As babies, touch is essential to our growth, both physically and mentally. In a recent experiment on premature babies, a US psychologist, nurse, and specialist in early childhood development, demonstrated that massage from the mothers increased nerve and brain cell development, accelerated weight gain, and generally increased hormonal functioning and cell activity.
Month: July 2015
Massage Therapy: What is Massage Therapy?
There is not much difference in the concept of massage and massage therapy. When a layman uses the touch, pressing and kneading actions to bring about a feeling of lightness and happiness in the receiver, he is practising the art of massage. But, when the same techniques are used in a scientific manner, taking into account the muscle locations, stress points and other anatomical considerations, it becomes massage therapy.
Massage Therapy: History of Massage Therapy
General Time Line
The information in this timeline is from many sources, mainly massage textbooks, massage books and massage school manuals. There are many contradictions in the various sources and the dates can only be taken as approximates in many cases.
Continue reading Massage Therapy: History of Massage Therapy
Massage Therapy: Massage and Health Benefits
Massage is a holistic therapy. It has effect on both body and mind. Massage increases the circulation of blood and flow of lymph. The direct mechanical effect to rhythmically applied manual pressure and movement used in massage can dramatically increase the rate of blood flow. Also, the stimulation of nerve receptors causes the blood vessels (by reflex action) to dilate, which also facilitates blood flow. This has profound influence on one’s health.
Continue reading Massage Therapy: Massage and Health Benefits
Massage Therapy: Types of Massage
From what began as a soothing touch and comfort giving action, massage has developed into a major stream of therapy. There are several kinds of massage strokes, which are practised as per the requirement of the situation.
Massage Therapy: Using Massage for Pain Control
Massage is a very effective technique for controlling pain.
Continue reading Massage Therapy: Using Massage for Pain Control
Massage Therapy: When Should You Seek Clinical Massage Therapy?
If you suffer from any of the following disorders, you may benefit by clinical massage:
Continue reading Massage Therapy: When Should You Seek Clinical Massage Therapy?
Massage Therapy: The Stages of Massage Healing and Massage Precautions
When you accept that massage can heal the body, it helps of understand how healing take, place. Massage can have immediate benefits for the healthy individuals but if a person is ill, recovery takes time. Massage therapists have identified four stages in the healing process.
Continue reading Massage Therapy: The Stages of Massage Healing and Massage Precautions
Massage Therapy: How can Massage Benefit Your Infant’s Sleep?
Getting a baby to sleep so they can get a good night’s rest is often a new parents’ greatest challenge. There has been a lot of research done on massage with hospitalised babies, who are generally small and vulnerable. Research has established that hospitalised babies grow faster if they are massaged correctly. This involves using oil and a firm yet gentle stroking (light, tickling touch isn’t recommended).
Continue reading Massage Therapy: How can Massage Benefit Your Infant’s Sleep?
Massage Therapy: The Benefits of Baby Massage
Baby Massage in Different Countries
In the Eastern countries the massage ritual for babies and infants occupies a very important place. The loving massage given to the baby by the mother with her own hands is the most fulfilling form nurturing that creates a special bonding between the two. Massage provides so many benefits. It aids digestion, relieves colic, eases tension, regulates breathing, and spurs growth. It offers the infant not just the comfort and stimulus of touch, but a full range of enriching sensual experiences … eye contact, a soothing voice, a familiar scent.
Continue reading Massage Therapy: The Benefits of Baby Massage