The Different Types Of Therapeutic Massage

The Different Types Of Therapeutic Massage. Massage therapy has been practiced for thousands of years. There are tomb paintings from the Egyptians that show people being massaged. It is the oldest and simplest form of medical care.

A book written 2700 years before the birth of Christ recommended breathing exercises and massage of the flesh and skin. It was use by both the Greek and Romans as a way to relieve pain and it was said that Julius Caesar had daily massages to relieve symptoms of neuralgia.

Hippocrates wrote, Rubbing can bind a joint that is too loose, and loosen a joint that is too rigid.

Shiatsu massage, also known as acupressure is sometimes confused with acupuncture. They are both based on the Chinese meridian system but there are no needles involved in shiatsu massage.

The therapist applies pressure with thumbs, fingers, and palms to specific parts of the body. The spots are determined during a physical assessment by the massage therapist. Then, various parts of the body are tapped, squeezed, rubbed, and have pressure applied to unblock energy are increase the flow of energy.

Shiatsu massage will benefit you in the following ways:

• Releases toxins from the body
• Deep tissue and muscle relaxation
• Increased flexibility
• Reduces blood pressure
• Reduces stress
• Prevents disease
• Reduces mental anxieties
• Increases physical and mental awareness

The massage therapist knows which part of the body to massage and manipulate with the fingers to allow stress reduction, ease mental anxieties, and all the benefits listed above.

Massage therapy has been given a bad name because of the reputation that massage parlors have received. That image is being replaced by the benefits and the value of therapeutic massage. 

Quick Facts About Massage Therapy Creating the Right Environment, for a Massage. Lighting Yes, you probably do want softer lighting. If you're performing a massage on a friend or a lover in your own home, you might want to go the full way and do it by candle-light. (Be sure to place the candles securely, though, keep an eye on them, and don't let them fall over). Scented candles are a good way of appealing to multiple senses. Full candle-lighting might not be appropriate in a lot of situations, but a few candles here and there really do improve the atmosphere. In any environment, though, it is quite important to avoid distracting lighting. At the very least, use up-lighters to avoid a situation where somebody finds himself staring into a light-bulb during a massage.

Massage is now being used in hospital intensive care units, for newborn babies and children, as well as patients with AIDS and cancer. Most American hospitals and hospices offer some form of massage therapy to benefit their patients.

Massage is often offered in pain clinics, drug treatment centers, and other health centers. Massage has been incorporated with other forms of holistic and complementary therapies. Massage therapists are using touch and therapeutic massage with aromatherapy and reflexology.  

Theraputic Massage Terms and Facts. Infants and premature babies in particular experience great benefits from regular massage. A baby massage should be very very light to the touch. Never apply pressure. Touch is very important to a baby and being given the level of attention a baby massage requires means that they also tend to grow up to be more confident and secure.