An Introduction to Therapeutic Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy is the manual manipulation of muscles and soft tissue by applying pressure to the body with the intention of positively affecting the health and well being of the client or patient.

Benefits of Massage Therapy Include:

• Massage is very effective in the relief of pain and discomfort, whether due to a particular health disorder or to chronic stress.

• Massage increases blood circulation and lymphatic circulation, which helps remove waste and toxins from muscles.

• Massage seems to cause a decrease in blood pressure and heart rate due to reflex effects through the sympathetic nervous system. Reflex effects include muscle relaxation, relief of spasms and cramps and increased range of motion.

• A decrease in anxiety, tension and fatigue, along with the enhancement of a general sense of well-being is also a benefit of receiving a massage.

According to a 1998 article in the New England Journal of Medicine, massage therapy is estimated to be the third most prevalent type of alternative medical treatment sought by Americans---following Chiropractic and relaxation techniques.

In many countries massage therapy is an integral and important part of the health care system, with massage therapists working alongside doctors. In China, medical doctors perform massage therapy on their patients.