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By Ryan Bombard
Massage therapy is one of the oldest and simplest therapeutic
forms. It involves stroking, pressing, and kneading different
areas of the body to relieve pain.
Massage Therapy: Benefits
A good massage not only stimulates and relaxes the body but
also tones it by acting on the soft tissues (muscles, tendons,
and ligaments). Massage largely affects muscles that are just
beneath the skin. However, if done regularly under proper
conditions and in the right manner, its benefits extend to the
deeper layers of muscles and even the organs. Thus, it
strengthens the entire body and reduces its vulnerability to
strains and injuries that occur because of excessive tension
and structural weakness of the body.
Massage therapy also stimulates blood circulation and improves
the lymphatic system (runs parallel to the circulatory
system);
lymphatic system is responsible for eliminating the waste
material from the body. Massage therapy also calms the nervous
system, reduces fatigue, and replenishes energy of an
individual.
Massage Therapy: How to Do?
To begin with, choose the right equipment for effective
massage
therapy. You will need a firm and padded surface such as a
massage table or simply a foam mattress spread on the floor to
work on. You may use additional cushions and pads to support
the body on the massage surface. You can choose from oils such
as mineral, soya, peach and apricot kernel, grape seed,
sunflower, almond, olive, and peanut, depending on which suits
your body best. Additionally, keep blankets and towels handy
to
cover the portions of the body that are not being worked upon.
To benefit optimally from massage therapy it is important to
set the right environment for massage. One must use soft
lighting and music to create soothing effect during the
therapy. Warm the room where you intend to massage and select
a
time when there are least chances of an interruption. Get your
client or partner wear loose clothes, ensure that his/ her
body
is bare (without any jewelry or other accessories) and eyes
shut, and tie the hair if it is long. Massage with clean hands
and nails cut short; do not massage with wrist watch,
bracelet,
or fingerings on your hand. Continue to massage in upward
movement for one to one-and-a quarter hour.
At its best, massage has the potential to restore an
individual
physically, mentally, and spiritually.
About The Author: Ryan Bombard enjoys writing about massage
therapy and health topics. For more info:
www.fantastic-massages.info ,
www.massage-and-more.info and
www.massage-palace.info
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