What is Massage Therapy?

People from all walks of life are discovering the health-enhancing benefits of Massage Therapy nowadays.  This branch of natural health care spans a wide variety of therapeutic approaches that work to improve a person's health through hands-on mobilization of muscles and other soft tissues of the body which can be manipulated by a trained therapist hands.

This long-respected healing art has a history that stretches back thousands of years and spans the globe. The Roman Emperor’s physician, Galen (AD 129-c. 199) wrote at least 16 books relating to massage and exercise. Now in the 21st century, Massage continues to boom as an integral part of the health-care system. Many present day therapies integrate information from traditional approaches with modern day scientific knowledge, producing precise and effective treatment.

Benefits of Massage Therapy of Various Kinds:-

1.        Enhances mental alertness

2.        Creates body awareness

3.        Stimulates local blood supply & lymphatic fluids

4.        Alleviates discomfort during pregnancy

5.        Improves joint range of movement

6.        Treats injuries caused during sport or work

7.        Assists in stress management

8.        Reduces levels of anxiety

9.        Relieves muscular tension

10.       Treats muscular-skeletal problems

11.      Rehabilitation post operative

12.      Increases joint flexibility

13.      Rehabilitation after injury

While some Massage Therapists may focus primarily on a single method of treatment, others will combine a variety of methods in their work. Each session is tailored to the specific needs of the client.  Far beyond simply "feeling good", Massage can be beneficial for everyone, from infancy to childhood, through adult life and in later years.

 Types of Massages -

Relaxation Massage:     A smooth, flowing style that promotes general relaxation, improves circulation and range of movement, and relieves muscular tension.

Remedial Massage:       Is a paramedical treatment that helps to restore function to injured "soft tissues" (muscles, tendons and ligaments).
                                      Therapy may involve the use of various types of Massage, as well as a range of other physical treatments to assist your         
                                      recovery. In addition, you may be asked to perform some activities at home to assist the process of recovery.

Sports Massage:            Combines different Massage techniques to enhance sports performance and recuperation. An effective component of any training   
                                      program.

Aromatherapy:              Combining the therapeutic properties of essential oils with specific Massage techniques (by Marguerite Maurry) to promote health and
                                      well-being.

Reflexology:                  Using thumb and finger pressure on the reflex points of the feet (which correspond to all areas of the body) to assist in achieving 
                                      balance within the body.

Oriental Therapies:       Oriental-based systems of finger pressure Massage, such as Acupressure and Shiatsu that treat points along the acupressure 
                                      meridians,  aiming to release discomfort and rebalance energy

(From Association of Massage Therapists Australia)