By Kay Leaman, Health Architect, HealthyDay HealthyLife
The season is about to officially start. In lieu of our to do list growing, our calendar filling up with gatherings, or the all too quiet solitude for those without family, be sure to schedule in a massage or two. Reaping the benefits of a good massage can make this season more fruitful in many ways.
Many consider massage a treat. It helps us to relax and we feel pampered and calm afterward. Recently, however, health professionals are viewing it as an important tool in promoting mental and physical well-being.
Massage consists of pressing, rubbing or manipulating the skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments to produce certain results. There are 12 main types:
Swedish – soft tissue (Research shows less muscle and point pain as well as lower heart rates, blood pressure and anxiety levels.)
Deep Tissue – deep layers and intense pressure. (I had several of these years ago. He taught me how to scream to release the pain as he worked my shoulder. I was bruised after the treatments but I have not had that specific issue with my shoulder since. It was so worth it.)
Hot Stone – improved blood flow and reduced muscle tension
Sports – focus is on specific muscles used most frequently in one’s sport or for those who exercise frequently. Can reduce muscle soreness.
Shiatsu – Japanese massage based on traditional Chinese medicine and involves using acupressure (These are acupuncture points.) Recent studies showed benefits for children and teens with autism spectrum disorders (reduces aggressive behavior, relieves trauma symptoms and improves focus).
Thai Massage – combination of acupressure and yoga. This is an active form of massage with several benefits such as lowering back pain, improving the immune system and flexibility.
Prenatal – focuses on issues related to pregnancy (It’s not recommended during the first trimester.)
Craniosacral Therapy – sacral massage or cranial osteopathy. Aids in neck, back and pelvic issues.
Reflexology – developed in ancient Egypt, China and India. It can also be called regional or zone therapy. It’s performed on the feet and hands using acupressure points. (Can reduce symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis.)
Lymphatic Drainage – rhythmic light touch with tapping and circular strokes. The lymph system plays a critical role in immune system processes. Its benefits include lowering lymphedema, one’s 02 saturation, lowering your blood pressure and heart rate and promotes wound healing.
Aromatherapy – Use of essential oils with massage
Chakra Balancing – (Reiki Energy) Japanese treatment involving light touch or holding hands just over the body to manipulate energy. (Chakras stem from Ayurvedic medicine in India.) There are 7 body chakras: Crown, 3rd eye, throat, heart, solar plexus, sacral, root.
The physical benefits of massage include improved circulation, decreased muscle stiffness, less joint inflammation, improved quality of sleep, quicker recovery between workouts, improved flexibility, less pain and soreness, strengthened immune system.
Mental benefits include reduction in stress levels, greater relaxation, improved moods, less anxiety, more energy and an improved sense of wellness.
Many of these benefits can be found in several modalities such as relaxation, improved moods and lower anxiety levels. Be sure to ask questions when looking for a specialist. Are they licensed, certified and/or registered? What is their training and experience? How many sessions are needed to see results for a specific condition? Finding a good therapist is important. I won a massage once so I took advantage of a “free” massage. 3 weeks later I underwent a couple acupuncture treatments to reverse the damage that was done. I’ve learned over the years that it matters who is working on your body.
From doctors to therapists and other health professionals, what have we taken the time to learn about them before putting our health into their care?
The more we know…. Here’s to Health!
