The Muli-Facets Of Massage Therapy

By Sherry Zollinhofer, LMT

Studio 5 Hair Gallery and Day Spa

More Complementary & Integrative Healthcare Articles

The Muli-Facets Of Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy By Definition

Massage therapy is the scientific manipulation of the soft tissues of the body. The purpose of massage is to normalize those tissues by utilizing hands-on manual techniques that include applying fixed or movable pressure that can cause increased mobility (or movement) of the body.

Massage Therapy Benefits

Due to the varying stressors in life, the body can break down both physically and emotionally. For those seeking to find solace in the clinical benefits of massage therapy, there are many reasons to obtain a massage.

A licensed massage therapist can help the body relax, increase blood flow, restore suppleness and strength to muscles, aid in digestion, calm the nervous system, increase mobility and act as a preventive measure to chronic conditions. Some types of massage are Swedish, deep tissue, prenatal and warm stone massage (just to name a few).

For some people receiving or completing medical treatments, massage can be a truly beneficial experience. Clinical massage therapists are trained to meet the needs of those experiencing a medical diagnosis. These types of massages have been known to relieve nausea, pain, ease neuropathy and treatment side effects, as well as, provide the simple respite of a relaxing experience.

Massage Therapy As an Art Form

If you think about it, massage is similar to a dance. The hands follow the muscles, dipping, turning, swaying and holding, much the same as two people dancing the waltz. The dancers listen to the rhythm and melody of the music responding with precision and grace. In comparison, the therapist listens to the body with their hands and responds to its requirements or needs with intended relief and relaxation.

Massage therapy can also be compared to a sculptor. As the sculptor follows the contours of the art they are working with, they are smoothing out the irregularities, imperfections, transforming the art into perfection and harmony. In comparison, the therapist works stiff, sore imperfect muscles into smooth relaxed muscles giving them a new functionality enabling them to work more beautifully and efficiently.

A massage therapist is an artist in their craft, tuning-in to the needs of their client. The client is the music, the lead dancer, the clay, as the therapist listens, feels and responds by molding and shaping them into a restored polished piece of artwork.