The Alternate Healing Therapies: Part 4 – Massage Therapy

In the 4th part of the series of Alternate Healing Therapies, we are going to discuss Massage Therapy, which is widely known for its multiple benefits.

What is Massage Therapy?

One of the scientifically backed healing therapies, massage therapy involves manipulating soft tissues in the body for a range of purposes. Massage therapy is one of the oldest known therapies that was popular in almost every culture on the planet. This also shows that our ancestors were well-informed about the physical and psychological benefits that a massage can offer. The therapy involves stimulating, holding, and pressurizing soft tissues that are critical for achieving maximum functionality of the body.

How Massage Therapy Can Help in Healing?

Massage therapy is especially helpful for children suffering from allergies, anxiety, stress, asthma, and bronchitis, arthritis, post-surgical muscle rehabilitation, joint or limb injuries, circulatory problems, depression, digestive disorders, tension headaches, sleep problems or insomnia, chronic and temporary pain, myofascial pain, and sports injuries.

However, these are not the only benefits of massage therapy as it can also:

• Reduce muscle tension and stiffness and relieve muscle spasms

• Increase joint and limb flexibility, range of motion, and efficiency in the motion

• Relieve stress through relaxation

• Promote deeper breathing

• Improve blood circulation and movement of lymph

• Heal injuries of the soft tissue such as pulled muscles and sprains

• Reduce pain and swelling

• Reduce the formation of scar tissue

• Health and nourishment of skin

• Improve body posture

• Establish a strong mind-body connection and improve mental awareness

Despite the benefits and being relatively safer than any other alternate healing therapy, there are certain conditions that do not allow its application, such as advanced heart disease, phlebitis, hypertension/high blood pressure, embolism, thrombosis, kidney failure, and cancer.

As you can see, the benefits of Massage Therapy are unlimited, and it can be used by both children and adults. I don’t have to say more, as its application in various fields such as medical, sports, and even military shows that both individuals and medical professionals trust it. However, be careful when you are looking for a Massage Therapist, as only experienced and qualified therapists possess the magic in their hands that can deliver you the health benefits you wish.