Uncover the benefits of massage
- Herb Gem
- Feb 19, 2023
- 4 min read
Massage can help you take control of your health and well-being. Try it out and see if you like it.
How does massage work?
Massage involves pressing, rubbing, and manipulating your skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. You may receive light effleurage to firm pressure. The following are some common types of massage:
Swedish massage. This is a gentle form of massage that includes long strokes, kneading, deep circular movements, vibrations, and tapping. It helps you feel relaxed and energized.
Deep tissue. Targeting the deeper levels of muscle and connective tissue, this massage method uses slower, more intense strokes. It is often used to treat muscular damage from injuries.
Foot Reflexology. This form of massage therapy that focuses on applying pressure to specific points on the feet that are believed to correspond to different parts of the body. By applying pressure to points on feet, it can help to improve overall health and well-being. It is a non-invasive and natural way to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and alleviate pain and discomfort.
Trigger point massage. Trigger point massage is a form of therapeutic massage that aims to release tight and painful points in the muscles, known as trigger points. These points can develop as a result of muscle overuse, injury, or poor posture, and can cause pain, discomfort, and limited range of motion.
Benefits of massage
Massage therapy has numerous physical, mental, and emotional benefits, including:
Reduces muscle tension and soreness: Massage helps to release muscle tension and soreness, which can help reduce pain and discomfort in the body.
Reduces stress and anxiety: Massage is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. It can help you relax, improve your mood, and promote a sense of well-being.
Improves circulation: Massage can help improve blood flow and oxygenation throughout the body, which can help promote healing and recovery.
Boosts immune function: Massage can also help boost your immune system by increasing the activity of natural killer cells and other immune cells in the body.
Improves sleep: Massage can promote relaxation and help you get better quality sleep, which can have numerous health benefits.
Relieves headaches: Massage can help relieve tension headaches and migraine headaches by reducing muscle tension and increasing circulation.
Improves flexibility and range of motion: Massage can help improve flexibility and range of motion by loosening up tight muscles and improving joint mobility.
Reduces inflammation: Massage can help reduce inflammation in the body, which can be helpful for people with conditions such as arthritis.
Overall, massage therapy can be a valuable tool in improving physical and mental health and well-being.
Despite all of the benefits, massage is not a replacement for regular medical care. Seek out advice from your doctor if you are not sure whether massage is the right thing for you. Also let your massage therapist know any of your medical conditions/allergies so they can plan your massage.
Risks of massage
Most people can benefit from massage. However, massage do poses risks:
Pain or discomfort: This is typically a result of deep tissue work, and should be communicated to the therapist during the session.
Bruising: In some cases, deep tissue massage or other forms of vigorous massage can result in bruising or other skin injuries.
Nerve damage: While rare, it is possible for massage to cause nerve damage, particularly in areas of the body where nerves are close to the surface of the skin.
Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to certain massage oils or lotions, which can cause allergic reactions such as hives, itching, or rash.
Blood clotting: People with a history of blood clots or who are taking blood-thinning medications should consult with their healthcare provider before getting a massage.
To ensure safe and effective massage, you should communicate to your massage therapist if you have the following medical conditions so your therapist can best plan your sessions.
Open wounds
Fever or infections
Bleeding disorders or taking blood-thinning medication
Deep vein thrombosis/ varicose vein
Bone fracture/osteoporosis
Low platelet count
Cancer
History of high blood pressure, diabete and etc.
Pregnancy (Prenatal massage may be required and conducted in side lying position)
What to expect during a massage
You do not need to do any special preparation for massage except for maintaining personal hygiene. Before your massage session starts, your therapist will ask you about your medical history, allergic reaction and your massage treatment goal. Your therapist may also assess your current condition and formula your massage plan.
Depending on the massage modality, you will need to undress or wear loose-fitting clothes for massage. Undress only what you're comfortable with. If you are not comfortable with undressing, try a chair massage or shiatsu where you are fully clothed.
Lotions and oils are used to reduce friction when conducting massage. Please inform your therapist for any allergies as those products may contain allergic ingredients.
Massage session duration varies from 10 mins chair massage to a 2 hour deep tissue massage. You should try to empty your mind and be relaxed while you are getting a massage. To help you feel relaxed, your therapist will often play spa/meditation music.
If you are feeling discomfort from too much pressure, you can ask your therapist for lighter pressure. Your therapist may find muscle knots and work them out. It is normal that you will experience some discomfort while your therapist is trying to unknot them. But let them know if the discomfort is too much.
Where to get a massage
Ask your doctor or friends for a recommendation. Always consult with your therapist prior to your session so they know your specific needs. At Herb & Gem Spa, our experienced therapists are always here to help you. We provide Gem Classic relaxation massage, foot reflexology, therapeutic massage, deep tissue, and & chair massage. Clients can also add additional add-ons such as hot stones, essential oils, cold stones, cupping and more.
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