The human touch you receive during a massage therapy cannot be underestimated. It is important for your development and growth. For centuries the massage therapy has remained as an integral part of different cultures of this world. Recently we have seen a resurgence of this therapy. People have started reinventing its role in comprehensive wellness and improvement in health.
The popularity and demand for massage therapy are increasing. It is now well-accepted treatment approach. Once known as more of a fringe or alternative treatment option, massage therapy has now established its place in the mainstream treatment approach. Even several insurance companies are now providing coverage for massage therapies. This therapy involves more hands-on methods that enhance blood circulation, promote entire body relaxation, relieve anxiety, decrease stress, and relieve tension. The massage therapy also has other benefits. The areas of your body with soft tissues such as connective tissue, tendons, and muscles at the main target areas in massage therapy. If you are suffering from mental tension, stress or extensive damage to nerve and muscle tissues (may be due to injuries), body to body massage therapy is ideal for you to get relief.
History of massage therapy
This is one of the oldest forms of therapy known. It is more of an instinctive nature. There is evidence that this technique is used in ancient medicine as well. The father of medicine, Hippocrates was also known to use massage or rubbing technique for healing.
Function of massage
It can be regarded as soft tissue manipulation of the whole body either mechanical or manual. Such type of therapeutic manipulation is beneficial for both mental and physical health.
Benefits massage therapy
As already discussed massage therapy has several benefits including the increase in lymph fluid and blood circulation all through the body, considerable reduction in pain and tension of muscle tissues, blood pressure regulation, and relief from mental stress and tension.
It has further benefits including:
- Reduction or elimination of pain (also due to injuries)
- Increasing and improving the mobility of joints
- Increasing the lymph and blood circulation
- Decreasing the muscular tension
- Stress reduction and promoting a relaxed feeling
So massage therapy can be an important part of your daily health routine.
Primary features of massage therapy
Massage therapists use different techniques that usually comprise of tapping, compression, short and long gliding strokes and kneading. There are of course variations in these techniques such as changes in pressure or overall massage method or strategy.
Massage therapy is often included in different forms of preventive care programs like stress management, injury prevention, and sports training program. An effective treatment plan is developed after a meeting between the therapist and the patient. It can be altered according to the results it is showing and there is generally no obligation of continuing a treatment plan once started.
When not to take a massage therapy
Massage therapy should not be carried out on areas of your body with severe injury or inflammation, on areas having varicose veins, in case of infectious diseases (such as cold and flu), and when you are having uncontrolled blood pressure. Always consult your physician before joining any massage therapy program.