What is Massage Therapy?
The history of massage therapy can be traced back over 5000 years to the beginnings of medicine as we understand it today. The practice of massaging muscles and body tissue along with the use of oils and herbs, has been used since that time to alleviate pain and to dispel and eliminate toxins in the body in order to improve health and overall well-being.
Referred to as Amma by the ancient Chinese, Massage Therapy has been an integral component of Chinese medicine and highly regarded by Chinese practitioners and in the Western medical community for at least 3000 years. In it's earliest days, it was taught and practiced primarily by physicians.
Today Massage Therapy continues to be practiced around the world as an integral component to the maintenance of health and well being.
In New York State, Massage Therapists are required to hold a Medical License to practice the discipline. Massage Therapists must complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of study at a qualified institution. Those studies include Anatomy and Physiology, Pathology, Neurology, Myology (the study of the muscles) and of course the latest in massage techniques and accepted practices. Massage Therapists must then pass the New York State Massage Therapy Board Exam in order to acquire their Medical License.
Referred to as Amma by the ancient Chinese, Massage Therapy has been an integral component of Chinese medicine and highly regarded by Chinese practitioners and in the Western medical community for at least 3000 years. In it's earliest days, it was taught and practiced primarily by physicians.
Today Massage Therapy continues to be practiced around the world as an integral component to the maintenance of health and well being.
In New York State, Massage Therapists are required to hold a Medical License to practice the discipline. Massage Therapists must complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of study at a qualified institution. Those studies include Anatomy and Physiology, Pathology, Neurology, Myology (the study of the muscles) and of course the latest in massage techniques and accepted practices. Massage Therapists must then pass the New York State Massage Therapy Board Exam in order to acquire their Medical License.
What are the benefits of Massage Therapy?
- Stimulating the flow of lymph, the body's natural defense system, against toxic invaders. For example, in breast cancer patients, massage has been shown to increase the cells that fight cancer
- Increased circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients to tissues and vital organs
- Increased circulation of blood and lymph systems improves the condition of the body's largest organ - the skin
- Relaxes and softens injured and overused muscles
- Reduces spasms and cramping
- Increased joint flexibility
- Reduced recovery time, helps prepare for strenuous workouts and eliminates subsequent pains of the athlete at any level
- Releases endorphins - the body's natural painkiller - and is being used in chronic illness, injury and recovery from surgery to control and relieve pain
- Reduces post-surgery adhesions and edema and can be used to reduce and realign scar tissue after healing has occurred
- Improves range-of-motion and decreases discomfort for patients with low back pain
- Relieves pain for migraine sufferers and decreases the need for medication
- Provides exercise and stretching for atrophied muscles and reduces shortening of the muscles for those with restricted range of motion
- Assists with shorter labor for expectant mothers, as well as less need for medication, less depression and anxiety, and shorter hospital stays