Massage Therapy: No Longer an Indulgence

One of the greatest misconceptions about massage therapy is that it is meant to be a luxury. For lots of people, the word "massage" conjures up images of an extravagant day at the spa, or lying on the beach getting gently massaged while waves roll lazily onto the shore. The reality is, most people get massages so they can cope with anxiety, stress, muscle soreness, headaches, and any number of other ailments. Many people include massage in their regular health care regimen, as an integral component of healing and prevention. Living in New York City, massage therapy is available in abundance, and I've been lucky enough to experience quite a few different types of massage--not to mention a number of benefits.
While massage isn't capable of curing any life-threatening medical problems, it can be a powerful form of healing, especially when used in conjunction with other modalities. Based on the holistic belief that pain is referred, massage therapy has the ability to hone in on sources of discomfort that you may not have been aware of. Pain does not just come from one place within the body; rather, it stems from multiple sources, creating recurring patterns of pain throughout the body. The benefits of massage therapy are extensive and can provide welcome relief from achy muscles, back pain, headache and symptomatic relief of mental and emotional stress. Massage also works preventively to bring the body/mind to a state of restoration and balance, so it can be prepared to deal with further stress or damage to muscles, tissue and body structure as a whole.
Growing evidence suggests that if you receive regular massages, you will develop a greater sense of well being and have a healthier overall mind and body. I, personally, go once a week to a place here in NYC to get massage therapy. NYC is home to some of the world's most amazing bodyworkers. Those of us who live here have such a plethora of massage and healing possibilities at our fingertips. But no matter where you live, chances are, there is a skilled bodyworker within close range.
There are many types of massage therapy to choose from. Find out what's available and determine which type is best for you based on your personal needs. Don't forget to factor in relaxation, as that may be your most pressing need at the moment. One of the most popular forms of massage is Swedish massage, a technique of smooth, gentle strokes and kneading on superficial muscle layers. If you've never had a massage, this is a good one to try first.
Deep tissue massage uses slow strokes and deep finger pressure to release chronic tension in the body. As the term implies, this technique focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. For those who want an even more focused massage, you might try Shiatsu. Shiatsu is a Japanese bodywork practice that uses a rhythmic sequence of localized finger pressure on acupuncture meridians. Shiatsu works to restore balance by improving the flow of energy in the body.
Like Shiatsu, Thai massage aligns the body's energies through the application of pressure on specific points. Thai massage also includes stretches and compressions which the therapist performs with the patient's body and limbs, much in the tradition of yoga. In fact, most people refer to Thai massage as yoga without the work.
Other types of massage include aromatherapy, hot stone, reflexology, pre-natal and sports massage, to name a few of the more common ones. If you're in search of a reputable place to receive massage therapy, New York City is certainly a good place to be.

Written by Kacy Suther. In Touch Bodywork offers massage therapy. New York City residents can get sports massage, therapeutic massage and lymphatic drainage massage therapy. NYC massage info at http://www.intouchbodyworknyc.com .