IceDragon

Benefits of massage

Massage, as it comes, is a very underrated and misunderstood practice. It originated in China and India over 2000 years ago, and has it's roots in Ayuverdic and Chinese medicine. Oft neglected, or pinned with shady undertones, it's only now becoming to make a comeback, yet it's benefits far outweight any apparent "risks".

As a Holistic Therapist, I have to consider mind, body and soul as one, but in many traditional aspects of medicine, they separate them. In my opinion, this is a failing.

Depending on what it's designed to help with, massage can either relax or stimulate the body. The techniques are similar for both but used in a different way, depending both on what is required and whether there are any contra-indications (in other words, where massage would have an adverse effect, like in some cancers where it can actually stimulate blood flow to a tumour and encourage growth).

Massage is also used in many different occupations - some nurses and carers now use it regularly to treat the elderly or impaired; sports therapists, fitness experts and some personal trainers use it on their clients; athletes and coaches also use it to aid recovery.

WHAT IS MASSAGE?
Massage is basically the manipulation of the body's tissues using the hands, fingers, thumbs and occasionally elbows and lower arms (trust me - it sounds strange, but I've had to at times), in a certain order for maximum effect. It's done this way to ensure that the upper layers of the muscle are thoroughly warmed before beginning on the layers underneath.

Effleurage is a soft, gentle yet firm stroking of the skin, used primarily to warm up the muscle lying directly beneath, and to increase release of endorphins into the bloodstream - the "feel-good" hormones. This technique also aids the separation of the skin from the muscle underneath. This is followed by:

Petrissage, a firm kneading and rolling of the muscles, designed to begin increased blood flow into the surrounding muscle, and to work out any adhesions between muscle fibres (felt as "knots" under the skin). This can be slightly painful if there are certain areas that are incredibly tense. It may even be at this point that the masseuse may introduce NMT (Neuro-Muscular Techniques) in order to work out these adhesions fully - he or she may press lightly upon the "knot" (this can range from slightly uncomfortable to quite painful depending on the amount of fibres bunched together) using a finger, thumb, knuckle or elbow and will ask you to just concentrate on your breathing. After a few seconds, the discomfort will dissipate and the adhesion will be gone, allowing the muscle fibres to lay flat once more.

This technique can last a while, depending on how much work needs to be done, and how deep the masseuse needs to go - bearing in mind, the petrissage can penetrate to the deepest layers of muscle that support and attach to the skeleton.

This is then followed by Tapotement a light, springy tapping or cupping of the hands over the body. Where Petrissage relaxes, Tapotement stimulates and releases, but this technique is used only sparingly over the fleshier parts of the body.

SHORT-TERM EFFECTS
Short-term effects (up to 48 hours later) of a massage include:

* Stimulation of endorphins

* Reduction of pain and associated muscle tension

* Reduces cortisol levels and hence stress levels within the body

* Lowers heart rate and blood pressure

* Stimulates blood flow to the muscles and tissues

* Increases oxygen supply to the muscles and surrounding tissues

* Increases nutrient supply to muscles and surrounding tissues

* Increases waste product removal from the muscles and surrounding systems

* Eases tight, tired muscles

* Increases relaxation and release of seratonin


LONG-TERM EFFECTS
As long as massage is incorporated into your life on a regular basis (say, once or twice a week), you should continue to gain benefits from it. As well as all the short-term benefits (which will apply for long-term too, if massage is used correctly), benefits include:

* Increased muscle stamina

* Increased mobility

* Improved posture

* Stimulates metabolism

* Stimulates production of bile, gall bladder and stomach, and improves functions of the liver

* Increases flexibility of joints

* Improves sleep quality

* Improves immune system and hormone delivery system

* Improves nerve function

* Promotes calcium and iron use within the body (may actually aid bone building and red blood cell production)

* Improves appetite and digestive function

* Improves mood and regulates hormone fluctuations (so is very useful for conditions like PMS, Bi-Polar and depressive illnesses

You may find that you'll be very thirsty after a treatment, or that you may have a headache (down to dehydration - drink a pint or two of water and it'll clear up). This is due to the stimulation of the lymph system, where the body is flushing out toxins and waste products produced during the massage. You may also find a day or so later that you have muscle aches or tenderness. This, again, is normal, and is just an indicator of how successful the treatment was. If it's painful, or you're in any way worried, contact the masseuse and they should allay your fears (if they're any good, anyway )

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and try it out, and feel the benefits for yourself. It can only help your gains.