TC239: Massage Therapy

In this episode host Robin Masiewicz interviews Lakisha Ashford, a massage therapist currently working with Dr. Ted Pena, Doctor of Chiropractic and guest on several Transformation Cafe podcasts.
 
 

Massage is a general term for pressing, rubbing and manipulating your skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Massage therapists typically use their hands and fingers for massage, but may also use their forearms, elbows and even feet. Massage may range from light stroking to deep pressure.

Four Common Types of Massage Therapy

• Swedish: The most common type of massage, to relax and energize you.
• Deep tissue: For muscle damage from an injury, such as whiplash or back strain.
• Sports: To help prevent athletic injury, keep the body flexible and help recovery.
• Chair: Massage of the upper body, while fully clothed and seated in a special portable chair.

In addition there are other related therapies such as acupressure, trigger point therapy, reflexology, hot stones, and other techniques.

• Helps relieve stress
• Encourages relaxation
• Improves posture
• Improves circulation
• Lowers blood pressure
• Relaxes muscles
• Improves flexibility and range of motion
• Promotes deeper and easier breathing
• Relieves headaches
• Strengthens the immune system
• Improves rehabilitation after an injury

After a massage or trigger point therapy it is important for you to remain hydrated. The breaking down of the trigger point takes all of the toxins that have built up in these areas and releases them into the blood stream. Without proper hydration, it is likely that the toxins will make you sick. Drinking plenty of water and other healthy beverages allows for the toxins to wash out of the blood stream in a short period of time. Additionally, many therapists will recommend that you take an Epsom salt bath to assist with removing toxins and muscle soreness.

This article from the Mayo Clinic discusses some of the many benefits of massage therapy, and provides an introduction into the different types of massage.

If you’re interested in the research, here’s a link to some clinical research studies examining the benefits of massage.

Review massage information from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, a department of the National Institutes of Health.

Visit the Wellness Revolution on Facebook for fitness and nutrition articles, recipes, and to encourage one another.

Dr. Peña’s web site: http://www.chiropractorsriverside.com/

Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.  

The post TC239: Massage Therapy appeared first on Transformation Cafe.