In previous years massage has been regarded as a luxury, only to be requested when on holidays or for a special occasion. Today, people are accepting massage for its true worth, using its therapeutic benefits to increase standards of health, speed recovery, calm the mind and refresh the body.
Massage therapy is an integral part of the medical care system, and like regular ‘check-up’ visits to your general practitioner or natural therapist, it is recommended that you also make time to enjoy a massage on a regular basis (every 4 to 6 weeks.) During periods of illness or injury Merkas Health recommends you receive massage in closer succession.
Massage reacts with the body on a number of different levels, both psychologically (emotional) and physiologically (physical). One of the most prominent reactions is a rise in serotonin and dopamine levels. These are naturally occurring neurotransmitters released by the body to provide those 'feel good' sensations. Prozac and other anti-depressant drugs activate the same transmitters to entice a similar response.
Back ache - extremely common within the working class and corporate sector. Back ache is often related to manual labour, long hours flying or extended periods of time seated in front of a computer.
Head aches - only a lucky few roam this world without the annoyance of headaches, for the rest of us it is an all too common experience. Headaches are telling us that we are pushing our body too hard or neglecting its needs, such as nourishment and rest. Massage around the neck and head region soothes tension caused by headaches, reducing its severity and increasing rate of recovery.
Muscle pain and injuries - as a general overview, the most common disorders seen by a massage practitioner stems from soft tissue pain and injuries. Massage is a great tool to reduce swelling and speed recovery.
Interaction and attention - unlike any other mainstream health modality, massage provides people with continual attention, physically and emotionally. Practitioners usually massage the majority of the body and a consultation generally lasts up to 4 times longer than most other modalities. It's a great combination for the perfect escape.
Touch - human contact is an important emotional connection, it's something we all seek on a regular basis. Empathy and care is a basic instinct welcomed by every single one of us. Massage allows for long periods of time with constant contact, interaction, care and empathy. As an emotional connection and release, massage is highly recommended and very effective.
Rhythmical continual movement - repetitive rhythmical massage allows the body and mind to relax in an almost trance like state. It is common for people to switch off thought processors during a massage producing a calming state and allowing for a fresh beginning.
Merkas Health recommends that you receive a massage every 4 to 6 weeks for general maintenance. That is approximately 9 massages per year, this doesn't really amount to much.
As general maintenance massage is great for all round health and well-being. If the psychological benefits aren't a strong enough reason to help you get to a massage practitioner regularly, the physiological reasons may. Better health through increased movement of blood flow and lymphatic drainage works to nourish and cleanse the body, this also suggests a benefit to the immune system.
Massage is highly effective in reducing inflammation caused by injuries, reducing scar tissue build up and increasing range of motion.
During recovery periods it may be required to receive up to 3 massages a week. Each injury is assessed individually and may result in different treatment strategies.
Merkas Health Practitioners are highly trained and are carefully selected according to their passion for the profession.
When choosing a massage practitioner it is important that you find someone experienced enough to listen to your needs, to understand how you are feeling and how you would like to be feeling. The practitioner should be confident enough to understand exactly what you need and deliver this to you.
The massage should bring you adequate depth and pressure.
There are many styles of massage within the world, influenced by a variety of cultures.
Often practitioners will blend different styles of massage into the one treatment providing you with the best of all worlds. This is dependant on what you are looking for in a massage and how you want to feel at the end of a massage.
A good practitioner should be able to determine your needs and wants and help you decide the best massage style to suit you. During the massage this practitioner will ask for guidance on the quality of the massage to see if it is achieving your standards.