December 17th, 2007
In this day and age, people’s lives are very busy and chaotic and leave little room for much needed relaxation. In such a rushed, chaotic world, the benefits of receiving massage therapy can significantly improve your health and well-being while helping you become more centered and relaxed. More and more people are turning to massage therapy to help alleviate the common daily stresses in their lives. Achy joints, overstressed muscles, or the simple human need to be touched are some of the main reasons that people turn to experiencing the relaxing art of massage therapy. Your mind, body and soul will all benefit from a relaxing massage.
Some health benefits of receiving massage therapy:
-lowers heart rate
-lowers blood pressure
-relaxes muscles
-increases endorphins
-muscles are loosened and relaxed
-joints and pressure points are relieved
-enhances blood flow
-improves circulation
-lowers depression and anxiety
-reduces muscle spasms
-strengthens the immune system
-accelerates the rehabilitation process after an injury
-improves joint movement
-enhances flexibility
-promotes mental alertness
-alleviates discomfort associated with pregnancy
Researchers have been studying the benefits of massage therapy since the late 1800’s and have found that it can aid in the muscular system, circulatory system, nervous system, skeletal system, and the respiratory system. Studies have proven that people who experience massage therapy on a regular basis are less stressed and healthier than people who do not. Pregnant women are more comfortable, office workers perform better at their jobs and are more alert, and students perform better on tests when given massages. The benefits of receiving massage therapy are endless.
Tags: benefits of massage, what are the benefits of massage
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November 7th, 2007
In this modern age of computers, gizmos and gadgets your hands get a big workout. Simply keeping up with texts, emails, and anything else that involves electronics is a feat unto itself. As a result of increased hand function due to electronics many individuals have developed something called “Carpal Tunnel Syndrome”. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or CTS is a common nerve condition in which one of the wrists main nerves, the Median nerve, becomes pinched or compressed. The result is feelings of acute pain, muscle weakness, numbness and tingling. This condition has become more common in the modern era thanks in large part to modern electronics. While electronics such as computers take blame for CTS the bulk of cases reported are idiopathic, meaning that they have no known cause.
Just about everyone understands the immense benefits offered by massage therapy. Massage can help with just about anything from reduced stress & anxiety to increased self esteem to improved circulation and immune function. But many fail to recognize the breadth of benefits that massage offers. Massage can benefit us physically, mentally and spiritually, which is why it makes sense that massage has been practiced for hundreds perhaps thousands of years.
For a person with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome there are few good options for treatment. Braces, steroid injections and surgery are the most commonly offered treatments for CTS and many do not realize these are not their only options. Using massage equipment is a viable treatment option for individuals with Carpal tunnel. Since massage helps to reduce muscle and nerve tension it can calm the median nerve, and relief some of the tension that is creating the problem. Massage also increases flexibility which reduces the swelling and tension in the muscles and tendons. An experienced massage therapist who has experience with hands and Carpal tunnel syndrome is the best way to cure your ailments.
Ergonomics
While many people cannot identify one source for their Carpal Tunnel problems it is quite clear that any undue stress affects your hands negatively. If you work in a computer related job make sure to take breaks especially when you feel pain or discomfort. Also be sure to mind your posture and the position of your hands. There are special pads that can reduce the stress during the use of mouse and keyboards. These ergonomic gel pads can do wonders for work related CTS sufferers. There are various types of massage equipment and office products that will aide in the relief of CTS, consult your doctor for further options.
Tags: relieving carpal tunnel syndrome, relieving cts
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September 12th, 2007
Massage is perhaps one of the best alternative health treatments you can receive. Massage can help improve your body’s circulation, reduce stress, improve emotional states and improve your immune system. But did you know there are over 130 different types of massage? How is one to tell the difference between a Shiatsu and Swedish massage? There are so many types of massage it can be difficult to decide which one is best for you. That’s why we have assembled a list of the top 5 best types of massage the get.
Swedish
The Swedish massage is by far the most well known form of massage and perhaps the most commonly practiced. The average day spa or massage clinic will likely use Swedish massage over other techniques. Swedish massage or “Svensk Massage” has been around since the 1800’s and is popular because of its uses of soothing, kneading, tapping stroke that work the entire body. This loosens joints and reduces muscle tension. In Swedish massage there are 5 basic strokes. They are stroking, grabbing/ lifting muscles, friction, chopping/beating/tapping, and vibration. This massage is often accompanied by massage oils or creams because of the eventual friction that will be created. For an overall great massage this is the type to get.
Deep Tissue
A deep tissue massage targets muscles with chronic tensions problems that lie deep down in the muscles. On your back there are about 5 layers of muscles, a lighter massage is going to do nothing to help those deep down muscles. A deep tissue massage involves slow, direct strokes that go with the grain of the muscles. You massage therapist will use their fingers and thumbs to administer the massage, in some cases even an elbow. Deep tissue massage is the best type of massage for those who have consistent back or shoulder problems. Keep in mind that while your massage will be a little uncomfortable it should never cause you pain. Don’t be afraid to speak up to your massage therapist if you are experiencing pain.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu is an ancient Japanese form of massage that uses thumb pressure to work along acupressure and various special muscle points. The Japanese words “Shi” and “atsu” mean “finger pressure” which is where Shiatsu gets the name. The Japanese believe that “Qi” or “chi” is a life or energy force. Your Shiatsu therapist will assess your Qi and decide where it is flowing healthy and where it might be clogged. They will ask you if you have any ailments and then begin a light massage to see which pressure points are tender or stiff. Be sure to wear thin and loose clothing when going in to receive your shiatsu massage. You will likely be lying on a floor, mat or couch so be prepared for that as well. Shiatsu involves lots of deep breathing, joint stretching and manipulation of pressure points.
Hot Stone
Hot stone massage is becoming very popular in the more expensive hotels and clinics. Hot stone is basically a Swedish massage with smooth heated stones. A common rock used for this treatment is basalt, which is a black volcanic rock that absorbs and retains heat. Your massage therapist will sanitize and heat up the massage stones and the amazing experience can begin. Once the stones lose heat they will be replaced with another hotter stone, this heat helps to loosen your muscles making the massage more effective. Since this type of massage is usually higher end, so too is its cost which is around $125 dollars or higher.
Thai
Thai massage a.k.a. Thai yoga or yoga massage is an ancient form of massage that has been in practice over 2500 years. The roots of this massage are traced back to ancient India and eventually became popular in Siam, which is now known as Thailand. This is a soothing massage because it has emphasis on stretching and loosening the body. The recipient of the massage is usually lying on the floor on a mat. Oil is rarely (if ever) used in a Thai massage and it can last for two hours or more. Usually a Thai massage will involve rhythmic pressing and pulling of the entire body. Sometimes the therapist will walk on their patients’ back, which is perhaps what Thai massage is best known for.
Tags: massage techniques, top 5 massage techniques
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