Overview

Massage is a form of touch that enables the body to relax, thus inducing a feeling of well-being. More vigorous forms of massage can free up tense muscles and help with stiff joints. Sometimes deepseated emotions are released during massage. The body is covered with skin, which is the body's largest sensory organ. Messages are sent through the skin to the brain via the nervous system. Thus, massaging the skin has an effect on the entire body, including one's heart rate, blood pressure and breathing. It can also help to eliminate toxins from the body and improve muscle tone. Massage facilitates the release of chemicals known as endorphins, the body's own natural painkillers, bringing about a feeling of relaxation and well being.

History

Massage is mentioned in many ancient texts, as well as being represented in Egyptian paintings and drawings. It is by far the oldest form of medicine known to mankind.

Ambroise Pare was a particularly vocal advocate of massage, as was Per Henrik Ling, a Swedish gymnast who brought it to the fore in the late 19th century.

St Thomas' s hospital in London had a massage department up until 1934, where it treated those who were suffering from shock in World War I.

Benefits

Massage has direct psychological and physiological benefits. Physically, massage increases metabolism, hastens healing, relaxes and refreshes the muscles, and improves the detoxifying functions of the lymphatic system. Massage helps to prevent and relieve muscle cramps and spasms and improves circulation of blood and lymph, thereby improving the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the cells as it enhances the removal of metabolic wastes.

Since blood carries nutrients to the skin, massage is beneficial in keeping the skin functioning in a normal, healthy manner. Massage therapy is effective in pain management in conditions such as arthritis, neuritis, neuralgia, labour and delivery, whiplash, muscular lesions, sciatica, headache, muscle spasms, and many other conditions. Pyschologically, massage relieves fatigue, reduces tension and anxiety, calms the nervous system, and promotes a sense of relaxation and renewed energy.

Stimulation of muscle tissue benefits lymph drainage and encourages nutritional balance to improve energy level and therefore a higher level of fitness and well-being. Muscular tension often indicates the presence of stress anxiety or tension and in turn may indicate that the relaxing, calming and soothing elements of massage are needed. The 'deep' nature of this therapy increases the interchange of fluids, relieving and preventing a build up of tension.

Procedures

Massage Therapy uses light stroking, strong kneading, friction and tapping movements to relax and tone up the body's muscles. Increased blood circulation stimulates the healing of strain of sports injuries and release tension. Each treatment is specific to the patient and is intended to assist in the self-healing process.

Source of information: www.the-cma.org.uk | www.atouchofthekeys.com | www.bcma.co.uk