Being Rubbed Up - The Right Way! - The Therapeutic Wonders of Massage


PROBABLY one of the most powerful preventive medicine tools available to us is that of Massage.It is one of the oldest forms of treatment and can be traced back many thousands of years to the ancient Greeks, Persians and Chinese who are said to have practiced massage as a spiritual art.The word Massage comes from the Greek 'massein' meaning 'to knead'.

Today in this fast paced 21st century, it could be argued that we've never known a more hectic style of living. When we become stressed our activity becomes strenuous and our energy requirements exceed supply. Our bodies can become tired and stiff, our muscles cramped and sluggish with the overall feeling of being tense, fatigued and stressed. But do we take time-out? Do we look for ways to relax and slow down? Do we decide to nurture ourselves a little? Usually not! Let's face it, most of us just soldier on. We are so caught up on the treadmill of our busy lives that we have forgotten how to listen to our bodies.

The experts and their statistics tell us that we are living longer than ever before. Our life expectancy is extending every few years with a result that most of us can now expect to live well into our eighties!  Perhaps this is one of the reasons that more and more people today are now taking responsibility for their own health and well being. People are looking to complementary therapies to aid the recovery from tension, stress and fatigue. In our determination to be healthy and remain healthy many of us now use massage as a powerful form of preventative medicine and as part of an integrated approach to our personal health care.

THE POWER OF TOUCH

It has long been recognized that the power of touch is crucial to us as humans. We are all sensual beings and as a result our bodies respond well to massage and human contact. Research in the UK has proven that in many health institutions, such as hospitals and nursing homes, etc. patients responded better to treatment and were more content when there was more physical contact between their carers and themselves.

Here's why it works - There are many types of massage techniques which can include, sports massage, mother and baby massage, Swedish, Shiatsu and Reflexology, but the basic principle of each is very similar. Massage improves circulation allowing your blood to send oxygen and nutrients to your muscles where ultimately they are converted into energy. Furthermore it assists the filtering out of toxins and drains the essential lymph system which is so important for a strong immune system. The result? A nourished, cleansed and relaxed body and a wonderful sense of well being that can last for many days afterwards!

POINTS TO REMEMBER WHEN VISITING A MASSAGE THERAPIST: -

1) A qualified massage therapist will have undergone a substantial period of training and should be a member of an international association relating to his/her specific field of expertise. There are a number of excellent therapists in your locality and referring to your telephone directories should provide you with a qualified massage therapist or clinic in your area.

2) Your therapist will want to get to know about you on your first visit and will prepare a personal case history based on a number of questions he/she will ask. In order for the therapist to provide you with the best suited therapy during your session these questions are important and will touch upon medical, social, personal information as well as your family history of illnesses, etc. Based on the information compiled the therapist will then design a treatment specifically for you.

3) It is important for you to feel at ease with your therapist and it is the practitioner's job to make you feel comfortable and explain to you what they will be doing.

4) Always let your therapist know what you are planning to do after your massage.

5) If you are planning to have an Aromatherapy Massage, i.e. a massage combined with pure essential oils, it is best not to have a shower or bath for approximately eight hours as this period of time is needed to allow the full absorption of the oils into the body.

6) Finally when your session is complete your therapist will allow you some quiet time to relax on your own before getting up and heading off and continuing your day.

So, as and from today, make a promise to yourself, commit to having a healthier body, system and rested mind and book that massage appointment now - aren't you worth it?

Paula Hynes is a Lifeskills Consultant and Educator specializing in stress, touch therapy and self care. She is also the founder of The Natural Therapy Training Centre in County Westmeath Ireland.


More Resources

Can Aloe Vera Help Me Lose Weight Quickly?
Does Aloe Vera have a place in the weight loss arena? A breif summary of teh benefits and qualities of Aloe Vera, especially in relation to weight loss.
Lumie Dawn Simulation Wake Up Clocks - The perfect Start To Your Day!
Light plays a crucial role in the synchronisation of your circadian rhythm - (sleep/wake patterns). The suns daily cycle of light and dark regulates many of the bodys important hormonal and biochemical processes.
Learn About Falun Dafa
I have been practicing an advanced form of qigong for almost 5years now. The name of this practice is Falun Dafa.
How to Cure Allergy Naturally?
When the immune system in our body finds or realizes anything as foreign to the body, it immediately releases antibodies like histamines to fight against the foreign substance. This causes inflammation which is called allergy in our body.
How to Sense Low Levels of Asbestos in Your Daily Environment. (Part II)
Most people find it difficult to believe that a tiny dust material, too small to see, can cause such havoc with the human body. As a construction worker, I may have an advantage in identifying the materials which shed this residue, but this also tends to make me more vulnerable to it's effects.
Homeopathy - Five Things to Know before You 'Go There'
With natural health care so popular, an area that has shown incredible growth is that of homeopathic medicine. But, although you can find homeopathic remedies on health food store shelves, are you really clear on what a homeopathic specialist is and what these medicines can do? This article will address five things to know before you choose a homeopathic specialist or buy those homeopathic medicines off the shelf.
Treat Osteoporosis Naturally
Osteoporosis is a condition that faces every baby boomer; man or woman. Women are more prone to getting this after menopause, but men can also have "porous bones.
Aromatherapy Oils
Aromatherapy is a method of using the aromatic oils which have been distilled from plant sources to engender a feeling of well being both physically and psychologically. Safe and correct use has been shown to benefit the physical and mental well being.
Why Are Organic Bedding and Organic Cotton Products More Expensive?
At first glance it may seem strange that natural and organic bedding products, without industrial chemicals, toxins and pesticides, should cost more than conventional bedding.Remember that industrialization over the past century was developed to produce products as cheaply as possible, and as quickly as possible, for maximum profit.
Alternative Medicine, Complementary, Integrative, Wellness, Holistic - What Do They All Mean?
Alternative medicine has grown in so many ways in North America. More people are visiting alternative medical practitioners than Western medical doctors.
Eat Fiber and Avoid Constipation
To have regular bowel movements and escape constipation you need to eat more fiber. Fiber from raw vegetable and fruits is better for you than fiber from grains.
What are Some Benefits For Quitting Smoking?
There are immediate benefits for quitting smoking. Within eight hours after you quit, the level of dangerous carbon monoxide gas in the blood returns to normal.
Alcohol : How Badly Can It Affect Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Sufferers?
The wonders of alcohol. The achilles heel for many people.
Athlete Foot Remedies
Athlete foot is a common skin infection that is caused by a fungus. The medical term for foot fungus is tinea pedis.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Symptoms
Urinary tract infection is caused by bacteria in one of the tracts through which urine passes. The infection can occur in the urethra, ureters, or the urinary bladder.
Migraine Headaches And Chronic Pain: Essential Oil Of Lavender, A Natural Remedy
If you suffer migraines or chronic headaches, you are not alone. In fact, you're in good company.
Essential Oils Blends and Uses
Better Living With Essential OilsPractical formulas you can use in Personal Care and Your EnvironmentPersonal Care - What Essential Oils can do for Your Skin:l Penetrate lower skin layers to work on moisturizing and healing.l Stimulate and regenerate skin cells, to heal skin damaged by sun, burns, wrinkles, or injury.
How To Find Your Way To Healthy Longevity
As the old saying goes, are you "a picture of health"? You may have a problem answering this question, but it's important to know just where you stand on this issue. I guess we all would like to be the healthiest person we can be but it's not always possible.
Bad Breath and Gingivitis
Does this sound familiar to you? My dentist and hygienist mentioned that I had irritated gums as they cleaned my teeth. This is a symptom of gingivitis.
Strong Drugstore Laxatives - Use With Caution
Osmotic chemicals - Saline CartherticsThese chemicals are salts and other compounds that activate secretions of water from your colon walls and into your colon, which are absorbed by the fecal matter. This softens the fecal matter and promotes a bowel movement.

More Alternative Information:

Related Articles

Title: Using Rhubarb for Constipation
Vegetables like fruits and their juices have healing properties because of the fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals they have. For constipation, vegetables are an excellent source of minerals and fiber.
Healing Heartburn Holistically
Everyone at some point in time has experienced some form of heartburn. Often, what we notice is a bitter, sour or acid taste in our mouths.
Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums can be one sign of periodontal disease, gingivitis, or other serious problems. Other symptoms of poor dental health may include persistent bad breath, toothache, and receding gums.
More Vegetable Constipation Remedies
Here are more constipation remedies using vegetables. Use vegetables every day for good health.
Natural Healing For The Body
Back-to-Nature AromatherapyBack-to-nature is a new health initiative by people living in modern society. Aromatherapy, which stems from natural plants, has also became a favourite in modern day living.
Hidden Benefits of Reflexology
The holistic therapy of reflexology has been used over the years to promote physical health and wellbeing in many thousands of people from all walks of life, but there is also a subtler aspect to its benefits that can be applied to the more vulnerable amongst us, to expand awareness and enhance everyday living.When a client asked if she could bring her sister, who had learning disabilities, for a reflexology treatment with me, I was only too glad to concur.
The Effects of Stress
Stress can affect you in four different ways:The Physical Effects of StressThese result in a physically perceived overload. These are present in many forms.
All About Bad Breath, its Symptoms & Prevention
Bad breath (or halitosis medical term root from Latin) can be a serious handicap on your social or business life. It is a source of embarrassment and shame.
Why Detox?
For most of my life I considered myself fairly healthy. I was not overweight, very slim infact.
What Is Thought Field Therapy?
Dr. Roger Callahan is and American psychologist who discovered Thought Field Therapy over 20 years ago.
ADD May Carry the Gifts of Intuition
ADD/ADHD is a neurological disorder. According to the National Institute of Health, between 3% and 5% of the population in this country are affected by ADD/ADHD.
Using Essential Fatty Acids for Reducing Arthritis Joint Pain
Essential fatty acids provide protection for the whole body. In particular it is effective in reducing inflammation as experienced in joint pain or arthritis.
Do Magnets Work?
The scientific explanation behind magnet therapy is that the magnetic fields produced by magnets (generating electromagnetic current) penetrates the human body thereby affecting the functioning of individual cells and improve the various disorders by taking care of the entire body system. Precisely how the magnetic fields do this remains a mystery, but there are several hypotheses.
Hemorrhoids & its Symptoms
Hemorrhoids are conditions where there is a swelling of the veins around the anus. The veins may be inflammed sometimes.
Understanding Aromatherapy
In the 1920's, a French cosmetic chemist named Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, was one day making fragrances in his laboratory, when he accidentally burned his arm. He then thrust his badly burnt arm into the nearest cold liquid, which turned out to be a tub of lavender oil.
New Age Torture
I'll admit it ..
Eating Junk Food -- The Hidden Price
You probably are very familiar with the benefits you get from NOT eating healthy. You get to eat food that tastes good, you get to be lazy and sit on the couch and veg out and watch TV.
An Aspirin A Day Can Give You Cancer
I want to share a health alert with you. So many people today are taking an aspirin a day - many upon the recommendation of their doctors and many simply because they think it is the "healthy" thing to do.
Aromatherapy Favorites: Patchouli Essential Oil
Patchouli's History and UsesAh, Patchouli oil - people seem to love it or hate it. This well know essential oil has a somewhat deserved reputation as the scent of the Hippy generation (according to one source, it's use began as a mask for the odor of a particularly cherished herb), though it's traditional use dates back hundreds, perhaps thousands of years.
Liver Spring Cleansing
The liver is the second largest organ in the body and the skin is the first. Every year, you can make sure your liver is healthy by doing a liver cleanse during spring.