February 25, 2004 |
News
Give the Gift of Massage
The power of touch is extraordinary to behold. Whether we offer a supportive shoulder to cry on, rock a baby or small child to sleep, or pat the hand of a friend struggling through a difficult time, women seem to be blessed with an instinctive understanding that touch can heal. Through the years, I have witnessed its healing power in my personal as well as my professional life. Every time my husband gives me a tender hug, I am amazed by the way the tensions of the day seem to float away. Similarly, my patients often report significant health benefits from a variety of touch therapies such as massage. The art and science of massage have solid, ancient roots, starting with Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine, who noted 400 years before the birth of Christ that a physician had to be experienced in the art of friction. It was also highly regarded by the ancient Chinese, Hindus, Persians, and Egyptians, and has been practiced by healers and athletes for centuries. Massage temporarily fell out of favor, in part because of its mistaken association with carnal pleasure. However, a renaissance in the early 1800ssparked by the Swedish Massage techniquebrought massage back into common healing practice. And today, massage is alive and thriving. An increasing number of health care facilities, including nursing homes and hospitals, have massage therapists on staff. And a growing number of insurance companies cover the expense of this time-tested therapy, which benefits the mind and spirit, as well as the body. Physiological Benefits Massage works on a variety of levels throughout the body. In the circulatory system, it promotes better circulation to the skin and superficial tissues, helps increase the number of red blood cells, increases return of blood to the heart thereby easing the strain on the heart, increases tissue metabolism and cell nutrition, and stimulates lymph circulation and elimination of toxic wastes. Massage aids the musculoskeletal system by increasing blood flow to the skeletal muscles, relaxing muscle tension caused by stress, and improving muscle tone. Additionally, massage promotes intestinal relaxation and better elimination through the bowel. It also helps to drain mucus from the lungs and sinuses and can be a wonderful sleep aid. Emotional Benefits Massage is steeped in emotional benefits. The most obvious is its reduction of tension and stress. A brief massage can bring about a deep sense of peace and relaxation. In fact, some studies have found that massage can stimulate the production of chemicals such as serotonin, which are related to the body’s innate relaxation response. In a word, massage makes you feel good. Receiving a gentle massage often gives you a feeling of unity with all of nature. Many people experience a profound sense of love for their friends and families, and even gain a sense of oneness with the people that they work with or encounter on a daily basis after a massage session. Energetic Benefits I am a strong believer in the energy model of health and well-being, and believe that such important processes such as our immune function, reproductive and cardiovascular health, our energy, and even our moods are affected by fluctuations in our life energy. I feel strongly that touch lovingly given from one person to another, such as occurs with marriage, actually transmits life energy and has powerful therapeutic benefits for the recipient as well as the provider. Give the Gift of Touch There’s no time like the present to share the healing power of touch and give the gift of massage to someone you love. A gift certificate to a massage therapist or day spa is a present with long-lasting benefits. If you prefer the personal touch, give them a massage yourself. Even a few minutes spent massaging the back, shoulders, or hands of someone you love can be profoundly relaxing. Finally, remember that a smile or simple pat on the back, when lovingly done, can be very healing in its own right. To find a massage therapist or bodywork spa in your area, check your local yellow pages, or contact the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals online at www.massagetherapy.com or by phone at 1-800-458-2267. |
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