I've been reading about massage myths, things that were once thought to be true about the benefits or dangers of massage therapy that have now been debunked. When I was in school for massage back in 2003 at the Asten Center in Richardson, Texas. we were taught that massage for someone healing from cancer was inappropriate or possible harmful, that massage can cause a woman to have a miscarriage in her first trimester, and that water after the session is important to flush out "toxins" , a very vague and popular buzzword these days. Things change as more and more research and studies are being done and our knowledge of how the body works changes. I've listed the benefits and some of the now known "myths" in a chart below. When I read the list of the benefits, I feel truly amazed! Everyone I know could benefit from regular sessions. I know I do- and my regular clients who are people who have a lot on their plates, know that making time for massage helps them be their best- More alert, clear-minded, happier people. Reaping benefits does have one catch. You must get massage REGULARLY. It's not a one time deal and all your aches and pains are gone. It takes time but the results are better than anything pain pills can give you- just check out the list below! I suggest once a month for maintenance and more regularly (weekly) if you're in pain or needing to work on a specific issue.
5 Comments
2/19/2013 03:48:37 am
A body maintains chronic conditions that inhibit the release of "toxins" ( including drugs,
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2/19/2013 04:10:43 am
Increasing blood flow through the body (and lymph too) not only brings nutrition to cells, it also helps the body eliminate its metabolic waste and whatever else it needs to carry away from the cells. It may not be "toxins" per se, but I believe this whole issue is mostly a matter of semantics. Increased circulation of blood and lymph brings in fresh supplies AND takes out waste. Period. I get weary of the arguments about this. It is obvious if you have been doing massage for any length of time that massage stimulates the body's elimination systems, too. People have more mucous flow, digestion increases, sometimes they sweat, sometimes they have to pee really bad as soon as they get off the table. Fluids flow. The body is using more fluids, and drinking extra water to help this along is beneficial. It's semantics.
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It is not semantics. Not need to be weary about the arguments about this.
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2/19/2013 06:07:19 am
Many people think of "toxins" and "waste" in the same manner... No, I do not use the word "toxins" when speaking to clients about this, but they often use that word, even when I use different language. To them it is all the same thing. 2/25/2013 05:04:36 am
Oh Hillary, how refreshing to read some common sense about massage! I agree with what you've said, particularly with regard to "toxins" and the need for regularity in reaping the health benefits massage can bring.
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Dallas Massage Blog is a written journal about Massage Therapy, Wellness, and Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage in the Dallas, Texas area. |