The Health Benefits of Massage
and other Bodywork Therapies
Shelly Sparks, LMT
There are many therapeutic bodywork modalities. It is good to experience at least a few to find what works best for you. It also depends on whether you are looking for relaxation or pain relief. Many therapies actually provide both. However, not everyone responds to certain techniques the same way. That is why it is a good idea to try more than one. There are too many to list in this article, so I will touch on a few of the more commonly known.
Swedish Massage is the most widely recognized form of bodywork Swedish Massage is beneficial for relaxing the body and mind. It increases blood and lymph circulation and brings nutrients to the muscle tissue. It also helps flush waste products such as lactic acid from the cells. The kneading action used in Swedish Massage helps squeeze blood through the muscle tissue. The friction used helps move lymph and enhances the immune system. Swedish Massage is perfect for overall health maintenance.
Neuromuscular Therapy is more specific and is often used in conjunction with Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage. The therapist applies pressure to a Trigger Point or specific painful area on the muscle tissue. The area becomes ischemic until the pressure is released. This changes the pain message the nerve transmits to the muscle and helps release tissue constriction. This is helpful in chronic pain conditions.
Thai Massage combines assisted yoga stretching movements, rhythmic compression and rocking, acupressure along the meridians or energy lines of the body. It also uses joint mobilization and soft tissue manipulation and is designed to unblock trapped energy by gently massaging internal organs. This helps release toxins and improve immunity. During a Thai Massage session you remain fully clothed and no oils are used. The focus on slow deep breathing makes the treatment both relaxing and invigorating.
Hot Stone therapy uses Swedish Massage techniques with smooth river stones that have been heated in water. The moist heat penetrates the muscle tissue for a relaxing and therapeutic effect.
When you decide which modality you like, it is also a good idea to try different therapists who do the same type of bodywork, because everyone has a different technique and style. It is important to feel comfortable with your therapist. There are also different types of facilities where bodywork is available. Where you choose to go would also depend on how important ambience is to you. A therapist that is well trained should be able to adjust the treatment for the best possible outcome. Most facilities require their employees to have the proper training. In the state of Ohio, you must go to an accredited school and be licensed by the state medical board to claim you are a Massage Therapist.
Click here for The Benefits of Massage Therapy.
In Memory of
Elijah Sparks
(1/18/90- 5/21/0 )
On
May 21, a faithful companion, best friend and healer passed on. My little
dog Elijah touched many people’s lives. Elijah loved everybody. If we
were out walking and passed someone who didn’t acknowledge him, he looked
like “Hey, they didn’t stop and say Hi and how cute I am.”
Very few people (or animals) didn’t stop to greet Elijah. I think they
saw what a loving little guy he was and how much he loved life. He was still
very vivacious up until the last month or so. People were often amazed when
I told them how old he was and said he still looked like a puppy.
We owe a debt of gratitude to our pets. They enrich our lives in many ways. They give us unconditional love and an appreciation for nature. Studies show they even improve our health by helping us de-stress and lowering our blood pressure.
Elijah saved my life in many ways. He saw me through some very tough times. I have had many psychics and other healers tell me that Elijah did healing work on me. I truly believe he had healing abilities. Any one who came to my apartment to get massage a few years ago had the privilege of meeting Elijah. He stayed in the room during the sessions. He would peek his face through the hole in the face rest and lick people. That was his way of giving healing.
Pets make us laugh, too. Elijah had a great sense of humor. He liked to tease. He would bring his little stuffed bear up to someone and just as they reached to get it, he would dodge away. (As if to say, ”Ha, fooled you!”) Bear was his baby. He played with it to the exclusion of other toys. He wouldn’t fetch Bear, either. He would make you try to get bear away from him. Many of the fond memories of my life have involved Elijah.
Elijah will live on forever in my heart. I have been blessed to have him in my life for the last eighteen years.
Shelly Sparks, LMT