By definition, massage is the systematic manual or mechanical manipulation of the body’s soft tissues.  Massage therapists use various movements such as rubbing, kneading, pressing, rolling, pounding, cupping and tapping.  These movements, or strokes, are also known by the terms effleurage, petrissage, vibration, friction and tapotement.  These techniques are used for therapeutic purposes such as promoting blood and lymph circulation, muscle relaxation, pain relief, stress reduction and other physical and mental benefits which serve to restore the body’s metabolic balance.  Compression is another technique used primarily in deep tissue and neuromuscular massage.  These movements can be performed slowly and gently or vigorously and rapidly depending on the therapeutic results the client and therapist wish to achieve.

"It seems to me that massage is destined to play a very

important part in the future of the human race."

(Dr. Stretch Dowse, Eminent Victorian Physician, 1887)

      Massage has an influence on the diameter of blood vessels and direction of fluid flow.  It can change the chemical balance in the body, increasing certain hormone levels and lowering others and can alter neurotransmitter secretions.  Massage can increase levels of serotonin in the brain, which can elevate mood and change the mind’s perception of pain.  At the same time, it can lower stress hormone levels, thus providing a calming effect.  Massage increases circulation, relaxes muscles, aids in digestion and speeds up elimination of cellular waste by stimulating the lymphatic system.  Indirectly, the psychological benefit of feeling cared for combined with the direct physical effects of massage produce a wonderful feeling of well-being that is difficult to match.  An added benefit is to the massage therapist who, when giving a massage, can experience the same soothing effect as does the client. 

"In insomnia, general massage at bed-time undoubtedly

promotes sleep.  The result is not only certain but prompt,

the patient usually enjoying a good nights rest after the

first séance.  It has the advantage over all narcotics that

there are no disagreeable side effects."

(William Murrell, M.D., F.R.C.P.,Massotherapeutics, 1889)

      Massage therapy is directly associated with anatomical and cellular changes caused or intensified by disease and/or injury.  We, as massage therapists, are directly involved with the ways these diseases or injuries affect our client’s functioning in their daily routines.  Some physical ailments that massage therapy can address are back, neck and joint pain, headaches, premenstrual syndrome, fibromyalgia, and even irritable bowel syndrome.   Stress is a major factor in the cause and effect of most diseases.  Massage can reduce stress by stretching and loosening hypertonic muscles, improving blood and lymph circulation, ridding the body of metabolic waste, reducing blood pressure and boosting the immune system.  Massage can help you experience a deeper sleep and improve your mental acuity while awake.  Some people might consider massage therapy a luxury but in actuality, it is the ULTIMATE in preventive medicine.                

"The physician must be experienced in many things,

but assuredly also in rubbing... for rubbing can bind a joint

that is too loose and loosen a joint that is too hard."

(Hippocrates, Greek physician, 3rd century B.C.)

      Touch is a great healing instrument and there is increasing medical evidence proving its value.  Patients whose physicians visit them prior to surgery, hold their hands and are warm and sympathetic when explaining procedures need less pain medication and recover much sooner than those patients whose doctors spend 2-3 minutes giving them the cold hard facts about their surgery.  Imagine how effective massage could be in the shorter recovery time after only a brief period of caring touch.   Massage is one of the oldest and simplest methods of achieving and maintaining one’s good health.  It is likely the oldest form of medical treatment.  British museum records indicate that the Chinese were practicing massage around 3000 B.C.   However, massage probably dates back to the beginnings of man and has been used by practically all cultures and civilizations throughout history.  Just think...  the first reaction we have to an aching leg, neck or shoulder is to RUB IT.  It is an innate healing instinct present in all of us.   Tension and stress, muscle aches and pains, migraines... all can be alleviated with massage.

Life

Follow your heart

Life is brief and very

-- Flavia