10 Massage Therapy Interesting Trivia

For centuries massage has been used for healing and relaxation.

1. Did you know that the benefits of massage are both physical and mental? Fresh nutrients and oxygen enters the part of the body being massage and damaged tissues are repaired. Muscles are relaxed and pain subsides with the light touch of the massage. You are usually physically and mentally relaxed if pain disappears.
2. Chair massage is a technique used to do massage in the seated position. Also referred to as seated massage or on-site massage. Without oils and without the client taking off any clothing, the focus of the massage is usually on the upper body.
3. Reflexology is another massage technique associated with the soles of the feet. Direct pressure on a certain area is applied and it is believed to affect another area on the body.
4. Swedish massage is a technique that uses passive and active exercises for muscles and joints.
5. Thai massage on the other hand consists of passive stretching. Therapist pushes and stretches parts of the body to encourage inner health and muscle flexibility. This massage is done on the floor.
6. Massage for a racing horse is called Equine massage. It can be used over the entire horses’ body. Horses perform better if the horse is free from injury and not stressed.
7. Effleurage is a massage technique that uses the application of oil to the body.  Done with a light stroking movement, it follows the fiber direction of the muscles.
8. Care should be taken when massaging. The kidney area, front of the neck, bellybutton are areas where deep massage and prolonged pressure are not to be done as vessels and nerves near them can be damaged.
9. Refer client to a doctor first if a client has inflammation and bruising.
10. Sports massage can be done before, during and after an athletic event. It should be stimulating and quick before a sporting event. Short, light and relaxing strokes during competition breaks. And massage that encourages relaxation and helps decrease swelling after the event.

Trivia Info Resource: www.schoolofnaturaltherapies.co.uk