MASSAGE

by **jester** Mon Mar 17, 2008 6:16 am

There are nearly 100 different types of massage and possibly 200 variations. Some different types of massage include; relaxation, sports, Swedish, aromatherapy, shiatsu, reflexology, deep tissue and lymphatic, but basically massage can be described as the art of applying structured pressure to the soft tissues of the body. These include muscles, tendons, ligaments, lymphatic vessels, joints etc. So it can be a useful tool for those with injury, stress and pain, both physically and mentally.

LYMPHATIC MASSAGE

Lymphatic massage was developed in the 1930's and used to help improve the flow of lymph throughout the body, stimulate metabolism, help eliminate wastes from the body and strengthen the body's defence system against foreign substances. The technique uses gentle, rhythmic strokes and pumping movements towards the direction of the lymph nodes throughout the body.

LYMPHATIC MASSAGE AND WEIGHT LOSS

The lymphatic system is your drainage system. This is why lymphatic massage is sometimes also known as lymphatic drainage. Think of it as your body's metabolic waste disposal system getting rid of dead cells and other wastes. Some people have very sluggish lymphatic systems, as seen with the LYMPHATIC body type, and this will cause them to have a sluggish metabolism. Their weight loss will be a very slow progress.

Lymphatic massage can be very helpful for those who are overweight and who have a sluggish metabolism, as it increases the flow and volume of lymph fluid. When the lymph system becomes sluggish (blocked), a toxic environment is created which will influence all the cells of the body. Toxins that would normally be filtered out are now off-loaded into other organs. As a result, many adverse health conditions can follow, including weight gain.

LYMPHATIC MASSAGE AND CELLULITE

Lymphatic massage can be very beneficial for those with cellulite, as it helps our lymphatic drainage system remove toxins and wastes from the body. This in turn, reduces cellulite (dimples in skin) in areas such as buttocks and thighs. This special massage helps to strengthen blood vessels and increase the blood flow and circulation which helps the body to break down toxins away from body tissues, aiding in weight loss and fluid retention.

LYMPHATIC MASSAGE CAN BE BENEFICIAL FOR:

1. Improving circulation, which in turn increases the metabolic rate
2. Assisting with weight loss
3. Reducing fluid retention
4. Aiding detoxification by eliminating toxins
5. Reducing cellulite fat accumulations
6. Improving immunity
7. Sinus congestion and allergies
8. Fibromyalgia
9. Hormonal imbalances