Massage Therapy can Support Your Weight Loss Program

Integrating regular massage therapy into your weight loss program has benefits of which you may not be aware. Massage alone will not get you to your weight loss goal, but when used in conjunction with strategic exercise and a nutritional diet plan, it can help you lose inches faster.

Massage can help take inches off your thighs.

Massage reduces fat deposits. According to a study published February 2010 in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, massage is effective in reducing subcutaneous fat deposits. This study was made up of 60 subjects who were randomly divided into three groups. Group 1 received mechanical massage. Group 2 received lymphatic massage (manual lymph drainage,) and Group 3 received connective tissue manipulation (myofacial release/deep manipulation). The results of this study showed that all three groups had “thinning of the subcutaneous fat after the treatment”. Thigh circumference measurements were reduced by an average of 0.5 cm in all groups while thigh fat thickness in Group 1 decreased 1.66 mm, 2.21 mm in Group 2 and 3.03 mm in Group 3. You will notice that the hands-on massage modalities produced the best results for fat loss.

Massage tones your skin.

Massage is a vasodilator which means that it increases blood and lymph flow to your tissues and increases circulation. Increased blood and lymph flow supports your weight loss program by:

·       removing toxins and fats from your tissue

·       bringing oxygen and nutrients to your cells for faster repair

·       toning and tightening the skin

Additional ways that regular massage therapy will support your weight loss program:

Massage supports weight loss efforts.

·       After your workout when your muscles are tense and tight, massage will smooth and lengthen muscles which will go a long way in deterring soreness and injury. Swedish massage and sports massage/deep tissue work well for this.

·       If you’ve pulled a muscle, proper massage techniques can shorten your recovery time and get you back into your workout routine faster. Therapeutic massage or medical massage can address specific conditions such as IT band syndrome or shin splints.

·       An abdominal massage can aid in digestion and elimination which can help you lose inches on your waistline.

·       Lymphatic massage is especially effective in helping the body drop water weight and reduce bloating. Your lymph system is a transport and filter system for the body. Increasing lymph flow gives your body an immunity boost while it rapidly pulls toxins, fluids and waste products (including fat) from your tissue.

The key to effective weight loss and maintenance is proper eating habits (not fad diets,) and a good exercise program that incorporates strength training, cardio, and stretching. Incorporating regular massage therapy will support and accelerate your weight loss efforts.

Contact me to incorporate massage therapy into your weight loss program: http://gentlespirit.massagetherapy.com

Photo credits: Pink Sherbet Photography, mikebaird, seier+seier+seier

Massage Therapy can Relieve Depression Symptoms

If you’ve ever had a massage you know that massage is good for the body and spirit. It relieves stress and tension and leaves you feeling more relaxed and at peace. Therapeutic touch is just that, therapeutic on many levels. And science has shown that massage is therapeutic for depression sufferers:

A course of 17 studies involving 786 people conducted by Dr. Wen-Hsuan Hou of I-Shou University in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, who used massage and other alternative treatments showed that massage is “significantly effective” in the treatment of depression symptoms.

Another study conducted by Kira M. Weier, CNM, MSN, and Margaret W. Beal, CNM, PhD compared relaxation and massage on 32 teen mothers suffering from depression to determine the effects. Overall the participants showed improvement, but only the massage group had “significant decreases in depression scores”.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, roughly 9.5 percent of the U.S. population is afflicted with a type of mood disorder (Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Dysthymic Disorder.) Of the mood disorders, Major Depressive Disorder is number one cause of disability for people between the ages of 15 and 44. It affects 6.7 percent of Americans age 18 and over.

Massage doesn’t promise to be the miracle cure for depression, but it is a therapy that can be used in conjunction with counseling, diet, and other complimentary health techniques.

If you choose to use massage to treat depression, look for a caring, mature massage therapist that has some experience with energy work and embraces a philosophy of holistic health. Work with your MT to set up a series of massage sessions to reap maximum benefits. Massage has cumulative effects, the more you have it, the better it is for you.

Massage Therapy Research

5 Little Known Benefits Of Shiatsu Massage By: James Calvin

Shiatsu massage, also known as acupressure, is a point-pressure massage using the fingers. It is designed to help regulate the flow of energy within the body. During a shiatsu massage, thumb, fingers, palms or feet to the body apply pressure. This type of massage helps produce a deep relaxation increases energy levels and brings balance to the body.

The history of shiatsu massage lies within the ancient Chinese. They used the principals of shiatsu in both their medical philosophy and practice. It was developed around 530 B.C. Later, shiatsu massage was exported into Japan, Southeast Asia, and Korea where it was widely practiced. In the 20th century, this therapy was used for treating simple muscular tension and providers were licensed. Shiatsu became popular in the United States, Europe and Australia in the 1970s.

Shiatsu massages last anywhere from forty minutes to one hour. It usually takes place on a padded mat on the floor. This type of massage begins with gentle stretching and manipulation of the skin to allow the stimulation of energy and relax the muscles. Depending on the need of the person receiving the massage, it can be very gentle and calming or used with high pressure, but should never hurt or feel painful. Acupressure massages are usually given using a rapid circular motion with medium pressure. The massages can last from five to fifteen minutes and include techniques such as rubbing, kneading, percussion, and vibration.

Today, shiatsu massages are performed not only for relaxation, but to aid a wide variety of ailments and symptoms. The following are five benefits of shiatsu massage.

Skin: Shiatsu massages, or acupressure, help stimulate circulation in the capillaries of the skin’s soft tissues. The massage also serves to stimulate the secretion of the sebaceous glands and keeps skin moist and smooth. This helps give skin resilience and helps prevent wrinkling. A shiatsu massage will help improve the look and glow of the skin with improved blood circulation.

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Muscle Pain: Shiatsu and acupressure massages can help alleviate the symptoms caused by arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammation of the body’s tissue and it attacks the linings of the joints. This disease affects one percent of the world’s population. Shiatsu applied to the hands and feet are most effective when suffering from arthritis. Pressure from the massage can also be applied directly to any area affected by Rheumatoid arthritis. Shiatsu can also be used to improve the overall health of muscles throughout the body. Shiatsu helps limber muscles and gives muscles nutrition by improved circulation. It also helps reduce muscular pain.

Migraine Headaches: Migraines are usually caused by a rapid widening and narrowing of the blood vessels in the brain or head, causing irritation and pain. Common symptoms of migraine headaches include nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, weakness, numbness and vision problems. Migraines are thought to be cause by changes in weather, stress, hunger, foods containing nitrates and sometimes caffeine. Shiatsu massages helps aid migraines by relaxing the body and increasing blood flow and circulation throughout the body.

Pregnancy: Shiatsu massages have been used for thousands of years to aid women during monthly cycles to alleviate symptoms such as menstrual cramps and depression. This kind of massage has also been used for years for also for pregnancy as well. Shiatsu has been known to help women in labor and help babies turn in the womb. It can induce labor in women who are overdue and help ease morning sickness and swelling often caused by pregnancy.

Circulatory and Digestive System: Shiatsu massages are also found to help aid the circulatory and digestive system. A gently massage helps improve circulation and cellular nutrition throughout the body. A massage also benefits the digestive system allowing food to digest more easily and aids in the elimination of waste products. A shiatsu massage also increases stamina by storing energy reserves and assists in fat metabolism and removal.

Learning basic shiatsu techniques at home is easy with a book or video. It can also reap huge benefits to practice basic techniques at home. When looking for a practitioner experienced with shiatsu, look for one that has at least three years worth of experience. Feeling comfortable with the provider is also important. A session of shiatsu massages generally last from thirty to ninety minutes and can cost anywhere from $20 to $80 for a more experienced practitioner.

photo credit: ABMP

Article Source: www.NewAgeArticles.com

Are You Getting the Most Out of Your Massage?

Massage is wonderful for maintaining stress levels, improving skin tone, and improving overall health. But are you getting the most out of your massage? It's your money, your body and you should have a say in how your professional massage is going. In other words, you need to communicate with your massage therapist.

Here are some tips to consider when you're going in for your body massage:

• Do fill out your client intake form truthfully. Old injuries, medications you're taking, and even allergies to nuts and/or flowers could be important information for your massage therapist. The better understanding your body worker has of your medical conditions, old and new, the better she can address your needs.
• Do notify your therapist if there has been a change in your health history on subsequent visits.
  
• Do communicate to your massage therapist the amount of pressure you like. Even if in the beginning you say you like DEEP tissue massage and halfway through the massage session you find that you cannot tolerate the pressure...tell her! A good therapist will adjust her pressure according to the client's preference.
• Do remove your contact lenses prior to the massage, or if this is not possible, inform the massage therapist that you have them in.
• Do be a few minutes early to your massage appointment to ensure that you get your full session time.
  
• Do be specific about which areas you would like your body worker to spend extra time. You may be in for a full body massage, but you may need more work on your lower back. A good therapist will adjust her massage timing accordingly to accommodate your needs.
• Do reschedule your massage appointment if you are ill!

Good communication with your body worker is key! Conversely, if you feel you're not being heard by your massage therapist, look for a new one. Bodywork is personal, you should be very comfortable with the quality of the service you receive and the rapport you have with your therapist to get the most out of your massage.