| In a world where we all live enormously stressful, | | | | use it as part of their daily practice and you will |
| jam-packed lives, any relief from the chaos can | | | | often see massage therapy used in labor and |
| be most welcome at any turn. As participants in | | | | delivery rooms to ease the pain of childbirth. |
| our own balancing acts, we strive to find those | | | | But today, massage therapy is used more often |
| respites that give us shelter in the storm of our | | | | in spas across the world catering to the |
| daily lives; exercise, reading, dancing - the choices | | | | relaxation-deprived masses. There are many |
| are endless and very personal. Massage therapy, | | | | different varieties of massage therapy - all |
| used in this capacity, can be a wonderful way to | | | | tailored to meet specific needs and tastes. |
| relieve tension and stress; it's no wonder that | | | | Swedish massage, the most popular type of |
| more and more people are turning to massage to | | | | massage therapy, utilizes long, slow stroking to |
| enjoy its vast physical and emotional benefits. | | | | reduce tension and sooth muscles; deep tissue |
| Massage therapy can be traced back to ancient | | | | massage therapy uses stronger, more focused |
| Chinese medicine - the first writings of which can | | | | kneading to work deeper muscles; hot stone |
| be seen as far back as 2,700 B.C. in Chinese | | | | massage therapy provides therapeutic heat via |
| medical reference books. But massage was used | | | | smooth, warm river stones; pregnancy massage |
| throughout ancient cultures for medicinal purposes | | | | works to relax and sooth the tired joints of a |
| as it increased circulation, boosted immunity, and | | | | mom-to-be; the list of massage is endless. |
| promoted speedier healing. | | | | Deciphering between the different types of |
| Today, massage therapy continues to be used | | | | massage therapy includes the determination of |
| for healing purposes; its practice can be seen in | | | | personal tastes and goals. Work with a licensed |
| hospitals and medical offices around the country | | | | massage therapist to help you decide what works |
| that use it in tandem with more traditional | | | | best for you. |
| practices. Intensive care units and infant nurseries | | | | |