Studies estimate that a great majority of disease is stress-related and perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. Massage is an effective tool for managing this stress, which translates into:
Massage can also help specifically address a number of health issues. Therapeutic massage can:
A Meta-Analysis of Massage Therapy Research Psychological Bulletin in 2004 indicated peer-reviewed medical research has shown that the benefits of massage include pain relief, reduced trait anxiety and depression, and temporarily reduced blood pressure, heart rate, and state of anxiety. Relief from pain due to musculoskeletal injuries and other causes is cited as a major benefit of massage. Massage has been shown to reduce anxiety.
The most widely recognized and commonly used category of massage is the Swedish massage. Swedish massage techniques vary from light to vigorous. Swedish massage uses five styles of strokes, and has shown to be helpful in reducing pain, joint stiffness, and improving function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. The term “Swedish” massage is actually only recognized in English and Dutch speaking countries, and in Hungary. Elsewhere the style is referred to as “classic massage.”
Clinical studies report that Swedish massage can effectively reduce low back pain for as weeks.
Traditional Thai massage is generally based on a combination of Indian and Chinese traditions of medicine. Head to Toe Massage Therapy combines both physical and energetic aspects. It is a deep, full-body massage progressing from the feet up, and focusing on energy lines throughout the body, with the aim of clearing blockages in these lines, and thus stimulating the flow of blood and lymph throughout the body. Thai Massage is a popular massage therapy that is used for management of conditions such as musculoskeletal pain and fatigue. Thai Massage may involve a number of light stretching movements that improve body flexibility, joint movement and also improve blood circulation throughout the body. Traditional Chinese Massage focuses on pushing, stretching, and kneading muscles. Techniques such as friction and vibration are used as well.
The benefits of foot massage go way further than just a relaxing treat. It has long been known and accepted that the feet contain many different pressure points and nerves that can be manipulated to provide relaxation, pain relief, and more. Having a foot massage performed by a trained reflexologist or massage therapist can help relieve your pain and leave you reinvigorated. With over seven thousand nerve endings in the feet, they are a treasure trove of pressure points waiting to be unlocked to provide tension release and relief. Using reflexology pressure points in your feet will immediately release stored stress and allow your body to decompress, relax and unwind. Foot massage can help reduce high stress rates that can often restrict blood flow and compromise circulation. Foot massages are a great way to avoid painful foot, toe and nail problems. Using a moisturizing massage cream can prevent dry, cracked, painful heels that can lead to fissures and infections.