Massage Therapy - What You Should Know
Massage therapy has roots that go back to the ancient times of civilization. Today it is practiced in more than 100 countries around the world. It has been scientifically proven that massages help heal. Massage therapy can be used to treat conditions like chronic tension, joint pain, back migraines, pain and chronic tension. Massage therapy is a great way to alleviate symptoms of pain, anxiety, depression and stress. Some of these conditions that can be treated by massage therapy are backaches, headaches neck pains, and other chronic aches.
Massage therapy has been found to boost energy and circulation. The body releases endorphins applying long strokes of Swedish Massage. These chemicals boost blood flow and decrease swelling and pain. Some people believe that swedish massage can improve mood, whereas others believe it improves the ability to react and alertness.
Essential oils are a typical ingredient in massages. These essential oils have been discovered to enhance mental and physical health and well-being. Essential oils act as sensitizers which open up muscles. When muscles become more relaxed they are more able to absorb the nutrients they are surrounded by. Some of these oils include basil, eucalyptus, coconut, jojoba, rosemary, rose, sandalwood and Thyme.
Massage helps relax as it eases tension in muscles, increases range of motion and improves blood flow. It also improves lymphatic drainage. Tightness and muscle soreness are usually the result of not receiving enough nutrients. Muscle tension can cause tiny amounts of lactate to build up in the muscles. When blood flow is restricted in the muscles, lactate builds up and causes lactic acid to break down. Lack of blood flow and nutrition can lead to muscle weakness. Lactate is able to eat away at the soft tissues, leading to the breakdown of muscles. Massage stops this from happening by the release of the soft tissue's chemical.
Being a massage therapist is not an easy endeavor. A lot of states require a massage therapy education and licensure before you are able to legally practice. To become licensed as an therapist for massage in most states you must attend the school of massage therapy or an internship in massage therapy. You must also pass state written exams and be able to pass state certification and practice tests. This process could take anywhere from several months or even years, dependent on where you live.
There are a myriad of different types of massage techniques can be found inside and outside of the massage clinic. It is crucial to be educated to use these different techniques in order to provide the best possible service. Massage therapists have the option of manual massage, electric massage, chair massage, sports massage, Thai massage, reflexology and the use of acupressure. Manual massage techniques include massage strokes made with the hands, elbows, shoulders and fingers; Electric massages involve electric stimulation using handheld or free hand devices.
Sports massage is a different type of massage therapy which employs techniques for training in athletics. This kind of massage is extremely efficient in relieving stress and tension in muscles that is typically resulted from vigorous exercise routines. Thai massage is often employed to stretch, strengthen and range of motion. It's also an excellent method to ease sore joints and muscles after a long and tiring day.
Reflexology is frequently used as relief from injuries sustained in sports. Reflexology massage involves applying pressure to certain areas of the hands or feet to aid in healing and alleviate pressure. Acupressure strokes can be used to ease pain. Acupressure strokes can be extremely effective in relieving pain from stiff back or neck muscles. Many massage therapists incorporate acupressure into their massage therapy sessions in order to give better pain relief and increase circulation of blood.