Massage
is a systematic, therapeutic stroking and kneading of
the soft tissues of the body.
The
word is derived from the Greek ‘masso’,
to knead and the Arabic ‘mass’, to press
gently. It has been used as a form of therapy for thousands
of years and touch is the most instinctive response
to pain. Touch is an essential requirement for healthy
development in early life and research has shown the
babies who have received massage from their mothers
have increased weight gain, increased nerve and brain
cell development and better hormonal functioning and
cell activity.
Earliest
records of the use of massage as a therapy come from
China over 5,000 years ago. The use of massage in the
West became more popular in the 16th Century when a
French doctor, Ambroise Pare incorporated a more anatomical
and physiological approach. A Swede, Per Henrik Ling,
developed a system of massage and gymnastics in the
early 19th Century which became what we now know as
Swedish Massage.
There
are many different types of massage that have been developed;
some approaches focus on the physical effects that the
massage techniques have on the body, whilst others focus
attention on the flow of ‘energy’ within
the body. All types of massage can have an effect on
the skin, muscles, blood vessels, lymph, nerves and
some of the internal organs.
How
Does Massage Work?
The
relationship between the exterior and interior of the
body is closely interlinked via the nervous system and
it has been found that by stimulating specific areas
on the surface of the body can have a corresponding
effect on the internal organs and systems of the body.
The
dermis layer of the skin contains nerve endings which
respond to touch and, on stimulation, the receptor nerves
relay impulses via the spinal cord back to the brain.
The brain then relays messages back to the area involved.
The effects may include the relaxation of voluntary
muscles, the sedation of nerve sensors and improved
blood circulation to the area.
The
receptor nerve endings affected by touch travel more
quickly than those involved in chronic pain and can
reduce the brain’s perception of the amount of
pain from the affected area. Chemicals known as endorphins
are also released from the brain and act as the body’s
natural painkillers. These help to counter the sensation
of chronic pain and give a feeling of well-being and
relaxation.
DEEP
TISSUE MASSAGE – This is not a relaxing massage.
This
Treatment is the art and science of physically manipulating
muscles, tendons and ligaments with diverse skilled
hand massage techniques to promote increased oxygen
and blood supply. It reduces excesses of fluid and scar
tissue. This type of treatment is successful for:
Back problems, arthritis, rheumatic discs
Neck problems – stiff neck, whiplash, tension
Shoulder injuries – frozen shoulder, muscles,
strains
Stress and Tension – emotional and work related
Sports injuries – all neuro musculo-skeletal types
Please note that Deep Tissue Massage is a restorative
treatment that invigorates rather than relaxes the body.
MANUAL
LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE
The
Lymphatic system is responsible for cleansing the body
of toxins, bacteria, viruses and waste products. A sluggish
Lymphatic system can result in a build up of fluid and
toxins in the body. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
is a light, relaxing massage treatment that stimulates
this system using gentle, rhythmic and repetitive movements.
It helps to clear congestion, detoxify the body and
strengthen the immune system.
Ideal for treating:
Fluid retention, pre-menstrual bloating, puffy eyes
and face, sinusitis and catarrh, skins conditions i.e.
acne and eczema, congested skin / cellulite, headaches
/ migraine, constipation, chronic tiredness / M.E.
To
arrange a massage session, or to find out more email
health@naturalpractices.co.uk
or telephone 01625 54 9000
