Therapeutic Massage Buckinghamshire
Massage has been used as a form of therapy to heal and relieve pain for thousands of years. The earliest records for the use of massage as a therapy come from China over 5,000 years ago.
Since Per Henrik Ling popularised massage in the early 19th Century after developing a system of massage and gymnastics which became what is now known as Swedish Massage, many different types of massage have been developed.
Massage can promote relaxation and treat many problems, including muscular pain, injuries, tension and stiffness. Depending on the length and focus of the treatment, a Therapeutic Massage may be a full body massage, however each session is tailored to the areas most in need of work, e.g. the shoulders, back and legs.
Therapeutic Massage involves the manipulation of the soft tissues; the skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments of the body using a range of techniques, employing deep pressure to stimulate the body’s systems or more superficial movements to assist relaxation.
Many of today’s health problems can benefit from Therapeutic Massage.
The Benefits of Touch
The benefit of touch is well documented. Research has shown that babies who have received massage from their mothers have increased weight gain, nerve and brain cell development, better hormonal functioning and cell activity.
The exterior and the interior of the body is interlinked by the nervous system and it has been found that 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. When stimulated, they will relay impulses from the receptor nerves via the spinal cord back to the brain. The brain then relays messages back to the area involved, the effects of which may include the relaxation of voluntary muscles, the sedation of nerve sensors and improved 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 with endorphins being released which act as the body’s natural painkillers.
The Benefits of Massage Therapy
- Relieve or prevent physical dysfunction and pain
- Improve physical function
- Relax tight and tense muscles
- Improve circulation, recovery time and immune system function
- Reduce overall stress
Therapeutic Massage treats a wide range of symptoms and conditions and the origins of any imbalance but it may also be a relaxing, stress relieving treatment and is suitable for people without specific problems.
Preparation for your Massage
Therapeutic Massage is more effective if you receive treatment without clothes and Emma will be happy to explain why Therapeutic Massage works on this basis. The retention of clothes is always a matter of personal choice.
Avoid large or heavy meals prior to your treatment and the use of alcohol and any non essential drugs.
After your treatment
To make the most of your treatment, try to allow yourself time to rest
Drink plenty of water