by Ann Chester
Should you pay for a massage, or are you just wasting your money. Some people may say why pay just to have your back rubbed. But if your masseur is well trained, then there are hugh benefits to be had by having a massage. Unless you have a sports injury it doesn’t matter what type of massage you have as the benefits are very similar with all of them.
Well, what are these benefits? and is a massage worth the money? Although massage therapy was used for thousands of years by the Greeks, Egyptians, Romans and Chinese as part of their healing tradition, in the Western world it is fairly new. This therapy has only been used for a couple of hundred years in Europe, and for the majority of that time was only available to wealthy people.
Massage therapy was often prescribed as part of a treatment in traditional medicine. It would have been given with advice on diet, exercise and maybe even medicines that were to be taken internally.
In the West a variety of massage techniques are used incorporating the traditional techniques of the Middle and Far East. Over the last couple of centuries western massage has evolved and some new techniques have been incorporated into more traditional massage therapies. Gradually scientists proved the efficiency of massage and over the years main stream medicine has become more accepting of its benefits.
If asked the majority of people would tell you that massage is used to relax you, but I have to say that it does far more than that. Although saying that the benefits are similar for every type of massage, each method does bring their own unique technique to create healing in the body.
Each person is different, so one type of massage may suit one person but not another. If you have tried massage before but didn’t think you got any benefit from it, try a different type of massage which may suit you better. At different times you may benefit from a different type of massage, you should try to get into the habit of listening to your body’s needs.
Do you know how to relax? I mean really relax so that all of the tension goes out of your muscles, if you meditate you will know the kind of relaxation I am talking about. In the modern world we live in stress comes at us from every direction, from our jobs (or lack of), from our families and friends and just from the manic pace of life most of us live at. Our stress is unlike our ancestors, whose stress came in short bursts, ours is continous day in and day out.
The hectic pace of life that you probably live, where you may feel you must be doing something all the time, will take its toll on you if you do not learn to relax. Mentally and physically feeling exhausted is not how you are meant to lead your life.
Unless you live in some remote mountain top, you live with air pollution, chemicals in your food and water, and so much stress you may wonder how you will cope. The result of all of this is toxins in your body and tense tight muscles. One way to combat all of this pressure on your body is to have a regular massage. The first thing you will notice is the you feel more relaxed and more able to cope with the everyday hassles of life. More subtle is the removal of excess toxins which will benefit your health now and in the future.
On the physical level a good massage will leave you feeling invigorated, when you have finished your massage you may feel as if you are walking on air.
A good massage will increase the circulation of blood and lymphatic fluid through the muscles, assisting in the removal of any accumulated toxins. These toxins can interfere with cells working properly, the toxic load of the body can build up to such high levels that great health is not possible. One of the ways to help the body is to have a massage.
The physical manipulation of muscles can increase mobility and reduce stiffness, especially of the large muscle groups. This additional mobility and toning can help prevent injury, especially if you work out, but only if you use massage therapy as part of your regular training, the odd massage will not help very much.
Many scientific studies confirm that massage therapy can:
Reduce heart rate.
Lower blood pressure (if high).
Increase blood circulation and lymphatic flow.
Stiffened and tense muscles are relaxed, and weak and inactive muscles due to lack of movement when you have an illness or an injury are stimulated.
Increases endorphins.
Reduce anxiety and tension.
This list is very impressive, but I am sure over the next few years the scientists will find even more benefits of massage.
The type of treatment offered by skilled masseurs combines healing techniques which work with the natural healing powers of your body to bring about wholeness to your mind, body and spirit.
Of course, it is recommended that anyone with any severe condition or chronic pain should consult with a licensed medical professional before embarking on a massage. Also any well trained massage therapist will be able to tell you if it is wise for you to have a massage or not.
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