Guest guest Posted November 7, 2004 Report Share Posted November 7, 2004 Massage for Pain Control JoAnn Guest Nov 07, 2004 15:39 PST Holisticonline.com Massage for Pain Control Massage is a very effective technique for controlling pain. How does it work? There are number of ways massage may help in controlling pain. Massage " confuses " the body's pain signals. Rubbing may interfere with pain signals' pathways to your brain, a process called the " gate control theory, " according to experts. Pain impulses run toward the spinal cord and then up the cord and into the brain. It's only when they reach the brain that these impulses, are perceived as pain. When you rub, it sends other impulses along the same nerves. When all these impulses try to reach the brain through nerves, the nerves get clogged like a highway during morning rush hour. The result? Most of them won't reach the brain. And if the pain signals do not reach the brain, you won't feel pain. Thus massage works by 'closing the gate' that pain impulses have to pass through. Massage also calls up the body's natural painkillers. It stimulates the release of 'endorphins', the morphine-like substances that the body manufactures, into the brain and nervous system. Massage provides deep relaxation It relieves muscle tension, spasm, and stiffness. All of these contribute to pain. Experts suggest that tense muscles are usually deprived of oxygen, because the tightness reduces blood circulation to the area. Massage improves blood circulation, bringing with it what the muscle needs-oxygen and other forms of nourishment. The muscle then relaxes, and pain decreases. Massage relieves mental stress and anxiety. Massage is providing the benefit by the therapeutic value of touching that helps a person in pain. Research shows that even touch lasting for less than 1 second has the ability to make people feel better. Obviously, an hour-long touch provided by massage has to make you feel good! What Types of Pain Can Massage Help? Massage can help any pain originating from muscle tension: example - head, back, neck, and shoulder pain are all can benefit from massage. Releasing tightness and tension in muscles is the most obvious effect of a good massage. Massage also is beneficial for relieving pain associated with arthritis, injuries, or even recent surgery. http://holisticonline.com/massage/mas_pain.htm Next Topic: Basic Techniques of Swedish Massage, Self Massage ===================================================================== Face Massage http://holisticonline.com/massage/mas_face.htm --- Massage can help prevent new tension lines and wrinkles from appearing. Massage does this by relaxing the muscles and by stimulating the blood vessels under the skin. Before starting the massage, cleanse your face thoroughly. Now follow the procedure described below. Use basic movements - stroking, pinching and stimulating. Start by stroking the whole face. Use both hands and work up the neck, out across the cheeks, then glide gently inwards, work up and out over the forehead. Finish by applying gentle pressure to the temples. Stimulate the skin by using the back of your hands and loosely rolling your fingers up the cheek. This can also be used on the neck and under the chin. With your thumb and forefinger, gently pinch the skin along the jawbone and under the chin. This is very stimulating and helps prevent a double chin. To release tension around the eyes, firmly squeeze the eyebrows with your thumb and forefinger. Always work from the bridge of the nose towards the temples. For tension in the neck and shoulders make firm circular movements working up either side of the neck then out across the shoulders. --- Posted: Sun Nov 07, 2004 3:26 pm Post subject: Massage - Precautions/ Contra-Indications -- Massage - Precautions/ Contra-Indications Certain medical conditions require the exercise of caution concerning the advisability of giving or receiving massage. If you are in any doubt, or if you or your partner are under medical supervision, check with your doctor or other qualified medical practitioner before embarking on massage therapy. This advice applies particularly in the case of cardiovascular conditions and heart disease, especially in cases of thrombosis, phlebitis, and oedema. Never apply pressure under or over varicose veins. Never massage directly over infected skin, for example where there are warts, herpes, or boils, or where there is inflammation, unexplained lumps, bruises and open cuts. While giving a massage, cover up any open cuts or scratches on your hands with a plaster or other dressing. Massage on the abdomen is best avoided during the first three months of pregnancy when the risk of miscarriage is highest. The causes of acute back pain should first be diagnosed by a physician before receiving massage treatment. Consult a qualified medical practitioner in cases of raised temperature, infections, or contagious disease. Seek medical advice before having a massage if you suffer from phlebitis, thrombosis, varicose veins, severe acute back pain, or fever. Swellings, fractures, skin infections, or bruises should not be massaged. Lumps and swellings should be checked by your doctor. Massage of the abdomen, legs, and feet should not be given during the first three months of pregnancy. Cancer patients are best treated by specially trained practitioners who know which areas to avoid and which kind of massage is appropriate. http://holisticonline.com/massage/mas_precautions.htm _________________ JoAnn Guest mrsjo- DietaryTi- www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Diets.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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