Touch is of utmost importance in the healing process. Whether you're down with the ?flu or lying sick in a hospital bed, the one thing you crave most is a gentle touch, a warm hug, a mother's kiss on the sore spot with the assurance that it is all better. Yet, you are so often caught up with mixed emotions, like ?I have the flu; I better not hug anyone.? Let me share a story of a woman who was actually banned from society and as she was considered ?unclean? according to the health law and custom of her day.
This lady had a bleeding condition for years and, after spending all her money on doctors, there was no hope left. But... she had heard of Jesus and how ?he healed all that were sick.? (mat. 8:16; luke 8: 45- 49) She had only one thing on her mind. She knew that she knew that she knew she would get healed. If only she could somehow break through the throngs of people following Him and get close to Him, she was convinced that she would receive her healing. She knew that she could be stoned to death for approaching anyone in her present condition. In fact, she was required to wear special clothing that set her apart so that everyone would know she was unclean. Giving no thought to the fear that was in her mind, she had only one goal, and that was to get her healing. Crawling low through the crowd, she strained and reached with all the strength left in her, all the while saying to herself: ?if I may but touch the hem of his garment, I shall be whole.? Over and over she repeated those words out loud. They empowered her to greater and greater faith. She saw in her mind's eye, and heard, the desired end result constantly.
There! She did it! She just touched the hem of Jesus? garment and instantly the bleeding stopped. Then a voice boomed through the crowd: ?who touched me?? Jesus now turned facing her; his disciples surprised that He should ask the question with hundreds of people all around. Realizing He knew that it was she who had touched Him, she faced Him and acknowledged out loud to everyone what she had done and that she was healed. Jesus assured her: ?Daughter, be of good comfort; your faith has made you whole. Go in peace? Although all sick people who had come to Him were healed, very few had the faith that she had, and Jesus knew this instantly. This woman received the healing she came for at the moment of her touch. Jesus, however, to reward her strong faith, went much further than healing her sickness. He declared that she was now also whole! That encompasses everything! Not only physical healing of one ailment, but also any other type of healing, like possibly her extreme fatigue due to the prolonged loss of blood, feelings of rejection, fear, and the depletion of all her finances. Every need she possibly had was met due to her faith!
Are you in need of a healing touch? Go ahead, speak out loud words of faith to yourself, like she did. Then, do not listen to the thoughts of doubt and fear and ?can't do's.? Press in, reach out, and He will reward your faith!
Most of us experience this feeling of just giving up our fatigued bodies to a masseur who will massage away all the aches and pains caused by physical stress and mental tensions. The pain just seems to vanish out of your system once it is their expert hands. If you keep dreaming about this on your low days, well you are probably not alone for massage is a known stress reliever. Massage at its best has the power to restore the individual physically, mentally and spiritually.
What is a full body massage? How to massage? Technically, full body massage is a hands-on manipulation of the skin, muscle and joints to relax muscle spasm, relieve tension, improve circulation and hasten elimination of toxins and wastes from the body. Massage is an ancient art. It has been known to be in practice in the Orient for over 3000 years. The expert hand of the masseur not only rubs away fatigue inducing stress but also improves blood circulation in the body. Apart from creating a pleasant sensation on the skin, it also works on the soft tissue (the muscles, tendons and ligaments) to improve muscle tone. Although it mainly affects the muscles just underneath the skin, its benefits may also reach the deeper layers of muscle and possibly even the internal organs.
Massage Therapy: Alternative medicine? An essential part of alternative medicine, massage has gained popularity in the West too and is widely used to treat a variety of ailments. Different forms of massage include - Acupressure, Athletic Massage, Polarity Massage, Reflexology, Rolfing, Shiatsu, Sports Massage, Swedish Massage, Traeger Massage and Watsu. Aromatherapy massage makes use of aromatic essential oils known for their stress relieving effects. Manipulation of soft tissues affects many of our bodily systems; hence massage therapy stands to help many of the health problems we face today.
General Benefits of Massage ? Soothing relaxation ? Healing ? Eases tension, stiffness and pain ? Improves breathing ? Improves circulation ? Enhances well-being
The therapeutic benefits of massage ? Massage aims to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function. ? Boost immune system function, improve circulation and speed up recovery time. ? Relax tight and tense muscles ? Ease or prevent physical dysfunction and pain. ? Reduces overall stress and fatigue ? Massage therapy is effective in the control of pain - chronic or acute, stress reduction and in creating a sense of soothing relaxation and well-being. ? Massage can be fun and can be wonderfully sensual; it can be an effective tool to revive a sagging sex life. Erotic Thai massages or even simple massages are a great way to begin a night of intimacy.
Full Body Massage helps you relax! Although even a one odd massage does leave you with a pleasant feeling, the effects of massage are cumulative and undergoing a series or course of massage treatments, is what will give you the maximum benefits. Regular massages strengthen and tones the muscles and boosts the entire body mechanism, so as to prevent unnecessary strains and injuries. Massage has the power to stimulate the nervous system as much as it can relax, hence it can be used, depending on the individual's need.
Both Ann Stewart & Kevin Pederson 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.
Ann Stewart has sinced written about articles on various topics from Religion, Disease & illness and Depression. Ann Stewart is the author of ?With Wings As Eagles,? An autobiographical account, it motivates, inspires and encourages others to stand victoriously in their trials.