Therapeutic massage isn’t a new concept. More than 3,000 years ago massage was conducted in China and practiced by Ayurvedic doctors in India. A lot of the ancient Mediterranean cultures, especially those of Greece and Rome, included massage after exercise and bathing as part of a training that accentuated equal growth of body and mind. Massage was likewise part of standard health care in ancient Greece. As a matter of fact, the Greek physician Hippocrates remarked that "the physician must be familiar with many things, assuredly with rubbing."
Nowadays, therapeutic massage, manipulation of the body’s soft tissues to keep away or alleviate pain and to bring down stress, is once more a progressively recognized part of health care. According to a survey commissioned by the American Massage Therapy Association, massage therapy is popular amongst all age groups and in both sexes. The nearly 20% of Americans who look for the services of a massage therapist would have, on average, 6 to 8 massages per year.
Some of those searching for massage therapy will not have to go far to find it. Research has established that workplace massage has a positive effect on productiveness and helps control absenteeism, high medical disbursements, and stress. As stated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, onsite massage therapy is now offered up by manufacturers, law firms, hospitals, and such large companies like United Airlines, Apple Computer, and Boeing.
Another flourishing field of massage therapy is massage for infants and kids. Clinical studies have advised that massage can be applied to help at-risk infants gain required weight, to help asthmatic kids breathe more easily, to better motor development in premature babies, and to help infants sleep better.
Massage therapy is conducted in private clinics, clients’ homes, hospitals, spas and health clubs, chiropractors’ offices, nursing homes, resorts, fitness centers, and sports centers.
The first question you must ask yourself is, what type of massage do I wish or require? Am I searching for massage therapy because I need help with a medical condition, because I am stressed, or because I have injured myself while playing touch football with the kids?
There are almost 150 forms of massage and body work. Classical European massage constitutes the foundation of numerous techniques, including both Swedish and Russian massage, which use similar techniques as kneading, friction, and long stroking motions. These methods encourage relaxation, rehabilitation after injury, and general good health. Other forms of massage include amma, shiatsu, and acupressure—Asian styles of body work that center on energy flow and use finger pressure on respective parts of the body. Reflexology is a manipulation of the hands, feet, or ears. Sports massage utilizes an assortment of techniques and targets particular muscle groups.
A lot of therapists can do more than one type of therapeutic massage. You need to fit the style of massage with your certain need.
Health care providers are a good source of referrals. In truth, this is a rather good place to begin because a lot of health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and insurance companies would now pay for massage therapy. Fitness centers, health food stores, and massage schools can also direct you in the right place.
Copyright © 2011 Athena Goodlight
