Massage Therapy
Massage is the manipulation of the myofascial (muscle) system. Massage therapy is recognized as one of the oldest methods of healing, with references in medical texts nearly 4,000 years old. Hippocrates, known as the "father of medicine," referenced massage when he wrote, in the 4th century BC "The physician must be acquainted with many things, and assuredly with rubbing."

Massage therapy, often referred to as bodywork or somatic therapy, refers to the application of various techniques to the muscular structure and soft tissues of the body that include applying fixed or movable pressure, holding, vibration, rocking, friction, kneading and compression using primarily the hands and forearms.

Research has verified that:  Massage therapy decreased the effects of anxiety, tension, depression, pain, and itching in burn patients; Abdominal surgery patients recovered more quickly after massage; Premature infants who were massaged gained more weight and fared better than those who weren't; and Autistic children showed less erratic behavior after massage therapy.

Physical Benefits of Therapeutic Massage:

  • Helps relieve stress and aids relaxation
  • Alleviates discomfort during pregnancy
  • Reduces heart rate
  • Reduces muscle spasms
  • Improves posture
  • Treats musculoskeletal problems
  • Enhances health and nourishment of skin
  • Provides greater joint flexibility and range of motion
  • Promotes deeper and easier breathing
  • Reduces blood pressure
  • Helps relieve tension-related headaches 
  • Helps relieve muscle tension and stiffness
  • Fosters faster healing of strained muscles and sprained ligaments; reduces pain and swelling; reduces formation of excessive scar tissue
  • Strengthens the immune system
  • Rehabilitation post operative or injury
  • Increases endorphins 
  • Enhances athletic performance; Treats injuries caused during sport or work
  • Improves circulation of blood and movement of lymph fluids
  • Helps relieve effects of eye-strain

 

 Mental Benefits of Massage Therapy:

  • Fosters peace of mind and a feeling of well being
  • Promotes a relaxed state of mental alertness
  • Helps relieve mental stress and reduces levels of anxiety
  • Improves ability to monitor stress signals and respond appropriately
  • Enhances capacity for calm thinking and creativity
  • Creates body awareness
  • Increases awareness of mind-body connection

(Source: AMTA)
 



After a heavy snowfall the more rigid branches of the pine break under the weight of the snow, but the more supple willow branches bend, thus allowing the snow to fall to the ground.


Tao: Sacred Symbols