The Art and Science of Massage Therapy
“Skillful massage must draw on scientific knowledge – thus, the certainty that we need to be, to the extent we can be, science-based is not in question. but also art-based. Science is obliged to be evidence-based. Art is not. It enjoys the freedom to respond in the moment” – David Lauterstein (From “The Deep Massage Book”)
When you hear about massage, you hear a soothing sense. This is because, with years of evolution, massage has become a way of communicating with people via touch. Furthermore, the art of massage has always been more than techniques and types. Massage is more about how the client feels rather than the style of application and implementation by the massage therapist specialist.
Well, to learn more about the nitty-gritty of massage therapy, read on. This article brings you the basics of the art and science of massage therapy in detail.
Massage Therapy as an Art
The art of massage therapy is to create a comfortable and relaxing environment.
As an art, massage therapy requires:
● Creativity
● Intuition
● Sensitivity
● Communication skills
As explained earlier, massage is a form of communication by touch and a touch can heal people.
Yes, it’s true. A soothing touch, a soothing hug is sometimes all that you need to get that satisfying feel.
Each massage therapist specialist brings their own experience on the floor and so does the client with different expectations. Everybody has their own massage modalities and this set has led to the establishment of belief and unique understanding of massage as an art. The set of knowledge combined with massage specialties helps in creating a healing space for the client.
Massage Therapy as a Science
As a science, massage therapy requires:
● Knowledge
● Skill
● Evidence
● Critical thinking
The science behind massage therapy is to analyze how it works. Furthermore, science helps in understanding the physiological as well as the psychological effects that different techniques have.
Lastly, the science of massage therapy also helps in providing a foundation for understanding how various categories of applications can achieve specific results.
Why Do You Need Massage Therapy?
You never know if you really need soothing massage therapy until you get one.
Yes, this is so true in many cases because massage improves blood circulation along with lymph circulation which will automatically reduce the swelling of the given areas.
Because massage therapy has the power to restore the body’s natural and physical balance thus giving it a soft, natural push of healing. While massage may not be an adequate medicine for your bodily disease it can surely give relief from inflammation.
Yes, isn’t this surprising?
Well, it is true. Studies have shown that massage specialties have the ability to reduce inflammation. It can also promote the growth of new mitochondria in skeletal muscle.
Let’s understand why you need massage therapy with some quick pointers below: You need massage therapy:
● To cope with pain and stress
● To boost the immune system by activating the “Killer T cells” of the body that help in fighting off diseases.
● To relieve the muscle tension
● To improve the posture
● To calm the nervous system by triggering the involuntary and relaxing response.
● Massage also helps in lowering the blood pressure and enhancing the circulation
What to Look for in the Massage Therapist Specialist?
A skilled massage therapist specialist will:
● Listen to your body
● Use the knowledge of the body and apply various massage specialties accordingly
● Tailor the message to your specific needs and preferences
● Have the required potential with proven education in the discipline
● Have credibility and professionalism in massage therapy
● Communicate in the best way possible to deliver satisfactory results
● Master the art and science aspect of massage therapy
Final Thoughts
The art and the science of massage therapy specialists require the involvement of various methods to manipulate soft body issues. These include the connective tissues with muscles and fat.
However, always note that massage therapy is never a one-size-fits-all practice. By communicating effectively with your therapist you can increase the efficiency of the massage practice.
Lastly, the massage has the power to produce physical and emotional benefits which are certainly reflected on your face and body thereafter. So go for that massage session which you have been constantly postponing. It’s worth it.