The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine posits than an estimated 18 million Americans adults and 700,000 children utilize massage therapy during the course of a year. Reasons for its use are numerous and include pain management and relief, treatment of sports injuries, stress reduction, relaxation, mental health purposes and general wellness.
Physiological Effects of Swedish Massage
Swedish massage, which is easily among one of the most popular methods used today, employs a combination of hand strokes, kneading, circular motions, tapping, and the application of friction to the entire body. "The Women's Guide to Ending Pain: An 8 Step Program" promotes the use of Swedish massage to stimulate metabolism and improve blood circulation to the heart.
Physiological Effects of Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage is an intensified version of the Swedish massage method. The Florida State Massage Therapy Association suggests that this method is built upon the same concepts of rubbing and kneading, but with greater application of pressure and targeted pressure to the deep muscle layers. The practitioner may also employ the use of their elbows and thumbs in order to reduce tension well beneath the surface.
Physiological Effects of Sports Massage
Sports massage is the method of choice for avid exercisers and trained athletes alike. This technique is a combination approach of deep tissue massage and Swedish manipulation techniques. According to Holistic Online sports, massage can ease the pain of overexerted muscles and fatigue, helps restore muscle tone and mobility after vigorous exercise, and further eliminates the build up of excess lactic acid, which contributes to pain and stiffness of joints.
Physiological Effects of Lymphatic Massage
Lymphatic massage is used to increase circulation of the vessels and lymph nodes. According to "Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide", the light hand strokes employed by this technique is centered on major lymph glands and the movement of fluid (neck, armpits, upper torso and groin), which releases congestion and blockages in these areas and produces a flow of oxygen-rich blood. In addition to the light hand strokes, practitioners may also elect to use a Light Beam Generator (a tool used to deliver gentle photonic light into cells and lymph nodes to break up blockages) to enhance this flow.
References
- "Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide (2nd ed.)"; Trivieri, Jr., L. & Anderson, J. (Eds.); 2002
- "Holistic Online: Sports Massage"; 2007
- "The Women's Guide to Ending Pain: An 8 Step Program"; Smith, M.D., H. & Bruce, M.S., D.; 2003
- "Florida State Massage Therapy Association: Benefits of Massage"; 2010
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