Zei Gezunt with Massage Therapy
Editor: Yael Rosenberg, RN, B.S.H
MASSAGE THERAPY
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Description
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Statistical Information
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Symptoms Treated
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Questions to ask the Practitioner
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General Tips
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Products and Services
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Books and Publications
Description
Massage is a healing art that employs manual manipulation of muscles and soft tissues of the body in order to achieve a specific effect.
Statistical studies show the following:
In the United States more than 114 million individuals utilized the
services of a massage therapist. 54% of American physicians proclaimed
that they would recommend massage therapy as an adjunct to conventional
medical care.
Many hospitals throughout the United States
are adding massage therapy to their pain management programs. It is one
of the most widely used method of relaxation used in corporate wellness
programs. Massage therapy is a predominately female profession in
America, where only about 15-18% of men practice this healing art.
Types and Symptoms
There a number of types of massage which include the following:
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Swedish Massage: This type of
massage utilizes long strokes and kneading to aid in muscle flexibility
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Deep Tissue Massage: This type
of massage utilize strokes combined with deep finger pressure on deep
tight muscles.
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Trigger Point Massage: This
type of massage utilizes a variety of strokes as well as deep finger
massage on specific trigger points.
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Shiatzu Massage: This type of
massage utilizes rhythmic strokes on specific parts of the body in order
to release and enhance the flow of the vital energy of qi.
Massage therapy has be shown to be effective for the following
conditions among others
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Relieves acute and chronic pain that
might be generalized or specific headaches and migraines, arthritis,
tendonitis, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, menstrual cramps,
sprains, and toothaches
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Alleviates stress and stress related
conditions
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Improves circulation and lymph flow
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Assist in management of respiratory
disorders, promotes easier breathing
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Effective in managing: Depression,
and Anxiety as it increases the production of endorphins
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Used in treatment of musculoskeletal
injuries and in post surgical rehabilitation
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Relaxes muscles and reduces spasms,
improves range of motion
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Improves alertness and stamina
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Strengthens the immune system
Questions to ask the
practitioner
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How many years experience have you
had utilizing this healing method?
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What type of massage are you
proficient in
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Has your experience been treating
medical conditions or just as a relaxation method
• What is your success rate
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Certificates and Licenses
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References
General Tips
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Seek the advice of your health
provider before embarking on any form of treatment
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Make sure that the massage therapist
is licenses and qualified to perform massage therapy
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Massage should be avoided on open
wounds
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Individuals with cancer should avoid
having the area where the tumor is massaged
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Anyone with deep vein thrombosis
should avoid having that area massaged as it can lead to the dislodging
of the thrombus
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Make sure to tell you massage
therapist of any medical condition you have
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Inform your therapist if you are
allergic to anything as many use oils and lotions that may contain
ingredients that you are sensitive to.
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You might experience some discomfort
if the therapist happens to work on a tight muscle, but notify your
therapist immediately if you experience pain.
List of Products & Services
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Kama Sutra Massage Therapy Kit
Books and Publications
Alternative Treatment Methods
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Acupressure
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Acupuncture
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Aromatherapy
• Biofeedback
• Chiropractic Treatment
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Guided Imagery
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Herbal Remedies
• Homeopathy
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Hypnosis
• Magnetic Therapy
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Massage Therapy
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Meditation
• Qigong
• Reflexology
• Reiki
• Tai Chi
• Therapeutic Touch
• Vitamin Therapy
• Yoga
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