The art of massage

The art of massage

THE ART OF MASSAGE

Massage is probably the oldest and simplest of medical treatments. Rubbing an aching shoulder or soothing a furrowed brow is a healing instinct common to all cultures. Over two thousand years ago, the Greek physician Hippocrates said, "Rubbing can bind a joint that is too loose and loosen a joint that is too rigid." This is the most fascinating part of massage: the same strokes can produce so many different effects. Brisk movements invigorate, while similar movements performed slowly can induce sleep. And, because massage is almost second nature, the techniques are easy to learn. The physical benefits of massage, such as improved circulation and relaxed muscles, and the psychological feelings of being comforted and cared for, produce a sense of well-being that is surely unique.

The Beneficial Effects of Therapeutic Massage

" Massage feels good.

" Massage provides an opportunity for transfer of healing energy between massage-giver and massage-receiver.

" Massage provides and opportunity to bring awareness within oneself.

" Massage increases peristalsis of intestines and promotes elimination.

" Massage dilates blood vessels, improving the circulation and relieving congestion throughout the body.

" Massage increases the number of red blood cells, especially in cases of anemia.

" Massage acts as a "mechanical cleanser," stimulating lymph circulation and hastening the elimination of wastes and toxic debris.

" Massage relaxes muscle spasm.

" Massage increases blood supply and nutrition to the muscles without adding to their load of toxic lactic acid, produced through voluntary muscle contraction. Massage thus helps to prevent buildup of harmful "fatigue" products resulting from strenuous exercise or injury.

" Massage improves muscle tone and helps prevent or delay muscular atrophy resulting from forced inactivity.

" Massage can compensate, in part, for lack of exercise and muscular contraction in persons who because of injury, illness, or age are forced to remain inactive. In these cases, massage helps return venous blood to the heart and so eases the strain on this vital organ.

" Massage may have a sedative, stimulating, or even exhausting effect on the nervous system depending on the type and length of massage treatment given.

" Massage may aid in weight reduction by increasing metabolism and blood flow to adipose (fat) tissue.

" Massage increases nutrition of the tissue by improving general circulation. It is accompanied or followed by an increased interchange of substances between the blood and tissue cells heightening tissue metabolism.

" Massage increases the excretion (via the kidneys) of fluids and waste products of protein metabolism, inorganic phosphorus, and salt in normal individuals.

" Massage encourages the retention of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur necessary for tissue repair in persons convalescing from bone fractures.

" Massage improves circulation and nutrition of joints and hastens the elimination of harmful deposits. It helps lessen inflammation and swelling in joints and so alle