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What is massage therapy, and what are it’s key benefits?
Massage has been described as "the healing touch." Often referred to as bodywork therapy, massage therapy refers to the application of various
techniques to the muscular structure and soft tissues of the body. It consists of a group of manual techniques that include applying fixed or movable pressure, holding, and/or causing movement of or to the body, using
primarily the hands. The massage therapist can also use other areas of the body, such as the forearms or elbows. Massage therapy techniques include stroking, kneading, tapping, compression, vibration, rocking,
friction, pressure, and various other techniques. These techniques affect the musculoskeletal, circulatory-lymphatic, nervous, and other systems of the body. The goal of massage therapy is fairly straightforward: to positively affect the health and well being of the client. Numerous physical and mental health benefits have been
attributed to massage, including reducing stress and aiding in relaxation; reducing the heart rate; lowering blood pressure; increasing blood circulation and lymph flow; relaxing the muscles; reducing chronic pain
and improving joint range of motion. Specifically, people have found that therapeutic massage can help manage a variety of conditions:
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Physical Benefits
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Mental Benefits
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Relaxes the whole body.
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Calms the nervous system.
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Reduces mental stress.
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Loosens & relieves tight and aching muscles.
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Enhances skin tone.
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Improves concentration.
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Improves circulation
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Assists in recovery from injuries and illness.
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Promotes restful sleep.
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Increases flexibility and range of motion.
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Strengthens the immune system.
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Aids in mental relaxation.
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Diminishes chronic pain.
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Reduces tension headaches.
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Massage after exercise is extremely beneficial, helping to eliminate fatigue, stiffness, and pain.
During exercise, waste products such as lactic and carbolic acids and urea are released into the muscles. It is the accumulation of these wastes that can cause stiffness and pain. The
lymphatic system drains them out of the body, but this can take several hours or days. Massage can speed up their elimination. Massage improves circulation and increases
interchange of of waste in lymphatic system production. It stimulates sensory nerve endings and increases peristalsis. It slows respiratory rate and improves the texture of the skin.
There are also psychological benefits of feeling cared for which produces a feeling of well-being that cannot be matched by modern drugs.
References: The National Institutes of Health. Alternative medicine: expanding medical horizons. A
report to the National Institutes of Health on alternative medical systems and practicesin the United States. NIH Publication No. 94-066. 1994. Weintraub, M. 1992a. Alternative medical care: Shiatsu, Swedish muscle massage, and trigger point suppression in spinal pain syndrome. Am. J. Pain Mgmt. 2(2):74-78. Complementary and alternative methods: types of bodywork. Available at www.cancer.org. American Massage Therapy Association: definition of massage therapy.
Consumers guide to therapeutic massage and bodywork. National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB).
Massage schools and careers: questions and answers. Naturalhealers.com information page. About massage, bodywork and somatic therapies. Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP). American Massage Therapy Association: basic massage therapy terms. |
