I thought this would be a good time
to talk about different types of massage. Why?
Because each type offers different results, depending on your needs at any given time.
The proof is in the pudding
I was thinking about pudding recently. My all-time favorite is chocolate, but I also enjoy (and even make) “Mexican custard”. As the saying goes, “The proof is in the pudding.” People sometimes use this expression to explain the process of deciding whether something works or not. The results must be tangible – measurable by the senses.
In massage, the proof of whether a particular type works or not is in the senses of the beholder. Why is that? Because of the mind-body connection that the parasympathetic system influences.
According to a report published on the website of the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), “The main purpose of the [parasympathetic nervous system] is to conserve energy to be used later and to regulate bodily functions like digestion and urination.” This system sends messages to many parts of our bodies, so it figures prominently in whether people “feel” that a massage is easing their pain and providing comfort.
The body’s tissues are of all kinds, thicknesses, and textures: The dermis, epidermis, subcutaneous tissues, hypodermis, and muscle. And everywhere in between are nerves, glands, hair follicles, blood vessels, and fascia (the thin covering of connective tissue that holds in place our organs, blood vessels, bones, nerves, and muscles). Each type of massage addresses different layers in our body structure, and all throughout, the parasympathetic system is sending its messages.
The beauty of the mind-body connection is that it is a symbiotic relationship. When the physical part of you experiences pain, instinctively your mind works to find a remedy. And, massage therapy can help with that. A study published as a book (Evidence-Based Management of Low Back Pain) tells us that, "Massage therapy may induce local biochemical changes that modulate local blood flow and regulate oxygenation in muscles, subsequently influencing neural activity at the spinal cord segmental level, thereby modulating the activities of subcortical nuclei that influence both mood and pain perception."
I also like how Mateusz Romanowski ties in massage therapy with the whole notion of self-care by describing it as a way “…to identify and eliminate hyperirritability in muscle and fascia, to reduce soft tissue pain and spasm, to restore lymph and blood circulation to tissues, restore normal range of motion and flexibility, release fascial and soft tissue adhesions, reduce or eliminate the underlying causes of chronic pain patterns, stimulate inactive muscle tissue, promote relaxation, and teach self-care techniques for lasting pain relief.”
It would take too long for me to talk to every type of therapy. But, to show you how you might choose among three types of massage we offer at Nature’s Whisper Healing Arts, I will talk about them in a series of four articles, this first article being an overview of what to look for when you are “shopping” for a massage. The second article in the series is about the most well-known (and popular) massage – Swedish. And, in other articles, I cover Deep Tissue and Lymphatic Drainage Massage (LDM).
How are Swedish, Deep Tissue, and LDM alike / different?
Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Lymphatic Drainage Massage (LDM) are considered “therapeutic”. That is, in addition to helping you feel good and reducing bad stress effects, these three massage types contribute to the wellness of your physical body. Swedish and Deep Tissue are also alike in that they are performed on your muscles and tissues beneath the derma (the skin); whereas, LDM focuses on lymph vessels (primarily in the skin) that move lymphatic fluid throughout your body.
How massage therapists partner with you on your self-care journey
Massage therapy can augment the care offered by a medical doctor, physical therapist, or osteopathic practitioner. At other times, though, touch therapy is an option to include in your self-care regimen without the need for a referral – any time you need it.
Massage therapists are not “One Size Fits All”. Just as you “shop” for a fitness coach, psychotherapist, or doctor, you can choose the massage therapist who best matches your style. A research study I read put it this way, “I could have exactly the skill sets they need, but we may not click. And no matter what, that’s going to interfere with that healing relationship.”
To get the most out of your massage, I recommend these 6 simple steps:
Call to inquire about the therapist’s style, techniques, specialties.
Schedule a free consultation (if available).
Ask your doctor about which therapies will complement your health-care regimen.
Try a 30-minute session to start.
Take advantage of promotions to learn more about the therapist.
Visit our website or send an email message to find out more.
Remember: When the body is out of pain, the mind can relax so that you can be at your best. The proof really is in your senses and how your body feels.