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Massage,
the art of therapeutic bodywork, has been practiced from time immemorial
by both ancient and primitive peoples. Concepts which linked the
body to the mind and spirit were once discounted as "unscientific"
in the west, and the human body came to be regarded as a sophisticated
machine. Yet in the light of the development of modern psychology
and a more sophisticated knowledge of anatomy and physiology, health
care professionals are beginning to reexamine touch therapy. As
we confront the challenge of understanding how personal growth,
character, physical structure, and health and disease relate to
one another, we begin to create a new matrix -- "the bodymind".*
* Term coined by Ken Dychtwald in his book Bodymind
Bodymind is the concept that health and disease don't just happen
to us, they are active processes reflecting psychological and somatic
harmony. As more is learned in research on the brain, the connection
between mind and illness becomes understandable. The brain masterminds
or indirectly influences every function of the body: blood pressure,
heart rate, immune responses and hormones. The old saying "name
your poison" applies to the semantics and symbols of disease.
People have long spoken of a "broken heart" as the symbol
of a disappointing relationship: research now shows a connection
between loneliness and heart disease!
Over the years, our bodies become walking autobiographies that tell
friends and strangers alike of the minor stresses and strains of
our lives. If one has an accident, distortions resulting from injury
can become a permanent part of our body pattern. Our musculature
reflects old anxieties- fear, depression, bravado, stoicism- locked
into our bodies as patterns in our sensory-motor systems. Our body's
tight patterns begin to contribute to our locked-in mental processes.
For instance, just as the body is constricted by the mind's grief,
the mind is constricted by the body's stubborn memory of what the
mind used to feel.
The sum total of this is that massage has unlimited possibilities
for human development from two different angles. On the one hand,
based on physiological principles, massage can provide the means
to relieve the incredible stress and strain to which we are subjected
day after day in modern living. For those to whom pain and stiffness
are a habitual way of life, bodywork can provide a means to experience
how it feels to have a body that can breathe, stand and move more
freely, unconstricted by tight muscles and not drained by energy-consuming
tension. On the other hand, there are a diverse array of therapies
that deeply massage, manipulate, loosen and change the body's neuromuscular
system, its orientation to gravity, and its symmetry.
There is no other time in which bodywork can have as important an
application than during pregnancy. When we begin to visualize pregnancy
as far more than a physical state, and see it as a profound emotional,
mental and spiritual process, it is clear that massage can be of
great benefit to the pregnant mother. Woman have long held the amazing
ability to influence the state of their bodies with their thoughts
and feelings, and conversely, to allow their physical appearance
or state of health to dominate how they feel about themselves as
individuals. How many of us have created an acne breakout when nervous
about a new date, or allowed the "bad hair day" syndrome
to taint an otherwise perfectly normal day with irritability and
gloom.
During pregnancy and childbearing, the enormous influx of hormones
combined with weight gain, altered body shape, and the normal biophysical
and structural discomforts caused by increased blood volume and
a shifting center of gravity, all contribute to many pregnant women
feeling downright uncomfortable, emotionally and physically! Massage
can provide an excellent means not only for relieving body stress,
but also for helping her deal with emotional fears and concerns.
When a woman feels integrated and healthy in her body and mind,
she will manifest a more positive birth experience.
How is it possible that simply "rubbing" the skin can
presume to live up to claims of being one of the most effective
means to influence the structures and functions of body and mind?
The skin is the largest sensory organ of the human body, arising
in the human embryo from the same cell layers as the nervous system,
the ectoderm. Ashley Montague writes in Touching:
The surface area of the skin has an enormous number of sensory receptors
receiving stimuli of heat, cold, touch, pressure, and pain. A piece
of skin the size of a quarter contains more than 3 million cells,
100-340 sweat glands, 50 nerve endings and three feet of blood vessels.
It is estimated that there are some 50 receptors/100 sq. mm., a
total of 640,000 sensory receptors. The number of sensory fibers
from the skin entering the spinal cord is well over half a million.
In a sense, the nervous system is part of the skin, or the skin
is an external nervous system, conveying knowledge of the environment
to the organism. In the evolution of the senses, the tactile system
was the first system to come into being in all species. The sense
most closely associated with the skin, the sense of touch, is the
earliest to develop in the human embryo.
Touch means contact, a relationship with what lies outside our own
periphery. For humans touch is of vital importance, giving reassurance,
warmth, pleasure and vitality. It tells us that we are not alone.
As infants, it is primarily through touch that we explore and make
sense of the world; the loving touch of our parents is essential
to our growth. The cuddling and stroking we receive in infancy helps
us build a healthy image of ourselves and nurtures the feeling that
we are accepted and loved.
Psychologists have demonstrated that our perception of how much
we are touched relates to how we value ourselves, our self-esteem.
Patients denied skin contact report feeling acutely isolated, cut
off from the warmth of human touch- hence the concept of "solitary
confinement" as the ultimate punishment. With the increased
physiological and emotional stress of pregnancy, an occasional massage
can be of significant benefit.
Some of the primary physical effects of bodywork are:
Massage serves to heighten circulation to the skin by increasing
blood flow to the veins and surface capillaries, promoting better
cellular nutrition and elimination.
Massage
increases production of red and white blood cells, especially useful
in cases of anemia.
The work of the heart is lessened due to improved circulation.
Massage stimulates the activity of sweat and oil glands creating
more radiant and supple skin.
Massage influences blood and lymph vessels by direct mechanical
action, putting pressure on the vessel walls which propels the movement
of blood, and stimulating the vasomotor nerves which control constriction
and relaxation of blood vessels and determine the amount of blood
reaching the area being massaged.
Massage acts as a mechanical cleanser, pushing along lymph and hastening
the elimination of wastes and toxic debris.
Massage relaxes muscle spasms, improves muscle tone and elasticity,
and helps prevent atrophy resulting from inactivity.
Muscle tissue, tired by work or exercise, is restored more quickly
as waste products of fatigue (i.e. lactic acid) are readily removed,
and replacement nutrients replenished by increased circulation.
Massage stretches connective tissue, and improves its circulation
and nutrition, reducing the danger of fibrosis and preventing the
formation of adhesions.
Massage improves circulation and nutrition to joints.
Some of the psychological effects of bodywork are:
Massage helps relieve muscle tension and corresponding mental tension.
Deep tissue massage helps free up fascia (connective tissue) and
muscles, allowing the body to assume a more integrated posture.
By releasing chronically held trauma and reconnecting the natural
flow and balance of the organism, touch therapy encourages growth
and openness on all levels of functioning.
Gentle stoking has a sedative affect on the nervous system, promoting
deep relaxation.
Allowing the intimacy of touch creates a state of trust and receptivity
which facilitates clearer mental and emotional perception.
Massage can assist the integration of emotional, mental or spiritual
transformation on a cellular level.
The sense of renewed health and vitality experienced following a
bodywork session improves self esteem and consequently esteem for
others.
Clearly then, massage is particularly beneficial for expectant mothers
as it not only promotes physical well being, but also helps prepare
women psychologically and spiritually for the process of labor and
birth. Although a professional massage may be a wonderful way to
experience bodywork, it is by no means the only way. During pregnancy,
friends or partners can experiment with different strokes and pressures
to help relieve some of the natural stress and tensions of the expectant
mother. There are many excellent books giving basic instruction
in technique for the novice. The key is to remain sensitive at all
times to her needs, and to allow her to communicate where and how
she is comfortable being touched. Be creative, open and loving!
Article
provided by www.massagelotion.net
Tips
for a Healthy Pregnancy - Giving birth will no doubt be one
of the most magical moments of your life and to ensure that your
child is strong and happy, it is important you do all you can to
have a healthy pregnancy. To help you and your baby on your way,
this article has compiled a number of tips that are guaranteed to
make those nine pregnancy months the best they can be!
Pregnancy
Massage Therapy - Pregnancy massage has much therapeutic value
as it enhances the function of muscles and joints, improves blood
circulation and relieves mental and physical fatigue.
Five
Powerful Tips to Avoid Morning Sickness in Pregnancy - Some
pregnant women suffer not only morning sickness, it's often more
morning, noon, and night sickness. They feel sick all the time,
and want to crawl back into bed. Pregnant women will learn in this
article five powerful tips that will ease morning sickness.
Dealing
with Common Pregnancy Complaints - Pregnancy is not without
its side effects. During pregnancy your body will undergo many hormonal
changes. These hormone fluctuations can result in a variety of unpleasant
symptoms including: nausea, fatigue, bloating and fluid retention
and mood swings.
Exercise
During Pregancy - One of the best things you can do for yourself
and your unborn child during pregnancy is exercise. There are numerous
studies that show that women who exercise during pregnancy are more
likely to have easy labor and deliveries and faster recoveries.
6
Reasons to Exercise During Pregnancy - Everyone knows that exercise
is good for your health. Exercising during pregnancy can have additional
benefits. Generally, exercise should be light, especially during
the first few weeks of pregnancy while your body adjusts to the
changes. Heavy exercise can divert blood flow from crucial areas
and most women that exercise regularly should tone down their workouts
during pregnancy.
How
to Eat a Healthy Diet During Pregnancy - Perhaps the number
one complaint of women trying to watch their weight during pregnancy
is that they are hungry all the time. True, pregnancy does result
in an increased metabolic demand on the body, which can cause you
to be hungry. Many women also experience a number of cravings during
pregnancy, which can make healthy eating challenging.
The
Importance of Prenatal Vitamins - One of the most important
things you can do if you are thinking about becoming pregnant is
start taking a prenatal vitamin with at least 400mg of folic acid.
Folic acid is an essential nutrient that can help prevent birth
defects in newborns. If you start taking a prenatal supplement before
you even try to become pregnant, you will have the best chance of
ensuring a happy and healthy journey once you become pregnant.
How
to Avoid Swelling When Pregant - Edema, otherwise known as swelling,
will affect almost all women at some point during their pregnancy.
Swelling or Edema is most often the result of excessive levels of
hormones coursing through your body.
Infant
Massage
Stress
and Pregnancy - Stress Relief During Pregnancy. If you truly
want to ensure a great pregnancy, you should work on keeping a healthy
and positive physical, mental and spiritual state.
Foods
to Avoid During Pregnancy - Many women have questions about
the types of food that are safe to eat during pregnancy. It is actually
easier to discuss the types of foods you should avoid during pregnancy
than it is do discuss the foods that are safe to eat.
Things
You Should Avoid During Pregnancy - Pregnancy is a time where
you have to be careful with yourself. Many factors affect the development
of a fetus into a healthy child. Whether you like it or not there
some activities you should avoid for the sake of your healthy baby.
There are pregnancy risks that you have to aware of.
Article
provided by www.massagelotion.net
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