| Massage therapists work to improve the | | | | layers of muscle using massage lotion or oil. |
| circulation of blood through the body and to speed | | | | Thai Massage |
| the removal of metabolic waste products from | | | | Like shiatsu, Thai massage aligns the energies of |
| muscles. Their skilled kneading increases the | | | | the body using gentle pressure on specific points. |
| flexibility of muscles, ligaments, and other soft | | | | Thai massage also includes compressions and |
| tissues. Some people visit a massage therapist to | | | | stretches. |
| relieve pain or to warm up before a sporting | | | | You don't just lie there--the therapist moves and |
| event. Others want to relax and reduce stress. | | | | stretches you into a sequence of postures. It's |
| An excellent form of passive exercise is massage | | | | like yoga without doing any work. Thai massage is |
| Therapy. Massage Therapy involves the scientific | | | | more energizing than other forms of massage. It |
| manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, | | | | is also reduces stress and improves flexibility and |
| which if done correctly, can be highly stimulating | | | | range of motion. To learn more, read the full |
| and invigorating. Massages have been used from | | | | article on thai massage. Also, see photos of a |
| the ancient times, as old as 400 B.C and yet been | | | | Thai massage session. |
| used as a mode of treatment for many ailments, | | | | Deep Muscle/Connective Tissue Massage |
| since it has restored many a sufferer to health | | | | As the name implies, this technique is used to |
| and vigour. | | | | relieve chronic tension patterns throughout the |
| Massage reduces waste products such as lactic | | | | body. It also uses long strokes but combines it |
| acid & carbonic acid that build up in muscles after | | | | with deep pressure finger pressure on areas that |
| activity and cause cramping, discomfort, and | | | | are contracted. This technique works with |
| irritability. It also enhances the immune system | | | | muscles, tendons, and fascia. Both full body and |
| and aids recovery from soft tissue injuries by | | | | specific area work is done with this technique. |
| increasing blood circulation to injured areas. | | | | ACUPUNCTURE |
| Massage increases the blood supply and nutrition | | | | Acupuncture is an ancient oriental healing technique |
| to the muscles without adding to their load of | | | | based on the Taoist philosophy of balancing |
| toxic acid, produced through voluntary muscle | | | | energy meridians within the body, thus allowing |
| contraction (such as exercise). Massage thus helps | | | | the body to heal itself. Fine needles are painlessly |
| to overcome harmful "fatigue" products resulting | | | | inserted at key points corresponding to body |
| from strenuous exercise or injury. | | | | organs to relieve pain and cure disease and |
| Most of the massage therapies can show positive | | | | dysfunction. Related techniques include the use of |
| effects on your body. They can help in mood | | | | low voltage, electric current (electro acupuncture) |
| control, relief of stress, pain control, and | | | | or massage at key points (acupressure). |
| relaxation. In most of the massage therapies, the | | | | Massage therapy (and, in general, the laying on of |
| unknown factor is some form of "life force" which | | | | hands for health purposes) dates back thousands |
| the therapy frees from blockage. | | | | of years. References to massage have been |
| Swedish Massage Therapy | | | | found in ancient writings from many cultures, |
| This is the most common type of massage | | | | including those of Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, |
| therapy in the United States. It is also known as | | | | Japan, China, Egypt, and the Indian subcontinent. |
| Swedish massage or simply massage therapy. | | | | Read about Natural Herbal Home Remedies and |
| Massage therapists use long smooth strokes, | | | | Pregnancy Information Guide. |
| kneading, and circular movements on superficial | | | | |