Miracle of Massage
Massage against stress
Massage is one of the oldest of health practices, found in ancient Chinese medical texts written some 4,000 years ago. Hippocrates advocated massage in the 4th century BC, as have doctors since then -- until the 1930s and '40s, when the practice was virtually abandoned as medicine became high-tech.
In Chinese medicine, massage is called acupressure, he tells WebMD. In essence, massage and acupressure both work with the body's own healing systems -- the nervous system, blood vessels, lymphatic system.
"Today's massage therapists are better trained, better regulated than ever before. In prevention of disease, health promotion, massage may be an adjunct for patients who need our medication, who need our surgery. It may decrease complications, decrease pain and suffering.
People with migraine pain, lower back pain, arthritis -- they all can benefit from massage. New parents know that babies who are massaged are calmer and sleep better.
Stress is indeed a big problem for everyone these days, and massage is a legitimate way to eliminate that stress. People who are "big exercisers" also need to give their bodies a break.We all need to give ourselves a focused time to relax.
Manual Therapy Definition
A clinical approach utilizing skilled, specific hands-on techniques, including but not limited to manipulation/mobilization, used by the physical therapist to diagnose and treat soft tissues and joint structures for the purpose of modulating pain; increasing range of motion (ROM); reducing or eliminating soft tissue inflammation; inducing relaxation; improving contractile and non-contractile tissue repair, extensibility, and/or stability; facilitating movement; and improving function.Research coming out of Australia has demonstrated significantly better outcomes for patients who have a "multi-modal approach." This means when manual therapy is used in conjunction with other forms of therapy, such as exercise, proprioception training, etc.
Swedish Massage Definition
Swedish massage uses five styles of long, flowing strokes to massage. The five basic strokes are effleurage (sliding or gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (rhythmic tapping), friction (cross fiber) and vibration/shaking. Swedish massage has shown to be helpful in reducing pain, joint stiffness, and improving function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee over a period of eight weeks. It has also been shown to be helpful in individuals with poor circulation. The term "Swedish" massage is actually only recognized in English speaking countries. Elsewhere the style is referred to as "classic massage".
Deep Tissue Massage Definition
The term “deep tissue” is often misused to identify a massage that is performed with sustained deep pressure. Deep tissue massage is a separate category of massage therapy, used to treat particular muscular-skeletal disorders and complaints and employs a dedicated set of techniques and strokes to achieve a measure of relief. Deep tissue massage is designed to relieve severe tension in the muscle and the connective tissue or fascia. This type of massage focuses on the muscles located below the superficial muscles. Deep tissue massage is often recommended for individuals who experience consistent pain, are involved in heavy physical activity (such as athletes), and patients who have sustained physical injury. It is not uncommon for receivers of deep tissue massage to have their pain replaced with a new muscle ache for a day or two. Deep tissue work varies greatly. It should not be confused with “deep pressure” massage, which is one that is performed with sustained strong, occasionally intense pressure throughout an entire full-body session, and that is not performed to address a specific complaint.
Hot Stone Massage Definition
Hot stone massage is a variation on classic massage therapy. Heated smooth, flat stones are placed on key points on the body. The massage therapist may also hold the stones and use them to massage certain areas of the body. The hot stones are usually made of basalt, a type of rock that is rich in iron, so they retain heat. River rocks are normally used because they are so smooth - they have been smoothed over time by the river's current.

 

The stones are immersed in water and heated in an electric heating device until they are within a certain temperature range. The stones may be placed at specific points on the back, in the palms of the hand, or between the toes. The heat warms and relaxes the muscles, which allows the therapist to apply deeper pressure, if desired. The warmth of the hot stones improves circulation and calms the nervous system.
Sport Massage Definition
"Sports massage is a form of bodywork geared toward participants in athletics.  It is used to help prevent injuries,  to prepare the body for athletic activity and maintain it in optimal condition,  and to help athletes recover from workouts and injuries.
"The scientific manipulation and assessment of soft tissue for the  prevention of injuries and therapeutic purposes, involving the  restoration to normal functional activity of the various structures of the body,  while maintaining good physical condition and health, through mobilizing and improving muscle tone,  promotingrelaxation,  stimulating circulation,  and producing therapeutic effects on all systems of the body.
Thai Massage Definition
This massage originated in India over 2500 years ago. The theoretical basis for this style of bodywork is the existence of the Òenergy body which includes 72,00 sen or energy lines through which life force flows. Through compressions, pressure on specific points and stretches to release blockages, a free flow of energy is restored. Thai massage is performed on a futon over clothing. No oil or lotion is used. This is one of the world's oldest healing modalities. It is a blend of massage, acupressure, energy work, and gentle yoga stretches. The client wears comfortable clothing and lies on the floor on a soft mat. Benefits from a session may include: releasing tight joints, stretching muscles, increasing range of motion, and reducing stress. Thai massage is known in Thailand as Nuat phaen boran, correctly translates only as ancient massage or traditional massage, and also known as Thai ancient massage, traditional Thai massage.
Aromatherapy Definition
Aromatherapy is a type of holistic or alternative medicine in which practitioners use essential oils from certain plants to benefit the human body-along with the mind and spirit. Holistic medicine encourages healing without the need for standard drugs or surgery. Some patients combine aromatherapy with other holistic treatment modalities such as acupuncture and massage, as well as with conventional medicine.
Ayurveda Definition
Ayurvedic medicine is a system of healing that originated in ancient India. In Sanskrit, ayur means life or living, and veda means knowledge, so Ayurveda has been defined as the "knowledge of living" or the "science of longevity." Ayurvedic medicine utilizes diet, detoxification and purification techniques, herbal and mineral remedies, yoga, breathing exercises, meditation, and massage therapy as holistic healing methods. Ayurvedic medicine is widely practiced in modern India and has been steadily gaining followers in the West.
Drainage Lymphatic Definition
Lymphatic drainage is a therapeutic method that uses massage-like manipulations to stimulate lymph movement. Lymph is the plasma-like fluid that maintains the body's fluid balance and removes bacteria. Combined with other techniques of complete decongestive physiotherapy, it is used to treat lymphedema, swelling in the limbs caused by lymph accumulation.
Reflexology Definition
Reflexology is a therapeutic method of relieving pain by stimulating predefined pressure points on the feet and hands. This controlled pressure alleviates the source of the discomfort. In the absence of any particular malady or abnormality, reflexology may be as effective for promoting good health and for preventing illness as it may be for relieving symptoms of stress, injury, and illness.
Reflexologists work from maps of predefined pressure points that are located on the hands and feet. These pressure points are reputed to connect directly through the nervous system and affect the bodily organs and glands. The reflexologist manipulates the pressure points according to specific techniques of reflexology therapy. By means of this touching therapy, any part of the body that is the source of pain, illness, or potential debility can be strengthened through the application of pressure at the respective foot or hand location.