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In "Massage Therapy Overview - Part I," brief descriptions of some of numerous available massage therapy modalities were introduced. In this article, we'll go a bit more in-depth into a number of other unique bodywork treatments in which individuals might be interested as both a therapy or professionally.
Aromatherapy massage therapy, for example, is quickly gaining in popularity in day spas and salons, as well as in massage therapy clinics. This particular healing art combines various massage therapy techniques like Swedish massage, with aromatic essential oils. Applying essential oils to the body through massage has been clinically proven to reduce stress and relieve musculoskeletal pain; in addition to positively affecting the limbic system, which consequently helps to enhance mental health.
Polarity therapy, another form of massage therapy, is based on energy healing bodywork that integrates diet, exercise and self-awareness. This massage therapy was actually developed during the 20th century by Dr. Randolph Stone, who discovered how touch can affect the human energy field. Similar to "touch therapy," polarity therapy is a unique massage technique that is practiced using light to firm touch methods.
As an anti-aging treatment, facial is not only a growing trend for clients, but is also gaining leeway as an instructional program in cosmetology schools, esthetics schools and of course, massage therapy schools. As a beauty treatment, facial massage therapy gives individuals a natural face lift and is also known to help reduce stress and even remove dead skin cells. Eastern facial massage therapy is similar to face reflexology as it correlates particular meridians of the face to other body systems, and is believed to help relieve common health conditions like musculoskeletal pain, among others.
For persons experiencing chronic pain conditions, medical massage therapy might be helpful. In many cases, medical massage therapists have received extensive training in a variety of massage techniques including but not limited to craniosacral therapy, myofascial release, sports massage, Swedish massage, and touch therapy. Depending on your particular health problem, doctors may warrant a visit to a professional massage practitioner who will use one or a combination of techniques to help reduce pain and inflammation, and increase overall wellbeing.
Sport massage therapy is yet another common modality taught in massage schools. Along with Swedish massage, sports massage is not only great rehabilitative bodywork for humans, but is frequently used to treat both horses and dogs. Facilitating a system of motions that include stretching, compressing and gliding, sports massage acts as a natural detox method that helps to release toxins from the body, enhances circulation and helps to improve overall physical condition.
Stay tuned for Massage Therapy Overview - Part III of this series of articles.
If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding massage therapy programs, let professional training within fast-growing industries like natural healing, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore near you.
Massage Therapy Overview - Part II
© Copyright 2007
The CollegeBound Network
All Rights Reserved
NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.
Massage therapy modalities are as diverse in nature as leaves on a tree; and subsequently, quite effective in helping to naturally heal common and chronic health conditions. In this article, we are going to discuss some of the more common massage therapy modalities, specific strokes and general health benefits.
One of the widely used types of massage therapy is Swedish massage. Most massage therapists have learned and practice this particular form of bodywork; and utilize four types of touch therapy: Effleurage, Friction, Petrisage and Tapotement. These deep tissue motions are known to relax body tissues, increase blood circulation, and alleviate stress.
Another emerging massage therapy is reflexology. Reflexology is a foot massage therapy based on the theory of meridian therapy; whereby parts of the foot sole are believed to be interrelated to various body systems. Pressure is applied to specific points to the sole to help in healing, and in relieving stress. In addition to foot reflexology, there are a number of practitioners that practice hand, ear and body reflexology as well.
Some popular Eastern methods include Thai massage, Acupressure/Shiatsu, and Tuina. Thai massage therapy is a bodywork modality that is based on the Yin and Yang principle of restoring energy balance to the body, and is administered through muscle stretching motions. Acupressure (also referred to as Shiatsu) is a distinct massage therapy that facilitates finger pressure to particular energy channels (meridians) along the body. This massage method is similar to acupuncture without the needles, and is believed to restore harmony to the chi (energy flow) to the body; which, in turn restores health and vitality. Tuina massage therapy is commonly taught in many Oriental medicine programs and is referred to as "Chinese medical massage." In Tuina, various touch methods are used to balance Qi (chi) and the internal organs and body systems.
Myofascial release is a massage therapy that mixes stretches and massage to the fibrous bands of connective tissue (fascia). Gently kneading and softly stretching the fascia, myofascial release lengthens, softens and realigns the fascia; treating an array of health conditions including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, sprains, rheumatoid arthritis, among others.
Finally, lymphatic drainage is specifically used to reduce edema (swelling of the tissues due to water retention). Facilitating gentle massage along the body's lymphatic system, lymphatic drainage (also known as manual lymphatic drainage, MLD) is helpful in stimulating the immune system and improving circulation. This particular massage technique is beneficial to patients who suffer from chronic disease like congestive heart failure and cancer.
Stay tuned for Massage Therapy Overview - Part II of this series of articles.
If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding massage therapy programs, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore near you.
Massage Therapy Overview - Part I
© Copyright 2007
The CollegeBound Network
All Rights Reserved
NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.