| Massage
is a "hands-on" therapy in which muscles and other
soft tissues of the body are manipulated to improve health
and well-being. Varieties of massage range from gentle stroking
and kneading of muscles and other soft tissues to deeper manual
techniques.
Massage has been practiced as a healing therapy
for centuries in nearly every culture around the world. It
helps relieve muscle tension, reduce stress, and evoke feelings
of calmness. Although massage affects the body as a whole,
it particularly influences the activity of the musculoskeletal,
circulatory, lymphatic, and nervous systems.
When a practitioner massages soft tissue,
electrical signals are transmitted both to the local area
and throughout the body. These signals help heal damaged muscle,
stimulate circulation, clear waste products via the lymphatic
system, boost the activity of the immune system, reduce pain
and tension, and induce a calming effect.
They may also enhance a general sense of well-being
by stimulating the release of endorphins (natural pain-killers
and mood elevators) and reducing levels of certain stress
hormones.
At your first massage therapy session, the
practitioner will ask you about any symptoms you may have
(like low back pain) and will also ask questions about your
medical history. The practitioner may also initiate a discussion
about what you expect to achieve from the massage session.
The therapist leaves the room while you undress
and lay down on the massage table. A sheet is used as a drape
during the session and is moved only to expose the part of
the body being worked on at any given time.
Massage oil or lotion is often used to reduce
friction between the practitioner's hands and your skin. The
room is kept warm and free of distractions. The therapist
may have soft music playing in the background and frequently
asks whether he or she is applying too much or too little
pressure.
The manner in which a practitioner massages
your body depends on the problem being treated. A massage
session can last from 15 to 90 minutes and may include a schedule
of follow-up visits, depending on the severity of your situation.
Massage
for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder |
Massage
Therapy Online
Massage
Can Boost The Immune System And Relieve Common Ailments
|
Massage
Therapy and the Entrepreneur |
What
happens during a massage therapy session? |
Types
of massage | What
is massage good for? |
