by Irini Kotroni

Created on: March 22, 2010   Last Updated: March 25, 2010

Imagine lying on a couch listening to soothing music, with mobile phone switched off and nobody able to reach you, except one person, your massage therapist.

Sounds good?   Read on, this is just the first health benefit; getting the client away from mental and environmental stress and allowing the body to relax.  This is very difficult as a client is able to relax the body but not the mind.  The mind is like a ‘chattering monkey’, never stopping.

Massage therapy is under-rated in helping both body and mind to heal.  The ancient Greeks used olive oil to soothe away their aches and pains and to improve the condition of their skin as well as keeping themselves supple, ready for both sport and war.

We look after our cars better than our bodies.  Even a simple foot blister can cause all manner of back problems and the remedy we use?  We put a plaster on it and hope it gets better quickly.  A professional therapist will look not just at the injured area but at the origins and actions of the muscles involved.

A massage helps the major systems within the body function more efficiently.  It improves circulation by pumping oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs.

It ‘kick starts’ the body’s washing machine, the lymphatic circulation, to rid the body of toxins which cause lactic and uric acid build-up.  Lactic acid contributes to cramp which can cost a sportsman a victory for example, in a marathon.  Excess uric acid may give rise to gout or if it is in the blood, kidney stones.   Drinking 1.75 litres of water daily will also help the lymphatic circulation flush the toxins from the body.  Non-medical oedema (swelling) is reduced because the body is storing fewer toxins.

The immune system is improved as endorphins, the natural painkillers are released into the body; this in turn leads to reducing the need for chemical drugs. Prescribed medicines are necessary in today’s world but primarily if possible, allow the body to have a chance to heal itself.

Obviously there is physical relief for the muscles.  Tense muscles are soothed using special massage techniques, long effleurage strokes highlight problem areas and get the client used to the touch of the therapist; tight muscles receive friction petrissage strokes, encouraging blood flow to the injured area and tapotement wakes up the muscles and allows them to work to their optimum level of flexibility.

The world of today is a global village.  Our ancestors would not have travelled far from their cave or dwelling place.  The modern world places more demands on its inhabitants who travel further ‘to close’ that essential deal.  Computer technology is necessary to deal with modern business requirements.  Shoulders become hunched from bending over a computer or by driving a car.  Legs become stiff with restricted space on aircraft.

Massage will rid the shoulders of tension; knots will get smoothed away, head and neck movements are less restricted and leg muscles are lengthened.  Anxiety and stress are reduced thus aiding and improving sleeping patterns.

Sportsmen and women have long enjoyed the benefits of massage as it improves their performance and speeds up the recovery process should an injury occur.

After the massage the therapist will advise a programme to help the muscles retain their new flexibility.  A sensible diet and stretching exercises together with regular massage sessions will help maintain a healthy and more relaxed, mind and body.

Learn more about this author, Irini Kotroni.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.