What is a holistic deep tissue massage?
Working at both emotional and neurological levels, Deep Tissue Massage retrains the brain to release muscle tension and allow the overall body to relax and restore balance. A holistic view of health considers that your mind, body and vitality are indivisible and interdependent. The most requested massage, The Swedish Massage, offers gentle strokes for relaxation, while the deepest, hardest type of massage–deep tissue massage– works well with chiropractic treatments to relieve chronic pain or muscle tension.Deep tissue massage can loosen painful “knots” and realign deeper layers of muscle through a combination of firm pressure and slow strokes. Your therapist will not only work on the usual muscles but on the connective tissue as well.Techniques like deep tissue massage reduce the accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles, a common cause of post-exercise pain. By expelling lactic acid and other metabolic wastes, massage not only relieves pain but also helps to restore muscle integrity and enhance performance.Rather than focusing only on where it hurts, holistic massage looks at everything that affects your wellbeing. Your therapist might use swedish massage, deep tissue work, aromatherapy, and pressure point techniques all in one session. They’ll consider how you’re feeling emotionally and what’s happening in your life.
What is the disadvantage of deep tissue massage?
Side Effects of Deep Tissue Massage Most clients experience muscle aches, lingering pain, fatigue, or headaches shortly after treatment which is similar to post-workout soreness. These massage side effects are usually mild and last 24–48 hours. While light stretching or a leisurely walk is beneficial, it’s best to avoid intense workouts for 24 hours after a deep tissue massage. This gives your body time to recover fully without risking any strain or injury.Deep tissue massage is not for everyone. In some cases, it can cause muscle tears, bone fractures, or even a stroke. If you have osteoporosis or certain types of cancer, you might be more at risk of these things. Talk to your doctor first if you are pregnant, take blood thinners, or have a blood clot or blood disorder.So, what happens to the body after deep tissue massage? Most clients report feeling mild soreness akin to DOMS after deep tissue massage. This usually lasts a few days after which time clients report benefits such as pain relief, improved range of motion, better sleep, and lower blood pressure.
What happens during a holistic massage?
Holistic massage is not just about kneading muscles or relieving tension; it’s about treating the body as a whole. This approach integrates techniques such as Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports, Thai massage, reiki, reflexology, and craniosacral therapy. For overall natural health, stress relief and total body rejuvenation, go for holistic massage therapy. If, on the other hand, you want to be free of chronic pain and regain flexibility in your movements, then deep tissue massage may be right for you.How often you need holistic massage depends on your goals. For wellness and stress relief, monthly sessions might be enough. For chronic conditions or stress, weekly or bi-weekly sessions could be better. Talk to a therapist to find the right schedule for you.
What is the difference between a massage and a holistic massage?
The fundamental difference is the focus. A conventional massage typically targets specific physical muscle relief. A holistic massage, however, focuses on the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. 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 its most basic form, holistic therapy addresses the mind, body, and spirit to support health and healing. It’s very similar to general therapy or counseling but often draws on complementary and alternative practices that the therapist may also have in their toolbox.Depending on the type of holistic therapy your therapist offers, you may engage in mindfulness exercises or body movements. Your therapist will then ask you to assess your comfort in the various areas as you learn what feels good and what feels uncomfortable, a lesson you can take with you outside of session.Holistic approaches include but are not limited to: acupuncture, acupressure, biofeedback, massage therapy, chiropractic physicians, manual therapy, naturopathic physicians, meditation, guided imagery, yoga, therapeutic touch, reiki and other energy therapies, and ayurveda.
How long do deep tissue massage benefits last?
The benefits of deep tissue massage can last for several days or even weeks. This type of massage helps reduce inflammation, improve blood circulation, and boost mental health. For every-day people looking to enjoy the benefits of a deep tissues massage, it is best to undergo general maintenance massages. This means a monthly session with your practitioner. Undergoing regular deep tissue massage sessions helps teach the body to repair itself by manipulating the connective tissues.It helps restore the function of the muscles and surrounding connective tissues and in return helps movement and flexibility – and particularly effective to treat and prevent soft tissue strains, sprains and address postural issues. The pressure of the massage will be adapted to suit your own pain tolerance and needs.People with blood clotting disorders, recent injuries or surgery, certain skin conditions, or circulatory issues should avoid this form of massage. It should also be approached with care for older adults, those undergoing chemotherapy, or anyone with reduced tissue integrity or healing capacity.Massage therapy is more than just a relaxation tool—it’s a powerful method for addressing the physical and emotional symptoms of trauma and PTSD. By calming the nervous system, releasing muscle tension, and improving the mind-body connection, massage can help trauma survivors reclaim their health and well-being.
What is deep tissue massage good for?
Unlike classic massage therapy, which is used for relaxation, deep tissue massage usually focuses on a specific problem, such as: chronic pain, limited mobility, recovery from injuries (e. When massage is applied to the body it increases the blood supply travelling around your body, in particular to the area being treated. This in turn promotes an exchange of substances between the cells, which helps to bring fresh nutrients into cells and remove waste, keeping your body healthy and ready for action.