| How does massage work? When a practitioner massages soft tissue, electrical signals are transmitted both to the local area and throughout the body. These signals help heal damaged muscle, stimulate circulation, clear waste products via the lymphatic system, boost the activity of the immune system, reduce pain and tension, and induce a calming effect. They may also enhance a general sense of well-being by stimulating the release of endorphins (natural pain-killers and mood elevators) and reducing levels of certain stress hormones. The Effects Of Massage: Although a single massage will be enjoyable, the effects of massage are cumulative and a course of massage treatments will bring the most benefits. Regular massage can have the effect of strengthening and toning the entire body mechanism, and so help to prevent unnecessary strains and injuries that might otherwise occur due to excess tension and any resulting structural weaknesses. Massage can stimulate or calm the nervous system-depending upon what is required by the individual-and thus help reduce fatigue, leaving the reciever with a feeling of replenished energy. At its best, massage has the potential to restore the individual physically, mentally and spiritually. Benefit of Massage: In general, massage is believed to support healing, boost energy, reduce recovery time after an injury, ease pain, and enhance relaxation, mood, and well-being. In addition to being of value for many musculoskeletal problems such as low back pain, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and sprains and strains, massage may relieve depression in people with chronic fatigue syndrome, ease chronic constipation (when the technique is performed in the abdominal area), decrease swelling after a mastectomy (removal of the breast), alleviate sleep disorders, and improve self-image. In the workplace, massage has been shown to melt away stress and enhance mental alertness. Studies have found that massage relieves chronic back pain more effectively than other treatments (including acupuncture and conventional medical care for this condition with education via books and videos) and, in many cases, costs less than other treatments for this common health problem. In addition, mothers and newborns also appear to benefit from massage. Should anyone avoid massage? In general, massage is an extremely safe form of therapy; however, there are some situations where massage should be avoided. Seek medical advice before having a massage: 1.AIDS(where there are cuts or lesions) 2.Areas of local infection(e.g. shingles, ringworm, athlete's foot). 3.Bruising (never directly over a bruised area). 4.Eczema (weeping). 5.Fever or high temperatures. 6.Full stomach-always allow at least an hour between eating a meal and receiving massage. 7.Heart conditions. 8.Menstruation (some schools suggest no massage during the first two days). 9.Nausea. 10.Open cuts and sores. 11.Recent major operation. 12.Recent scar tissue. 13.Swelling or inflammation. 14.Thrombosis or phlebitis (painful clot in vein). 15.Tumors, or undiagnosed swellings. 16.Varicose veins- especially when the veins are painful or swollen. 17.Some Cancers Women should be very cautious about receiving massages during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, be sure to find a therapist specifically trained to perform massages on pregnant women. Even though massage is a useful technique to help regulate blood sugar over time, if you have diabetes you should check your blood sugar after a massage session because it may be too low just following a treatment. Plus, if you have diabetes and you are receiving massage on a regular basis, you should check your blood sugar frequently to evaluate for any changes over time. The causes of acute back pain should first be diagnosed by a physician before receiving massage treatment. Consult a qualified medical practitioner in cases of raised temperature, infections, or contagious disease. Parts copied from the University of Maryland website, with an original Copyright © 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from the application, use,or misuse of any of the information contained herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents of this material. No claims or endorsements are made for any drugs or compounds currently marketed or in investigative use. This material is not intended as a guide to self-medication. The reader is advised to discuss the information provided here with a doctor, pharmacist, nurse, or other authorized healthcare practitioner and to check product information (including package inserts) regarding dosage, precautions, warnings, interactions, and contraindications before administering any drug, herb, or supplement discussed herein. The information contained in this web site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Inclusion here does not imply any endorsement or recommendation by any hospital. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified medical provider for all medical problems prior to starting any new treatment. |
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