All About Massage Therapy and Why You Need it!
Dear Readers,
How many of you have received a professional massage in the past? Here are some of the questions we will address. What are some of the things that run through your mind when I say the word massage? How often should you receive a massage? What are some of the benefits of a massage? What types of massages are there? What is done during a massage?
The media and a certain race of people have tarnished the true meaning of massage as well as the holistic and therapeutic benefits of it. Massage therapy is an art, just like when you look at a picture in an art gallery, you look at it and find that it is beautiful and pleasing to the eyes and you may choose to either buy it or not buy it, the same thing goes for massage therapy. You either love it and choose to go all the time, or dislike it and never go again.
The main purpose for massage is to alleviate stress. It starts in your mind and carries throughout your body and if not addressed can lead to a stroke, high blood pressure, diseases or disorders. If you haven’t tried it, you should. Most people don’t look at massage as being a necessity, only as a luxury that should be done once a year or for a special occasion, or when injuries occur. In this high stress society, where we are forced to multi task in order to keep up with demands, we need an outlet.
This Article is in part based on articles found-in the “Journal of the American Medical Association,”
Massage Therapist
Massage therapists have completed many hours of education which includes a variety of bodywork techniques, extensive anatomy and physiology, and knowledge of when massage is and is not appropriate. A growing number of states and provinces license massage therapists. Ask your therapist to explain his or her unique combination of specialized training.
What Happens during your first appointment?
Your massage therapist will begin by asking you general health questions since there are some conditions for which massage are not appropriate.
For a full body Swedish massage most people undress completely though you may choose to wear underwear. Your massage therapist will give you privacy to undress and you are normally covered except for the area being worked on.
You will relax on a padded table designed for stability and comfort. Your therapist may offer cushions or an adjustable face rest for support. The room will be warm and quiet, often with soft music to set a relaxing mood.
Massage and related bodywork techniques can release painful muscle tension, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility and reduce mental and physical fatigue. In addition, massage is among the most effective in combating stress.
Many therapist use a lubricant, such as light oil or lotion, which is good for your skin and absorbs well. For some kinds of bodywork no oil is used. Gradually, your therapist works more deeply to address specific areas.
What should I do during a massage?
Make yourself comfortable. If your therapist wants you to adjust your position, she or he will either move you( for instance lift your arm) or will tell you what is needed. Otherwise, change your position anytime to make yourself comfortable.
Many people just close their eyes and relax completely during a session; others prefer to talk. It’s your massage , and what ever feels natural to you is the best way to relax. Do not hesitate to ask questions at any time.
The desire to sigh or take a deep breath is a sign that you are relaxing . In fact, deep natural breathing can help with relaxation.
-American Fitness, Jan-Feb,1998
What are some types of massage?
Swedish massage is what many people think of when massage is mentioned. It uses long flowing strokes, deep kneading, surface friction, light tapping and joint movement. Deep Tissue Massage ,Sports Massage, Shiatsu Massage, Reiki Massage, Chair Massage & Stone Therapy Massage are common massages.
How will a massage feel?
Massage on healthy tissue feels good. The normal responses is to slow down, breath deeply and relax.
Some people are surprised to find that a massage does not tickle. Your massage therapist uses gentle but firm pressure, gradually preparing you for deeper touch.
The saying “no pain, no gain” is not true for massage and bodywork. The most effective and deepest massage works with the body’s natural responses, not against them. Working in the area of an injury or chronic pain may at first cause some discomfort, which usually lessens in the first few minutes. Your massage therapist knows ways to minimize pain, and will work carefully within what feels right to you. Always tell your therapist if you feel any discomfort .
How long is a session?
An hour is a common session length. This gives time for a deeply relaxing full body massage, or more in-depth work on a particular area, for example back, neck, and shoulders or legs and feet. An hour and a half is usually enough time to address the whole body, with special attention to a problem area.
What should I expect afterwards?
Massage and bodywork can be profoundly relaxing, affecting all your body’s systems. Give yourself a moment to reorient before slowly getting up.
After a session, most people feel very relaxed. Many experience freedom from aches and pains that have built up over months of tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience an increase in energy that can last for several days.
In closing massage therapy can be a very good experience whether alone or with a friend. Why wait until you go on vacation. We all need to take some quality time out to relax. You earned the right!
Leslie Askerneese/ The Spa Lady
Photo: Les Brown even has time for a massage!
Leslie Askerneese
Owner / Manager
The Ultimate Beauty Spa
Come relax your Mind, Body & Soul!
www.theultimatebeautyspa.com
412-421-7100
Filed under: Healthy You! Articles