Do you have aches, pains, bursitis, fatigue, high blood pressure? Maybe your ailment is diabetes, immunity suppression, infertility, quitting smoking, depression, found what ails you yet? Perhaps it's lower back pain, maybe arthritis? All of these, as well as a tremendous amount of other ailments can be treated with massage therapy. Many physical rehabilitation programs accept this as an acceptable form of treatment. Millions of people the world over vow that massage helps relieve these symptoms, as well as the tension of everyday living that can lead to disease and illness.
This is not a new medical breakthrough, no, this art has been practiced throughout the world. Chinese records dating back 3,000 years document its use; the ancient Hindus, Persians and Egyptians applied forms of massage for many ailments; and even Hippocrates wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems. So, how is this cure practiced? Well, there are a variety of methods, over 250 to be precise. Some include tapping, kneading, vibration, rocking, applying pressure to muscles, stroking and compression! Massage is the manipulation of superficial layers of muscle and connective tissue. This is done to enhance function and promote relaxation and well-being.
All sorts of massage therapy started to become quite popular in the US in the 1800's and continued to grow in popularity until the 1930's and 40's when modern medicine breakthroughs discounted its benefits, and use dwindled. Nurses began to use it in the 1960's and 1970's to alleviate pain in patients. In the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta massage was deemed a core medical service, which gave it great credibility. It is good enough for world class athletes! Feel like trying it?
So, how do you find a massage therapist? Well, as with everything, there are qualifications, and there are genuine qualifications. You can ask your doctor to refer you to one he/she works with. Sometimes this is even covered by insurance. There are so many types of massage, and it is done in a variety of ways with a variety of ancient remedies. The person is either on a table, chair, or a mat, and is generally unclothed, but may be modestly covered with towels or sheets. If the person is uncomfortable with this, she/he may wear underwear.
Some massage therapists use oil, or even such thing as body rocks! Different oils can be used to stimulate blood flow and relaxation. A body rock can be either cold or warm and coated in different sorts of oils such as fractionated coconut oil, grape seed oil, olive oil, macadamia oil, sesame oil, pecan oil and mustard and aromatherapy oils. Wow, what a combination, sounds like it could be a great trail mix or salad dressing, doesn't it?
Different therapists will use different body parts used to do the massage. Pressure is applied by hands, fingers, elbows, knees, forearms and even feet. I know you want one, go ahead, enjoy yourself.
