What Is Massage Therapy Good For? - Nairobi Freelance Massage
What Is Massage Therapy Good For?
Massage therapy has many beneficial effects. It can relax both the body and the mind and is a great way to relieve physical or emotional stress. It works to release muscular tension, knots, and stiffness, while boosting levels of endorphins, our body’s natural painkillers and “feel good” chemicals.
Massage therapy also improves the circulation meaning that it can help to speed up the healing process and increase lymphatic drainage.
Other potential benefits of massage therapy include reducing blood pressure, boosting immune function and regulating the levels of certain hormones to help conditions such as diabetes.
What Is Massage Therapy Used For? One of the most common reasons that people use massage therapy is to aid relaxation. It can help to reduce stress and anxiety while improving your mood, sleep, and sense of well-being.
It is also used to relieve pain including neck and shoulder pain, back pain, joint pain, and headaches. It can help to remedy some of the issues caused by poor posture and prolonged sitting which are so common in our modern world.
Massage therapy is also frequently used in the rehabilitation of injuries and is popular among athletes, professional and amateur alike.
Another setting in which massage therapy may be useful is in palliative care. It is sometimes offered as a treatment in hospices and can help people with terminal illnesses such as cancer to feel more comfortable and relaxed.
Types of Massage Strokes Massage therapy uses a variety of strokes and movements to create friction on the body’s surface. These include long strokes, circular motions, pressing, pulling, rocking, tapping and vibration.
They are normally carried out with the massage therapist’s hands, but their elbows, forearms and even knees and feet may also be used.
Types of Massage Therapy There are many different types of massage therapy which are practiced across the world. In Nairobi, the most common massages are deep tissue, swedish and sen sual. The type that you choose will depend on personal preference and what specific benefits you are hoping to gain.
For example, some types of massage are more relaxing, and others are more focused on relieving physical pain.
The most common types of massage therapy include:
Oriental Massages A shiatsu massage consists of a finger-pressure technique that utilizes the traditional acupuncture points of Oriental healing. Similar to acupressure, shiatsu concentrates on unblocking the flow of life energy (or chi) and restoring the balance in the various meridians on the body. Tui na or shiatsu-amma rely upon the ancient concept of pressure points within the body. By manipulating these points, so the thinking goes, “blocked” energy points can be cleared, improving the overall health of the body and aiding stress and muscle pain relief.
Acupressure has existed for more than 5,000 years. Using the same “map” of the body as acupuncturists, acupressure practitioners use their hands, fingers, and elbows to apply pressure to key locations on the body. Zen shiatsu adds the element of meditation. The practitioner of this massage form believes that being in a meditative state helps her understand the specific treatment needed for a particular kind of condition.
Watsu is conducted in a very warm pool of water. The therapist supports the patient as the patient floats on the surface of the water. The masseuse manipulates the limbs of the recipient, by applying pressure but also stretches, while supporting the body along the spine.
Zero balancing is an entirely modern method, yet based on ancient Asian principles. The practitioner tries to bring the body and the body’s “energy” into balance with each other, by manipulating pressure points and applying traction. Therapeutic Massages Therapeutic massage (or massotherapy) encompasses a broad array of approaches and philosophies – and bonus, most of them don’t even hurt.
Lymphatic massage and manual lymph drainage are both based on the belief that the lymph glands, which play a key role in a healthy immune system, can be manipulated through massage, thereby improving their function.
Aromatherapy massage incorporates the use of essential oils extracted from various plants and flowers. The scent of these oils can increase relaxation and are reported to have additional health benefits such as aiding sleep or improving digestion. One well known aromatherapy-type massage is the raindrop massage.
The raindrop massage involves the use of essential oils, mixed with a variety of massage techniques including back massage, vita flex massage, and heat application.
Thai massage is an invigorating style of bodywork which is somewhere between massage therapy and yoga. It is usually carried out on a mat on the ground, and the therapist assists the client through a series of different positions and stretches.
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