What conditions can holistic massage treat?
Massage therapy Massage can benefit various conditions, such as: Anxiety: Reduces blood pressure, heart rate, and stress levels. Fibromyalgia: Improves sleep, reduces stiffness, and tender points. Headaches: Relieves tension and improves posture. The massage typically starts with lighter pressure to warm your muscles, gradually getting deeper as your body relaxes. Your therapist may use various oils or lotions, sometimes adding aromatherapy to enhance the healing effects. They’ll check in regularly about pressure and comfort levels.During a massage, certain body areas are typically avoided to prevent discomfort or potential injury. These include direct manipulation of the spine, the front of the neck, and any visibly injured or inflamed areas.It’s up to you. Women usually remove their bras to allow the massage therapist to work on the back and shoulder area without getting massage oil or lotion on the bra. If your problem area is your low back, hips, buttocks, or groin, tight-fitting or large underwear can sometimes get in the way of massage work.Massage should be avoided if you have skin conditions such as rashes, open wounds, or contagious skin diseases like fungal infections or herpes. Massaging over these areas can worsen the condition, irritate the skin, or spread the infection to other body areas.
How long is a holistic massage session?
According to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), 60-minute sessions are the most popular, offering therapists ample time to address key muscle groups and promote relaxation. However, session lengths can vary from 30 minutes for targeted treatments to 120 minutes for more comprehensive therapies. Most people experience immediate relaxation, reduced muscle soreness, and stress relief for 24-48 hours post-massage. If you received a Swedish or relaxation massage, the effects may last for a couple of days before tension begins to return.There is no right answer to this question because its different for each person. Depending on how bad the tension is you could feel relief in as few as one or two massages or it could take up to six months of weekly or bi weekly sessions before you feel relief.One of the most common side effects of massage therapy is muscle soreness. This occurs because massage techniques involve manipulating the muscles, which can cause temporary microtrauma to muscle fibres, similar to the effects of a workout.Massage can increase the release of neurotransmitters that promote positive and calming sensations. At the same time, massage also helps to reduce hormone levels that affect some less pleasant feelings. This combination can lead to that lingering feeling of relaxation after a massage.
How do I prepare for a holistic massage?
Physical Preparation While you don’t need to scrub yourself raw, a shower before your massage is always appreciated. It’ll help you feel fresh and comfortable. Also, go easy on the perfume or cologne. Your therapist will be working closely with you, and strong scents can be overwhelming in that setting. Showering immediately after a massage may reduce their effectiveness. Try to wait at least 1–2 hours before showering, unless advised otherwise by your therapist. Also, be mindful of deep tissue massage sessions—your muscles may be tender. A gentle rinse or warm bath later in the day is often more beneficial.After a massage, it is important to drink plenty of water, eat healthy foods, and get plenty of rest. You should also avoid smoking, drinking caffeine, working out, and taking hot baths or showers.Can I feel sick after a massage because of toxins? Some people feel sore, tired, or lightheaded after a massage. This is usually a response to muscle release and improved circulation, not a sudden flood of toxins. Rest and hydration often help you recover quickly.If you do not drink water after a massage, you may experience some short-term effects such as feeling thirsty or experiencing dry mouth. It is important to drink water after a massage to help your body flush out any toxins that may have been released during the massage.
Is holistic massage better than regular massage?
Holistic care offers a more integrated approach compared to standard therapeutic methods. While traditional therapy often focuses solely on physical symptoms, holistic massage emphasises the connection between body and mind, which can lead to more effective recovery. However, there are some that rise above the rest. A study conducted by the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT) last year found that the most popular holistic therapy is reflexology, followed by body massage in 2nd place and aromatherapy in third.Holistic means encompassing the whole of a thing, and not just the part. Holistic medicine looks at the whole person for answers, not just at physical symptoms. You might have heard of holistic medicine, which tries to treat someone as mind and body, instead of treating only the part of the patient that is most sick.In session, holistic therapists examine a client’s physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and mental wellbeing. They help the client find balance across each of these areas.How does holistic massage differ from a regular massage? While regular massage often focuses on specific physical issues, holistic massage considers the whole person, aiming to balance mind, body, and spirit.