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Alternative Therapy - Massage

Though some perceive massage as a decadent way of relaxing, massage therapy is actually a legitimate form of medical treatment. This holistic form of alternative therapy focuses on preventative health as well as healing present medical issues.

There are a number of health benefits associated with massage. First and foremost, this form of treatment promotes healthy blood flow. Massage helps blood vessels dilate, which increases and promotes blood flow. In addition, massage also helps to relive muscle tension. This treatment can help to loosen muscles that are tense and tight, as well as stimulate muscles that are week, which makes massage therapy a great option for those with chronic muscle problems.

Massage can help with quite a few other conditions as well. This therapy also stimulates the nervous system, improves skin function, and helps relieve chronic pain. Massage is also known to benefit the digestive system by means of increasing the body's production of gastric juices and saliva, which promotes healthy digestion.

Massage is beneficial for many patients because it is fully compatible with other treatment options, including conventional and alternative. For example, combining massage with the use of essential oils adds the benefits of aromatherapy.

A good massage therapist will use long, smooth strokes, medium, deep strokes and kneading, deep-tissue pressure strokes, cupping, and other types of massaging techniques. Therapist determine which techniques to use depending upon the patient and the state of their condition, which will vary from session to session.

There are dozens of categories of massage. Doctors can help a patient find a practitioner that specializes in the type of massage best used for the patient's condition. The following include the most commonly used types of massage:

• Swedish Massage: This type of massage can be used just for relaxation and can be used in combination with other types of massage for medicinal purposes.
• Deep Tissue Massage: A deep tissue massage is more intense than a Swedish massage, and it is common to feel sore after a deep tissue massage. This kind of massage helps deep muscle and pain problems.
• Shiatsu: This Japanese form of massage is based on rhythm for relaxation. Traditional pressure points also used by acupuncturists are stimulated to increase energy flow.
• Sports Massage: Those involved in sports or elevated physical activity can benefit from regular sports massages, which help prevent injury during game play or training. It is similar to a Swedish massage, but meant to strengthen and stimulate, rather than relax.

There are a number of other massage techniques to try as well, including aromatherapy massage, cupping, hot stone massage, reflexology, and Thai massage. Before committing to a certain therapy session, take some time to consult with the massage therapist to ensure the techniques used will be right for the condition being treated.

Practically everyone can benefit from massage, whether to help with medical conditions or just to live a healthier, more stress-free life. This applies to senior citizens, expecting mothers, cancer patients, and others who may be concerned about traditional medical treatments. However, certain conditions may be worsened by deep pressure or physical manipulation. These include osteoporosis and other bone diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, spine injuries, and cancer that has metastasized to the bone. Those that have undergone radiation may experience discomfort on the treatment area if massaged. The American Cancer Society warns those with cancer or chronic conditions such as heart disease should talk with their doctor before getting a massage (or any other therapy that manipulates joints and muscles).

Regardless of widespread acceptance, massage is still considered an alternative therapy treatment option.For information about other types of alternative therapy, please see Alternative Therapy Overview.

Sources:

1. http://www.holisticonline.com/massage/mas_and-health.htm
2. http://library.thinkquest.org/24206/massage-therapy.html

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