional massage. This is the most common massage therapy method and it is what most people usually prefer. The long and flowing strokes characterize this method, and it is ideal for relaxing muscles, improving joint flexibility and aiding in better circulation.

The first stroke is known as effleurage, this involves a long gliding stroke from the neck down to the base of the spine or from the shoulder down to the fingertips. It is also done on the limbs with all strokes directed toward the heart to aid blood and lymphatic flow. A therapist would normally use there whole hand or a thumb pad to do this.

Next is petrissage, this consists of the gentle lifting of muscles, then rolling and squeezing them, while applying a gentle pressure. This helps to enhance deeper circulation, it also increases circulation which in turn eliminates toxins from muscle and nerve tissue.

The third technique friction, is the most forceful one and uses deep circular movements using fingertips. it is applied near bony areas and joints, it relaxes the muscle fiber which in turn enhances flexibility in muscles and joints.

Last of all, a therapist will use vibration or shaking, this would normally entail the pressing of hands on the back or limbs and shaking in a vigorous motion for a few moments. Again this is used to improve circulation and is beneficial to people with low-back pain.

The Ayurvedic massage originated from India and the aim of this method is to create harmony and balance within the individual. It is worth noting that this method is renown for removal of toxins and rejuvenation of the body.

Ayurvedic massage uses specific oils that suit your dosha. One such, is the Abhyanga-Garshana which comprises of skin brushing followed by an oil massage. Udwarthanam which is a slimming massage that uses herbal powders and the Ayurvedic foot massage which is a deep massage where the therapist uses his feet.

Now you have enough knowledge on both Swedish and Ayurvedic massage, it is up to you to choose between the two which best suits your style of relaxation. Remember both massages having unique qualities and techniques, the choosing part can be a little tricky though, so if you are still undecided why not try both?

Would you like to learn more about Massage Therapy Benefits. Then visit this popular website, that provides more information to help you relax and de-stress with its Massage Therapy Tips.

Tags: Benefit Of Massage Therapy, Full Body Massage, Tantric Massage, Massage Therapy Table, Massage Therapy

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