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What is massage therapy?
Some people often think of massage as something that they receive during a spa day to pamper themselves. Whilst it’s true that massage can be incredibly relaxing, it is also highly therapeutic and can provide relief not only for stress but also for acute and chronic health conditions, as well as pain. Massage can help with injuries by bringing fresh blood to stagnant areas, which is an important part of healing. Massage therapy helps the body to circulate lymph, improve joint mobility and circulation, and can also help reduce inflammation. Regular massage can boost your immune system, improve sleep, promote emotional calm, and it is a powerful form of preventative care. By adding massage to your regular self-care regime, you will quickly notice the improvement in your health.
Associated Treatments
Cupping Therapy
Cupping is an ancient form of bodywork that traditionally used fire to create suction in glass cups, which were then placed on the body to stimulate blood flow, move stagnant energy, and loosen muscle tension. With the use of silicone cups, the fire element is not necessary. The cups will be placed on your skin for a short amount of time, creating a gentle suction which feels pleasant. Its effects are similar to a deep tissue massage, and can help with pain, injuries, inflammation, and stress.
Zen Shiatsu
Zen Shiatsu is an ancient form of massage, thousands of years old, which combines physical manipulation with a balancing of the body’s energies. Pressure is applied along various energy pathways of the body and on specific points, using the practitioner’s body weight rather than muscular pressure. Zen shiatsu helps the body circulate blood and lymph, calms the nervous system, and boosts organ function.
Swedish Massage
In massage, the muscles, connective tissues, tendons, ligaments, and joints are manipulated by a therapist trained in bodywork. It can be helpful with injuries, muscle tension, physical or emotional stress, fatigue, pain, insomnia, and chronic health conditions. An orthopedic assessment is performed beforehand to tailor a treatment for you.
Tui-na
Tui-na (pronounced “twee-nah”, which means “push, lift and squeeze” in Chinese), is a form of massage that uses Taoist principles to bring the body into balance. Rhythmic compressions are made along different energy pathways with specific techniques that correspond to your body’s needs. It works on the physical and energetic aspects of the body.
Is massage therapy for me?
Yes, massage can benefit anyone. Those who have physically demanding jobs which require ongoing physical exertion can benefit greatly from massage. It is equally important for someone who has a job that requires them to sit at a desk or computer. In addition, your body will benefit from a massage even if you don’t have an existing condition or injury.
Is massage painful?
No. Massage should always feel good. A skilled massage therapist will know just the right amount of pressure to use for each client. For some people, lighter pressure will be more beneficial, whereas others will need stronger stimulation.
What kind of conditions can be treated with massage therapy?
Massage is beneficial for a wide range of health conditions, including anxiety, asthma, carpal tunnel, chronic fatigue syndrome, constipation, degenerative disc disease, depression, fibromyalgia, fractures, inflammatory conditions, insomnia, migraine, musculoskeletal pain, palliative care, plantar fasciitis, scoliosis, sciatic nerve lesion, stress, stroke, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, tension headache, thoracic outlet syndrome and whiplash.