Massage Therapy: A Stress Reliever?
Thursday, September 17th, 2009For decades, massage has been touted as a method of stress relief, but unless you`ve experienced the benefits of a good massage yourself, you might be skeptical. After all, a decent massage can put a bit of a hole in your wallet, so is it really worth it? Will you really be relaxed and calm after some bodywork?
The answer depends on the masseuse. There are some people who can turn a massage into something uncomfortable and utterly useless, but in the hands of an experienced masseuse, you`ll find that the benefits are many.
What Is Massage?
Very simply put, massage therapy is when the masseuse manipulates the tissues, muscles and tendons in someone.
This is usually done using the hands and fingers, but there are assorted methods of massage that involve everything from special tools to actually using feet and elbows to maneuver the recipient`s body.
There are several reasons that your muscles need to be stretched and massaged . . . the main one being that with tension and stress, they tend to shorten and knot up, often causing pain. Tense muscles are the most common cause of headaches, so easing them out can help with recurring headaches, as well as other common issues.
How Massage Benefits You
Each style of massage is designed to create a different effect. Some are more strenuous than others, such as Thai massage, which involves stretching and plenty of participation by the person receiving the massage. Others, including hot stone massage, tend to be more passive and focus more on breathing and relaxation. Only you can decide which type is best for you. A good massage can help with Fibromyalgia