Massage Therapy
Therapy massage has gained much ground as a complement to conventional medicine. According to studies conducted during the last decade, massage therapy has beneficial effects such as reducing hypertension and increasing the absorption of oxygen. In addition, massage is very effective to relax the mind, body and muscle tissue.
Massage therapy is the manipulation of soft tissues of the body to avoid pain or tension and thus promote good health and well-being. The success of massage therapy has led to different methods and types of massage (eg, Swedish massage, Shiatsu , trigger point therapy).
All types of massage require manipulation of soft tissue: their kneading, or stroking their pressure. The masseur must have graduated from a recognized school. Aside from relieving stress and anxiety, massage was also used in the treatment of soft tissue injuries and for pain and emotional problems.
It is recommended for people with a history of illnesses to seek advice from their doctor before beginning a massage therapy. Massage is prohibited for certain health problems such as hypertension and skin problems.
About Massage Therapy
Massage therapy as a technique of attorney has been around for centuries. Although massage is often associated with Eastern cultures, massage has been practiced for years and pat the Greek novels.
However, the creator of modern Western massage was the Swede Per Henrik Ling (1776-1839). Ling developed a system that incorporates massage and passive exercises. His method has spread around the world as the Swedish massage. Swedish massage and type of massage most commonly used worldwide.
Often, massage is recognized as a type of medicine parallel. This means that it is used as a supplement (and not as an alternative) to conventional medicine. For example, a physician may recommend massage therapy after surgery or to accompany the use of drugs.
Benefits of Massage Therapy
In general, massage improves blood circulation and lymphatic systems. Through stimulation of blood flow, oxygen and nutrients are distributed in the body, and through the lymphatic system, the body releases toxins and waste.
The direct mechanical action of massage (kneading, friction among others) promotes movement of toxins. The massage also stimulates the nerves and normalizes muscle contraction, which improves blood circulation.
All this can have positive effects on many diseases, injuries and health problems such as:
• Allergies
• Acute and Chronic Pain
• Anxiety, stress and depression
• Asthma and respiratory disease (eg bronchitis)
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Traffic problems
• Osteoarthritis
• Digestive problems (constipation and diarrhea)
• Headaches and migraines
• Insomnia
• myofascial pain disorder syndrome
• Sinusitis
• Sports injuries (strains, sprains)
The research department of the Faculty of Medicine University of Miami corded more than 100 studies on the effects and benefits of massage therapy on several areas. For example, massage may promote growth of premature infants, decreased glucose levels in diabetics, the increased lung activity in asthmatics, and strengthening immune function for patients with AIDS and cancer . In addition, massage may reduce symptoms of depression, pain, stress and improve mental alertness and performance.
Other studies confirm the theory that what the massage promotes good health. Researchers have found evidence that massage relieves pain and improves knee function with osteoarthritis.
On the other hand, according to another study, massage for babies 6 months and younger to help them sleep and reduces crying crises.
Although in general the massage is not harmful, even massage professionals say it can not cure everything. In some cases, massage should not be executed or may be executed but with precautions.
If you have a history of illness, you are advised to talk to your doctor before beginning a massage therapy.
The massage should be avoided if you have:
• Certain types of cancer
• Phlebitis (vein inflammation)
• Clotting Problems
• Hemostatic Disorder
• Heart problems (hypertension)
• Some skin problems and diseases of the skin
• Fractures not rewelded
• Open wounds
• Burns
• Infections
• Significant reduction in sensitivity (ask your doctor)
Types and differences of massage therapy
There are several types of massage. The massagers can apply massage elements very customizable. Some massage using light pressure while others apply the pressure a little deeper. Some use massage oil or massage lotions, massage, while others do not. We suggest you talk to your therapist before the massage session to clarify your doubts and know what to expect. Also make sure your therapist is experienced and qualified.
Although massage techniques are very numerous, massage systems are the most common:
• Swedish massage: This is the most common form of massage. The stroking, kneading and friction are combined with active and passive exercises of the joints. Friction is the maneuver deepest of Swedish massage. In this technique, focused and deep strokes produce deep tissue friction between them, which stimulates blood flow and circulation.
• The deep tissue massage: It focuses on the muscle layers. It uses slow strokes and deep pressure with the fingertip to relieve tension.
• The trigger point therapy: It focuses on trigger points, the parties pouts or irritated, the muscle to relieve muscle spasms and pain. It is also called Neuromuscular Therapy or Myotherapy. This therapy is similar to acupressure.
• Shiatsu: This is a Japanese technique and China putting pressure on special points of the body. Even though they are very similar to acupressure there are differences: acupressure uses finger pressure on specific areas of the body.
• Reflexology: It focuses on the feet or hands and feet to treat other body parts. It is believed that on the feet and hands there are points that connect with the organs and tissues. If you massage these points, it works on its corresponding part in the body.
• Chair massage: This is achieved with the person sitting on a chair massage with special cousins to support the trunk and face. It is also called massage-situ because originally the massage took place in the office and the meetings only lasted half an hour.
Questions to ask your doctor about massage therapy
It is a good idea to prepare in advance the questions we will want to ask her doctor. Now some questions about massage therapy that may be helpful:
1. Massage therapy is it recommended for me?
2. What type of massage that is right for me?
3. Massage can be cons-indicated for my health problems?
4. What if I hurt during the massage?
5. Can you recommend a professional masseur?
6. The massage will help there my symptoms?
7. How long should the massage? Can a shorter session gives the same results?
8. What are the average rates of massage therapy?
