What is Massage Therapy?
Massage, when properly applied by qualified practioners, is of positive value in building and maintaining a healthy, vigorousbody for men and women. The strain and stress of modern living tends to contribute to a decline in physical vigor, and creates stress and it's attendent ills. There has never been a greater need for theraputic massage. The public is beginning to appreciate the many benifits of regular massage as a means of enjoying more vibrant health, for off setting the tensions of modern living and for getting more out of life.
Although body massage is not a magic "cure all," it is a safe and beneficial health aid for everyone from infant to elderly people. Just as some active exercise daily is beneficial, passive exercises by way of massage can be included in the daily health regimen, except when there are certain condraindications. When there is doubt on the part of the practitioner as to wheather to give massage or to recommend a particaular exercise, the client should be asked to first have a physical checkup and to obtain his or her physicain's recommendations in writing.
Massage has direct psychological and physiological benefits. Physically, massage increases metabolism, hastens healing, relaxes and refreshes the muscles, and improves the detoxifying functions of the lymphatic system. Massage helps to prevent muscle cramps, spasms and atrophy if ther is njo nerve damage, assists the digestive process and assimulation of nutrients, and improves circulation of blood to all body systems. Since blood carries nutrients to the skin, massage is beneficial in keeping the skin funcioning in a normal, healthy manner.
Psychologically, massage relieves fatigue, reduces tension, calms the nervous system, and promotes a sense of relaxation and renewed energy.
Scientific body massage procedures affect the quality and quantity of blood coursing through the circulatiory system. Withe the increased flow of blood to the massaged area, better cellular nutrition and elimination are favored. The work of the heart is lessened due to the improvement in the surface circulation. Under the influence of massage, the blood making process is improved resulting in an increase in the number of red and white blood celld.
Massage can have positive effects on the range of motion of limbs that have a limited range due to tissue injury, inflammation, nor muscle strain. The client may have experienced discomfort or pain and have limited use of the limbs or may have stopped using the limb altogether. The limb can be taken through the range of motion passively and carefully and the range increased gradually.
Skillfully applied massage is one of the more effective means of influencing the structure and functions of the body.
Massage is one of the most beneficial services for patients during convalescence. Exercise and massage are often prescribed as a means of restoring the patient's fitness and sense of well being.
Massage is used as a part of the physiological and psychological rehabilitation process. When a person becomes ill or is injured, it is common to feel a sense of apprehension, insecurity, and anxiety, which often leads to restlessness and insomnia. A good massage will increase the patients comfort, induce relaxation, and help to relieve anxiety. When a patient is confined to bed for a period of convalescence, muscles lose their tone, joints become stiff, and skin develops sensitivity. Unless a patient is turned or is able to move, bedsores may develope. Massage helps to prevent these problems.
in addition to increasing the patients comfort, massage aids healing by increasing the number of red and white blood cells and by improving circulation, which in turn nourishes the tissues. It also improves the action of lymph so that toxins are carried away and helps to promote blood supply to the brain and nerves so that the patient feels more in control of his or her faculties. Massage is used as an aid to prevent constipation by improving the peristaltic action of the small intestine and colen. There is numerous ways in which massage has been found to benefit patients of all ages, and many doctors recommend it as an aid to a speedier recovery.
Massage also has a place in the maintenance of good health. It acts as a stimulant or as a sedative for the nervous system, and aids in the metabolic process and glandular activity. Because the skin is an organ of respiration and elimination, massage improves these functions. As the vasomotor system becomes more active, the skin is better nourished and both tone and elasticity are improved. The following is a brief review of some of the therapeutic benefits of massage to the body systems.
