Benefits Of Massage Therapy -Massage Treats The Whole Body And Mind

Many of today’s health problems can benefit from massage therapy because the manipulation of soft tissues affects so many of our bodily systems.

The benefits of massage are extensive. Massage therapy treatments will have a therapeutic affect and improve health by acting directly on the muscular, nervous, circulatory and lymphatic (immune) systems.

Massage treatments aim to:
Develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function - Massage therapy has become a staple of many professional athletes’ training regimens. But not just athletes. Lifestyle factors, such as long work hours or physically taxing tasks, lead many members of the workforce to seek the assistance of a massage therapist. A seemingly minor injury can have a profound impact on a person’s ability to stay physically active, participate fully in life, or even make a living if it becomes chronic. Massage therapy can be one of the ways of preventing that kind of outcome.
Relieve or prevent physical dysfunction and pain - Some massage therapy techniques are specifically recommended for sore muscle tissues. An overly sore muscle cannot function properly. By alleviating or preventing pain, dysfunction can be combated.
Relax tight and tense muscles - Many people don’t realize how much a tight muscle impacts on vital things such as posture. A tense muscle can throw off your body’s balance. Before long, muscles that were not initially tight begin to tense as they compensate for other parts of the body. It becomes a chain reaction that can spread far from the initial problem spot. A talented massage therapist can identify the source of the problem and start working to alleviate the problem where it started.
Improve circulation, recovery time and immune system function - The movements of massage cause blood to flush in and out of muscles and joints. This flushing process - enhancing circulation in the affected areas - can, in some cases, aid recovery time from injuries.
Reduce overall stress - We’re all becoming more aware of the role stress plays in health. People who are stressed, all other things being equal, are less healthy than people who are relaxed. Stress, for example, increases the risk of heart disease. Massage therapy is an effective and enjoyable way to reduce stress.
Massage therapy is also effective in the control of pain, chronic or acute, in stress reduction, and in creating a sense of relaxation and well-being. A licensed, skilled practitioner can become an important and integral part of your health care team.

Types of Massage

Massage therapy is a hands-on manipulation of the soft tissue and joints of the body.
The soft tissues include muscle, skin, tendons and associated fascia, ligaments and joint capsules.
There are different types of massage theraphy that comes from various origins and belief but the main purpose is to give ultimate relief to the body which expose to many stress of daily human activities .
Here are lists of the most common used type of massage therapy:

Swedish Massage

It is the use of firm but gentle pressue to improve circulation, ease muscle aches and tension, and improve flexibility. A classic treatment which western standard massage is represented.
Techniques used:
(a) long, gliding strokes
(b) kneading of individual muscles
(c) friction
(d) hacking or tapping
(e) vibration.
This is a great choice for first timers.

Shiatsu Massage

Pressure is applied with the thumbs and palms to those areas of the body used in acupuncture.
Shiatsu which meaning is "finger pressure" and sometimes describes as the acupuncture without needles was an art of healing from asia. The treatment works on the body's immune system and strenghen its ability of self healing.
Technique:
(a) The body weight is used to apply pressure on special points on the body.
Thai Massage
It uses passive stretching and gentle pressure along the body’s energy lines to increase flexibility, relieve muscle and joint tension and balance the body’s energy systems.
Techniques:
(a) Wear loose fitting clothes
(b) Takes place on a futon mat
(c) Lay on your back to start
(d) The therapist begins with your legs by using gentle compression and stretching techniques to open up your body
(e) The therapist will push your body into various positions. This technique is not recommended for first timers.

Traditional Filipino Massage

Filipinos take pride in their diverse culture. Among which are the many native rituals that may have had influence from neighboring countries.

Traditional Filipino Massage, natively known as Hilot, was once an inexpensive means of healing practiced by local “arbularyos”. People then believed that ailments were caused by witchcraft and some of the sort.

Blue Water Day Spa’s Traditional Filipino Massage is combined with Ventusa, otherwise known as Chinese Cupping.

What is Ventusa? It is used for warming and for removing blockages in the channels. this means it can remove colic, muscular pains and relieve knotted muscles.

Hilot and Ventusa are becoming popular again, it was almost a lost healing art form. it was the common home remedy for cough, for flu and for tummy pains.

It was only later on when Filipinos realized that more than its healing property, Hilot and Ventusa could also be used to relax the body.

Although, modern medicine may be dubious of Hilot and Ventusa’s healing effect, it did not hinder it from gaining worldwide fame.

Blue Water Day Spa’s Traditional Filipino Massage is a Filipino indigenous massage technique that is now getting much popularity around the world because of its unique, calm, tender and relaxing w

Where To Go and How Much

One of the best stress busters for me is having a nice massage after a long week at work. I haven't had a good massage lately, so I'm pretty sure I'll have one when the next payday comes. So here's a list of the most recommended massage parlors in town.

1. Banyan Tree Spa – Fuente-255-1110/Php198/hr.
2. Body and Sole – Ramos Main Branch (call other branches for inquiry)254-9639/Php250.00
3. D’Aviary Health Spa – Jones Ave./417-4884:Escario: 416-8908; V.Rama: 417-4885/Php250 (reg); Php199 (promo rate from 1-5pm)
4. Euphoria – near Chong Hua Hosp./412-4549/Php200.00
5. Felisa Fleur, Gorordo avenue.
6. Franco’s – Pelaez St./255-6722 (with branch at D. Jakosalem)/Php250.00
7. Good Earth – Mango Square/Php150.00
8. Grand Royal Spa – pioneer branch (Banilad); with other branches at near Chong Hua Hosp.( 416-1724/Php250.00
9. Guardo Shiatsu – Ramos, in front of Ramos Supermarket/253-7963/Php198.00
10. K-1 Spa – Ramos Street/256-3988/Php250.00
11. La Esperanza Spa – Rajah Park Hotel-Fuente/Php300.00
12. Nuat Thai – Ground Flr., Belvic Bldg./412-6549/Php150.00
13. Punye Spa – beside Doctor’s Choice, near Cebu Doc/255-3521/Php200.00
14. Spa at Cebu Business Hotel – Colon Street/255-8320/Php250.00
15. Subtle Zen – One Mango Ave., with branch at Banawa/581-7349/PhpP300.00
16. The SPA at Cebu – Banilad/345-1777/Php900-vip,Php700-common room with steam sauna, bath and shower
17. Toshiko Spa – in front of Cebu Doc/Php250.00 with sauna
18. Yobi Relaxation Spa – Osmena Blvd. near Hi-Precision/253-1686/Php250.00

cheap cebu spas

I have become a spa candle snob…and to a large degree I have only myself to blame. I noticed it last week as I was touring the new Amrita Spa at the Swiss Hotel in Istanbul. Their spa is quite large and has a lovely ambiance. I was especially impressed with the long corridors, which featured rich-colored wooden floors lined with candles. Gorgeous. I noticed the candles because they were beautifully spaced, occasionally branched into an artfully designed cluster of candles, and mostly because they were real! I remember thinking how great it was to see genuine candles again.

(Althought I couldn't find a photo of the actual corridor at the Amrita Spa in Istanbul, this photo gives you an idea of what it looked like.)

You see I have been noticing that more and more spas are using fake (flameless) candles. I must admit I was really enthused about these flameless candles when I first discovered them years ago. In fact I remembered writing about them in one of my SpaFinder Insiders.