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[E148]Effects Of Massage Therapy

by Krishan Bakhru, Kri

(1) Skin: The beneficial effects of massage on the skin are unequalled. The pores of the skin are opened up, thus helping of the elimination of poisons from the body through perspiration.

(2) Muscles: Massage reduces the tension in the muscles and relieves muscular pain. Strenuous exertion results in the accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles. Massage helps to rid the muscles of this acid and thus imparts a feeling of freshness and vigour.

(3) Circulation of the blood: The circulation of the blood in the part being massaged is speeded up, so that the part is supplied with more nutrients, and its healing powers are augmented. The accelerated circulation reduces swelling. There is an increase in the capacity of the blood to carry oxygen and to utilize it effectively.

(4) Nerves: Slow and gentle massage with light pressure relieves tension of the nerves and soothes them. Vigorous massage stimulates lax nerves and increases their efficiency.

(5) The digestive system: Massaging the abdomen

stimulates the digestive system, and promotes better elimination of wastes. The resistive powers of the body are strengthened due to the increase in the efficiency of the liver.

(6) The urinary system: Massaging activates the urinary system. As a result the process of elimination of toxic substances from the body through the urine is accelerated by the formation of greater quantities of urine.

(7) The heart: Systematic massage will reduce the burden on the heart, and thus increase its efficiency.

Normally dry palms are used for massage; but if the skin is too dry or if the body is excessively weak, wet cloth or soothing oil may be used. Among oils, sesame (til) oil is the best for this purpose. Some people use talcum powder for reducing friction while massaging, but this practice is not desirable, as the pores of the skin get clogged up.

Method: The process should begin with massage of the arms and legs. Next the chest, abdomen, back and buttocks should be massaged, in that order, finishing with the face and the head. Cloth should be used for massaging the back. As far as possible, we should massage ourselves with our own hands so as to combine the benefits of massages with those of exercise also to a certain extent. Those who are too weak to do so may take the help of others.

A massage should preferably be followed by a bath with lukewarm water.

If suffering from high blood pressure, the direction of massaging movements should be reversed, i.e. from head to foot.

Note: Massages are contra-indicated in the following conditions:

(1) In fevers, no massage of any type is recommended.

(2) Pregnant ladies should avoid massaging the abdomen.

(3) Abdominal massages should be avoided in cases of diarrhoea, gastric or duodenal ulcers, appendicitis or tumours in the abdomen.

(4) Massages are generally unadvisable in cases of skin diseases.

There is also much more to massage than just it's wonderful ability to release tension and stress. The health benefits of massage are plentiful and by getting regular massages your health can improve tremendously.

The need for touch is one of the basic needs for all life, in the same way as eating and drinking. By using the power of touch in the form of massage, wonders can be created, for both body and mind.

Some studies in Russia reveal that babies who aren't touched enough are not nearly as healthy as other babies.

One of the great properties of massage is that it increases the circulation so the blood can flow with ease throughout the body.

Increased blood flow helps your cells work more efficiently and can be beneficial to people that are suffering with high or low blood pressure.

Massage is very helpful for your lymphatic system, which is a big part of the body's immune system. (The lymphatic system helps move mucous throughout your body and doesn't have a pump).

A massage helps your muscles to be relaxed and loose, let go of tension and can help improve your posture. If you are experiencing conditions such as back pain, muscle pain, stomach pain, headaches and cramps, massage therapy can be a provider of much relief.

For those experiencing insomnia, getting regular massages can be very helpful. By letting go of accumulated tension and stress it gets easier to sleep at night so that we can feel refreshed en energized while awake. Many people today have an imbalance in their bodies because of the stress and tension they experience in their home and work environments.

By working with the different meridians and pressure points in the body, the health and wellness that is our natural state of being can be reawakened.

Massage is an ancient healing method, and the techniques that exist today have been developed and practiced over many generations.

We are now in this wonderful time where we have the possibility to learn and experience many different massage styles and techniques from all over the world.

By combining the wisdom that comes out of old traditions with the intuitive touch and the flow in the moment, I feel that there are no limits to what you can achieve through massage.

Article Source : Massage DVD

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Both Krishan Bakhru & Jason Storm are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Krishan Bakhru has sinced written about articles on various topics from Acid Reflux, Menopause and Fitness. Visit Here for an. Krishan Bakhru's top article generates over 90500 views. to your Favourites.

Jason Storm has sinced written about articles on various topics from Family, Health and Vegetarian Diet. Jason Storm is a massage therapist and owner of the massage education company Vibrant Creations. The massage styles available are and. Jason Storm's top article generates over 49500 views. to your Favourites.