Now is a good time to treat your mind, body to a massage

By Brian Austin

As the holidays start winding down, it’s time to relax and rejuvenate your body. Most people are aware that massage therapy and bodywork can positively affect sore muscles and aid in stress reduction, but few realize that massage can actually play an important role in fostering and maintaining good health.

For example, it is believed that ischemia, or decreased blood flow to an organ or tissue, is a major factor in chronic pain referral patterns. The gentle stroking movements of massage improved the circulation of blood, thus bringing fresh oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and reducing ischemia-related pain. In addition, massage inhibits pain through deep relaxation of the muscular and nervous systems, and the release of neurochemicals such as endorphins. It is believed that massage causes an actual interruption of the transmission of pain impulses to the brain as the pleasurable sensations of massage travel along a faster nerve pathway than the slower pain impulses.

The benefits of massage extend far beyond pain relief. Massage detoxifies the body by hastening the removal of metabolic waste and strengthens the immune system by stimulating the circulation of lymphatic fluids. It helps to make the body more flexible and mobile by lengthening muscle fibers and freeing restrictions in the connective tissue. Special massage techniques can encourage respiratory drainage and ease digestive problems. Massage has been found to be effective in the treatment of insomnia, headaches, TMJ and carpal tunnel syndromes, fibromyalgia and many other conditions. Massage impacts many of the body’s systems and is therefore not appropriate in some situations. An example of this would be a severe heart condition where increasing the blood circulation would place a burden on the heart. A massage therapist may ask you to consult with your doctor if there is any question of possible detrimental effects.

But there are so many different types of massage, how do you know which one to choose?

Here’s a brief explanation of some of the more common techniques of Western and Oriental massage.

Swedish massage: This is the predominant example of Western massage and is the most commonly used method in the United States.

Developed in Sweden in the 1830s, it uses a system of long, gliding strokes, kneading, and percussion and tapping techniques on the more superficial layers of muscles.

It is designed to increase circulation, which may improve healing and decrease swelling from an injury. This technique also results in generalized relaxation.

Neuromuscular massage: Trigger point massage and myotherapy are varieties of neuromuscular massage. They apply concentrated pressure on trigger points of pain and passive stretching of specific muscles.

Deep tissue massage: This approach is used to alleviate chronic muscle pain by reaching deeper muscles in problem areas.

Sports massage: This uses techniques similar to deep tissue massage but more specifically adapted to the needs of athletes (both professional and the weekend variety); it’s often used before or after athletic events as part of an athlete’s training and to promote healing from injuries.

Manual lymph drainage massage: This approach improves the flow of lymph fluid with rhythmic strokes and is used primarily in conditions with poor lymph flow, such as edema.

Oriental methods of massage are based on the principles of Chinese medicine and the flow of energy, or chi, through the body’s meridians, or energy points. In Oriental massage techniques, pressure is applied by finger or thumb tips to predetermined points rather than by the sweeping broad strokes of Western massage.

There are more than a dozen varieties of Oriental massage and bodywork therapy, but the most common forms in the U.S. are acupressure, shiatsu, Jin Shin Jyutsu, and Jin Shin Do Bodymind Acupressure.

Acupressure and shiatsu: These are similar varieties of finger pressure massage, with pressure applied to specific points that correspond with acupuncture points. In acupressure and shiatsu, pressure is applied to specific points with the thumb, finger, and palm to release muscle tension and increase circulation. Acupressure is the more generic term used for this approach and shiatsu is the Japanese version.

Jin Shin Jyutsu: This approach comes from an ancient Japanese healing tradition that uses touch to restore the internal flow of energy through the body by releasing energetic blockages.

In this therapy the touch is very light and holds each pressure point for several minutes.

Jin Shin Do Bodymind Acupressure: Developed by a California psychotherapist, this approach applies stronger acupressure on the points and for a longer period of time than does Jin Shin Jyutsu. It focuses on the deep release of muscular tension through gentle yet deep finger pressure.

Thai massage: At least 2,500 years old, Thai massage focuses on balancing energy. If you’re receiving a Thai massage, you’ll be placed into yoga-like postures while the "Sen" energy lines are compressed rhythmically with hands, thumbs, forearms, elbows, knees, and feet.

Tui Na: Tui Na has been used in China for more than 2,000 years. The combination of massage and manipulation is designed to improve the flow of energy so the body can heal itself.

When searching for a massage therapist let that person know what you want; you will have better results if you can find a therapist that specializes in the type of massage you need.

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