How can massage therapy improve posture in adults?

Posted on April 6, 2012 by admin

The spectrum of massage therapy has elicited a multitude of health benefits until today. In a recent study, the entire population especially the males would prefer going to any massage spa after working long hours at work than spending time for any casual physical activities. Indeed, there is no harm in giving massage as a therapeutic means of relaxation to individuals.

Back massage, Swedish, reflexology and other kinds of homeopathic massages differ from each other but their health benefits aim to prolong the person’s well-being. The focus of each massage techniques vary in a specific region or pressure points to alleviate pain receptors. For instance, in foot reflexology, massage therapists may locate meridian points that ascribe to a particular pain. If the person’s foot exerts stress on one of the pressure points area because of long standing perhaps, they might experience a deviation in gait or equilibrium.

Aside from the changes in stress hormones and sufficient oxygen circulation, massage therapy improves the general feature of the musculoskeletal system. From neck problems to improper body alignment, massage therapy has the answer to these questions.

Based on a survey, one of the common postural pains experienced by most adults is back pain. It is nearly inevitable but the mere fact that it can affect our activities of daily living; there should be room for improvement. With back massage either performed by therapist or renting an automated recliner massage chair, it alleviates the pressure on the lower vertebra of the spine. Too much pain on the lower back also leads to a higher rate of poor body alignment. So why not give yourself a back massage to wear off that excruciating pain.

If leaning or hunching forward seems to bear back pain, the knees can also bring another impact not to mention if you have arthritis. Regular massage to the lower extremities can ease the range of motion when walking or running. The knees and feet both serve as weight-bearing points and thus, proper care and massage is needed.

If swelling or soreness is suspected brought about by ligament sprains or strains, there is injury in the muscle fiber. Since our muscular system coordinates with the nervous system, the end result equates to pain and swelling. Eventually, the site leaves a scar tissue due to the inflammatory process. Giving massage to the injured area breaks the scar tissue stretching the fibers to make it stronger. With proper massage done on a regular basis, the site allows new nutrients to flow in that can restore circulation for a faster recovery process.

Massage tips that you can do at home

Posted on February 27, 2012 by admin

Love massages but hoping to bring the masseuse in your beloved home anytime? Now, you can perform your ‘home made’ massage instead of heading to your favorite spa for an hour of Swedish massage. If money still bothers you in exchange of a beauty massage, why not pamper yourself at home for your customized massage spa.

Before starting your homemade massage spa, consider these three key points: environment set up, materials, and massage skills. Everything has to come independently from your concept of a quiet environment. It does not have to be too intricate as long as you can improvise it in your own creativity. The set up should bear a peaceful ambiance lightings fixed with a serene sound of nature’s wildlife and the elegant aromatherapy to saturate the final touches of the room.

For your materials, have a futon or a bed mattress placed in a flat position. You can try lying supine and prone position to see if it is comfortable enough. Towels are inclusive and should be big enough to cover the buttocks area. If possible, you can add pillows. Depending on your choice of massage style, you may use oil. Massage oils should be warm before applying. Common scents used in massage oils are lavender, peppermint, sandalwood and bergamot.

Massage techniques are the main ingredient in doing the actual rubdown. There are many styles of massages, which are performed way back during the ancient era. Such practices include shiatsu, Swedish, foot reflexology and combination. You don’t have to learn them by heart. In fact, you can use a few basic skills that you can utilize in several ways.

Positioning is essential before you apply any massage oil. Normally, the neutral position is in a prone posture. Shoulders are placed along the sides of the body with the head turn on either side. As you begin, you can damp a little massage oil on your palm and rub across the spine in a symmetrical smearing manner. Two of the basic presses and rubdowns in massage are effleurage and stripping.

Effleurage is a rhythmic stroking of massage done in a smooth fashion. You use both hands to splay the area from the lower back up to the neck area. The flow should circulate around the surface area touching both scapulas.

In Stripping style, your thumb is used to reinforce deep pressure from the base of the spine up to the neck just like kneading dough. It is better that each time you move one space up the vertebra, glide your thumb gently. As you work your way to the neck, lessen the pressing action.

Health benefits of massage in pregnant mothers

Posted on January 31, 2012 by admin

For pregnant moms, it is never easy to raise that child for 9 long devastating months. Seeing that frequent face grudges when hormones start to flick up abruptly or baby kicks to and from each time the mother calls for a short rest can be a dreadful experience.

Fortunately, pregnant moms would often consult their healthcare providers regarding pre-natal massage that may alleviate pain and stress. Taking medications to displace pre-natal pains is contraindicated in most cases. Therefore, expectant mothers still prefer an alternative way to heal those anxieties by means of therapeutic massage.

There are several health benefits that even a simple massage can offer. However, all aspects of the good effects of massage originated from hormonal production. As estrogen and progesterone fluctuate along the process, two types of neurotransmitter, dopamine and serotonin, undergo typical changes. These two neurotransmitters will reflect to the mood status of pregnant moms. With massage, it diminishes giving them a peace of mind. No wonder they are presumptively temperamental to their husbands sometimes.

While hormones still circulate occasionally, a gentle massage along the sides of the globular birth cage will help lessen the pain even when the fetus starts to kick involuntarily. The massage technique should follow an effleurage manner or a circular pattern making sure that pressure is within the minimal threshold.

The burden of loading a growing baby inside the womb until the labor day is so uneasy, which gives pregnant moms intolerable lower backache. Even walking keeps them unstable because of the lordotic posture. Thus, massage at the lower back area and the pelvis is recommended. Not only it can lessen the demands, it also helps them to sleep at ease.

Since the weight-bearing points shift the stability of the pregnant mother to a hunchback stance, it puts so much discomfort to the lower extremities especially the knees. The venous circulation is also impeded showing prominent varicosities. With proper massage to the calves and foot area, it improves the lymph and blood circulation providing a greater supply of oxygen to both the mother and the baby. The knees will ensure favorable mobility if sufficient massage is done oftentimes. This reduces swelling and pain when standing for long periods.

The emotional well-being deprives the stature of the mother’s condition giving them anxiety and feeling of hopelessness. Studies have clearly shown that regular massage performed both in the prenatal and postnatal stage of pregnancy to mothers had declined rates of post-op complications.

The Great Techniques of Massage

Posted on January 3, 2012 by admin

A therapeutic massage is considered one of the most old process of healing that many people are practicing all over the world. Massage means, “The friction of kneading” in French or “to touch, feel or handle”, in the Arabic word it is called “massa” or “to work with the hands” in Greek language. The history of massage therapy can be traced and counted back during the biblical times in many countries like in Japan, China, Rome, India, and other ancient civilizations. On the other hand, the evolution of the massage therapy has become popular in the United States, as well as the United Kingdom in the modern times.

There are several methods of massage therapy. These techniques are being practiced in many culture and traditions from many parts of the world. Massage therapy provides many health benefits such as improving blood circulation, the removal of toxins from the body, it activates hormones for both male and female, it promotes relaxation, it relieves body aches and common pains, reduces depression and anxiety, lowers blood pressure, and a whole lot more. Let’s look at the different methods of massage that are being performed by several massage therapists, and professionals who came from various countries.

Shiatsu is a famous Japanese massage technique that was developed by Suzuki Yamamoto. This method involves grasping and applying considerable pressure on the person’s feet, legs, thumbs, back and palms. It is being practiced not only in Japan, but in many countries as well.
The Acupressure massage is a traditional Chinese massage remedy that originated from the acupuncture technique. that involves physical pressure that is being applied on both elbow and hands
The Bowen Therapy is another form of massage that was created by the Australian therapist named Tom Bowen. It is a very gentle method, which can be performed on infants and elderly as well. The process involves a rolling movement over a man’s ligaments, joints, and other primary muscles in the body.
In India, the Ayurveda or also known as the Abhyangha massage therapy is a new technique that is also used in other countries. It is a natural health care system that integrates massage, meditation, yoga, and other natural treatments.
The Swedish massage is also a popular form of healing that provides great benefits such reducing pain and joint stiffness. This method uses different styles and strokes that take at least an hour to perform. It is often called as the “classic massage” by many people.

Indeed, there are many other methods of massage therapy including the reflexology massage, stone massage, Anma, Balinese, barefoot deep tissue massage, Breema, Myomassology, postural integration, and even self-massage.