Massage Therapy

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" rowspan="2" width=150 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="07055550.jpg" border=0 width="85" height="85" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id18_m.htm#origins_and_description" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Massage Therapy"><U>Origins and Description</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id18_m.htm#some_research" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Massage Therapy"><U>Some Research</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id18_m.htm#physical_benefits" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Massage Therapy"><U>Physical Benefits</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id18_m.htm#mental_benefits" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Massage Therapy"><U>Mental Benefits</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id18_m.htm#what_to_expect" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Massage Therapy"><U>What to expect</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id18_m.htm#when_not_to_have_massage_therapy" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Massage Therapy"><U>When not to have Massage Therapy</U></A></div> <bR> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=110 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <B> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="665" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=BOTTOM HEIGHT= 31 ><NOBR><div> <B>Complementary Therapies</B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#006600" FACE="Verdana" ><B> </B></FONT><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Handful Of Cherries"><U><B>home</B></U></A><B> : </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Handful Of Cherries"><U><B>up</B></U></A><B>  :  </B><A HREF="id17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="CranioSacral Therapy"><U><B>previous</B></U></A><B>  : </B><A HREF="id102.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Reiki"><U><B> next</B></U></A><B> </B></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></B></div> <div> <B>             Restoring Balance in Health</B></div> <bR> <div> <B> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="698" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BELOW" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 87 WIDTH="692"><div> <I>Massage Therapy</I></div> <div> <I>_____________________________________</I></div> <bR> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></B></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=370 colspan=2 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <bR> <div> Massage is to the human body what a tune-up is to a car.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Enhance your health with Therapeutic Massage</B></div> <bR> <div> <I>"Massage is potent and transformational.  It offers relaxation in an overstressed world, sanctuary in an hour, mind-body connections for desk jockeys, performance enhancement for athletes, and, most importantly, healing for many who have looked high and low in vain for alternatives. There's virtually something for everyone."</I></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Linda Riach</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="origins_and_description"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#006600" FACE="Verdana" ><B>Origins and Description</B></FONT></div> <bR> <div> The word massage is generally believed to derive from the Arabic `mass’ or `Mas’h’ meaning to press softly.</div> <div> Massage is the oldest form of medicine known to man. It is an instinctive medicine and almost certainly began as a form of structured touching which people found produced positive results for their health and well being. Through the ages almost every culture has rediscovered the magic of touch for itself and formulated its own system of massage for health.</div> <bR> <div> Massage Therapy is the skilful restoration of mobility to soft tissue and joints using a variety of massage techniques. The application of such techniques is based on a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology, making it a powerful yet non- traumatic therapy.</div> <bR> <div> The popularity of massage is growing and the value of the massage therapy is becoming increasingly recognised by the orthodox medical establishment. It is estimated, by the medical profession, that a large percentage of medical complaints are stress related. </div> <bR> <div> Massage is considered by many to be an art, but there's a scientific basis for it as well. Researchers have studied the value </div> <div> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#556B2F" FACE="Verdana" >of massage to treat everything from back pain to depression. </FONT> Massage improves the functioning of the circulatory, lymphatic, muscular, skeletal and nervous systems and may improve the rate at which the body recovers from injury and illness. Massage involves tracing the outline of the body by following the direction of muscle, tendons, ligaments and bones; applying pressure to and/ or holding these structures. </div> <bR> <div>  </div> <div>  <A NAME="what_to_expect"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B>What to expect</B></div> <bR> <div> The first appointment generally begins with a case history and an enquiry about painful areas.</div> <div> For a full body massage, you will be asked to remove clothing down to underpants. Undressing takes place in private, and a towel is provided for covering. The therapist will uncover only the part of your body being massaged. Your massage will take place in a comfortable atmosphere and on a cushioned table. You should generally expect a peaceful, relaxing experience. The massage will be customised for you  i.e. if you have a problem with, say,  your upper back or your neck this will be the focus area.</div> <bR> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="physical_benefits"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B>Physical </B><B>Benefits of Massage Therapy</B></div> <bR> <div> The benefits of massage are many and varied and include:</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">helps relieve stress, tension and emotional trauma </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">helps relieve muscle tension and stiffness</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">reduces muscle spasm</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">helps relieve tension-related headaches</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">improves circulation</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">reduces blood pressure</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">improves posture</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">enhances the health and nourishment of the skin</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">strengthens the immune system</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">helps relieve aches, pains and to generally assist the body’s own healing process </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">assists in the detoxification of soft tissue</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="mental_benefits"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B>Mental Benefits of Massage Therapy</B></div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">reduces immediate and long term anxiety</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">enhances capacity for calm thinking</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">creates a feeling of general well-being (increase endorphin levels)</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">increases awareness of mind-body connection</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">unwind at the end of a hard day</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">or JUST because you ENJOY it!!</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Massage is beneficial for all ages - you’re never too old or too young to benefit from massage.</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="when_not_to_have_massage_therapy"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B>When not to have Massage Therapy</B></div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">inflammation of the veins / varicose veins</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">infectious diseases</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">certain forms of cancer</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">some skin conditions</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00660000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">some cardiac problems e.g. thrombosis, angina</div> <bR> <div> If you have any of the above symptoms or, always check with your doctor before seeking a massage.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="some_research"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B>Some Research</B></div> <bR> <div> Over the past 20 years much research has been carried out on the effects of massage therapy.  </div> <bR> <div> Small studies by Sims(1) and Longworth(2) examined the effects of flow stroke back massage in adult women. Increased well-being, relaxation, tranquility and decreased tiredness were reported. Similar results were observed in a small trial on patients in an acute medical ward over a period of six weeks(3)</div> <bR> <div> (1) Sims S, Slow stroke back massage for cancer patients, Nurs Times, 82 (13): 47-50, 1986.</div> <div> (2) Longworth JCD, Psychophysiological effects of slow stroke back massage in normotensive females, Adv Nurs Sci, July: 44-61, 1982.</div> <div> (3) Farrow J, Massage therapy and nursing care, Nurs Stand, 17(4): 26-28, 1990.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>