MASSAGE THERAPY,combination of Science and Art

Massage Therapy, a combination of science and art, provides a relaxing experience by artistic hand strokes on the body to rejuvenate the mind and body and eliminate stress scientifically. The origin of the term ‘massage’ can be traced to four sources: Massage involves the manipulation of the soft tissue structures of the body to prevent pain, discomfort, muscle spasm, and stress; and, to promote health and wellness. The different movements can physically stretch muscles, ligaments, tendons and fascia, boost the circulation through the tissue, inhibit muscular spasms and be either sedating or stimulating to the nervous system. Therapeutic massage improves functioning of the circulatory, lymphatic, muscular, skeletal, and nervous systems and may improve the rate at which the body recovers from injury and illness.
Benefit of Massage Therapy:

•  Massage therapy and bodywork increases blood circulation.
  
•  A therapist can render massage that stimulates the lymph system, the body’s natural defense, against toxic invaders.
  
•  The body’s natural painkiller. Studies have also found that acupuncture treatment could release other pain-relieving substances called opiods.
  
•  Is being incorporated into treatment for chronic illness, injury and recovery from surgery to control and relieve pain.
  
•  Contributes to shorter labor and reduced tearing for expectant mothers, as well as lessening the need for medication, minimizing depression and anxiety.
  
•  It can relax tense and tightened muscles. Massage therapist often render massage to treat low-back pain and neck pain.
  
•  Reduces overall stress. It helps the body's stress response by lowering levels of stress hormones such as cortisol.
  

• Emotional Benefit of Massage Therapy:
  

Promotes a relaxed state of mental alertness. Improves ability to monitor stress signals and respond appropriately. Enhances capacity for calm thinking and creativity Satisfies needs for caring nurturing touch Fosters a feeling of well-being Reduces levels of anxiety, Creates body awareness Increases awareness of mind-body connection.
Massage Oils:

Today there are many types of massage oil with various uses. The various oils contain ingredients for specific or all skin types to purify and nourish the skin. Essential oils are used to enhance the massage treatment more popularly known as Aromatherapy.
• Sweet Almond Oil is light, sweet and slightly nutty oil which is anti-inflammatory in nature. It is known to penetrate and nourish the skin. This oil is also known to be one of the most popular carrier oils
• Apricot oil has moisturizing, nourishing and revitalizing properties and is particularly helpful for dehydrated, delicate, mature and sensitive skin. It is also helpful to soothe inflammation.
• Avocado oil is often used for people with dry or mature skin, people suffering from eczema, psoriasis or similar skin complaints. It is also very useful when treating sun or climate damaged skin that is dehydrated and under nourished, as it is said to help with the regenerating of the skin and softening of the tissue.
• Jojoba oil is ideal for all skin types. It can in most cases be used on blemished skin without any problems, as it helps to control acne. Jojoba is also a favorite oil to use as carrier oil for aromatherapy as it penetrates the skin easily. Jojoba is anti-bacterial and helps breaking down sebum in plugged pores.
• Wheat germ oil has a high vitamin E content and essential fatty acids, thus it is used extensively in aromatherapy massage blends. It is said to promote a smoother, younger-looking skin, assisting in healing scar tissue as well as stretch marks.
• Hazelnut oil is fine in texture, and has great moisturizing qualities. Hazelnut oil helps tone and tightens the skin while strengthening capillaries and assisting in cell regeneration.
• Sesame Oil is good for all skin types, destroys ringworm, scabies and most fungal skin diseases. Considered to be antiseptic and thought to be most stable in terms of spoilage.
• Holy oil is known to be ideal carrier oil due to its molecular structure. It carries essential oils deep into the skin. An excellent glide, non-greasy, odorless, hypoallergenic oil.

Tension can build up in the muscles, causing a decrease in blood circulation and nutrient delivery to tissues. When stress and tension subsist over a long period of time it silently creeps over to affect many systems of our body leading to heart disorders, memory loss, gastrointestinal disorders and decreasing immune system!! A massage therapist without a certification would probably add to your stress accumulation than relieve you of it. Hence, it becomes a first check, as in all forms of remedies to look for a certified Massage Therapist to perform a physical massage therapy. Physical massage therapy by its very medium of touch work on muscles, tendons and ligaments to decrease muscular tension, increase removal of metabolic waste and thereby promote nutrient delivery to healing tissues. As the muscles improve in tone, so do the nerves that supply them to the spinal cord and back to the brain. The nerves provide stimulus for movement and feeling and are extremely sensitive and alert to the atmosphere inside and outside the body.
The American Medical Association recommends that massage therapists receive training in a massage therapy institution that has been accredited by the Commission of Massage Therapy Accreditation. It is equally important to make sure that they have this accreditation and are Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork
A certification in massage therapy ensures that the therapist has expert information on anatomy and physiology, as well as hands on training in specific or various massage techniques. A Massage therapist therefore can diagnose the health and disease and thereby decide upon the befitting technique to be employed to relieve the massage receiver of his problem. This is important because for a massage to work, it needs to be utilizing the correct technique.