Massage
By Jessica, October 21, 2007
Massage is a natural, therapeutic treatment that involves gentle manipulation of body tissue by kneading and stroking the body to encourage physical and emotional benefits.
Massage allows your muscles to relax and improves blood flow to the brain. If the body is stressed, a massage can reduce tension and encourage deep relaxation. Regular massage sessions may ease chronic pain, speed recovery from many sports injuries, make your muscles supple and improve concentration. Massage is widely used by athletes, sports people and dancers. Massage will act as a warm up before a performance or event and afterwards, will release toxins that would otherwise cause stiffness.
The practice of massage involves using pressure exerted by hands, fingers, elbows, forearm and feet, or mechanical aids, to manipulate the body. Massage may be directed at many parts of the body, including muscles, ligaments, skin, lymphatic vessels or organs. Massage will usually be administered while the client is lying on a massage table, sitting in a massage chair, or lying on a mat on the floor.
Massage relaxes the nerves of the body and calms the mind. The simple touch of massage can reduce feelings of anxiety, relieve depression and improve energy levels. Stress can deplete the immune system and massage helps to restore the immune system and make it work more effectively. Massage also encourages the elimination of toxins from the body as it boosts circulation and encourages a healthy lymphatic system. Skin condition is also improved with massage as the oils and lotions used during a massage will have qualities that benefit particular skin types or problems.
There are many different types of massage; deep tissue, sports massage, hot stone, aromatherapy, reflexology, Thai massage and Shiatsu are some better known examples.
