Massage therapy is an alternative or complementary therapy with physical and mental benefits. It is a popular avenue for those seeking pain and stress relief. A 2007 Natural Health Interviews study reported an estimated 18 million adults and 700,000 children had massage therapy in 2006. To meet the need, today there are over 125,000 massage therapists available to help those who seek this treatment.
History
The practice of massage therapy dates back thousands of years and is used in many cultures, including Japan, India, Egypt and Greece. Thought to have originated in China over 4,000 years ago, it is still part of traditional Chinese treatments. Massage therapy was brought to the United States from Sweden in the 1850s by two doctors who had studied the technique in Europe. Although it decreased in popularity in the 1930s and 1940s due to medicinal and technology breakthroughs, therapeutic massage experienced a resurgence in the 1970s and continues to gain popularity today.
Features
The massage therapist uses her hands, elbows, forearms or feet to manipulate the soft tissue and muscle. Depending on the body area, touch from massage therapy either calms or stimulates the tissue and muscle. Swedish is the most common and uses soft, kneading motions on the topmost layers. Deep tissue gets to the deeper layers of skin. A sports massage is helpful for training and focuses on areas an athlete puts the most pressure on. Trigger point massage works on the sensitive areas in muscle fibers that have suffered years of overuse or injury.
Physical Benefits
The Mayo Clinic, National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, NCCAM, and American Massage Therapy Association all report that massage therapy is beneficial in treating physical conditions. A 2009 NCCAM-funded study on neck pain and massage concluded that after 10 weeks of massage therapy integrated with traditional therapies, chronic sufferers experienced significant improvement in function and symptoms. Massage therapy can also help with chronic pain, stiffness, blood pressure control and boosting immunity. Massage therapy is also helpful in cancer treatment to reduce pain and enhance mood. Migraine sufferers benefit from massage therapy with fewer headaches and sleep disturbances.
Mental Benefits
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, massage therapy aids in boosting energy, enhancing relaxation, mood and overall well-being. It is also effective for reducing stress and managing anxiety. Massage therapy increases the body's levels of serotonin and dopamine, which aids in relieving depression. Massage therapy is a relaxation technique as well as a physical movement of the skin and tissue. Many recipients of massage therapy report feeling mentally refreshed after treatment.
Considerations
Visit a well-trained massage therapist for treatment. During a massage there should be pressure but not a feeling of pain or discomfort. Speak up during the massage therapy session if this happens. Massage therapy is not for sunburned skin or skin with open wounds. Talk to your doctor before receiving a massage if you have blood clots, fractures, rheumatoid arthritis or severe osteoporosis. Massage therapy is not recommended for those with kidney or heart failure.
References
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Massage Therapy
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Complementary Medicine: Massage
- MayoClinic.com: Massage: Get in touch with its many health benefits
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine:Benefits of Therapeutic Massage
- American Massage Therapy Association: Fact Sheet
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