How Beneficial is Massage Therapy?
In the United States and other parts of the world, the business of massage parlors and spas has been on the upswing. Thanks to the popularity of the numerous health benefits derived from massage therapy. Despite of the lack of scientific justifications on its effectiveness, many are convinced that indeed, massage therapy provides pain relief and at the same time it greatly helps the body to relax from the day’s stress and tension. It is an alternative medicine where “rubbing” oil on the skin and not “taking” medicine by the mouth is the approach.
In most countries where massage therapy was first introduced, the wives used it as a relaxing session for their husband to sooth their bodies from their day’s toils. There are historical writings about this alternative medicine in ancient Greece, Egypt, china, Japan and other Arabian countries that narrate how beneficial this massage therapy was to their loved ones. And presently, these findings are also proven by numerous testimonies of those who have enjoyed the benefits of massage therapy.
While this body massaging can be done by a wife to a husband or vice versa, the maximum benefits could be derived from a professional massage therapist. These individuals are trained and have learned the proper skills to handle the various parts of the human body. Many believe that massage therapy is for everybody. Yes it is, except for those who have health problems that need their doctors’ approval before undergoing a massage therapy session. A qualified massage therapist is one who knows well the various massage strokes that would produce the best and effective results of the therapy session.
Consult your doctor if you are contemplating to have a session with a massage therapist. This is the first vital step to a safe and healthy trip to your chosen massage parlor or spa. Since there are vital meridian points that are subjected to heavy pressure during the therapy session, be sure that your current physical condition could sustain such activity on your body. The professional massage therapist knows this by heart and most of them will seek your medical background before performing the session. In most cases, you will be advice to take a light meal and never dare to have a full stomach before going to be massage as this is not good for your health. A full stomach will make you uncomfortable during the whole session which will ruin your day on the massage room.
Prepare yourself to undress before the massage session will begin as your massage therapist will politely requests you to do the same. This is normal so that the therapist can work on your body efficiently during the session without obstruction. If you feel uncomfortable, you may keep your undergarment or you may request for a loose towel to cover your private parts. Before “rubbing” your body, the therapist will apply oil or lotion on your skin to lubricate it that will help him or her in applying the massage strokes from your back then to your front. When the session ends, you will be told to put on your dress and led to the reception area for a few minutes of rest while recollecting the benefits you received before departing the place.
I also write about hot stone supplies including massage rocks and massage oils.