MASSAGE
Okay, we all know a massage feels great. Period. Whether it’s after a good hard workout, a nice cardio session, long day at the office, a flight or other travel, that required you to sit for great lengths of time, or simply feeling under the weather…. a massage can work miracles!
I learned the art of reflexology over a decade ago, and haven’t stopped using it since. I’ve taught all my older kids the art, and hope to hand it down throughout many generations. Our family has witnessed first hand just how therapeutic reflexology is. I’ve seen many gidgets and gadgets come and go over the years, as well. However, no piece of electronic equipment can compare with the touch of a human hand, especially when it’s a caring touch, from a caring person, who recognizes and knows you, and your needs.
Reflexology, simply put, is a massage of the foot, and ankle area. The foot encompasses all the organs, tissues, and bone structure of our body, each foot contains the blueprint of our systems laid out throughout our feet. One does not necessarily need to be educated in reflexology to benefit from its use, but I find it is much more useful when you know what you’re aiming to work on, in a specific area.
Beyond reflexology, is regular massage, a complete body massage from scalp to toes. Again, there are many tools for the trade, but nothing compares with human touch. Add to this, an essential oil of your choosing, and whoolah, a miracle is to be had. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, working out knotted, tight muscles, soreness, aches, pains, the stimulation of toxin release, or pleasure, a massage can do it all.
MAIN BENEFITS OF A MASSAGE
1. Stress reduction.
2. Strengthens the immune system.
3. Improves circulation of the lymph and blood.
4. Helps relieve headaches.
5. Aids healing of stressed muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
6. Helps with concentration.
7. Improves circulation of blood (oxygen).
8. Human touch in and of it-self is therapeutic.
9. Slows heart rate.
10. Induces sleep.
11. Helps with Charlie Horses, and other cramps.
12. Loosens up the joints.
WHAT ABOUT DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE
Deep tissue massage is also highly beneficial. Again, one does not necessarily need to be trained in deep tissue massage to perform a deep tissue massage, but training is highly recommended and encouraged, to receive the most benefits and avoid injury, and/or a release of too many toxins. Deep tissue massage is very cleansing, and very effective. The masseur uses their elbows, knuckles, and fingers, to get deep into the muscle tissue. If you’ve never had one, be sure to ask around from your trusted friends, get their opinions, do some research on your own as well, perhaps even check with your insurance provider to get their input. Some insurance plans will cover a percentage of the massage, others will not.
Be sure to communicate clearly with your masseur, when receiving a deep tissue massage. Many will constantly ask you for your feedback, others go to it quietly assuming you will tell them if the pressure gets to be too much.
I always recommend drinking plenty of lemon water (minimum 1 quart), before receiving a deep tissue massage, and at least another quart after. Be sure to continue flushing out your system for a good 24-72 hours after a deep tissue massage, to help flush toxins, clear your skin, prime the organs, and assist your body overall with elimination.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE?
1. Relieves IT Band pain, and/or joint pain.
2. Speeds/Aids in the healing of strained muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
3. Helps with inflammation.
4. Helps with insomnia.
5. Can help regain a straight posture.
6. Improves joint mobility.
7. Can break up knotted/tight muscles.
8. Pain relief.
BOTTOM LINE
Massage is for everyone: the old, the young, active, inactive, healthy, ill, athlete, pencil pusher, you name it. We can all use a massage. I’m so grateful for my masseur, he knows just what I need, when I need it, where I need it, how much pressure, what kind of kneading, when to go deep tissue, and when to simply go light. I’m very spoiled, thanks to my husband, who’s mastered the art of massage over the last twenty-three years.
May we all be blessed with the art of human touch.
Health.
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