Massage therapy is the systematized
manipulation of soft tissues for the purpose of normalizing them. Practitioners use a
variety of physical methods including applying fixed or movable pressure, holding, or
causing movement to the body. Therapists primarily use their hands, but may also use their
forearms, elbows, or feet. The basic goal of massage
therapy is to help the body heal itself and to increase health and well-being.
Touch is the core ingredient of massage therapy and also
combines science and art. Practitioners learn specific techniques for massage and use
their sense of touch to determine the right amount of pressure to apply to each person and
locate areas of tension and other soft-tissue problems. Touch also conveys a sense of
caring, an important component in the healing relationship.
When muscles are overworked, waste products such as lactic
acid can accumulate in the muscle, causing soreness, stiffness, and even muscle spasm.
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Massage improves circulation, which increases
blood flow, bringing fresh oxygen to body tissues. This can assist the elimination of
waste products, speed healing after injury, and enhance recovery from disease. Therapeutic massage can be used to promote general well-being and
enhance self-esteem, while boosting the circulatory and immune systems to benefit blood
pressure, circulation, muscle tone, digestion, and skin tone. It has been incorporated
into many health systems, and different massage techniques have been developed and
integrated into various complementary therapies.
We, at holisticonline.com tried to provide a comprehensive
and objective look at all the aspects of massage therapy: history, benefits, types of
massage, safety and more. We hope that you will be pleased.
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