10 Things You Didn't Know About Massage Therapy

Massage is often synonymous with images of wealthy individuals dressed in luxurious bath robes lounging around the spa, enjoying the lap of luxury. However, massage is much more than that. This alternative form of therapy is used to treat a number of different ailments from chronic pain to sleep disorders and even depression.

In fact, massage therapy can be viewed as a healthy treat you can enjoy in more ways than one. These ten things you didn't know about massage therapy will help you view massage in a new light.

Your Body Craves Touch

You've undoubtedly heard the stories about newborn babies in neonatal intensive care who, after receiving affection several times a day, miraculously got better. Well, as it turns out, the human body craves touch as part of its overall well-being. So, though you may have scheduled an appointment with your massage therapist to relieve pain in your lower back, know that it is okay to sit back, relax and enjoy the gift of affection that goes along with it.

Less Is More

Though your massage therapist offers 90-minute massage treatments, it may not always be warranted. For example, scheduling a 90-minute session for just a single area of concern could result in you becoming bored and your massage therapist becoming bored. Furthermore, insisting your therapist manipulate just a single area the entire time could overwork the area and cause it to become worse. When in doubt, consult your therapist about issues of concern, and allow them to recommend a massage session for you.

A Butt Massage Can be Beneficial to Your Health

Your derriere is one of the most neglected muscles in the body, and can often lead to stiff and painful muscles, especially if you have a job that requires you to sit for extended amounts of time. Butt massage helps relieve stress and threats of diseases, and can even help relieve back pain and make delivery easier. Combined with a full body massage, it promotes overall relaxation. Keep in mind, a butt massage may not be for everyone, and it is okay to request a therapist of the same gender to help make your session more comfortable.

Massage Helps Stimulate Hair Growth

The scalp is another neglected muscle of the body. A scalp massage is not only good for relieving headaches; it also revitalizes the brain, improves concentration, and can even strengthen the hair follicles and stimulate hair growth.

Massage Therapy is Preventative Health Care

Massage therapy has been proven to help prevent some chronic pain. In fact, it has been used in China for years to help individuals stay healthy. So, no more guilt about going to the spa. Just inform your partner that it's helping you stay healthy.

Don't be Alarmed if You Pass Gas

Massage improves digestion, so don't be alarmed if you are on the massage table fully relaxed, and your stomach makes noises, or you pass gas. This is a good sign that the massage is working; your therapist understands.

Massage Helps Keep Your Skin Healthy

Skin is the body's first line of defense, and besides holding our organs in place, it also helps regulate body temperatures and helps the liver remove toxins. Kneading and rubbing the skin on a regular basis, increases blood flow, helps plump the skin, releases built-up toxins, and improves nutrient absorption, which helps keep your skin stay healthy, firm and radiant.

Massage Therapy Can be Done In-Home

A licensed massage therapist can perform massage therapy in the comfort of your own home, vacation home, hotel, office, business or hospital, etc., for added convenience. Check for a licensed therapist in your state for in-home services.

Massage Helps Relieve Side Effects of Cancer
Light touch, Swedish, and foot massage have been shown to reduce many symptoms associated with cancer such as fatigue, nausea, pain, depression, and stress. Cancer patients have reported less pain, better sleep and an overall improved quality of life after massage sessions.

Infants Enjoy Massage, Too

Touch is important for babies to bond with parents and caregivers. Infant massage has been proven to help babies sleep better, gain weight, and it helps improve their immune system.

Now that you know some surprising benefits of massage therapy, no more excuses about scheduling a massage. Be sure to book your session with a licensed professional who has undergone strict training in massage practices and ethics to avoid injuries and misunderstandings. Also, be sure you are honest with your massage therapist about your health history in order to ensure your safety and to reap the full benefits of your massage.

Eugene Wood is a Licensed Massage Therapist with offices in New York City and Wantagh, Long Island.