By Cory LD Thompson
Everyone needs to relax, to escape the turmoil of everyday life. Although
often ignored or viewed as merely a recreation, the art of massage
helps people do just that and has been growing in popularity and acceptance
in our modern community. Massage involves systematic stroking, rubbing
and kneading of the soft tissues of the body in an effort to induce
a state of total relaxation. Despite common misconceptions, massage
is becoming more accepted as a legitimate means to relieve minor medical
conditions. Although the practice of massage has been discredited
in the past, mainly by advocates of modern medicine, it has recently
been growing in practice. Massage has been shown to maintain stability
and enhance performance in nearly all of the body's major systems.
The muscular, skeletal, circulatory, nervous and respiratory systems
can be positively affected by massage. The theory behind massage is
the relief of muscle tension, and the relaxation of the body will
allow for a faster healing process. It can increase and improve circulation
to damaged tissue areas. Those who play sports know that it is important
to stretch and relax muscles for peak performance, and the same idea
underlies the massage process. Perhaps the greatest benefits of massage,
as any amateur can attest to, are the relaxing effects it can have
on tense muscles. The smooth stroking motions and kneading of muscles
relieves tension, loosens joints and improves circulation, all of
which are beneficial for good health. Clint Jeppsen, a practitioner
at the Eiderdown Therapy Center, can personally attest to some of
the benefits of massage. "The people who come into the center seem
to feel good after they leave. The massage reduces pain and leaves
people in a better state than when they came in." Several Utah State
students attest to the healing power of massage. One student, Jennifer
Robinson, had personal experience from a professional massage therapist
after an accident. "The massage therapy really improved my recovery.
It helped to loosen muscles and regain control of my body." She feels
that the therapy she received sped up her recovery. "The time I spent
in massage seemed to give me more control of my actions". Another
student, Lanya Jeppson, has had some favorable results with foot-massage,
otherwise known as reflexology. "There are many pressure points in
the foot, and by pressing the right ones you can relieve tension in
various parts of the body." Most people, even though they may have
never received a professional massage, would agree there are some
advantageous aspects to a massage. However it is recommended that
people should not replace necessary medical treatment with a massage.
Sometimes medical conditions that could easily be cured by a simple
medical treatment are overlooked as a simple tight muscle or something
similar. Although massage does have positive medical benefits, in
many cases it is not a replacement for modern medicine. The history
of massage dates back almost as far as recorded history. For thousands
of years some form of massage or laying on of hands has been used
to heal the sick. For the ancient Greek and Romans, massage was one
of the principle methods of healing and relieving pain. In the fifth
century B.C. Hippocrates, often regarded as the father of modern medicine,
said, "The physician must be experienced in many things, but most
assuredly in rubbing, for rubbing can bind a joint that is loose and
loosen a joint that is bound." Even Julius Caesar was noted as having
been given massage therapy to help cure epilepsy. Massage is believed
to have originated in the East, probably in China. The art of massage
was revived in western culture during the 16th century, by a Frenchman
named Ambroise Pare. Finally, in 1813, the first massage related college
course was offered in Stockholm, Sweden. Generally, if you are in
good health and just feeling a little tense, a massage may be a good
way to go. Massage is becoming more accepted, and there is a relationship
between a good massage and health. There are multiple techniques in
massage and a variety of ways to relax and relieve tension. |
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~Give comfort to
a soldier~
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