Posts Tagged ‘bodywork’

Massage Chair Gives Many Benefits

Thursday, October 1st, 2009

Some of the oldest known natural therapies include massage therapy. The massaging of the muscles has been used throughout the ages to reduce stiffness and restore vitality. It is quite interesting, that many distinct techniques have come from different parts of the world. Massage therapy has been traced back as far as being used by the Egyptians. Today, many of these unique massage therapies have been replicated in massage chairs. Certainly, the Egyptians would be impressed with the massage therapy delivered from a massage chair and they are resulting benefits.

Boosting performance: Top amateur and professional athletes routinely use massage therapy. Massages are given as part of the warm up and preparation before game time. Massage helps to keep the muscles flexible and the blood flowing. Also, the body becomes more aware enabling the athlete to have better concentration. After the game, warm down massages are great to soothe aches and pains of the body.

Tension and stress relief: Tension and stress caused the muscles to become stiff. When the body is under tension, it is prepared for action. The body requires a physical release of the energy it is using because of the stress. Massage therapy helps to relax the body and mind. The mind needs to relax to let go of the tension is holding over the body. As the mind relaxes, a massage can soothe and relieve the stiffness in the body. A few massage chair treatments a week can make a huge difference.

Injury prevention: Preventing injuries is a tricky business. Sometimes, things just. However, the body can be better prepared to minimize the occurrence of injuries. Many injuries occur because the joint or soft tissues are not sufficiently flexible. If the muscles are overly stiff then they become more brittle and susceptible to tears. Massage helps to restore the elasticity of the muscles and soft tissues. It also helps to flush toxins out of the body. Keeping your body in the best shape is your best bet to minimize injuries.

Health of the Body: Massage treatments help to relieve muscle tension in the body. It benefits the circulatory system by increasing blood flow while lowering blood pressure. It activates the endocrine system which releases endorphins. The muscular system benefits through greater flexibility and durability of the muscles and less muscle stiffness. The respiratory system is benefited by the break up of mucus. It is also thought that the slower breathing rate during treatment helps to initiate the healing process. Also, there is also better digestion by relieving colic and gas as well as constipation.

Psychological: The psychological benefits are the relief of tension, anxiety, stress and pain. The mind is free to relax which allows the body to also relax. Massage has been known to increase confidence levels by improving the overall well-being of the individual. The reduction of stress helps get the mind and body back in harmony. A positive outlook is usually the result of a good therapy and relaxation session.

Many of the unique methods of treatment from around the world are available with massage chairs. They contain a variety of massage techniques which can be targeted for specific relief. These recliners also contain other treatments such as the application of heat to reduce swelling and traction systems to provide stretching of the joints. Massage recliners are available for in-home use. Massage chair therapy in your own home is tremendously convenient to receive the ongoing benefits of these time tested treatments.

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What Is Acupressure?

Saturday, July 18th, 2009

Acupressure is a traditional Chinese medicine technique which it is thought to be derived from acupuncture. However, in the case of acupressure, physical pressure is used to acupoints by various movements. Acupressure is one of the most effective methods for tension related ailments. It stimulates various acupoints which is believed to promote blood flow and healing.

Acupressure is normally performed by using the hands, thumbs, elbows or mechanized equipment. These instruments are used to target the body’s acupoints. It is not that when this pressure is applied to the acupoints, that it will unleash the body’s natural pain relievers.

Acupoints are given places that are especially sensitive to impulses in the body. They also conduct these impulses readily. When these points are stimulated they release endorphins. Endorphins are the neurochemicals which help to suppress pain. This helps to relieve the pain of injury or discomfort from physical activity.

When the acupoints is pressed, this elongates the soft tissue fibers. This helps the muscle to relax, the blood to flow more readily and toxins to be flushed. Enhanced blood circulation brings more nutrients and more oxygen. This helps keep the area functioning smoothly.

Keeping your body and harmony is important. Acupressure massage helps to restore the emotional and physical balance. The impact of stress on the body can accumulate tension resulting in muscle fatigue. This can get the body and mind out of balance. Relaxation is essential to help restore the emotional side. Relieving the tension from the body helps the physical side.

Traditional Chinese medicine works off of a holistic understanding of the body. It is believed that there are pathways connecting acupoints to internal organs. When an acupoints is stimulated, a signal is sent through the meridian to its corresponding organ. This has provided a framework for connecting acupoints to ager organs.

There can be just harmony in the body when the pathways are blocked. Energy may not effectively flow through the body. The stimulation of acupoints target the release of these blockages in the body. This helps to restore the energy flow and harmony in the body.

Oftentimes acupressure massage is used in conjunction with sports therapy. Athletes routinely use acupressure to improve muscle tone and to relieve stiffness and tension. It can be applied prior to an event or as part of the warm down after physical exertion. Is used to relieve pain, improve flexibility and help prevent injury.

We have all experienced muscle stiffness or aching in the joints. This may occur when we exert this muscle more than usual. It becomes stiff and begins to hurt. Acupressure massage is great to relieve this build up of tension. By elongating the soft tissue areas, it restores flexibility and relaxes the muscle.

Realize that when your muscles are stiff, it will take some on doing to restore their flexibility. There is an initial threshold to cross where discomfort and pain is stemming from overcoming the stiffness. However, once you regain some flexibility, then the pain. And the muscle and joint will feel well again.

Acupressure is by no means a substitute for medical care. Although overcoming initial muscle stiffness can cause discomfort, he acupressure massage should never cause pain. Always seek your physician’s advice before pursuing any type of alternative treatment.

Where do you get in acupressure massage? There are many massage therapists which specialize in acupressure massage. You can check your local listings to find one nearby. Another way to go is with a massage chair. Massage chairs are programmed with many of the popular massage techniques. They provide you with acupressure massage on demand.

The beauty of acupressure is it is a natural treatment to benefit both the body and mind. It helps the mind to relax which releases the tension in the body. As the massage penetrates through the muscle and soft tissue areas, stiffness is melted away. This promotes a healthy balance which is positive for healing and maintaining your immune system. Restoring this balance requires periodic massage treatments.

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