MASSAGE THERAPY EXPLAINED

  History, Benefits, Technique Details & Terminology

History

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 Massage is one of the oldest healing arts. Chinese records dating back 3,000 years document its use.  Ancient Hindus, Persians and Egyptians applied forms of massage for many ailments. Ancient Greek and Roman physicians massaged athletes both before and after competition.

Disused and discredited in Western societies during the Middle Ages, it was revived in Sweden in the early 1800s by Per Henrik Ling, a fencing master and gymnast, who developed a set of rules that formed the basis of what came to be known as “Swedish massage.” From there, massage has been studied and refined, with numerous other modalities gaining acceptance as legitimate forms of body therapy.

BENEFITS OF MASSAGE THERAPY

Supports General Health

  • Relaxes muscle tension; releases muscle spasm and cramps
  • Improves circulation of blood and lymph
  • Removes build up of lactic acid and other metabolic waste products
  • Improves tissue/fluid exchange, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the area for faster tissue repair
  • Reduces pain and inflammation
  • Increases flexibility; improves range of motion
  • Improves muscle tone

Relieves the Effects of Stress

  • Reduces heart rate; lowers blood pressure
  • Aids in combating depression
  • Restores proper immune system functions
  • Elevates mental alertness
  • Promotes a general well-being
  • Reduces anxiety levels

Technique Details


Craniosacral Therapy (CST)– A gentle technique involving a light touch to work the cranial bones, the spinal column and the sacrum, CST releases tensions deep in the body to allow the entire body to relax and self-correct.  This therapy engages and frees the nervous system, eliminating pain and stress. It strengthens resistance to disease and improves whole-body health.   

CST has proven to aid in the alleviation of a range of illnesses pain and dysfunction including:  Migraines and headaches, chronic neck and back pain, stress/tension related issues, chronic fatigue, emotional difficulties, TMJ Syndrome.

Myofascial Release (MFR) –  Myofascial Release is a form of bodywork that uses long, stretching strokes  to rebalance the body.  By releasing and unwinding the fascia that surrounds each muscle and interconnects all of the other internal parts of the body, relaxing contracted muscles, increasing circulation and lymphatic drainage, and stimulating the stretch reflex of muscles and overlying  connective tissue, MFR  can relieve pain and tension caused by injury or stress.

Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) –  Injury, trauma, postural distortion or stress cause nerves to speed up their transmission, inhibiting equilibrium and making the body vulnerable to pain and dysfunction. This technique involves the use of static pressure on specific points to relieve pain. With NMT, the muscles, tendons and connective tissue are manipulated, helping to balance the central nervous system and maintain normal function and overall health.



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