Massage therapy principles and applications

Massages have been shown to be one of the best progressive therapies for the past millennium. Its origins can be dated to Ancient Greco-Roman societies as well as the Orients. Modern studies have shown that there are several key benefits to massages:

It significantly decrease anxiety and respiratory rates, providing for greater relaxation and stress reduction.

It increases the flow of oxygen to the lungs as well as expand the number of white blood cells that are circulating through the body. White blood cells are natural killer cells, which helps to strengthen the immune system.

It decreases chronic pain and significantly reduces overall anxiety and mood post surgery or surgical treatment. Providing for a smoother recovery.

These are only three of the primary benefits of massage therapy, however research have shown that there are many different ways that massages can impact individuals. HIV exposed infants who underwent massage were able to improve weight gain, and patients who have undergone abdominal surgery recovered four times faster! Other numerous benefits have included decreasing blood pressure for those with hypertension, alleviating pain in migraine sufferers and improving the overall alertness and performance in office workers.

It is clear that there are many benefits to massage therapy. There are many ways to maximize the benefits of a massage so that it elevates all of the different benefits highlighted above. The following techniques can improve your massage experience:

Always follow correct posture according to your massage therapist. In some instances this will mean lying prone on a massage table, or using an ergonomically design massage chair.

Relax your mind and let yourself drift close to a state of sleep and deep relaxation. Try not to talk or move unnecessarily in order to adjust your mind to a new mindset.

Communicate with your masseuse so that they will adjust pressure according to your needs. Become accustomed to their touch and relax under their guidance.

Listen to soothing music or light therapeutic candles to further establish the mood of the session.

These above guidelines will ensure that you have optimize your experience while getting a massage. The most important rule of thumb to remember is to follow the guidance of your massage therapist!