The Theory of Massage Therapy
What really is massage therapy? Many associated it as part of the lifestyle of the rich and famous. The popularity of massage has grown tremendously in the last 10 years. Many ordinary people are recognizing the benefits to receiving natural treatments for restoring their health. By definition, massage therapy is the manipulation of the soft tissues. This is done with different movements and pressures. Many of these techniques date back thousands of years in their origin.
The root meaning of the term massage is friction and kneading. Kneading is a squeezing motion and friction is the associated heat generated from this action. This combination is at the heart of what massage therapy is all about.
Massage therapy can be found in most civilizations throughout time. Since the beginning of recorded history, there has been evidence of massage therapy. Many techniques were developed from these ancient roots. The history of mankind has always been to find ways to restore and maintain health.
Clearly, massage therapy has been used throughout the world to help restore health to the body. Many of these civilizations develop very distinct types of massage techniques. Each technique brings about slightly different benefits.
Perhaps you have had a massage. If so then you might have had a shiatsu, Swedish or deep tissue massage. Then you understand the variety of treatment options available to relieve stress and tension. It is pretty amazing of the variety of distinct types of techniques available to everyone.
The theory of massage therapy is to use movements and pressure to relieve tension, stiffness and discomfort in the body. Different parts of the body require different types of techniques or movements. Also, different techniques integrated complementary treatments to provide additional benefits.
Slowly there are beginning to be some studies of massage therapy. Most studies show a correlation between relaxing the mind and relieving tension in the body. It is critical for the body to have time to recuperate after physical activity. Also it is important for the mind to have quiet time.
A recent study that we reviewed showed that 60% of those receiving massage therapy reported lower levels of pain than the control group. Many of the physical monitoring statistics showed lower blood pressure and decreases in the average heart rate. Many also reported feeling less anxious and less overall stress.
One study that we reviewed showed that the participants receiving massage therapy reported less pain than that not receiving massage therapy. They also had a lower average heart rate and blood pressure than those not receiving these treatments. It should also be noted that the massage therapy must be given on a periodic basis similar to exercise.
The intuitive benefits of massage therapy are obvious and confirmed by the rising popularity of these treatments. The fact that these treatments have been used for thousands of years provides a body of knowledge. Many people are looking for a natural way to maintain their health. There are a tremendous variety of natural treatment options to choose from.
Massage therapy continues to grow as people recognize the benefits of receiving natural treatments. Although the clinical studies are lacking, in time Western medical science will catch up with studying the techniques developed from antiquity. Many people are not waiting for the scientific results because they intuitively understand the benefits of receiving frequent massage treatments.