THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE
Growing popularity these days is therapeutic massage, a kind of massage offered with the goal of obtaining a therapeutic benefit. It is different from relaxation massage, which is performed to aid in relaxation. This type of massage is often relaxing, but the end goal of this session is not relaxation. This kind of massage is offered at various spas and massage suites, and many massage schools teach their students therapeutic techniques.
The goals of this massage considerably vary between clients and massage therapists. In some cases, massages are performed by a health professional and may be done as part of a larger treatment plan. For instance, someone in physical therapy for an injury might have regular therapeutic massage to improve muscle tone, increase flexibility and loosen muscles. Likewise, it can be used to supplement cancer care, wound care, and many other treatments.
Aside from having physical advantages, therapeutic massage can also be psychologically beneficial and may be used to promote relaxation, increase trust, alleviate severe depression or treat other conditions. Psychotherapists might even recommend back to back massage and therapy sessions to facilitate psychotherapy.
People can also use this kind of massage as a standalone treatment. Some people regularly gets massages to keep themselves in good physical condition. Athletes, for example, can make appointments for sports massage, a form of therapeutic massage designed for people who engage in athletic activities. Massage may be used as part of a general wellness program for people ranging from secretaries worried about muscle strain to workers who want make their muscles strong and flexible.
Anyone can benefit from therapeutic massage when it is done by a fully qualified and competent practitioner. Massage is also applicable for people currently in treatment for medical conditions, people with disabilities, and expecting mothers, although further precautions that may have to be taken to protect the health of the client. Those who are unsure about whether or not therapeutic massage is for them should consult their medical care practitioners to see if it is right for you.
MOXIBUSTION
It is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy which consists of burning dried mugwort (Moxa) (The name of the herb Artemisia) on particular points on the body. It plays an important role in the traditional medical. Suppliers usually age the mugwort and grind it up to a fluff; practitioners burn the fluff or process it further into a cigar-shaped stick. They can use it indirectly, with acupuncture needles, or burn it on the patient's skin. Moxa can add new energy to the body and can treat both excess and deficient conditions.
There is a saying "whatever is stuck in the body, Moxa will move it".
CUPPING
Cupping therapy is a form of alternative medicine in which a local suction is created on the skin. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), cupping is done to dispel stagnation (stagnant blood and lymph), thereby improving qi flow, in order to treat respiratory diseases such as the common cold, pneumonia and bronchitis. Cupping also is used on back, neck, shoulder and other musculoskeletal conditions. Cupping has gained publicity in modern times due to its use by American sport celebrities including National Football League player DeMarcus Ware and Olympians Alexander Naddour, Natalie Coughlin, and Michael Phelps.
GUA SHA
Gua sha is a natural, alternative therapy that involves scraping your skin with a massage tool to improve your circulation and release pain. Gua sha is a technique used in traditional East Asian medicine. The treatment involves using a tool to rub the skin in long strokes, applying enough pressure to create minor bruising.
BAMBOO MASSAGE
What is bamboo massage therapy? Bamboo massage therapy is essentially the same as deep tissue massage or Swedish massage. However, rather than the therapist using their hands the therapist uses a roll of natural wood bamboo.
