Tag Archive | Massage therapy

Massage Therapy for Stress Relief

Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy

You all know that certain types of constant stress within our lives are not healthy. Massage therapy has been proven to be one of the most effective methods for achieving stress relief. It affects your health even more than minor ailments. massage therapy actually boosts the body’s immune system, which can become compromised from extended periods of stress.

Massage Therapy for Stress Relief :

Hot Stone Massage

The hot stone massage is an extremely scientific massage. Volcanic hot stones are first heated after which laid at certain points on your body. The heat from the stones loosens up stiff muscles.

Deep Tissue

A deep tissue massage releases the chronic patterns of tension in the body. It uses slow strokes and deep pressure using the use of fingers, thumbs or elbows on contracted areas, either following or going over the grain of muscles, tendons and fascia. It can be used for particular work or full-body.

Swedish Massage Therapy

Swedish massage therapy is the modality that comes to mind when most people think about One of the primary goals of the Swedish massage technique is to relax the entire body. But Swedish massage therapy goes beyond relaxation. Swedish massage is exceptionally beneficial for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, decreasing muscle toxins, improving circulation and flexibility while easing tension.

Prenatal Massage

As the name implies, this massage therapy is designed specifically for expectant mothers. Pregnancy puts stress on muscles that aren’t use to stress and this massage focuses on relieving pain in those areas. It is catered to a pregnant mother in that, while traditional massages require the recipient to lie on his or her stomach, this massage generally requires the woman to be on her side.

Acupressure Massage

Acupressure is a system that is based on the theory that some pressure points within the body can be stimulated for pain relief and de-stressing techniques. Acupressure massage can be done using hands or special pointed instruments.

Useful Steps of Swedish Massage

Swedish Massage

Swedish Massage

The Swedish massage is probably one of the massage styles that is most common as well as most popular. Many of today’s massage techniques have been developed from the techniques found in original Swedish massage. A Swedish massage offers a great general type of massage for anyone suffering from basic musculature aches and pains as well as tension in their neck and shoulders.

Steps Of Swedish Massage Techniques:

Effleurage:
These are the sliding or gliding Swedish massage techniques that cover different areas of the body. They are long sweeping strokes that alternate between firm and light pressure and with can be performed using the palm of the hand or the fingertips. The knots and tension in the muscles tend to get broken with this massage therapy.

Petrissage:
This is the technique of kneading the muscles of the body to attain deeper massage penetration. The thumbs and the knuckles of the fingers are used to knead the muscles of the body and to squeeze them to prepare them for the other Swedish massage techniques that follow.

Friction:
This move seeks to create heat to bring about relaxation of the muscles. The palms of the hand are rubbed together vigorously with each other, or they are rubbed onto the skin of the person being massaged in order to produce heat by friction.

Vibration or Shaking:
This is the one among Swedish massage techniques that helps to loosen up the muscles by using a back and forth action of the fingertips or the heel of the hand over the skin. The muscles of the body are literally shaken up to loosen and relax the muscles.

Tapotement or Rhythmic Tapping:
This technique of Swedish massage, as the name suggests consists of rhythmic tapping that uses the fists of the cupped hands. This helps to loosen and relax the muscles being manipulated and also helps to energize them.

Surprising Benefits of Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy isn’t a hard sell to most. It comes down stacked with a list of impressive benefits for that body. Some of the more commonly known ones include reduced heartbeat, lowered blood pressure, increased blood flow and lymph flow, relaxed muscles, improved flexibility and increased endorphins.

Massage therapy is also known to decrease and relieve a variety of conditions. Clients often report lessened or relieved the signs of arthritis, asthma, carpal tunnel syndrome, circulatory problems, gastrointestinal problems, headaches, immune function disorders, insomnia, pain, stress and temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

Benefits of Massage:

Stress Relief:
Lowers heartbeat and blood pressure, relaxes muscles, and increases endorphins.

Encourages Relaxation:
Improves mental outlook, enhances calm and inventive thinking, and reinforces positive attitude.

Improves Posture:
Relaxing and loosening the muscles made sore by poor posture allows the body to position itself in a natural and pain-free posture.

Decreases low back pain:
Your massage therapist can help to relieve that pesky back pain through easing the muscles. Making more flexibility in your back also permits you the opportunity to strengthen your core muscles.

Boosts defense mechanisms:
Most massage therapists are been trained in stimulating lymph nodes to promote healing and enhance your immune system.