Massage Therapy - What You Need To Know
Massage therapy is an art which dates back to the ancient civilizations. In modern times, it is practiced in more than 100 countries around the globe. It has been proven scientifically that massages can help heal. It has been used to treat ailments such as migraines, joint pains back tension, chronic pain, and many other ailments. Massage therapy can help reduce the symptoms of pain anxiety, depression and stress. Massage therapy can treat neck pain, headaches back pain, and other chronic aches.
Massage therapy has been shown to improve circulation and increase energy. When you apply long strokes of Swedish massage the body releases natural chemicals known as endorphins. These chemicals increase blood flow and reduce swelling and pain. Some believe that Swedish massage improves mood. Others believe it improves alertness, reaction time, and mental clarity.
Massages that are most commonly used will contain essential oils. Essential oils have been shown to boost mental and physical well-being. Essential oils act as sensitizers, which opens up muscles. Muscles that are more relaxed are more likely to absorb the nutrients they are surrounded with. Some of these oils include basil, eucalyptus, coconut, jojoba, rose, sandalwood, rosemary and Thyme.
Massage is a great way to relax since it reduces muscle tension, improves range-of-motion and enhances blood flow. It also helps improve lymphatic drainage. Insufficient nutrition can cause soreness and tightness in the muscles. Muscle tension can cause microscopic amounts of lactate to build up within the muscles. If blood flow is reduced in the muscles, lactate is able to build up and causes lactic acid to breakdown. When a muscle has an insufficient supply of nutrients and blood flow is restricted, lactic acid is able to eat away at the soft tissues and causes the muscle to break down. Massage can prevent this from happening by the introduction of soft tissue chemicals.
It is not easy to become a massage therapist. Before you are legally able to practice massage therapy, a lot of states require that you complete the required training in massage therapy and have a license. To become licensed as a massage therapist in most states you must attend classes in massage therapy or complete an internship in massage therapy. You must also pass state written exams and pass state certification and practice tests. This process could take anywhere from several months to several years depending on where you live.
There are a variety of different kinds of massage techniques you will come across both inside and outside of a massage clinic. It is crucial to be educated to use the various techniques to provide the highest quality service. Massage therapists are able to choose from manual massage, electric massage, chair massage, sports massage, Thai massage, reflexology and the use of acupressure. Manual massage techniques include massage strokes that use the elbows, hands, shoulders , and fingers; Electric massages involve electric stimulation using handheld or free hand devices.
Sports massage is another form of massage therapy that employs athletic training techniques. This type of massage is extremely effective for relieving stress and tension in muscles that is typically due to vigorous exercise routines. Thai massage can be used to stretch, strengthen and expand the range of motion. It's also an excellent way to ease sore muscles and joints after a long day of work.
Reflexology can be used to provide treatment for injuries from sports. Reflexology massage is done by applying pressure to specific areas of the feet and hands to relieve pressure and facilitate healing. Acupressure strokes may be used to ease pain. Acupressure strokes can be very efficient in relieving pain that comes from stiff necks or backs. Massage therapists often incorporate acupressure into their massage sessions for therapeutic purposes to ease pain and increase blood circulation.