So what exactly are these benefits? and are they worth paying for? Massage as a health care model is fairly new to the Western world, although has been practiced in many Eastern cultures for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and Chinese, to name a few, used massage as part of their healing tradition.
In traditional healing it was normal practice for the medical practitioner to prescribe a massage, this could have been as a stand alone therapy or in combination with other therapies, such as diet, exercise or medicines that would have been 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.
It is important to get used to listening to your body, we are all individuals and are changing all of the time. Maybe you have tried massage and thought that it was ok but didn't find any real benefit, then maybe it was the wrong type of massage for you at the moment.
One of the primary benefits of massage is relaxation, which can be very difficult to achieve, that is unless you happen to be into meditation. You live in a very stressful world and you were never designed to live your life as you do, rushing around and never finding time to relax. Yes of course your ancestors had stressful lives, but their stress came in short bursts, not continuous all day every day like yours is.
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.
Pollution in the air, chemicals in your food and water puts a variety of toxins into your body. Add to that stress, muscle tension and a little exercise, there is no wonder you do not feel 100%. A good massage will address some of these problems, tension will ease, toxins will be excreted out of the body easily and best of all you will be able to relax.
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.
Endorphins are increased.
Anxiety and tension is reduced.
This list is very impressive, but I am sure over the next few years the scientists will find even more benefits of massage.
Skilled masseurs marry their massage technique in tune with the healing forces of your body, by doing this there is a restoring of your mind, body and spirit, the body once more is in harmony.
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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