Massage is an ancient way of healing that has been around for thousands of years. Human touch is extremely important to our wellbeing, especially in a world where unspoken social rules mean that we’re not as tactile as we used to be. Life itself is also more stressful because of the constant balancing act between work and family. A massage can be an oasis of calm and tranquillity in the midst of this fast-paced frenzy.

Massage basically works in at least three ways. The kneading and stroking allows your muscles to relax, which means fewer messages are sent to your brain to produce stress hormones. Blood flow to the brain is also improved. This combination results in a feeling of relaxed alertness and triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.

In this way, human touch can be just as important to our health as food and basic hygiene, especially for babies, since it’s vital for their emotional and physical development. Studies have shown that premature babies are receptive to a gentle, 15-minute massage three times a day. Massage helps them gain weight more quickly and they go home from hospital earlier than premature babies who aren’t massaged. In general, massage is quite a safe way to de-stress your body and relax. It’s a good idea to let your therapist know of any areas of your body that are particularly achy or tense. Always speak to your doctor if you fear you might have a medical condition that might rule out a massage, such as high blood pressure or blood clots.

There are many different types of massage practiced all over the world. A Swedish massage uses quick chopping motions to enhance blood circulation, while a Polynesian massage is full of gentle soothing strokes. At the start, your therapist will usually tell you what to expect, ask about any particular problems you’re experiencing, take a medical history and then leave you alone for a few minutes so you can undress. Lying facedown on the massage table, you will be draped with a towel or a sheet. Many massage therapists use some sort of oil or lotion to minimise the friction between their hands and your skin.

Low lights, candles and soft music all create a soothing, peaceful atmosphere. If you find your therapist is using too much or too little pressure, don’t hesitate to say so. After all, it’s their job to make you feel as relaxed and reinvigorated as possible! After the session, you’re encouraged to drink plenty of water due to the detoxifying effect from a therapeutic massage session. It will probably take more than one treatment to see real improvements in specific areas of the body, but even one session can have a profound effect on the your physical and mental wellbeing.

Massage benefits everyone. Using ‘pressure points,’ virtually any organ in your body can be eased or moved during a massage. Sometimes healing can be achieved through massage when painkillers have failed. And unlike drugs, a massage doesn’t leave you with nasty side effects. It uses all the natural energies within your body instead.

If you want to get a massage but don’t know where to start, The Irish Massage Therapists Association should be able to help. They represent the interests of their own members as well as the general public, and promote the highest standards of training and education for Irish massage therapists. They’re also the only across-the-board association representing different types of massage.

Known as ‘Champi’ in Hindi, Indian head massage originated over a thousand years ago in India, where it stemmed from a tradition of family grooming. A professional Indian head massage should feel like a full-body massage, just as a reflexology massage is performed on the feet, but is felt throughout the entire body. This is because there are several important acupressure points on the head. Indian head massage may be dry or oils may be used. The oils not only nourish the hair, but also calm the nervous system, as the roots of one’s hair are connected to nerve fibres.

A sports massage is ideal when preparing athletes for competition and keeping their bodies in optimal condition. It comes in three basic forms: pre-event massage, post-event massage and maintenance massage. Pre-event sports massages help to warm up the muscles by stretching them and making them more flexible. They also improve circulation to muscles and produce a feeling of psychological readiness. Post-event massages help to loosen tired, stiff muscles and promote blood flow to the muscles. Psychologically, it promotes a sense of relaxation, which is what’s needed after a hard work-out. Maintenance sports massages are usually done once a week, especially in the case of professional athletes, many of whom have their own massage therapists.

The Irish Massage Therapists Association
PO Box 10546, Malahide, Co. Dublin
Tel: 056-772-4007

Visits to a Massage Therapist are covered under your Hibernian Aviva Health day-to-day a and day-to-day 50 plans.

This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or for the care that you receive from your doctor or other health professionals. If you are concerned about your health you should consult your doctor.

This information has been reproduced with kind permission of Zahra Publishing, publishers of Easy Health.