How Massage Can Help Eliminate Common Health Problems
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Ideally, the abdomen should be firm and yet relaxed. It should have good muscle tone without being rigid or hard, and also be flexible and soft without being loose or flabby. Few of us, however, are examples of the ideal!
The front and back of the body are directly related. Many times, the lower back is strained by having to compensate for abdominal problems, in which cases it is as important to bring our attention (to work on) to the abdomen as well as the back. Another consideration is that many of the abdominal muscles attach to the diaphragm, which expands and contracts with each breath. Therefore, tension in the abdomen can also adversely affect breathing, which can become less full and deep. Proper muscle tone of the abdominal area is important for proper alignment of the entire pelvic area. Massage relieves abdominal tension and tones the muscles of the intestinal tract, which can also help relieve constipation.
The front and back of the body are directly related. Many times, the lower back is strained by having to compensate for abdominal problems, in which cases it is as important to bring our attention (to work on) to the abdomen as well as the back. Another consideration is that many of the abdominal muscles attach to the diaphragm, which expands and contracts with each breath. Therefore, tension in the abdomen can also adversely affect breathing, which can become less full and deep. Proper muscle tone of the abdominal area is important for proper alignment of the entire pelvic area. Massage relieves abdominal tension and tones the muscles of the intestinal tract, which can also help relieve constipation.
Muscular tension blocks proper circulation because the contracted muscle tissue physically constricts the arteries and veins and therefore restricts the blood flow. Poor circulation is a self-perpetuating negative condition. When the blood cannot properly get to the cells to bring oxygen and nutrients and flush away waste materials, the cells and tissues become undernourished and toxins accumulate, thus furthering the stagnation and tension in the area. Eliminating muscular tension through massage can thus restore much of lost vitality and help bodily processes work in a healthy fashion.
Cramps are usually caused by muscular tension or associated with one’s diet. During a cramp, the nerves of the affected muscle are hyperactive, causing an extreme and sudden contraction of the muscle. Tense muscles already in a contracted state inhibit circulation so that lactic acid and other toxins accumulate, which further imbalances the area, reinforcing tension. Cramps can develop in any muscle of the body, but they usually occur in muscles which have been excessively used or over-trained. They may also develop in muscles used years prior if proper muscle tone is not maintained. As such, prevention is the best approach for cramps. Massage can contribute to keeping the muscles stretched out and flexible, which is the surest way to prevent cramping.
Symptoms of depression include chronic fatigue, insomnia, sleep problems, headaches, backaches, digestive disorders, restlessness, irritability, loss of interest in relationships and life, feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy. A person with depression may be chronically angry or sad or go to the other extreme of having no emotions at all. The causes of depression are wide and varied and not very well understood. It may be triggered by stressful events, chemical imbalances, poor diet, allergies, thyroid and other hormone disorders, hypoglycemia and some hereditary and social conditioning factors. While massage should not in any way be seen as a pure substitute in treating depression for psychotherapy, various medicine, and other practiced treatments, it has been shown to have similar benefits as psychotherapy, as massage effectively manages stress, anxiety, allows for deeper sleep, and generally revitalizes the body. Massage can function as a stand alone treatment for minor depression, but can also be used in conjunction with other treatments for more serious cases.
http://thebodyworker.com/depression_and_massage.htm
http://thebodyworker.com/depression_and_massage.htm
Fatigue is a condition that can be caused by various imbalances, including physical deficiencies and excesses. Inadequate circulation of the blood and muscular tension in various degrees can increase levels of fatigue. Muscular tension decreases circulation of both the blood and Ki energy and blocks deep breathing. Massage is an excellent way to overcoming fatigue and restoring vitality.
Frustration collects in the body mainly in the shoulders, neck, Solar Plexus, and hips. Shoulder tension can represent uptightness, irritability, fear, and resistance to change. The solar Plexus is related to the expression of personal power, repression, or restriction in one’s life. Rigidity in the neck is associated with anger. Through massage, especially by focusing on these areas, frustration can be released.
The major symptoms of Fybromialgia are constant low grade exhausting muscle and tendon pain, localize of whole body pain, physical and mental fatigue, sleeplessness, TMJ problems, tension headaches, swellings, pelvic pain, and pulse abnormality.
More and more people in the contemporary world are looking for a cure from fybromialgia, but there are still a lot of argument as to the nature and cause of the condition. Many researchers agree that Fibromiositis development in the body leads to FM, which has Fibrosomatic nature. Yet other reseachers believe FM to be of a psychosomatic nature.
Rehabilitation massage protocol for a chronic condition such as fybromialgia consists of a series of treatment sessions for maintaining positive changes. FM massage focuses on release of patient's hypertonus soft and connective tissue of the body.
More and more people in the contemporary world are looking for a cure from fybromialgia, but there are still a lot of argument as to the nature and cause of the condition. Many researchers agree that Fibromiositis development in the body leads to FM, which has Fibrosomatic nature. Yet other reseachers believe FM to be of a psychosomatic nature.
Rehabilitation massage protocol for a chronic condition such as fybromialgia consists of a series of treatment sessions for maintaining positive changes. FM massage focuses on release of patient's hypertonus soft and connective tissue of the body.
Tension, where muscle fibers remain in a tensed, contracted state, can be one of the preliminary stages of disease. Tension can block the natural flow of lymph, hormones, nerve impulses, blood, and ki energy. Eventually, these blockages affect other parts of the body creating weaknesses and lowering the immune system.
Headaches are primarily caused by tension in the muscles of the head, neck, and shoulders. That tension partially constricts the blood vessels that supply the required oxygen to the nerve cells of the brain. Headaches serve as a safety valve to signal our attention to the imbalance in the area before the constriction reaches a critical threshold. Every symptom we have represents a deeper imbalance in us. Often, people tend to avoid their body signals (i.e., emotions, minor aches, and pains) until they develop into severe conditions that cannot be ignored and require surgery or other extreme measures. Massage treatment applied to this area can restore the proper balance and cure even severe pains.
Hypertension, the technical term for high blood pressure, can be caused by dietary imbalances or emotional stress. In order to achieve radiant health, it is vital to take responsibility and change whatever aspects of life are causing the imbalances. This can involve changes in diet, exercise, or work habits. It can also mean individual help from a practitioner of massage.
Tension in the abdominal muscles, in the diaphragm, or in the digestive organs affects the digestion no matter what, how, or how much one eats. Eventually, when enough tension builds up in the area, the digestive process can be impaired. Indigestion, belching, or gas can result. Abdominal tensions can produce a deep irritation in the pit of the stomach. This sometimes unconsciously drives a person to overeat, in an attempt to relieve that tension. Massage, triggering specific points on the abdomen, can break up internal blockages and ensure that the stomach and intestines - which are themselves muscles - are free to work properly.
The inability to get sleep is often caused by stress and anxiety. Also, a lack of exercise can often decrease the fatigue felt naturally at the end of a full day and the body may become too restless to relax. Varieties of massage have traditionally been used to alleviate insomnia.
There are both physical and emotional causes of menstrual cramps. As with most symptoms, menstrual tension and cramps are a signal of an imbalance in the body. Problems associated with cramps include pelvic tension or congestion, constipation, and a contracted cervix among others. The practice of massage and stretching can alleviate physical and emotional symptoms and naturally stimulate the endocrine system to regulate hormones and release tension without the side effects of synthetic drugs.
Whenever a person is under any sort of stress, whether from personal, social, or work demand, the neck is one area that almost always becomes tense. Stresses and strains create additional burden on the neck muscles, and an unhealthy situation is set up where tension breeds more tension. Neck problems can affect us on various levels, and we become more closed physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Since the neck is such a key area and so prone to the build-up of tension, it is especially important to practice massage to unblock that tension.
A great many factors contribute to a weakening of the nerves, such as the stresses and strains of work and family situations, sedentary lifestyles without enough exercise, poor diet, injuries and accidents, poor posture, and spinal misalignment, etc. Massage provides a deep release of tension that relaxes the entire body. Furthermore, massage’s emphasis on the spine makes it an ideal practice for developing a strong and balanced nervous system.
Potency depends on the overall condition of the human body. Both daily habits and unusual or stressful situations affect potency: strong emotion, poor health, overall fatigue, and chronic lower back problems are just several causes of impotency. Basically, by not taking care of yourself, you can deplete the strength of your vital organs, resulting in organic impotency. Ways to strengthen potency by improving physical health include a routine practice of massage, exercise, and a healthy, balanced diet. Massage work on points around the sacrum, for example, is helpful for building sexual potency in both women and men. Such work has also been found to correct menstrual disorders and irregularities in the prostate and bladder.
Pelvic tension is a very common condition, as the pelvis is an area of the body exposed to a great deal of stress, therefore easily accumulating tension. It is important to release tension from the pelvis to improve overall strength, flexibility, and balance, through the use of specific massage techniques.
Pelvic tension also directly affects the reproductive and digestive organs. When muscles of the pelvic area are tense or stagnated, the colon can become blocked, and circulation of both blood and nervous system impulses to genitals is reduced. When pelvic tension is released, it is possible to experience a depth of feeling that was previously impossible; when this area is free, pleasurable sensations can openly circulate in a deep, satisfying way.
The following are some conditions that can contribute to pelvic tension:
1. Restrictive closing, decreased flexibility and mobility of the pelvis, and impaired functioning of the pelvic organs can be a reason of tension.
2. The pelvis can become rigid, almost locked into position, under the brunt of poor posture and lack of movement.
3. There is a direct relationship between tension in upper and lower portions of the spine. When one is out of proper alignment, a strain is put on the other to compensate, so that tension results in both areas. This misalignment can create tension for the pelvic area as well.
4. The pelvis is also considered the gate of the abdomen, where we experience our “gut level” feelings. Abdominal tension can block off these feelings, so that we tend to lose touch with our needs and desires. Releasing pelvic tension can liberate a person from anxiety, worry, and fear, and enable the person to more fully experience inner gratification.
Pelvic tension also directly affects the reproductive and digestive organs. When muscles of the pelvic area are tense or stagnated, the colon can become blocked, and circulation of both blood and nervous system impulses to genitals is reduced. When pelvic tension is released, it is possible to experience a depth of feeling that was previously impossible; when this area is free, pleasurable sensations can openly circulate in a deep, satisfying way.
The following are some conditions that can contribute to pelvic tension:
1. Restrictive closing, decreased flexibility and mobility of the pelvis, and impaired functioning of the pelvic organs can be a reason of tension.
2. The pelvis can become rigid, almost locked into position, under the brunt of poor posture and lack of movement.
3. There is a direct relationship between tension in upper and lower portions of the spine. When one is out of proper alignment, a strain is put on the other to compensate, so that tension results in both areas. This misalignment can create tension for the pelvic area as well.
4. The pelvis is also considered the gate of the abdomen, where we experience our “gut level” feelings. Abdominal tension can block off these feelings, so that we tend to lose touch with our needs and desires. Releasing pelvic tension can liberate a person from anxiety, worry, and fear, and enable the person to more fully experience inner gratification.
If we take care of ourselves by eating properly, getting enough rest, exercise, and by using massage to release old tensions and blockages, then the body’s natural resistance to illness will be strong. We must give our bodies a chance to fully recover from our daily activities. The deep relaxation of massage increases the circulation of both blood and vital Ki energy in nourishing the whole body, especially the internal organs, and as such, improves the overall health and resilience of the body.
Shoulder tension is a general indicator of a person’s overall body tension, blockages, and stagnation. When the body is under stress or in danger, we automatically hunch our shoulders. This is a survival reflex which serves to protect the exposed neck and the head. Modern life styles, along with various work environments and conditions, also contribute to shoulder tension. Shoulder tension can also be the result of emotional stresses and strains. This tension itself then contributes to uptightness and irritability, which create a cyclical pattern by creating more tension. As a result, toxins build up physically, while fears, worries, anger, and anxiety build up emotionally.
Shoulder tension affects all parts of the body. It blocks off circulation to the extremities, directly for he arms, and indirectly (through the balance of the upper and lower back) for the legs. By relieving shoulder tension, a wave of warmth can be released into the extremities. Balancing this area has strong effects on the entire body, and is a key part of an overall body release.
Shoulder tension affects all parts of the body. It blocks off circulation to the extremities, directly for he arms, and indirectly (through the balance of the upper and lower back) for the legs. By relieving shoulder tension, a wave of warmth can be released into the extremities. Balancing this area has strong effects on the entire body, and is a key part of an overall body release.
There is little use in eradicating such symptoms of sinusitis as nasal congestion, headache, and pressure around the eyes and the bridge of the nose without exploring the original causes of these symptoms. There are many manual techniques that benefit sinus conditions. It is imperative that you go beyond a symptomatic release to discover and eliminate the causes of the problem, so that it is possible to prevent the reoccurrence of the conditions. For example, releasing muscular tension in the chest can be used to clear nasal passages, and massaging reflexology points on the sides and bottoms of the toes can also be effective for sinuses.
When you have a limber spine, you will have a youthful body; stiffness in the spine is a sing of aging. When the spine is out of alignment, a negative cycle begins, creating muscle tension in the local area and in other parts of the back, which must work harder to compensate for the strain on the primary area. The condition of the spine affects the condition of the entire body. Because the nerves from the spine go to all parts of the body, we suffer from transferred pains which run from the back along the sides or other parts of the body. Movement in a certain direction or deep breathing may stimulate these pains in various areas. Often, a spinal problem in the back will cause a referred pain in the front of the body, opposite the original problem. Immobility and inflexibility of the spine, along with poor posture, result in spinal misalignment, degeneration of the discs, and pinched nerves. It is possible to prevent degeneration through exercises and massage, which strengthen and relax muscles, harmonizing the whole vertebral column.