Types Of Massage, Bodywork, And Somatic Therapies
There are a variety of bodywork techniques. Following are brief descriptions of just a few.
Swedish Massage—The most common form of massage, Swedish mainly relaxes the muscles and eases aches and pains.
Sports Massage—For the athlete, sports massage techniques are utilized at all stages: pre-event, post-event, during training, and to expedite rehabilitation after injury.
Shiatsu—Japanese acupressure massage that restores energy to the body.
Trager—Utilizes rhythmic rocking movements to relax the body and mind.
Hellerwork—A combination of movement reeducation and muscle and connective tissue therapy.
Polarity—Balances the energetic systems of the body.
Reflexology—Massage of the feet, hands, and/or ears. Stimulates corresponding areas in the body.
There are more than one hundred fifty variations of massage, bodywork, and somatic therapy techniques. Many practitioners utilize an integration of techniques.
Massage, Now More Than Ever
Consumers may be tempted to trim their wellness budgets when economic times are tough. Yet a recent national consumer survey showed most massage-minded Americans are committed to maintaining the health benefits they experience with massage. It makes sense—the better you feel, the better job you can do of
caring for yourself and your loved ones .
Massage should play a role in reducing stress and strengthening the health of Americans. When people feel their best, they are more likely to be able to face the challenges difficult times present. With greater health and peace of mind, consumers can face difficulties with poise, clarity of purpose, and strengthened emotional reserves.
Truly, massage is more than a luxury—it’s a vital part of self-care that has a positive ripple
effect on us as we work, play, and care for others.
Invest In Yourself and Those You Love
If you think about it, massage is an excellent value. The price of massage has remained stable in recent years, as the cost of movies, dining out, and sports events has risen. Which of these has the power to improve your health and your outlook on life?
In economically challenging times, it is vital to invest in preventative healthcare. The last thing you want is to get sick, have to take time off work, and pay expensive medical bills. Following are health reasons all American adults should be including massage in their family budgets and schedules.
• Boosts the immune system.
• Reduces anxiety.
• Reduces the flow of stress hormones.
• Improves sleep.
• Improves energy levels
and reduces fatigue.
• Improves concentration.
• Increases circulation.
• Improves self-esteem.
• Reduces frequency of headaches.
• Releases endorphins.
Positive Effects
The positive effects of regular massage can have benefits in many areas of your life. Massage therapy helps families under stress create healthy households with clear thinking and more relaxed moms and dads. Individuals taking care of themselves are better equipped to be responsive caregivers who can provide a sense of security—to children, partners, aging parents, or other family members.
Work. The health benefits of massage can help forestall illnesses and lost work time, especially when you may be asked to produce more with fewer resources. Decision-making skills will be better and your performance is likely to be improved with a clear focus and more energy. A hint for the boss: Research shows employees exhibit improved performance and less stress
when given twice-weekly, 15-minute massages in the office. Those with existing health conditions can continue to reap benefits in the following ways. Proactively caring for health through massage may help reduce costly doctor visits and use of prescription and over-the-counter medications.
Research Shows
- Massage can reduce sports-related soreness and improve circulation good to know when you may be exercising more to reduce stress.
- Deep-tissue massage is effective in treating back pain.
- Fibromyalgia patients receiving massage have less pain, depression, anxiety, stiffness, fatigue, and problematic sleep.
- Massage reduces symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Oncology patients show less pain, fatigue, nausea, anxiety, and depression following massage therapy.
- Stroke patients show less anxiety and lower blood pressure with massage therapy.
- Massage therapy is effective in reducing postsurgical pain.
- Alzheimer’s patients exhibit reduced pacing, irritability, and restlessness after neck and shoulder massage.
Help Yourself to Health
What exactly are the benefits of receiving massage or bodywork treatments? Useful for all of the conditions listed below and more, massage can:
• Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
• Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
• Ease medication dependence.
• Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system.
• Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
• Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
• Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin.
• Increase joint flexibility.
• Lessen depression and anxiety.
• Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
• Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
• Reduce post-surgery adhesions and swelling.
• Reduce spasms and cramping.
• Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
• Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.
• Relieve migraine pain.