Archive for the ‘Benefits of massage therapy’ Category

Massage: It's Not Just a Feel-Good Activity

Pain in joints, from surgery or therapy, and from illnesses and diseases are often reduced or eliminated from a good massage. When something feels good, the body is notified that it feels good by the brain …

Publish Date: 01/13/2011 13:07

http://www.therapistschools.com/blog/massage-its-not-just-a-feel-good-activity

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Tips To Locate A Good Massage Therapy Location

When you have pain of any type you will want to get rid of it quickly to get back to leading a normal life again. The problem that you can encounter though is not knowing what you can do to take care of that pain.

Publish Date: 01/11/2011 10:26

http://business.ezinemark.com/tips-to-locate-a-good-massage-therapy-location-31ddc49c8a6.html

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General –

• Massage makes good and feeling pleasurable experience.
• Massage restores stress, tension and anxiety levels.
• Massage calms the nervous system and has produces equilibrium.
• Massage relaxes, focuses and clears your mind.
• Massage boosts self-esteem and a general feeling of well being.

• Massage restores self-awareness.

Muscular system

• Massage relaxes muscles, effectively reducing spasms, tension and cramping.
• Massage reduces and breaks down adhesions (knots) and fibrosis.
• Massage helps to re-establish proper muscular tone.
• Massage relieves muscle and soft tissue pain.
• Massage increases the vascularity and nutrition to various muscles.
• Massage helps muscles recover more quickly from exertion and fatigue.
• Massage supports increased work capacity and encourages your metabolism.
• Massage helps to wasting from injury and paralysis

Skeletal system

• Massage reduces joint strain and compression through releasing tight muscles and tendons.
• Massage increases the ease and efficiency of your movements.
• Massage helps to increase the retention of nitrogen, phosphorous, and sulphur in the bones and this aids in fracture healing.
• Massage improves the circulation and nutrition of the joints and helps increase range of joint movement.

Circulatory system

• Massage enhances the elimination of the waste products of metabolism.
• Massage helps to reduce any swelling and contusions.
• Massage increases the number of red blood cells in circulation.
• Massage has the overall effect of lowering your blood pressure and reduces pulse rate.
• Massage facilitates tissue healing through the enhancement of circulation.
• Massage increases tissue fluid and assists lymphatic circulation thus reducing swelling and enhancing the immune and filtering activities of this system.
• Massage increases both venous and lymphatic flow
• Massage increases the nutrition of the tissues via an increased exchange of fluids and materials.
• Massage, via the mechanical actions on the soft tissues, produces a dilation of the blood vessels, which helps to improve circulation.
• Massage helps to reduce the lack of blood and by direct pressure and stimulation reduces pain due to the irritation of nerves that control circulatory system.

Nervous system

• Massage relaxes the muscles.
• It helps to re-establish proper tonus through its effect on the neuromuscular reflex pathways.
• Massage is known to affect the neurotransmitters of the brain and increase endorphin secretion in particular by means of natural painkillers.
• Massage can help reduce nerve entrapment through the release of soft tissue or muscular binding.
• Massage can reduce nerve root compression caused by muscular tension
• Massage can have a sedative, stimulating or even exhausting effect on the nervous system depending on the type and length of treatment given.

Excretory system

• Massage can facilitate elimination through the large intestines by mechanically stimulating peristalsis and improving tone.
• Massage stimulates peristalsis and can reduce cramping or spasm in the digestive tract.
• Massage aides the normal movement throughout alimentary canal assisting with many dysfunctions through its stress releasing effects.
• Massage increases the excretion of fluids and waste products from protein metabolism, inorganic phosphorous and salt in normal individuals.

Skin

• Massage helps to reduce tension in the skin and adjoining tissues as well as increasing its circulation and improve its nutrition.
• Massage depending on the medium used to apply it can help to re-moisturize, and soften dry skin.
• Massage can help with some skin conditions like eczema.

Respiratory system

• Massage deepens and normalizes the breathing pattern.
• Massage can help to relieve congestion from respiratory organs like lungs through percussive and compressive movements.
• Massage increases the action of the heart, stimulating the blood flow to different organs and peripheral vascular system, helping with the elimination of waste and the absorption of oxygen.

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Numerous studies have confirmed the effectiveness of massage therapy for treating patients with mild or severe ailments. Sarasota and Bradenton,FL massage spas have long adapted the idea of using massage therapy as a supplemental treatment for illness, and an alternative to drugs.

Massage therapy has been part of medicine for hundreds of years. Its original roots have not yet been identified but theories have revolved around Greek, Latin, and Arabic civilization. The word “massage” may have come from Latin word, “massa” which means to touch, handle, or squeeze. Wherever it may have come from, it undeniably has numerous benefits. People living in the US have widely accepted the medicinal benefits of massage, which is why massage spas in these Florida areas offer numerous massage styles and techniques to suit the needs of their clients.

The promotion of massage therapy as an alternative treatment for diseases like hypertension and cancer is based on scientific research. According to studies conducted in the University of Ohio, cancer patients who underwent massage therapy felt less pain and anxiety after several sessions. This is because skin-to-skin contact stimulates endorphins that make us feel happier and less stressed. Massages cannot cure the cancer, but it does help lessen the effects of the disease.

Sarasota, FL clinics who use therapeutic massage techniques allow their clients to choose from different kinds of massage, depending on their physical state. The beauty of massage therapy today is that it has become more specifically designed for different kinds of people. According to one massage spa in Sarasota, FL, “massage therapy works with a foundation of different strokes and oils that suits the needs of different people, depending on what they do or what state of health they are in.”

There are now more than 20 different kinds of massage techniques applied to patients though not all of these are offered by spas in Sarasota. The basic techniques provided by most  FL spas are Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, pregnancy massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, and hot stone massage.

Swedish massage is the most popular technique requested by clients. It uses long, slow strokes on the back, limbs, and head to relieve stress and muscle tension. A deep tissue massage is a technique used for injured patients, and sometimes, athletes. The strokes used for a deep tissue massage treatment is a bit similar to a Swedish massage except that it used greater pressure and faster strokes. You should only get this massage from a legitimate and professional massage therapist. Sarasota clinics often receive complaints of soreness after a deep tissue massage, but this is actually a normal after affect, so there’s no need to worry.

A pregnancy massage is a new technique that’s gaining popularity  all over the country. A pregnancy massage targets the specific parts of women that experience the most stress, like their spine and lower back, hips, legs and feet, and head. Studies have shown that women who underwent the pregnancy massage treatment during the early stages of pregnancy had easier births and less negative symptoms.

A sports massage, as the name implies, is ideal for athletes or physically active individuals. Sarasota spas sometimes partner with sports teams so they could give regular sports massage treatments to the athletes before they get in a game or before training.

Reflexology, on the other hand, gives greater focus on special pressure points on the feet that are believed to have direct connection to vital organs. Reflexology is an ideal treatment for patients who want to balance their body’s energies and improve internal organ performance. This is also quite popular among Sarasota, FL residents.

About the Author : Massage Envy Sarasota North http://www.massageenvy.com/clinics/FL/Sarasota-North.aspx (941) 556-6400 2855 University Parkway Sarasota, FL 34243

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You know you need to be strong and healthy to feel great (and be great) for your new baby.   We specialize in working with women through all stages of pregnancy and after delivery. We are here to help make your life a little easier!  We offer you Pre and Post Natal Massage.

The female body undergoes many changes during pregnancy, some of them very stressful and uncomfortable.  Massage is a perfect combatant for the majority of discomforts these changes effect.

As a woman’s body changes, so does her need for a different type of massage. Our therapists can focus on getting in deep to break up your tight knots, reduce the aching legs and feet cramps, and re-align your sore back through pregnancy massage. (Also called Pre natal massage).

Or the focus of the session may be to increase your relaxation so you can get a good night’s sleep. When you are under stress your body produces stress hormones, which travel directly through your blood to your baby. We will aid in reducing your stress level, thereby reducing the amount of these hormones in your blood stream. Pregnancy massage will also increase the oxygen to you and your baby through the increased circulation and by focusing on awareness on your breathing.

For your comfort we have a special support pregnancy body cushion, which allows you to lie on your side supported with this wonderful cushion. We don’t endorse the tables with holes in them due to the fact they can’t be sized to your belly and therefore can do harm by stretching the ligaments supporting your uterus.

We can advise you on proper exercises to carry you through your pregnancy?  You do need to set up a routine to strengthen your back, legs and arms to provide for an easier labor and delivery? If you are in good shape and strong you’ll be well prepared for lifting and carrying baby once you’ve given birth!

Benefits Of Pre Natal Massage

• Eliminates build up of lactic acid and other waste products through the lymphatic and circulatory system
• Aids in waste elimination to control onset of varicose veins
• Eases the load on the clients heart and helps keep blood pressure in check
• Eases muscle discomforts such as cramping, back aches, tension and muscle knots
• Relieves depression or anxiety caused by hormonal changes
• Improves general blood circulation delivering more oxygen and nutrients to the cells of both the mother and the fetus
• Soothes and relaxes the nervous system

Post Natal Massage

First and foremost Post Natal massage can assist in faster healing and recovery after birth. The rectus abdominus (abdominal muscles), which has been stretched and somewhat separated by the distension of the abdomen during pregnancy, heals and returns to normal much faster when massage techniques are applied after birth.

Additionally, post natal massage helps with reducing stress hormones, relieving postpartum depression/anxiety, and help get you in shape mentally and physically for the joys and challenges of child rearing.

To set an appointment, please visit our Melbourne center, or contact us by telephone. We look forward to meeting you soon.

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Energy medicine recognizes energy as a vital, living, and moving force that determines much about our health and happiness. The body’s energies are key to health, vitality, and well-being. Energy medicine is the art and science of working with and teaching people to work with these energies to empower them to live happier, healthier lives. Long recognized by eastern cultures, subtle energy fields are only recently being studied and utilized by western medicine.

Energy Medicine is both a complimentary approach to traditional medical care, and a complete system for self-care and self-help. Healing takes place by activating the body’s natural healing energies and by restoring energies that have become weak, disturbed or out of balance.

Energy medicine utilizes techniques from a variety of global healing traditions such as:

Acupuncture
Reiki
Pranic Healing
Yoga
Kinesiology
Qi Gong

Flow, balance, and harmony can be non-invasively restored and maintained within an energy system by focused use of the mind to move specific energies; and/or by surrounding an area with healing energies. By working with simple energy techniques to keep you energies balanced and humming, you can improve your health, sharpen your mind, and increase your joy and vitality.

Specifically, Lotus Heart specializes in the following energy traditions:

Reiki

Reiki is a holistic alternative therapy based on Eastern concepts of energy flow and the chakras (energy centers) in the human body. Reiki was formulated by a Japanese teacher, Mikao Usui, around 1890, based on Vajrayana (Tibetan) Buddhism, but incorporates meditation techniques, beliefs, and symbols that are considerably older. It is distinctive among energy therapies in its emphasis on self-healing, its spiritual principles, and its accreditation of healers through a system of initiation. Reiki practitioners participate in the healing of emotional and spiritual as well as physical pain through the transmission of universal life energy, called “rei-ki” in Japanese. It is believed that ki flows throughout the universe, but that Reiki connects humans in a more direct way to the universal source. Reiki is used for the healing of animals as well as people. As of 2002, a research team at the University of Michigan is studying the effectiveness of Reiki in treating chronic pain in patients with diabetic neuropathy. Various other studies are also underway in the United States and Canada, some examining the efficacy of the therapy in coping with pain and anxiety.

Reiki is a safe, gentle, non-invasive form of hands-on healing. Recipients report their experience of Reiki includes increased energy, reduction of pain, deep relaxation and a general feeling of well-being. Reiki initiation attunes a practitioner to become a channel for the Reiki energy and is a powerful, life-changing experience for physical, mental and spiritual growth.

Although Reiki involves human touch, it is not massage therapy. The patient lies on a table fully clothed except for shoes while the practitioner places her or his hands over the parts of the body and the chakras in sequence. The hands are held palms downward with the fingers and thumbs extended. If the person is in pain or cannot turn over, the practitioner may touch only the affected part(s). Silence or music appropriate for meditation is considered essential to the treatment. Reiki healers practice daily self-healing, in which they place their hands in traditional positions on their own bodies. They may use touch, or distant/non-touch.

Pranic Healing

Pranic Healing is a comprehensive system of subtle energy healing utilizing “prana” or energy in balancing, harmonizing and transforming the body’s energy processes. “Prana” is a Sanskrit word that means “vital life force.” This invisible bio-energy keeps the body alive and healthy. In acupuncture, this subtle energy is called “chi.” It is also called “Ruah” or the “breath of life” in Hebrew.
It is a simple yet powerful and effective method of energy healing. It is based on the fundamental principle that the body is a “self-repairing” living entity, which possesses the innate ability to heal itself. Pranic Healing also works on the second principle that energy can be projected from one person to another. As a result, the healing process can then be accelerated by increasing the life force or vital energy on the affected part of the physical body.

Pranic Healing was created by a Chinese-Filipino energy master, and former chemical engineer/businessman, named Choa Kok Sui, who spent years researching the root teachings of esoteric systems such as yoga, chi kung, Kaballah, Chritianity, and many others in order to create a simple, practical, and effective energy healing system. 
Kok Sui conculded that energy healing, at its most basic, consisted of clearing away dirty or diseased energy from the charkra and aura and replenishing it with fresh energy or prana.  Given his background as a businessman and engineer Kok Sui set about to test the efficacy of his inquiries by applying a rigorous scienticfic approach to his work.  He set up healing clinics across the Philippines to test the effectiveness of different energy healing systems.  Ech patient who came in received a specific type of energetic treatment and the results or lack there of were recorded.  

These healing clinics continued for nearly 30 years whil Kok Sui constantly tested and refined methods of cleaning out dirty or blocked energy and increasing the supply of healing energy.  In 1987 Kok Sui introduced Pranic Healing to the world as a “best of the best” system of very specific instructions and sequences for cleansing and energizing parts of the body to achieve rapid healing.
Pranic Healing is actively used and practiced in over 80 countries and numerous healing centers around the world.
Practitioners realign the whole energy system to help initiate specific biochemical changes to accelerate the body’s innate ability to prevent and alleviate a wide spectrum of physical, emotional and psychological ailments. 
What makes Pranic Healing unique is that it focuses on cleaning the bio-plasmic body prior to energizing and it prescribes specific sequenses of cleanising and energizing based on the particular ailment that a healer is working with

To set an appointment, please visit our Melbourne center, or contact us by telephone. We look forward to meeting you soon.

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Here is a video about the health benefits massage therapy offers.

Health Benefits of Massage Therapy

Massage therapy has many health benefits that may not have even been considered. It can be an important treatment measure to implement.

Publish Date: 05/12/2010 10:28

http://massagetherapy.suite101.com/article.cfm/health-benefits-of-massage-therapy

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heres a video telling of the benefits of massage therapy.

Massage Therapy- Why it's Good for Your Body and Mind …

It is true,that the most obvious health benefit of massage therapy is it feels great! When you are in the hands of a good massage therapist, you can feel your body letting go of the tension that was causing discomfort and pain. …

Publish Date: 06/15/2010 18:37

http://aromatherapy.sharefree.info/massage-therapy-why-its-good-for-your-body-and-mind

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