| |
| |
|
Alternative Information |
|
|
|
Understanding Massage Therapy
We've all heard of massage and many of us have even experienced it, in one form or another. By a masseuse who happened to be an armature, loved one or professional. If the person knew what they were doing, you came away feeling like a million bucks. But what is massage, really! Massage or massage therapy as it has come to be known in our time, began with the ancient Egyptians, then the Greeks and finally the Romans. Yes these ancient cultures used massage therapy for both healing and pleasure. The science of massage therapy had also spread to other early cultures such as India, China and Japan. The last three went further by integrating it to form an integral part of their systems of medicine and healing. Massage is the organized form of touch. It is performed by the hands, elbows and forearms gliding over the skin and applying pressure to the underlying muscles by a system of movements. These movements involve stroking, rubbing, pressing and kneading. Massage is not a panacea, but can greatly aid in the normal functions of the body and restore balance as well. How Massage Works Massage works by the body responding to the various touch techniques given to it. These touch techniques causes the body to engage in there normal functions. Massage itself, acts like a natural stimuli for the body to respond with positive effects in many different ways. Some of these therapeutic effects are, stimulating the circulation of the blood and lymph, loosening of muscular tension, toning and firming the muscles. When fibers stop sliding over each other easily, it's most likely the cause of people not getting enough exercise, too much exercise, physical or mental tension. These factors cause the drop of any increase in muscle tone. The waste products from muscular activity, like carbon dioxide, lactic acid and urea, build up in the muscles. Massage therapy fosters drainage of those wastes, therefore restoring there normal functions. Massage therapy also fosters the drainage of lymph, causing better circulation of the blood. Because of this, the skin looks much better than if drainage was difficult. Why bother with the how the skin looks? Because the appearance of the skin, is usually a good indicator of a persons inner condition. In reference to muscles, massage therapy has a good effect on the fibrous tissue surrounding the joints. The effects of massage upon the autonomic nervous system gives birth to the feeling of relaxation. How? By stimulating the sensory nerve endings located within the skin, signals are sent to the brain by the central nervous system. This in turn produces the experience of feeling good. Once again because of this action, a new reaction takes place by causing a significant reduction in the body's stress level. When a person is relaxed, abdominal breathing becomes more natural. I can assure you, your abdominal organs appreciate this. It's quite clear that the nervous system plays a crucial role in massage therapy. It's also responsible for the vascular system, since it controls it. A decrease in efficient drainage and supply of blood, is caused by a reduction of vascular. Massage works by reducing stress, managing the body's waste products, fostering normal bodily functions, providing a sense of well being and boosting mental health. The Logic of Massage The gradual development of massage therapy into a full blown art and science can be determined as only logical. When we fall, bruise or sustain any sort of physical injury, we usually tend to touch it. Even if that act produces no form of healing solution, or does it? Touch in itself is very comforting to us. It reassures us, make us feel loved and accepted. Whenever someone is in pain, we tend to want to hug, hold or touch that person in someway. Somehow sensing that the very act of physical contact will contribute to the overall holistic health of the person. Guess what? You are correct in that assumption. Studies have shown that, touching among other comforting and intimate contact, does assist in the overall recovery and health of a person. Whether that person is in need of physical, mental, emotional or spiritual healing or comfort. In looking at the big picture, I see massage therapy continuing to play an important role in human history for a long time to come. What are you waiting for, join the minions. Gabriel Foster is the editor for http://www.gabrielfoster.com, the online magazine for both vegetarians and natural health enthusiasts.
MORE RESOURCES:
Alternative - Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Getting More out of Your Massage with a Epsom Bath Afterwards! As a massage therapist, I often recommend taking a Hot Epsom salt Bath after a massage because of several factors. One I have moved alot of metabolic waste as I manipulated the muscle tissues. 4 Natural Home Remedies to Ease the Pain of Sunburn At some time or another, we've all experienced the effects of sunburn - be it a light burn or a more heavy burn.Although the sting of regret of inadequate protection (from UV exposure) can be an excellent incentive to plan more carefully on 'future' occasions, it's of little help in soothing the immediate physical sting (i. Allergies: Why Do You Have Them? Next time you reach for your Claritin, think about this:Allergies are totally abnormal. Sure, tons of people have them. A Rose is Not Just a Rose The rose is perhaps one of the most powerful symbols in the metaphysical world. It is also one of the most accessible tools that can be used for everyday magic. Is Shiatsu Massage the Ultimate Stress Relief Treatment? My first shiatsu massageI opened my eyes suddenly. He was smiling at me. Too Clean-A Critical Look At The Alleged Link Between Asthma and Cleanliness Americans are ridiculed around the world for our attention to cleanliness. Recently some natural health experts have suggested that the growing problem of childhood asthma is directly related to our obsession with clean homes and a handful of studies seem to confirm their suspicions. Endorphins - Strong Painkillers Your Subconscious May Be Able to Provide The sources of the original "natural high," endorphins and ekephalins can nonetheless lose their ability to kill pain if the situation becomes chronic. Visualizations may be able to help your subconscious to send in reinforcements. Complementary Medicine Complementary Medicine is the use of natural therapy and medicines to restore and maintain health in addition to conventional medicine. Dating back to 420 B. Constipation Remedy Using Citrus Juice Citrus JuicesCitrus juices are a constipation remedy that is an excellent way to stimulate your colon and other parts of the body. Since your colon is less active at night, drinking juices as soon as you awaken and get up can stimulate strong peristaltic action and promote a bowel movement. Serotonin Kills Pain - And May Be Available From Your Subconscious Serotonin is not just for depression--it's potent for pain relief as well. Here's a drug-free way you may be able to increase your supply of this natural painkiller. Kokoro no Kaze: Does Your Soul Have a Cold? Feeling sad? Have you lost interest in things you used to enjoy? Perhaps you're suffering from a cold of the soul.That's the concept that has taken Japan by storm in the last five years, thanks to a culturally savvy marketing campaign launched by pharmaceutical companies to turn mild depression into an acceptable malady that a simple prescription can cure. Plain Soap as a Natural Method of Infection Prevention It is estimated that 80 percent of communicable illnesses are spread through touch but only about 30 percent of adults wash their hands after using the toilet and still fewer wash thoroughly. The very people who ought to know better are among the worst offenders. Alternative Treatments For Arthritis Pain Relief Natural, herbal remedies can help arthritis sufferers who have tried traditional pain medications without success. Many natural remedies and supplements have been found to actually reduce cartilage deterioration and even rebuild a patient's lost cartilage. What is Homeopathy? Homeopathy is a non-toxic system of medicine used to treat a wide variety of health concerns.It is based on the Law of Similars and potentization. Alternative Medicine, Complementary, Integrative, Wellness, Holistic - What Do They All Mean? Alternative medicine has grown in so many ways in North America. More people are visiting alternative medical practitioners than Western medical doctors. Stammering Or Stuttering Stammering or as it is sometimes known as stuttering is a form of speech impediment.My name is Stephen Hill and I had a stammer for eighteen years. Alternative Medicine Alternative Medicine is the use of natural therapy and medicines to restore and maintain health. Dating back to 420 B. Isnt It Time For WHOLISTIC Medicine? I posted a story the other day on one of my blogs - the headline reads: "Antidepressant drugs quadruple risk of suicides, research shows".SighI mean, c'mon. Flax Seeds, Seeds, and Nuts For Constipation Relief Here are a variety of home remedies for constipation using flax seeds with other seeds and nuts. They provide the fiber and oils that you need to relieve constipation. Superb Skin Disorder Relief found in Common Diaper Rash Ointment "Accidental" discoveries are made each day. Common substances can sometimes be utilized for other purposes in which they were initially intended.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2008 |
