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Massage is defined by Wikipedia and other sources asthe manipulation of superficial and deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue using various techniques, to enhance function, aid in the healing process, decrease muscle reflex activity, inhibit motor-neuron excitability, and promote relaxation and well-being. Target tissues may include muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, skin, joints, or other connective tissue, as well as lymphatic vessels, or organs of the gastrointestinal system. Massage can be applied with the hands, fingers, elbows, knees, forearm, feet, or a massage device.
With today’s tensions massage has gained great popularity as a stress management tool. The tensions that are held in the muscles and soft tissues are directly linked to the autonomic nervous system (our “fight or flight” system). It is true that one can have tight muscles because they are tense and they can be tense because they have tight muscles. This makes the release of this physical tension an excellent strategy for reaching the more fundamental emotional tensions that we all feel.
Therapeutic massage is concentrated on muscles and related tissues for the release of tensions (both physical and emotional) and the invigoration of the targeted areas with the added benefit of engendering a general sense of well being for the person being treated. Most qualified massage therapists have extensive training in various techniques and many hours of study regarding anatomy and physiology.
A typical massage therapy session is provided in a warm, comfortable, safe environment accompanied by soothing music or sounds to enhance the relaxation qualities provided. On occasion a massage therapist might find it useful to use heating lamps, warming stones or vibrating instruments to help radiate deeper into the tissues. Essential oils may be employed to further penetrate into stressed areas. Often particular points of tension can be found that require special attention. These are sometimes called trigger points. There are various specialized techniques for releasing these points.
Some techniques incorporated into a massage session involve extremely light touch, as is used with Reiki methods. Some techniques can be more aggressive, as might be found with trigger point release methods. Any method may have profound emotional releases due to the link with the autonomic nervous system.
On a more physical plane, deep tissue manipulation can facilitate the flow of blocked lymph systems. The lymph system is an auxiliary venous system that sometimes gets overloaded during illness. It’s like frontage roads trafficking all the heavy trucks, to be unloaded before they re-enter the main highways (veins and arteries).
Athletes are finding massage an essential part of their regime. It can release spasmed muscles and facilitate full range of motion quickly. This strategy applies to all of us that get muscle cramps from time to time (especially in warmer weather if we’re not drinking enough water or intaking enough minerals).
Some forms of massage focus on particular areas of the body. Foot massages can be very helpful for people with headaches. It pulls the attention and the blood away from the head. Some individuals hold the bulk of their stress in the shoulder area (upper back, neck, skull) and get great results with concentrated efforts there.
Start out the new year with the promise to yourself and your loved ones for a healthy, relaxing year with the unencumbered ability to enjoy all your favorite activities.
Dr. Michael Miles is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in psychology and pre-med, he completed his studies in medicine at the highly regarded Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington. Dr. Miles offers a holistic, integrative general practice, which focuses on treating chronic and degenerative diseases, digestive disorders and hormonal imbalances, as well as allergies and infections of all kinds. He holds a special interest in chelation therapy used in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. He is also very active in cancer research. He prefers non-toxic treatment techniques that include botanical medicine, clinical nutrition and homeopathy, but will offer pharmaceutical remedies when appropriate. You will find Dr. Miles to be compassionate, sincere and a strong advocate for your health. He is opening a new office in Catalina in June of 2014 which will feature hyperbaric oxygen therapy in addition to his normal services. www.catalinaclinic.com
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