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Although it's been practiced in the east for thousands of years and in Europe for much longer than here, massage therapy is so new to North America that not many people seem to know what it's all about. So here is some little known facts about massage that will give you another look at the so called "luxury." Whether you’re a regular or just curious a little understanding will go a long way.
After graduating there are some things I've noticed that spas do that don't really make sense.
In massage the technique used most often and very effectively if it's done right, to release a knot (or trigger point in clinical talk,) is static pressure. The therapist applies pressure to a trigger point, just enough to push blood out of the area, when pressure is released, blood rushes back in to the muscle. The increased circulation should be enough to remove toxins irritating the nerves in the muscle, causing it to be sore and relieving you of pain and suffering. Now, if the said muscle is loaded with irritating toxins it will scream in your brain with even the lightest pressure. If the muscle does not have many toxins not much will be felt. The therapist can push through to the point of bruising if that's what you want.
Also there is the factor of how much pain you can handle and how much you’re willing to go through to get relief. People who have been dealing with a certain discomfort for a very long time will lay there and take the most uncomfortable treatment just 'cause they are dying for relief.
Throw in the factor that each body is different from the next and everyone’s situation as well and how much pressure is right for you can't be summed up in hard, medium and light. When you see your therapist, tell them as much as you know about your situation, what position are you in all day, what activities you do, do you stretch, past injuries. Even if they seem minor, all that info will give clues to what kind of treatment you need. Tell them this when you meet them before the treatment. Then your job is to yell if something just doesn’t feel right. As much as experience will teach, we still don't have the ability to feel what you feel, so speak up, you won't offend. Communication makes good teamwork and together you two can find the treatment right for you.
Massage is a therapy and a luxury, it’s a luxious therapy
The same effects of massage, increased blood flow, stretching of the muscle, can be achieved by stretching, yoga, hot tubing and many other ways. However; in massage you’re just lying there in a meditative state, while someone else does it for you. Not one muscle tensed, throw in the added heat for the therapists hands and the difference is huge. It’s a whole lotta benefits all at once, packing a therapeutic punch to the solar plexus.
Ever heard of “Harlow’s Monkeys?” In the ‘50’s, Harry Harlow conducted experiments where baby monkeys were given wood and cloth “mothers” to raise them. The purpose was to study the effect maternal raising has on mental health. The monkeys grew up to be incredibly dysfunctional. One observation made was that, for the poor primates, touch was more important than food. They grabbed food when necessary but always clung to the more touchable cloth monkey. You can read more about Harlow’s experiment here.
If you think this is cruel, believe me you don’t want to know what other experiments have been done on animals since then to understand our physiological/psychological selves. So don’t let these poor critters treatment be in vain! Use this knowledge we now have to help yourself.
Also there is the powerful psychological benefit of taking control of your pain (if you have any). Just knowing that you’re not powerless and you can improve your condition can do wonders for your health.
If Your Mind Went Into The Gutter at Any Point While Reading This…
That’s not OK!!
There is a massive difference between what’s in the Adult Services and what’s in the Health Services section of the paper. Unfortunately some guys can’t tell the difference between the two.
