How
often have you thought that your neck really needs a ‘something’ to
get rid of those aches and pains? Or that your shoulders just need a good
massage to relieve the tension? Or that your knee really hurts after that
run yesterday and you can’t work out why?..
Massage may be the answer you are looking for. The object of massage is to
relax, stimulate and rehabilitate soft tissues of the body.
Massage has been used for thousands of years. For example, we instinctively
rub a pain or ache and stroke a bruise. We have used touch in healing without
thinking about it for as long as humans have walked the earth.
Massage has been used historically by the Chinese to promote and restore
health and relaxation; the Japanese applied pressure to certain parts of
the body to improve circulation, neural efficiency and general health; India
used, and still uses Ayurvedic medicinal knowledge for healing and prolonging
life. The Greeks used massage as a central part of their regular bathing
ritual, treating stiff and sore muscles and joints, curing disease and improving
circulation. Julius Caesar had a daily massage to help his neuralgia and
epileptic seizures.
More recently, massage mechanical methods was used to treat nerve injury
and rehabilitation. Swedish is based on techniques developed by Per Henrik
Ling, a physiologist from Sweden. The aim of this technique was to improve
health and maintain physical condition. Sports massage uses techniques such
as deep tissue, remedial massage, (which you may have heard of), and many
other techniques. The benefits of sport massage are never ending:
In my experience, I have seen improvements in mobility of joints (including
the neck),
strength of the muscles, injury prevention and cure, sleep deprivation, back,
shoulder,
knee, postural and neural problems I could go on…
However, I would like to mention some of the specific physiological and psychological
benefits that massage will give you in general.
Sleep enhancement – relaxes the mind and gives you a ‘feel good’ feeling.
Deeper breathing is adopted, therefore relaxes the body and mind, reducing
sleep deprivation, anxiety and anger and improving self esteem and energy
levels.
Toxins and swelling – will aid the body in removing those unwanted
swollen areas, along with toxins and waste products that may normally ‘hang
around’ and cause tension in the body.
If you need to stimulate the muscles, for example, doing sporting activities
or physical work; or if your body should need relaxing, the right techniques
can do either.
Improves circulation, therefore, improves nutrients deposited and the waste
removal from cells. This will enhance energy levels and improve the body
systems, for example, digestion.
Overall, massage will definitely release tension, aches and pains in soft
tissue. It is important to remember that massage is for soft tissue problems
only. You should advise the therapist of your situation medically. You must
not assume that a medical issue you may have is not relevant. All medical
conditions are relevant.
If you would like further information about Swedish and Sports massage and
injuries, please contact Janet Gray, Grays Therapies on 07980 974333
or email
on janet@graystherapies.co.uk.
Website: www.graystherapies.co.uk