The Benefits of Massage Therapy
It may only have exploded in recent years but the practice of
massage therapy dates back to the time of Hippocrates, the Father of
Medicine. And that is about 4000 years ago. In a clear reference to
massaging, Hippocrates wrote in one of his medical notes that physicians
must know the practice of 'rubbing.'
Now, massage therapy cannot
just be called as 'rubbing.' With most of the young Hollywood getting a
massage or two every week, it has become the toast of the social set. Its
popularity can be seen with the way a lot of massage therapy clinics have
opened shops in the last few years with many more planning to in the next
couple of months. Currently there are about 100,000 massage therapists in
the country and the numbers are increasing two-fold.
Massage
therapy in the scientific terms is the process of putting pressure on
muscular structure and soft tissues in the body for relaxation. Pressure
in this instance can mean a lot of things, from holding and pressing to
kneading and rocking. Massages are primarily done with the hands although
some massage therapists also use other parts of their bodies like the
forearms, elbows and the feet.
Its popularity is actually not
surprising especially with this stressful world. Many people are turning
to massage therapy for relaxation and regeneration. And unlike other
de-stressors, massage therapy is scientifically based and its advantages
are all research proven. Besides its physical benefits, it also known to
improve the overall wellbeing of the mind and the spirit.
Below are
some of the benefits that massage therapy gives us.
1.
Relaxation
This is the number one reason why people coming back to
the clinics. After a week of stress in the office or at home, people
especially women, just want to relax. Massages are great for the skin as
it stimulates the release of toxins and hormones. In fact, some studies
have even shown massages as being able to lower the possibility of
wrinkles production.
2. Relieves pain
Another benefit of
massage therapy is the fact that it can loosen those tight muscles
especially if you frequently have cramps on your legs. Going to the
clinics can also relieve you of your tired and aching muscles. This is
especially useful with people who are into sports or those who live the
active lifestyle.
3. Makes you a better athlete
People who
are into sports can also benefit much from massage therapy. If you feel
that your muscles have become tight and rickety, massages can improve on
your flexibility and also increase your range of motion. If you get
massages all the time, you will notice that you can now do movements that
were painful to do before. Massages also improve the body's resistance. It
lowers the blood pressure, heart rate and even helps in recoveries from
injuries and sprains. It also strengthens the immune system.
4.
Improve mental faculties
Massages are also great ways to improve
your mental performance. It can actually reduce mental stress, allowing
you to work better and think clearer. It is also known to relieve
headaches. Massage therapy also allows you to concentrate better on the
task at hand. After a massage, you will basically have a clean slate in
your mind that is equivalent to the restful therapy that sleep
gives.
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Article Source: www.ArticleFog.com.
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