Massage

Massage is one of the oldest forms of healing around. It is widely used, and most people often don't even realize that when they are rubbing a sore spot on themselves, they are actually performing a form of massage!

Massage is a health care technique that works by releasing tired and sore muscles, while at the same time increasing blood flow, and thus helping flush toxins out of the body.

There are many effects of massage, and the following is a short list of some:

· Pain and stress relief: The rubbing of aching muscles can relieve pain and restore flexibility. By massaging an area, an increase in blood flow occurs in the muscle, and so fresh oxygen and blood cells flood the area, clearing out any toxins.

· Flushing out of toxins: By increasing blood flow, the amount of time it takes for toxins to be broken down decreases. Poisons such as lactic acid can be destroyed more quickly; rejuvenating the muscle and making you feel energetic and rejuvenated.

· Healthier skin: The friction of a good massage gets rid of dead skin, leaving nice young skin that looks and feels healthy.

· Increased immunity: Massage also works on the lymphatic system, the body's natural defence mechanism. By increasing lymph and blood flow, foreign bodies, such as bacteria, have less of a chance of surviving.

· Psychology: Massage makes you feel good. Stress is relieved, and the pampering and touch create enjoyment and a feeling of peace. When you receive a massage, let yourself go. Don't think about anything else except how good the massage feels.

Massage, as you can see, is a very useful tool that should be widely utilised in today's hectic society. There are a few contraindications however, and the following are the main ones:

(Please see a professional before attempting to massage people with these conditions)
· skin diseases
· weak blood vessels
· heart problems
· infections
· fever
· tumors (a tumor may be aggravated even more)
· joint and bone diseases (such as osteoporosis)
· fractures, breaks and/or dislocations.

Help yourself help others...learn massage today!!!!

- By Peter Spinda, health specialist; http://www.gethealthy.com.au