Tips for Stress free life  >  Expert Zone   > Alternative Health

       Alternative Health Tips by experts


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


MORE RESOURCES:

See the complete list of Articles on Alternative Health here

Have a look at Best Selling Books on Alternative Health

 

Google

See also : Other articles on

Depression, Grief Loss, Happiness, Humor, Inspirational, Motivation,
Positive Attitude
, Meditation, Spirituality Goal Setting, Wealth Building, Ethics, Stress Management
Yoga, Alternative Health, Build Muscle, Exercise,   Aerobics Cardio, Fitness Equipment Pregnancy  Dating, Elder Care, RelationshipAcneBeauty, Hair Loss
Cooking Tips, Recipes,Top Tips for everything Crafts Hobbies, Creativity, Fishing Photography, Pets,

Latest info on : Alternative Health


New York Times

Senate Democrats Fault GOP For Failing To Advance Alternative Health Reforms
ForexTV.com
I., also faulted the GOP for failing to advance a proactive alternative to the present system. "After months of hearings and years of debate, ...
Carper drafting alternative health care planThe News Journal
Our view: Tonight's the nightAnchorage Daily News
Health reform in DC could influence gubernatorial raceAtlanta Journal Constitution

all 4,799 news articles »


First Presbyterian Church to host Alternative Gift Market Sunday
Signal
First Presbyterian Church will host an Alternative Christmas Gift Market from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm Sunday at 24317 N. Newhall Avenue in ...
Alternative market takes place SundayDaily Pilot
Christmas With A ConscienceKHTS Radio

all 3 news articles »


Tampa Tribune

Deep-fried and Cajun style a Turkey Day alternative
Montgomery County Courier
... is an easier-than-expected variation that offers many benefits to those willing to try their hand at an alternative way to prepare a holiday favorite. ...
2008 National Turkey Dies, but the Alternate Lives OnU.S. News & World Report

all 47 news articles »


Goal.com

Iraq Banned, India Will Have To Look For Alternative Options For Friendly
Goal.com
So the suspension of Iraq is a big blow to Houghton's plans and it remains to be seen what alternative step is taken by the AIFF.

and more »


Clean-Energy Programs Booming at Community Colleges
New York Times
For many students enrolling in alternative energy programs at community colleges, it's not about some greater environmental ...

and more »


Lugar team crafting cap-trade alternative
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette
Richard Lugar, R-Ind., has asked his staff to come up with a range of alternatives for reducing greenhouse gases. The House passed a bill to limit the ...

and more »


Reuters

JAL Alternative Dispute Resolution Not a Credit Event
Gerson Lehrman Group
... to invoke creditor protection available under the Alternative Dispute Resolution provisions of the Special Measure for Industrial Revitalization. ...
UPDATE 1-JAL could face $1.1 bln derivatives charge-paperReuters
SkyTeam Willing to Invest More Than $1 Billion in JALWall Street Journal
Schnurman: American Airlines hopes cash is king, even in JapanFort Worth Star Telegram
Atlanta Journal Constitution -Dallas Morning News -The Japan Times
all 75 news articles »



Alternate custody measure may cause fire crew shortage
Contra Costa Times
Huff said he is not sure how well the alternative custody program will work. "We are not doing a good job of monitoring them now," he said. ...

and more »


An Alternative to Escalation in Afghanistan
The Nation.
Before doing so, he would be wise to consider an alternative which has, until now, been excluded from the systematic review of the gravest decision a ...

and more »

Google News

Why not be an expert yourself  ?

 If you can write on any of the above topic, you are welcome to submit your
 articles in our database :

 Submit your article here   Our Article Area

You are here Home > Tips for Stress free Life > Expert Zone > Alternative Health


| Alternative Health Home | All articles on Alternative Health- complete list 

Main Home  | Meditation Corner

                |Health Tips  | Workplace Tips  | Soul Tips  |Expert zone |

Recommend us  |

 Books, DVDs and accessories on meditation & yoga  |

[About us] [Contact] [Privacy Policy]

Copyright 2006, Meditation is Easy.com, All rights reserved