Massage Therapy
Overview
Massage, loosely defined as the manipulation of soft tissues of the musculoskeletal system, has been practiced for centuries in nearly every culture around the world. A holistic form of therapy, massage affects all body systems, especially the musculoskeletal, circulatory, lymphatic, and nervous systems. Thus, it may be particularly helpful in decreasing muscular tension or flaccidity, increasing blood and lymph circulation, enhancing tissue healing, and sedating or stimulating the nervous system.
The use of massage for healing purposes was first documented in Chinese medical manuscripts dating back 4,000 years and it is still an important aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine. There are many different massage techniques, each of which is used to achieve a specific goal. At Manakai O Malama, we offer Swedish, deep tissue, shiatsu, sports massage and aromatherapy. In general, massage is considered a very safe therapy.
Philosophy
Manual stimulation of the tissues is translated into electrical signals that are transmitted locally and throughout the body. This stimulation and transmission improve tissue healing, stimulate the circulatory and lymphatic systems, enhance the function of the immune system, and promote a sense of well-being by stimulating the release of natural endorphins and reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Massage relieves tension and enhances relaxation, decreases blood pressure and heart rate, relieves pain, stimulates blood and lymph circulation, speeds the removal of waste products from the body, and alleviates restrictions in muscles, joints, and ligaments.
Conditions Commonly Treated
Massage has shown to be effective for chronic back pain, musculoskeletal pain, arthritis, repetitive strain injuries, sports injuries, pregnancy and postnatal support (including baby bonding massage), children's conditions including autism, skin disease, attention deficit, hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), cystic fibrosis, any conditions associated with anxiety, tension, depression and stress, insomnia, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, headaches, migraines, PMS, dysmenorrhoea, convalescence and injury recovery, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, cymphoedema (fluid retention) following surgery, temporomandibular joint disorder, and restless leg syndrome.
What To Expect During A Treatment
An initial massage therapy session begins with an assessment of your general concerns and goals. Typically your practitioner will leave the room while you undress and lay down on the massage table (certain massage techniques can also be performed while fully clothed). A sheet is used as a drape during the session and is moved only to expose the part of the body being worked on at any given time. Massage oil or lotion is often used to decrease friction on the skin. The practitioner massages the body in a specific sequence depending on the health condition. A massage session typically lasts 50-60 minutes. The therapist will generally suggest you schedule several follow-up visits depending on the nature and extent of your condition.
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