Spas are everywhere, masseuses are everywhere – expensive, inexpensive and everywhere in between. Now there’s another benefit to having a “spa day” aside from relaxation…your health!
Recently, massage therapy has been found to boost immune systems in breast cancer patients, decrease symptoms in asthmatic children, and in the smallest of babies can help stimulate an appetite. According to the Archives of Internal Medicine, those suffering from osteoarthritis should take note that knee pain is greatly reduced when treated with a Swedish massage on average one and a half times per week.
Mark Hyman Rapaport at the Emory University School of Medicine began studying massage to understand why his wife enjoyed it so much. In 2010, his research led him to discover a decrease in hormones associated with stress and aggressive behavior. More recently, Dr. Rapaport’s team is examining how best to treat anxiety with massage.
The most common types of massage are Swedish and deep tissue, however hot stone massages are quickly making their way up the list. A Swedish massage has five primary strokes involved – effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement and vibration – which can be applied with a great deal of pressure or as light as the client wishes. Deep tissue on the other hand is a series of slow, specific and deliberate strokes. Hot stones are typically used to supplement a classic or Swedish massage. They facilitate the relaxing of muscles and increase blood flow to the heated area.
Check out www.spafinder.com to find a spa that suits your needs and treat yourself to your health! Always remember to drink plenty of water after a massage.
– The Alternative Daily