Massage Therapy in Healing Injuries
The human touch in itself possesses a great power to heal and people always enjoy these bodyworks and therapeutic massages. The results reflect beyond the surface of the skin, and affect the deeper human feeling. Massages have
1. Helped in improving the blood circulation and have also lowered the blood pressures in individuals.
2. Acted as a system for detoxifying and have propelled the waste toxins via the lymphatic system.
3. Helped in improving the muscles to tone and have also prevented stiffness in muscles which may have been caused due to sickness and less mobility.
4. Reduced emotional stress and have also promoted a feeling of well being within an individual.
You must be wondering how such a simple therapy offers so many advantages to a human being. At times, muscles may contract and become painful or tense because of chronic disorders, particularly if it is a recent injury. The blood circulation is affected because of these contractions, which further leads to improper supply of oxygen and other vital nutrients, in the related nerves and muscle cells. It is also responsible for formation of lactic acid, which if in excess of oxygen increases irritations in the cells of the nerves. This process is reversed with the aid of massages, which also help in releasing the waste metabolisms from within the body.
Depending on an individual’s condition and requirement, various massage techniques can be implemented including;
Swedish Massage- The ‘Swedish massage’ is the basic form of the therapy, and involves of kneading, squeezing and stroking various layers of affected muscles. The circulation in the energy levels, blood and oxygen are improved in this process and such techniques are beneficial for individuals affected by harsh and stressful exercises, as this technique is basically very subtle in comparison to other forms of massaging.
Sports Massage- This form is effective over deeper levels of connective tissues or musculature and the form can be associated with the philosophy of ‘no pain-no gain’. In this process, the masseur makes use of hard and slow stroking, and harsh pressure application over the affected muscles. It has been observed that the flexibility and healing duration is improved in an individual who undergo this form of massage. Apart from this, the therapy is very effective for athletes and sportsman who often face muscular pains and is also beneficial in reducing swellings in the muscles.
Acupressure and Shiatsu- These are the more complex forms of massaging techniques and involve using elbows, fists, thumbs and fingers over the acupressure points in the body which are believed to be the energy sources within the body. This form is dedicated to energy flow balancing and relieving blocked paths for improved circulation.
Zone Therapy and Reflexology- It is believed that various parts of the body are closely associated to each other (for example, the hands, ears and the feet). Similarly some kind of ailments can be treated with the use of this therapy which basically concentrates on the feet area. In this technique, pressure is applied to various parts of the feet to heal disorders in other body parts.
All the forms of massaging may not be suitable for you, so it is important to determine the most suited form for you. You can determine this based on the form and the style of the massage you have undergone. If you feel, that it hasn’t benefited you as much, it is suggested to try another form rather than giving up. You can even consider joining a school which teaches the different forms, to experience the various styles. The interns from the school should be able to make you experience the forms at comparatively lower costs.
If you have scarred irritations, excessive swelling, intense pain or fever, massage therapy is not recommended. However, it is most recommended for common ailments, pains and stress, as it is a great way to gather a positive, relaxed and refreshing lifestyle.
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