About Massages

Massages are a wonderful way to relax and unwind after a long, hard work week. Helping your body work better and become more healthy, massages are an ideal way to keep your physical and mental health in check. With a huge variety of massages available, you can find the right one for you.

The Facts

• Massage therapy has been around for as long as 3,000 years as an alternative therapy aiding a multitude of symptoms. It is performed by a skilled technician who manipulates the soft tissue surrounding the muscles. Techniques including gliding (of the hands), kneading, tapping and pressure are used to relax muscle tissue and provide relief for aches and pains. In most cases, massages are performed with the client lying on a table, covered by a sheet. The therapist will often use a cream or lotion to prevent excessive friction when performing the massage.

Misconceptions

• There have been many misconceptions about massage therapy throughout the years. One is that massages take place in buildings called massage parlors. A massage parlor implies use of sexual massage, so the term massage parlor is no longer used when referring to a skilled massage therapist.
  Some may think that all massages require the client to be nude. This is not the case. There are several types of massages that can be performed fully clothed and many others that take place while the client is in underwear, completely covered by a sheet.

Type

• With over 250 different types of massages, it may be difficult to choose the one that is right for you. To decide which massage you need, decide what you are looking to gain from the massage. If you need someone who will work out specific areas of muscle that are sore and aching, ask for a deep tissue or sports massage. If your goal is relaxation, sign up for a relaxation, Swedish, or aromatherapy massage. If you would like a massage that is less invasive and doesn't require you to take off clothes, try a shiatsu massage, chair massage or reflexology.

Benefits

• The benefits of massage are vast and varied. A good massage can lower heart rate as well as blood pressure. Massage therapy is also known to stimulate and promote blood circulation. One of the main reasons people have massages is to reduce stress or simply to relax. Stress is a major cause of disease and the more it can be prevented, the less likely a person is to get sick. Massage therapy has also been proven to help with back pain, depression, arthritis and fatigue. Pregnancy massage helps to reduce labor time and ease the mother's pain during delivery.

Risk Factors

• There are only a few risk factors associated with massage therapy. It is generally advised that those with active cancer not have regular massages. However, it is fine for them to have simple reflexology treatments instead. It is also advised that pregnant women not have aggressive massages during their first trimester, as it can induce a miscarriage. A light massage is fine, as long as the therapist stays away from the feet and heels. There are pressure points in the feet and ankles that are known to cause problems with pregnant women. After the first trimester has passed, a pregnant woman may have any massage that she likes without worrying about risks.