Fresh articles from Holistic Health Articleshttp://www.holistichealtharticles.com/Fri, 10 Sep 2010 12:17:09 EDTHolisticHealthArticles.com http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/Art/10913/319/The-Benefits-of-Massage-Therapy.html
Professional massages provide a number of benefits that many people are not aware of Along with putting the client into a deep state of relaxation, it can also help to heal the body and clear the mind by ridding the body of harmful toxins Massage therapy can be used to treat chronic diseases, tensions in the body, and common afflictions For instance, it can help to lower blood pressure, improve flexibility and range of motion, improve posture, strengthen the immune system, and lessen the effects of allergies, depression and anxiety, arthritis, asthma, and insomnia

Most importantly, massage therapy can help in healing the body Massage therapy is often prescribed to clients who have suffered a serious injury or sports injury due to its natural healing abilities For those with chronic pain in the body, massage therapy, coupled with physical therapy, can lead to the most dramatic and satisfactory results

For Massage Lexington residents have a number of different types available, which can cater to your specific needs The most common types of massages include Swedish, deep-tissue, sports, trigger point, and hot stone massages However, there are a number of other massage types, which vary based on the massage therapist of choice

Along with the undeniable benefits to the body, massage therapy also offers benefits for the mind Massage therapy increases blood circulation and thoroughly relaxes the muscles, body, and mind This can help to relieve stress, anxiety, and even depression It can also help to increase mental alertness, which can benefit clients both at work and in their daily lives

Massages are not only used to help treat a client, but also to deeply relax them For anyone just looking to treat themselves, professional massages will relieve the body of any discomfort and will provide relief from the stress of everyday life Although there are benefits to receiving only one massage, regular massages can dramatically increase the associated benefits

Massage therapists must undergo specialized training in order to ensure that they can cater to their clients' specific needs Make sure to inform your massage therapist of any ailments you are experiencing This will ensure that they can focus on the correct areas of the body to ensure the most satisfactory results

Massage therapy has naturally healing powers that can benefit both the mind and body Anyone at any age or lifestyle can benefit from this natural healing, while enjoying the most thoroughly relaxing and rejuvenating experience imaginable



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The earliest Polynesian settlers of Hawaii practiced their own form of massage, which evolved to become the traditional Hawaiian healing practice known as lomilomi massage Lomilomi was practiced by all the peoples of Hawaii, from child to chief Lomilomi practices varied by family, ahupua'a (traditional region), and island Lomilomi used was mainly as a healing modality, as a restorative massage practiced within the family, and by the lohe lua (masters of the Hawaiian martial arts)

To understand the healing effects of Lomilomi, one must have a grasp of the Hawaiian view of life and energy, or the Ha In Hawaiian Ha means life, to breath, and active prayer/prayer in action The Ha is an integral part of the lomilomi practice, as are hula movements, which are used to ground and direct the flow of energy

Lomilomi is a practice which looks at things in terms of energy flow, following the idea that a belief can block energy flow as much as musculoskeletal stress can Lomilomi helps release the blockages, while assisting the energy flow into new direction Thus the purpose of lomilomi is not only to facilitate healing on a physical level, but to also bring balance to the mental, emotional and spiritual parts of us The lomilomi practice views all aspects of the body as one, and when healing is effected on one level (physical), all levels are affected (mental, emotional, spiritual)

Lomilomi practitioners can use the palms, forearms, fingers, knuckles, elbows, knees, feet, even sticks and stones The massage is generally given in fluid, rhythmic motions, using the forearms, elbows and hands Many people describe the feeling of a lomilomi massage to be like gentle waves moving over the body Another feature of a lomilomi massage is that different parts of the body may be massaged at the same time, such as the shoulder and the arm, or the neck and the latisumus dorsi (Lats-longest muscle in the back) The dual movements of this type of massage assists the recipient in totally relaxing, as it is quite difficult for the brain to focus on the two separate areas of the body being massage at once Thus the recipient can relax into a semi-awake state of the brain, allowing the nervouse system to relax, the digestive system to stimulate, and the musculoskeletal system to release excess tension

Lomilomi massage is now practiced throughout the world, from living rooms to the majority of high-end spas As in ancient times there are many different modalities, or styles of lomilomi massage The Hawaiian islands are rich in gifted lomilomi practitioners, but there are also accredited teachers and practioners of lomilomi massage just about everywhere massage is practiced And so it is with each style of therapeutic massage modality; being like a new instrument that the hands can pick up and use at any time



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Medical massage therapy is recognized as a health care provision under rehabilitation outpatient coverage under most major medical plans Specific plan coverages vary according to the benefit package your plan and/or employer offer Medical massage therapy definition is the ability to heal, restore and improve function which was other wise compromised due to illness,injury,disease or surgery It must be a part of a treatment plan your primary care provider recommends as medically necessary to restore lost function

Provisions are also given towards motor vehicle accident (PIP)and workers compensation-labor and industry (L&I), job injury recovery care claims Like wise, verification and preauthorization must be met prior to starting care

The variation of massage therapy are vast, according to the training and experience of the licensed massage therapist State laws are in place for licensing and certification Further education and experience on the massage therapists part, when looking for a therapists is always a good consumer judgment call when seeking out care When injured you should seek out a massage therapist with skill, training and experience compatible with the injuries and sustained ailments that you have For instance, you would not want to seek out a massage therapist who specializes in spa massage Injury treatment is specialized and has specific protocol and training, whereas spa massage does not Insurance companies WILL NOT recognize a "feel good" spa approach as a medical procedure

A consumer should also ask about how is the facility or practice run, what kind of specialized training do they have, what kinds of clinical and/or experience have they have in treating specific dysfunctions Recommendations from your primary health care provider, local hospitals are a good resource to find an experienced therapist There is also a number of organizations such as the American Massage Therapy Association that has a referral source of massage therapists available at http://www amtamassage org

For the best results, advocate self-education and consumer awareness As well as have a proactive approach Be a willing participate in your healing and recovery will happen

For more information about this subject or other topics please visit; http://www harmonymassagetherapy com

Andrew Wolfe, LMP, Mms , is a licensed medical massage practitioner with over 23 years of local,full time private practice;Harmony Licensed Massage Therapy,located in Arlington Washington Since 1987, he has had extensive training and clinical experience in the medical massage therapy field, offering treatment of orthopedic,muscle and skeletal disorders He has advanced training both in the Pacific Northwest Washington and in a Beijing Chinese hospital He has an author of audio books and a U Tube video of his practice Please visit his web site at http://www harmonymassagetherapy com or call at 360-653-4657







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Since ancient times, mankind has had some awareness of the healing and restorative powers of massage From simple kneading to work the knots out of muscles made sore and tired in the heat of battle to more luxurious forms of massage performed for royals and nobles alike in the baths and spas of bygone kingdoms, various types of massage therapy have always played some part in our collective history Of course, the massage therapist has had, in one form or another, a history as long as the discipline itself For that reason, finding a qualified massage therapist has always been an essential part of receiving effective massage treatments

The qualifications to look for

In those aforementioned ancient times, choosing a good massage therapist was probably not that difficult particularly since they were no doubt housed in or near the palace and noble homes of the people they regularly served In modern times, however, finding a qualified massage therapist entails sifting through dozens and sometimes hundreds of advertised specialists, depending upon the area in which you live So what are the qualifications of a good massage therapist? The general rule is that any therapist should have at least a couple hundred training hours under his or her belt, and in highly competitive areas that number may be closer to 1,000 Most cities require registration of one form or another, which provides you with an easy method for complaint if your therapy is unsatisfactory for any reason

Forget the word masseuse

When evaluating any massage therapist, be wary of anyone who uses the term masseuse to describe their profession The modern term is massage therapist, and the only people who use the term masseuse (or masseur) are practitioners whose services extend to more intimate forms of bodily contact This is one case where a rose by any other name may not smell as sweet!

Know what you want

Before you even attempt to choose the right massage therapist for your needs, you should do a little research to find which type of massage you want While many people automatically assume that every therapist is capable of providing quality massages using any chosen discipline, the truth is that most choose to specialize in one form or another If you are looking for a Watsu massage or any other form of massage, be sure to check the preferred disciplines of any potential massage therapist candidate

Many areas have organizations devoted to the profession that can help you to identify the various practitioners in your city One advantage to utilizing these organizations in your quest is that their members have usually agreed to be governed by particular rules of ethics and conduct, and must meet standards of practice set by the organization

Like any other purchase of services, you want to take the time to do your homework on the subject Don t be afraid to conduct impromptu interviews of any potential candidate, asking them questions about their training, preferred disciplines, and organizational memberships Reputable massage therapist professionals will not hesitate to cheerfully answer any questions you ask



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If you are one of the tens of millions of average Americans who routinely suffer from tired muscles, sore and aching bodies, and elevated levels of stress, you may want to consider the benefits of massage therapy Though most of these problems have been, for many years now, primarily treated through the use of various medications pain pills and sedatives being the most common, even medical practitioners are beginning to focus more on how massage therapy can play an important role in any wellness program Of course, the big question is obvious: is massage therapy right for you?

What is it anyway?

Massage therapy is easy to recognize when you see it being performed, no matter what specific discipline or technique is being employed At its core, it refers to any number of methods for manipulating muscles in an effort to increase the body s ability to heal itself and reduce stress and pain Most people are aware of the popular Swedish massage discipline which has been around since the 1700s, but there are many different types of massage available and they each have their own goals and methods for achieving them

Is it an alternative or a supplement?

One of the first questions most people ask themselves involves whether massage therapy should be considered an alternative to conventional medical treatments pills and the like or whether it should be used to supplement other forms of treatment The truth is that it depends upon your situation If you are on strong medications for pain, for example, you may find it useful to supplement your current treatment with a regimen of massage therapy to receive increased pain relief For other chronic conditions for which conventional medications have provided little relief, massage may be the answer you need and serve as an alternative form of treatment In any situation, you should first consult with your physician to determine the best course of action

The benefits are many:

The benefits offered by massage therapy are almost too numerous to list in the space available here, but include relief from stress, the reduction and even elimination of muscle and ligament pain, and overcoming insomnia Yes, even sleep can be impacted, as it is one of the most effective ways to provide the type of relaxation that makes for a deeper and more beneficial sleeping experience In addition, massages are useful for eliminating headache pain, recovering from muscle and soft tissue injury, and preventing stress related pain

So is massage therapy right for you? Chances are that you won t know for sure until you try it, but there is really no reason for you not to do so The fact is that, even for those who feel relatively stress free and without inordinate pain, massage therapy can serve to offer respite from the rigors of life and enable you to bask in a brief period of pampering that is hard to come by in ordinary circumstances If nothing else, you will at least be able to enjoy the relaxation that every massage brings

Christine Crotts loves to cook in her kitchen with a crowd seated around the kitchen island Christine has written a site with reviews of counter height chairs, as well as a review of folding bar stools



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Massages have always had an interesting role to play in the lives of those who receive them Some view a massage as a means to be pampered, while still others seek them out for their ability to provide short term relaxation and relief from stress Still another category of people adhere to the alternative medical usage of massage in the form of therapeutic massage as a means for treating various medical ailments including pain Though the therapeutic massage has sometimes been the subject of some controversy, and has even been ridiculed at times by various conventional medical practitioners, the fact is that each year sees a growing body of documentable evidence that demonstrates just how effective this type of treatment can be for the treatment of medical conditions

Massages and their uses

To understand therapeutic massage, it is important to first define what a massage is While most people have their own understanding of the definition of massage, the most commonly accepted understanding is also the simplest A massage involves the manual manipulation of the recipient s body to relieve muscle tension, speed up the flow of blood, and encourage healing of ligaments and other connective tissue During any massage including therapeutic massage the therapist utilizes his or her hands, fists, elbows, feet, and even inanimate objects to achieve the goals of the therapy

Understanding its role

Therapeutic massage is now commonly recognized as one of the most effective methods for dealing with a variety of medical conditions Whether the patient is an active athlete, sedentary office worker, or somewhere in between, therapeutic massage can assist in alleviating the everyday stress and pain that is a part of many people s lives For many people suffering from high levels of stress, massage therapy can help to rid the body of toxins that otherwise accumulate in the muscles and other tissues of the body and which invariably lead to any number of physical ailments

We ve all experienced the occasional tightness in our backs and necks, and many of us will occasionally remark about how we need a good massage Well, the truth is that our casual remarks are probably truer than we realize, especially when you consider the positive benefits therapeutic massage can have on tight muscle pain The professional providing any therapeutic massage can usually identify the muscle region in which the pain originates, and quickly go to work on loosening any tightness to enable proper blood flow and muscle relaxation to occur In addition, the very act of massage can act as a pain blocker in many cases, meaning that even those whose pain stems from something other than tight muscles can still experience relief

The most powerful benefits of therapeutic massage can be seen in the area of pain that is systemic and chronic With a focus on the muscles surrounding the spine, therapeutic massage serves to disrupt the transmission of pain impulses from the affected part of the body At the same time, endorphins are released that offer additional relief from pain as well as a general feeling of relaxation and well being The bottom line is that there are few methods of relieving pain and stress that are more effective than therapeutic massage



Published By: Holistic Health Articles]]> http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/Art/10092/319/What-is-Therapeutic-Massage.html http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/Art/9255/319/Hot-Stone-Massage-and-The-Many-Benefits-To-Your-Health.html
While the body was created to heal itself, society, culture and the environment has made it difficult to maintain a healthy body Think about the last time you had a headache that seemed like it would never go away It may have been the result of job stress or trouble with your finances Whatever the cause of discomfort, a hot stone massage provides a number of benefits to relax your body and improve your health
Hot Stone Massage ExplainedIn simple terms, a hot stone massage is a deep tissue muscle massage performed with heated stones called basalt stones which are heated to high temperatures in water and then slightly cooled for application on the skin during massage
The Numerous Benefits of Massage Therapy The emotional and physical benefits reported from massage are numerous and heated stones intensify the effects:

Natural pain relief:
A hot stone massage is a safe non-invasive way to address common health conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and multiple sclerosis A 2007 report from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) suggests that massage can reduce the incidence and frequency associated with headache, muscular and joint pain from a number of conditions

Deep tissue and muscle relaxation:
The kneading pressure facilitated with the heated stones releases rigid muscles that have been under tension

Toxin release and elimination of waste from the body:
After a good massage, you will need to use the bathroom That's because the pressure applied to your muscles is mashing out the toxins Hot stones intensify the effects and make the massage more productive

Improvement of the lymphatic and central nervous systems:
Responsible for fighting off diseases, infections and germs, the lymph system is improved as waste is eliminated from the body resulting from the hot stone massage This central nervous system processes bodily functions better when the body is relaxed The end result is increased blood flow and improved circulation in the body

Increased flexibility:
Your muscles are loosened and relaxed from the hot stone treatment Therefore, your range of motion is extended

Increase in energy levels:
Muscle tension is released by the acupressure experienced during the massage This stimulates the energy flow throughout the entire body

You can reap a number of benefits I just shared with you just by getting a regularly scheduled hot stone massage From natural pain relief and increased energy to more effective bodily systems, hot stone massage is not just a luxury It's a necessity

Precaution: People prone to getting blood clots, with contagious skin rashes or open wounds should not get a massage Additionally, if you have had a recent surgery or chemotherapy treatment, you should not get a massage It's recommended that you check with your doctor before getting a massage if you have a serious medical condition



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What would happen if on the third day of a two week fitness spa get away you fall off the sidewalk on the way back to your room and badly sprain your ankle? Is your vacation doom before it has barely begun? Nope, not even close First, go to the emergency room to make sure it s not broken Then get the next available appointment with one of the on site massage therapists Massage in this case has benefits in several areas I know because this actually happened to me So please join me for a short tale of how my massage therapist saved my two week spa vacation or three benefits to massage therapy!

First let s start with stress Within minutes of the accident beautiful colors were already tinting my ankle and foot The thoughts running through my head during those first couple of hours, first in emergency and then through dinner, echoed the main question of my fellow spa mates "Are you going home?" I don t know about the rest of the population, but I go to the spa for stress relief as much as for exercise and in my book this rates up there as a stressful situation

Thankfully I had a massage scheduled for after dinner that night After several minutes into my massage the massage therapist worked her magic and I had no choice but to begin to relax under her artful hands You see the injury had not just effected my ankle My whole body had become more ridged in support of that injury But the muscles, the lymphatic system, my blood pressure all became putty in her hands And then she worked the pressure points that make you want to breathe deeper encouraging a more relaxing state of mind My brain calmed down and "Are you going home?" stopped ringing in my head I was in a state of calm

Then, she got to the ankle This is the physical healing part of massage Ever so gently she worked around the injury Encouraging those muscles to loosen and relax Encouraging that ankle to not hold onto the blood but to move it through and around to bring faster healing to the injury I got off her table that night walking out of her office much better than walking into it

And I had a smile on my face You see I had made a decision I m not going home I m not yet clear how it s going to work out but I m staying! That was the emotional benefit of massage

That was Wednesday I had two more massage treatments with my massage therapist over the next three days These treatments keep my muscles loose and in a better state for healing It was hard not to favor my ankle because I refused to stop going to the exercise classes! Yes, I could have parked myself in the sunshine and gotten a GREAT tan but that tan wouldn t look so good in my clothes when I got back home if I stopped exercising So I did what I could I could still work my upper body and I could still work out in the pool I attended each class and did what I could, even the kick boxing class And boy did I ever punch that dummy bag Kicking, well not so much

The following Monday on the timed four mile, sidewalk/road, up a thousand foot walk I bettered my time from the week before by 10 minutes! By the end of the second week I had lost a pound more than from my two weeks stay the previous year! And even with the added stress of an injury clearly my spa vacation was saved by massage and my massage therapist! (Thank you Jane Ann!)



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Everyone wants to start the New Year off with changes that will make their life better For many people, this means getting healthier, including finding ways to relax and reduce stress One way to start the year off right is to relax into the New Year with massage therapy

Massage therapy is a great way to begin the New Year relieving stress and improving ones overall health It helps one relax the muscles, decrease the heart rate, boost blood circulation, increase the hormones called endorphins which are natural pain relievers, and reduce blood pressure, With massage therapy, one will feel more relaxed, alert, focused, and less stressed

Massage therapy can benefit all ages Elderly persons in need of palliative care will benefit from massage therapy As well, a massage can help infants relieve a baby with belly gas It can help maintain firm muscles and improve blood flow to and from the heart A massage boosts circulation thereby removing wastes and toxins from the body much faster Massage therapy supplies can also ease muscle and ligament tension which reduces pain As well, muscles spasms will be greatly decreased Massage therapy also improves deep breathing which can help one manage stress and help people manage breathing conditions such as asthma

One can choose from a number of different types of massages such as: a Deep Tissue Massage will soothe deep sore muscles and tissues, a Swedish Massage increases the flow of energy through the body, and a Hot Stone Massage relaxes the muscles so that more pressure can be applied to the area Massage therapy has a therapeutic affect and improves one's circulatory, immune, muscular, and nervous systems Massage therapy will involve using massage oils Different oils have different benefits For instance, safflower is a blood purifier, almond oil reduces swelling, and olive oil loosens tight muscles These oils naturally enhance the massage experience Essential massage oils are also used for aromatherapy Aromatherapy helps to improve ones emotional and mental well being

Massage therapy has become a popular form of treatment for not only athletes, but for people from all walks of life Such lifestyle stresses as increased work hours, more physical activities, and more financial stresses, have resulted in many people seeking massage therapy A qualified and certified massage therapist can identify the problem area and provide much needed relief, whether it is stress relief or relief from a physical injury Relief from stress can even help ones physical health For instance, high levels of stress increases the risk of heart disease Massage therapy is a healthy way to reduce mental stress, tension related headaches, anxiety, and promotes ones ability to achieve calm thinking, a relaxed state of mental alertness, and enhances an overall sense of positive well being

If your previous year was full of stress and anxiety, starting the New Year with relaxing massage therapy will help you prepare to cope with any new stresses that come your way in the New Year Massage therapy is an effective therapeutic treatment for restoring one's spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental well being



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Our hectic, modern lifestyles have caused stress to become an epidemic Stress causes severe tension headaches, muscular aches and pains, as well as mental and physical fatigue Many of these symptoms can lead to serious health problems You should try massage therapy as a way of rejuvenating your mind and body

To get the maximum benefits from a massage, you must find a therapist who is well qualified in massage techniques A professional therapist will assess your problem areas and then carry out appropriate treatment Your therapist should be friendly and you should feel at ease with him or her If you are not comfortable with this person, you will not be able to relax during therapy

Massage treatments will help you unwind and make you feel able to cope with the daily stresses that you have to face There are many health problems that can be cured with massage People suffering with anxiety or depression have been assisted greatly by massage treatment

A therapeutic massage involves a combination of aromatic massage oils and hand strokes that pamper and revitalize your muscles Blood circulation is improved this stimulates the flow of oxygen and nutrients to every part of your body Because of this you will feel more flexibility and mobility in all your joints and muscles

The therapist will start massaging your back, gently kneading towards your legs, your arms and your stomach Regular massages will also help keep your skin in good condition A vigorous massage will encourage sweating which will allow your body to get rid of toxins and free radicals

Massage therapy is an excellent way to get break down cellulite The firm strokes used by the therapist helps dissolve the fat content beneath the skin while strengthening cell tissue Your mental alertness can also be enhanced which means you will be able to concentrate better

Massaging the head and feet also improves brain function A foot massage is a traditional Chinese practice that has been used for centuries The Chinese learnt how to find certain pressure points in the feet that stimulate certain organs

The main problem with humans is that we have forgotten how to relax Therefore we are turning to treatments like massage therapy During a session of therapy, our bodies and minds drift into total relaxation Being in this state and having a professional therapist massaging pressure points on your body is rejuvenating and energizing

Massage therapy is very helpful for women who suffer with pre menstrual tension (PMT) Regular sessions are recommended for this problem Not only does massage treatment relieve the tension associated with PMT, but it reduces menstrual pains and cramps

For elderly people, massage therapy is wonderful as it increases overall health and a sense of wellbeing Massage treatments are also used to treat arthritis and other physical conditions commonly associated with old age When we age, we are less active This can lead to conditions that affect our quality of life

Massage therapy can reduce the severity of Alzheimer s disease, and it can relieve pain associated with arthritis and other muscular skeletal problems Regular therapeutic massages help lubricate all joints and muscles in elderly people



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