What is massage therapy?
Massage Therapy is an alternative health option that manipulates the soft tissues of the body for therapeutic purposes. It helps alleviate soft tissue discomfort associated with everyday and occupational stresses, muscular overuse, and many chronic pain syndromes. Massage therapy can also greatly reduce the development of painful muscular patterning if begun early enough after accidents involving trauma and injury.
Massage therapy, a combination of science and art, provides a relaxing experience by artistic hand strokes on the body to rejuvenate the mind and body and eliminate stress scientifically. The concept of massage is evident throughout history.
The term "massage therapy" encompasses many different techniques such as Swedish massage, the therapist uses long strokes, kneading, deep circular movements, vibration, and tapping. Sports massage is similar to Swedish massage, adapted specifically to the needs of athletes. Among the many other examples are deep tissue massage; trigger point massage, which focuses on myofascial trigger points¡ªmuscle "knots" that are painful when pressed and can cause symptoms elsewhere in the body; and reflexology, which applies pressure to the feet (or sometimes the hands or ears), to promote relaxation or healing in other parts of the body.
The practice of massage however has its roots in the ancient Chinese, Greek, Roman, Indian and the Egyptian era. A Chinese book from 2,700 B.C., The Yellow Emperor's Classic Book of Internal Medicine, recommends 'breathing exercises, massage of skin and flesh, and exercises of hands and feet" as the appropriate treatment for -complete paralysis, chills, and fever." Massage one of the principal method of relieving pain for Greek and Roman physicians. Julius Caesar was apparently given a daily massage to treat neuralgia. Egyptian tomb paintings show people practicing massage. Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, places great emphasis on massage and it remains widely practiced in India. "The Physician Must Be Experienced In Many Things," wrote Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine, in the 5th century B. C., "but assuredly in rubbing.. for rubbing can bind a joint that is too loose, and loosen a joint that is too rigid."
Massage was therefore used by early physicians to treat fatigue, illness and injury based on their basic understanding of how the body functions. But massage was not effectively used as a form of therapy in those days due to the lack of knowledge about blood circulation and the therapeutic results a massage can bring about.

How will you benefit from massage therapy?
Many people don't know about the health benefits of massage therapy. They think of massage as an indulgence. Let's look at what the effects of massage therapy actually are:
• Relieves stress • Encourages relaxation • Improves blood circulation • Improves posture • Lowers blood pressure • Helps manage pain • Relaxes muscle • Improves flexibility • Improves breathing • Relieves tension headaches • Strengthens immune system • Decreases depression
One of the most effective ways to stave off high blood pressure is massage therapy. A number of long term studies have shown that a consistent massage program can decrease diastolic and systolic blood pressure; decrease salivary and urinary cortisol stress-hormone levels; and lower sources for depression, anxiety and hostility.
As is the intent with all massage programs, the ultimate goal lies in a pain free and relaxing lifestyle. Controlling blood pressure is just one of the added benefits of massage therapy.
Massage can also help serious conditions like: • Tension Headaches • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome • Sciatica • Tendinitis (Tendonitis) • Arthritis • Fibromyalgia • ADHD--Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder • Anxiety Disorders • Arthritis • Asthma • Autism • Back pain • Bursitis--Bursitis is a painful condition that usually occurs in large joints such as the shoulder, elbow, hip and most commonly the knee • Cancer--Massage was contraindicated for all types of cancer for many years, but recent studies have shown that massage can help decrease pain and anxiety in cancer patients • Cerebral Palsy • Chronic Pain • Depression • Drug addiction • Fibromyalgia • Frozen Shoulder • Headaches • High Blood Pressure • HIV and AIDS--First discovered in the 1980's, HIV and AIDS have spread across the world. Massage can help strengthen the immune systems of people with HIV • Infertility
The benefits of massage therapy can be seen in both the young and old.
Infants who are massaged have more organized sleep and wake patterns. They are also less fussy.
Children with autism who are massaged display less stereotypical autistic behaviors. They have more regular sleep patterns and are able to stay on task more easily.
Seniors who are massaged regularly many benefits of massage therapy. They are more alert and aware of their surroundings. They are also less likely to be depressed.

What are the uses of massage therapy?
People use massage for a variety of health-related purposes, including to relieve pain, rehabilitate sports injuries, reduce stress, increase relaxation, address anxiety and depression, and aid general wellness.
Massage involves two types of responses: o Mechanical responses as a result of pressure and movement as the soft tissues are manipulated o Reflex responses in which the nerves respond to stimulation.
The uses of massage are as follows: • Massage can help increase joint mobility by reducing any thickening of the connective tissue and helping to release restrictions in the facia.
• It helps to free adhesions, break down scar tissue and decrease inflammation. As a result it can help to restore range of motion to stiff joints.
• Massage improves muscle tone and balance, reducing the physical stress placed on bones and joints.
• Massage relieves muscular tightness, stiffness, spasms and restrictions in the muscle tissue.
• It increases flexibility in the muscles due to muscular relaxation.
• It increases blood circulation bringing more oxygen and nutrients into the muscle. This reduces muscle fatigue and soreness.
• It promotes rapid removal of toxins and waste products from the muscle. o improve circulation by mechanically assisting the venous flow of blood back to the heart o dilate blood vessels helping them to work more efficiently o produce an enhanced blood flow; delivery of fresh oxygen and nutrients to the tissues is improved and the removal of waste products, toxins and carbon dioxide is hastened via the venous system o help temporarily to decrease blood pressure, due to dilation of capillaries o decrease the heart rate due to relaxation o reduce ischaemia (ischaemia is a reduction in the flow of blood to body parts, often marked by pain and tissue dysfunction). o reduce oedema (excess fluid in the tissue) by increasing lymphatic drainage and the removal of waste from the system o regular massage may help to strengthen the immune system, due to increase in white blood cells.
• Massage stimulates sensory receptors: this can either stimulate or soothe nerves depending on the techniques used.
• It also stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping promote relaxation and the reduction of stress.
• Massage helps to reduce pain by the release of endorphins (endorphins are also known to elevate the mood). o improved circulation to the skin, increased nutrition to the cells and encouraging cell regeneration o increased production of sweat from the sweat glands, helping to excrete urea and waste products through the skin o vaso-dilation of the surface capillaries helping to improve the skin¡¯s colour o improved elasticity of the skin o increased sebum production, helping to improve the skin¡¯s suppleness and resistance to infection. • Massage deepens respiration and improves lung capacity by relaxing any tightness in the respiratory muscles.
• It also slows down the rate of respiration due to the reduced stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system o increase peristalsis in the large intestine, helping to relieve constipation, colic and gas o promote the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, which stimulates digestion.
• Massage increases urinary output due to the increased circulation and lymph drainage from the tissues. o reduce stress and anxiety by relaxing both mind and body o create a feeling of well-being and enhanced self-esteem o promote positive body awareness and an improved body image through relaxation o ease emotional trauma through relaxation