ComputerHunter.org

 

Being Rubbed Up ? The Right Way! - The Therapeutic Wonders of Massage


PROBABLY one of the most powerful preventive medicine tools available to us is that of Massage.  It is one of the oldest forms of treatment and can be traced back many thousands of years to the ancient Greeks, Persians and Chinese who are said to have practiced massage as a spiritual art.  The word Massage comes from the Greek 'massein' meaning 'to knead'.

 

Today in this fast paced 21st century, it could be argued that we've never known a more hectic style of living. When we become stressed our activity becomes strenuous and our energy requirements exceed supply.  Our bodies can become tired and stiff, our muscles cramped and sluggish with the overall feeling of being tense, fatigued and stressed. But do we take time-out?  Do we look for ways to relax and slow down? Do we decide to nurture ourselves a little? Usually not!  Let's face it, most of us just soldier on. We are so caught up on the treadmill of our busy lives that we have forgotten how to listen to our bodies.

 

The experts and their statistics tell us that we are living longer than ever before.  Our life expectancy is extending every few years with a result that most of us can now expect to live well into our eighties!   Perhaps this is one of the reasons that more and more people today are now taking responsibility for their own health and well being.  People are looking to complementary therapies to aid the recovery from tension, stress and fatigue. In our determination to be healthy and remain healthy many of us now use massage as a powerful form of preventative medicine and as part of an integrated approach to our personal health care. 

 

THE POWER OF TOUCH

 

It has long been recognized that the power of touch is crucial to us as humans.  We are all sensual beings and as a result our bodies respond well to massage and human contact.  Research in the UK has proven that in many health institutions, such as hospitals and nursing homes, etc. patients responded better to treatment and were more content when there was more physical contact between their carers and themselves.

 

Here's why it works - There are many types of massage techniques which can include, sports massage, mother and baby massage, Swedish, Shiatsu and Reflexology, but the basic principle of each is very similar. Massage improves circulation allowing your blood to send oxygen and nutrients to your muscles where ultimately they are converted into energy.  Furthermore it assists the filtering out of toxins and drains the essential lymph system which is so important for a strong immune system. The result?  A nourished, cleansed and relaxed body and a wonderful sense of well being that can last for many days afterwards!

 

POINTS TO REMEMBER WHEN

VISITING A MASSAGE THERAPIST: -

 

1) A qualified massage therapist will have undergone a substantial period of training and should be a member of an international association relating to his/her specific field of expertise. There are a number of excellent therapists in your locality and referring to your telephone directories should provide you with a qualified massage therapist or clinic in your area.

 

2) Your therapist will want to get to know about you on your first visit and will prepare a personal case history based on a number of questions he/she will ask. In order for the therapist to provide you with the best suited therapy during your session these questions are important and will touch upon medical,  social, personal information as well as your family history of illnesses, etc. Based on the information compiled the therapist will then design a treatment specifically for you.

 

3) It is important for you to feel at ease with your therapist and it is the practitioner's job to make you feel comfortable and explain to you what they will be doing.

 

4) Always let your therapist know what you are planning to do after your massage.

 

5) If you are planning to have an Aromatherapy Massage, i.e. a massage combined with pure essential oils, it is best not to have a shower or bath for approximately eight hours as this period of time is needed to allow the full absorption of the oils into the body.

 

6) Finally when your session is complete your therapist will allow you some quiet time to relax on your own before getting up and heading off and continuing your day.

 

 

So, as and from today, make a promise to yourself, commit to having a healthier body, system and rested mind and book that massage appointment now ? aren't you worth it?

Paula Hynes is a Lifeskills Consultant and Educator specializing in stress, touch therapy and self care.  She is also the founder of The Natural Therapy Training Centre in County Westmeath Ireland.   e-mail: naturaltc@eircom.net







Google News - Top Stories

BBC News

ANALYSIS-Gaza crisis defers dispute over Abbas presidency
Reuters - 42 minutes ago
By Alistair Lyon, Special Correspondent JERUSALEM, Jan 8 (Reuters) - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, whose original four-year term expires on Friday, faces a legitimacy challenge that Israel's Gaza war has only postponed.
Video: Gaza Gets a Brief Break AssociatedPress
Israel military steps up Gaza airstrikes CNN
New York Times - Aljazeera.net - International Herald Tribune - Ha'aretz
all 30,140 news articles


Los Angeles Times

Obama: Recession will worsen without bold action
Reuters - 42 minutes ago
By Caren Bohan WASHINGTON, Jan 8 (Reuters) - President-elect Barack Obama will seek on Thursday to rally support for a massive fiscal stimulus package by warning that the United States could remain mired in recession for years without bold action.
Obama Promises Bid to Overhaul Retiree Spending New York Times
Obama warns of dire consequences without stimulus The Associated Press
Los Angeles Times - Baltimore Sun - Chicago Tribune - Newsday
all 2,090 news articles


USA Today

Jesse White isn't the bad guy in Roland Burris turmoil
Chicago Sun-Times - 1 hour ago
BY MARY MITCHELL Sun-Times Columnist This is what happens in Illinois when a black man leaves a powerful political seat without anointing a successor.
Video: Burris Reflects on His Trip to Washington AssociatedPress
Ill. sec. of state feels the heat in Burris flap The Associated Press
Newsday - WLOS - Washington Post - Houston Chronicle
all 10,193 news articles


WELT ONLINE

UK gas rises on Russia uncertainty, power down
Reuters - 47 minutes ago
LONDON (Reuters) - British gas prices rose on Thursday, drawing some support from the Russia-Ukraine gas dispute, although milder weather limited gains and pulled down power prices.
Video: Ukraine leaves Europe without gas Gazprom RussiaToday
Russia and Ukraine gas officials hold talks CNN International
guardian.co.uk - CNN - Xinhua - BBC News
all 6,047 news articles


Aljazeera.net

India accuses Pakistan on gunman
BBC News - 41 minutes ago
India has criticised Pakistan for the way it reversed its stance on Ajmal Qasab, the only surviving gunman from the attacks on Mumbai.
India says all options open to dismantle terror groups Reuters
Top Pakistani official sacked over Mumbai revelation Financial Times
Los Angeles Times - The Associated Press - Reuters India - Aljazeera.net
all 4,754 news articles

Google
 

Copyright © 2006 Computer Hunter - A Division of Arthur´s Job Base