Massage is a healing practice that has been utilized for thousands of years. Started in India, massage was passed down through generations as a method of promoting healing injuries, relieving pain, and balancing the body with nature. This balance with nature was believed to help cure sickness and illnesses.
Now there is more science that shows the benefits of massage therapy. Studies has shown that massage therapy is effective at treating a wide range of physical and mental ailments. Massage has been shown to be effective in helping with:
Our modern lives are so full of stresses and pressures and often times we hold the tension of that throughout our muscles. Massage not only helps with easing the muscle tension but also allows the body to release hormones that enhance relaxation and healing. The slow, rhythmic movements help ease stress hormones, further increasing the benefits to mental health.
There are a variety of massage modalities that are designed to be more effective for specific ailments. Here is a list below, though certainly not a complete list.
Swedish massage – This is what is considered a traditional massage here in the US. It involves long, slow strokes across various muscle groups. This is best if you are looking for a way to relax and unwind your body from daily stresses.
Deep tissue massage – Deep tissue deeper pressure than you would experience from a swedish massage. It include shorter, deeper pressure, often holding pain points for several seconds to help the muscle relax. Deep tissue is geared to relieving chronic muscle pain.
Aromatherapy – With aromatherapy, essential oils are added to the oil or diffused into the air to further promote health benefits. Common scents include lavender, mint, eucalyptus, orange, or lemon.
Lymphatic drainage – Through the use of very soft strokes, this modality loosens up the lymphatic system that promotes health through various systems of the body that includes bones and organs.
Reflexology – In reflexology, it is believed that a certain part of the body and reflect the entire body. Reflex points can be found in the feet, hands, face, and ears. The natural healing processes in the body are promoted through the massage of these reflex points.