MoonDragon's Alternative Health Information
MASSAGE THERAPY



THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE

Therapeutic massage is an age-old remedy and health practice. It is found in all major civilizations past and present. From the ancient Greek gymnasia and Roman baths to modern day spas and health clubs, massage has been recognized for its health enhancing effects. The healing systems of many cultures, including our own, use hands-on therapy to soothe aches and pains and facilitate the body's own healing powers.

From infancy to old age, massage has been found to enhance general health and well being. Therapeutic massage has many applications and variations. Because it is used for health promotion as well as for its curative aspect, it can truthfully be said "if you have a body, you can benefit from therapeutic massage."

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PROVEN EFFECTIVE

Many of the therapeutic effects of massage recognized by personal and clinical experience over the years have been supported by scientific research (1). In addition to the commonly known benefits of relaxation, improved circulation, and relief for muscle tension, new applications for therapeutic massage are surfacing in areas related to mental and emotional well-being, infant care, aging, and other special situations.

Exciting new discoveries link touch in general, and therapeutic massage in particular, to improved immune system functioning (2).

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MANY BENEFITS AND USES

ENHANCES GENERAL HEALTH

Therapeutic massage can be an important component of your health maintenance or wellness plan. It helps keep the body and mind functioning optimally.

• Promotes well-nourished and healthy skin.


• Improves circulation of blood and lymph.


• Relaxes muscles and improves joint mobility.


• Encourages general relaxation.


• Improves immune system functioning.


• Improves energy flow.

ALLEVIATES PROBLEM CONDITIONS

Therapeutic massage can help bring the body back to optimal functioning.

• General muscular tension and aches.


• Tension headaches.


• Muscular back pain.


• Poor circulation.


• Stress and anxiety.

SUPPORTS YOUR FITNESS OR SPORTS PROGRAM

Therapeutic massage can be an important adjunct to a fitness or sports program, helping you achieve your performance goals with minimum injury and pain.

• Relieves tired and sore muscles.


• Helps to improve flexibility.


• Relaxes tight muscles.


• Speeds recovery from strenuous physical exertion.


• Reduces the anxiety of athletic competition.

Chiropractic & Therapeutic Sport Massage

COMBATS THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF AGING

Therapeutic massage is effective in combating the negative effects of aging noticed in the middle to late years of life. It helps keep body tissues and basic functions in a more youthful state.

• Enhances tissue elasticity and joint flexibility.


• Improves blood and lymph circulation.


• Promotes healthy vibrant skin.


• Improves immune system functioning.


• Relieves muscles aches and stiffness.

RELIEVES THE EFFECTS OF STRESS

Therapeutic massage helps balance the effects of stress in our lives, and avoid stress related disease and dysfunction.

• Triggers the Relaxation Response.


• Relaxes tense muscles.


• Reduces anxiety level.


• Normalizes blocked energy flow.


• Improves immune system functioning.


• Restores a calm mind and feeling of well-being.

SPECIAL CASES

Therapeutic massage can help in certain temporary or long-term situations which cause unique physical and mental challenges.

• For mothers-to-be during pregnancy.


• For infants, especially premature and other developmentally challenged babies.


• For the disabled, especially those in wheelchairs and others with challenging orthopedic conditions.


• For the elderly.

COMPLEMENTS OTHER HEALTH CARE


Therapeutic massage is frequently used to enhance the beneficial effects of other types of health care.

• Physical and Occupational Therapy.


• Chiropractic.


• Psychotherapy.

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ESPECIALLY BENEFICIAL FOR...

CARE-GIVERS


For those who care for others, for example: mothers and fathers, teachers, recreation leaders, daycare workers, nurses, midwives, and healthcare workers of all kinds.

PHYSICAL WORKERS

For those who stress their bodies in their work or trade, for example: construction workers, domestic and custodial personnel, truck drivers, postal workers, electricians, plumbers, painters, professional athletes, dancers, and musicians.

DESK WORKERS

For those whose work involves long hours sitting at a desk using a computer, or talking on the telephone; or at a bench assembling parts, fixing things, or creating works of art.

TRAVELERS

For those spending long hours sitting in an automobile, train or airplane, for example: commuters, sales people, business travelers, and vacationers.

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WHICH APPROACH IS BEST FOR YOU?

There are several popular approaches or styles of therapeutic massage. Each one has its own unique character, focus, techniques, and theoretical base. Some are more effective for certain goals than others. How do you know which one is best for you?

Classic European massage is very versatile and forms the basis of many other approaches. Swedish and Russian styles are most common and contain the familiar long strokes, kneading, vibration, friction, and percussion techniques. It can be applied effectively for general relaxation, general health enhancement, sports massage, injury recovery and rehabilitation, and many other purposes.

Massage and bodywork forms of Asian origin include amma, acupressure, and shiatsu. These Asian styles are generally focused on energy flow according to the Chinese medical model. In acupressure and shiatsu the characteristic technique is finger pressure on individual points. The Ayurvedic medical model from India gives rise to other forms of body therapy, which incorporate theories of yoga and chakra energy flow. These are also used effectively for relaxation, general health enhancement, and remedial work.



In addition to the basic approaches described above, other forms of therapeutic massage and body therapies are available. Most experienced massage therapists use an eclectic approach and combine different forms of therapeutic massage in their sessions. Ask your massage therapist if the approach used is appropriate for your health goals.

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REFERENCES

(1)(A Physician's Guide to Therapeutic Massage: Its Physiological Effects and Their Applications to Treatment. By John Yates. Massage Therapists' Association of British Columbia, 1990).

(2)(The Bodywork Knowledgebase; Practitioner's Desk Reference. Volume 1 (1959-1988) Compiled by Richard van Why, 1989)

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MASSAGE THERAPY GIVES YOU A CHOICE

Massage Therapy gives you a choice of different massage techniques to choose from.

To reduce stress and tension try a Swedish Massage.

To relax and release emotional and physical stress try one of the energy evoking massages, such as Polarity & Reiki.

To relax muscles after a day at the gym or for a sports injury try the Sports Massage.

To enhance any of your massages add Aromatherapy.

Your local Massage or Chiropractic office may have or be able to refer you to a group of Licensed Massage Therapists to choose from, both male and female, in your region.

MassageSoup.com: Massage Directory

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LOCAL CHIROPRACTORS (Salem-Beverly Area) Salem Chiropractic Association 73 Lafayette Street Salem, MA 01970 978-741-9416 Green Chiropractor PC 310 Lafayette Street Salem, MA 01970 978-744-1123 Palombo Chiropractic Office 1 Colonial Rd Salem, MA 01970 978-744-3590 Fantini Chiropractic Office 20 Central Street Salem, MA 01970 978-745-5454 Dupilka Family Chiropractic 48 Congress Street Salem, MA 01970 978-745-6224 A Rosen Chiropractic 528 Loring Ave Salem, MA 01970 978-745-6868 Gordon Chiropractic PC 76 Federal Street Salem, MA 01970 978-745-8862 Beverly Depot Chiropractic 142 Rantoul Street Beverly, MA 01915-4241 978-921-4440 Beverly Venti Chiropractic 332 Cabot Street Beverly, MA 01915-3362 978-927-2270

Chiropractic Family Health 579 Cabot Street Beverly, MA 01915-2548 978-927-5825 Franson Family Chiropractic 181 Elliott Street # 101d Beverly, MA 01915-6115 978-927-8466 Gauthier Chiropractic Office 72 Sohier Rd Beverly, MA 01915-2654 978-927-5880 Kintish Chiropractic Office 58 Dodge Street Beverly, MA 01915-1043 978-922-0127 Mager Chiropractic 139 Elliott Street Beverly, MA 01915-3205 978-922-1605 New Life Holistic Health 38 Enon Street Rear Beverly, MA 01915-1139 978-922-1723 Russell Center For Chiropractic 319 Elliott Street Beverly, MA 01915-2421 978-927-2607 Troy Wheelwright DC Wheelwright Chiropractic 319 Elliott Street Beverly, MA 01915-2421 978-921-2110 Sciatica Doctors: Chiropractic Directory Chiropractic Clinics and Centers Directory

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