Physical Health - Massage
Massage involves different types of touch applied to the skin or underlying tissues. It is manipulation of the soft tissue to release muscular tension and pain, to relax the body and enhance well-being. Considered a holistic healing therapy it can have specific benefits both to the mind and the body. Whilst massaging the therapist uses touch in a sensitive and respectful way to promote relaxation, a sense of calm and feel good. It is sometimes called a complementary or alternative form of treatment. These treatments adhere to the view that the body can heal itself if give the right conditions.
A real pleasure that\'s actually good for you.
Treatments are non-invasive and the practioner commits more time to client than perhaps a GP can. The relationship between the practioner and the client is important, as building up trust and confidence are a crucial element in the treatment. It is often used to alleviate stress and relieve pain and to facilitate healing from an injury. The techniques are used in cancer care programmes, helping premature babies and for alleviating stress in the very young and the very old.
There are many different kinds of massage and reading up on what they do and how they can help can be helpful. Aromatherapy is a gentle massage using essential oils from plants. As these essential oils are complex and concentrated they are used in a diluted form. Reflexology is a form of massage using the thumbs and fingers on the soles of the feet and sometimes on the hands. The theory is that every system and organ in the body has a counterpart in reflex points in the feet and hands. Sports massage aimed at aiding recovery from and injury and promoting increased performance. Shiatsu, coming from Japan works using pressure from fingertips, thumbs, palms, elbows, knees or feet applied to the body, said to improve the flow of vital energy, increase circulation and release tension. These are a few of the different types of massage available. There are many more.
Massage is an unregulated profession so anyone can set himself up as a massage therapist. When looking for a practitioner check they have had training through a reputable institution. The General Council for Massage Therapy maintains a list of approved practitioners.
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Note: 4 Elderly health provides this site for information purposes only and insists that you should consult a doctor before engaging in anything mentioned here.