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Massage > A Definition
Massage is a healing art practiced in all cultures and
regions of the world. It is the systematic placing of the hands on a body and
applying techniques to
treat the body and the person to relieve ailments and stress
and said to be one of the best preventative medicines available.
This basic instinct
to rub our bodies in times of distress or injury has been developed over generations into a sophisticated healing art, it is
a natural, holistic and scientific method to relieve the effects of stresses and
strains.
Most parents recognize that when a child is upset, stroking their hair and
physical contact soothes and calms children.
In European history, records extend back to 465 BC, when
Hypocrites (considered the 'father' of modern
medicine) prescribed it as a treatment for
his patients.
Massage has been a part Ayurveda, an Indian traditional medicine system which
has origins some 5000 years ago. It was practiced and taught by the
spiritual rishis, who laid the foundations of the Vedic civilisation in India
and massage was also extensively used in China.
The most commonly used massage systems are Ayurvedic massage and
Swedish
Massage. There are over 400 massage
systems which include; Shiatsu,
Deep Tissue, Holistic Pulsing, Bowen Technique,
Acupressure and altogether over 400 recognised forms.
"Massage
Therapy" is:
- The holistic
application of physical touch to affect the
systems of the body; i.e. the muscular,
skeletal, digestive, elimination,
respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic,
endocrine and nervous systems.
- It is the
manipulation the soft tissue of the body with
the hands for therapeutic, healing, relaxing
and pleasurable effects.
- It is caring expressed through the hands supporting,
stroking, rubbing, kneading and pressing.
Today massage is widely recognised as a cost effective preventative medicine and
as an effective therapy to treat not only injuries, but many other health and
psychological problems.
Massage helps in: relaxation, relieving the effects of over exertion, stress and
pain, recovery from illness, weight loss, circulation, detoxification, lymphatic drainage,
lowering or increasing pulse, improving muscle tone and breathing, releasing emotional
mental and emotional exhaustion, restoring depleted
energy and generating a sense of well-being and is safe for people of all ages.
Massage really isn't a pointless indulgence in sensory experience.
It's an assurance, keeping you in touch with your body.
Learn massage - Request a massage -
Class Notes -
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