Getting a massage is not anly a great way to relax. Find out about the healing powers of touch and how massage therapy may benefit your health as well.

For centuries, medical practitioners have relied on their hands. The “laying on of hands” has been accepted by most cultures as a powerful healing tool. A massage can ease back or muscle tension. Or it can relieve stress that is known to make many health conditions worse. Massage therapy is the use of hands, arms, feet – or even hot rocks – to manipulate soft body tissue. It involves holding, moving and applying pressure to the body.

The most popular types of massage therapies are:

• Deep tissue. This massage focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue to release tension through the use of slow strokes and deep finger pressure.
• Shiatsu and acupressure. This Oriental-based system of finger pressure treats special points along acupuncture “meridians.” The theory is that energy blocked along this path can cause physical discomfort.
• Reflexology. Also called zone therapy, this targets points in the hands and feet that are thought to be linked to specific areas of the body.
• Swedish massage. This involves long strokes, kneading and friction techniques on the more superficial layers of the muscles. It is combined with movements of the joints.
• Trigger point therapy (also called myotherapy or neuromuscular therapy). Concentrated finger pressure is applied on painful, irritated areas to relieve muscle spasm and pain.
• Sports massage. This focuses on muscle systems related to a specific sport.

What to expect
A massage of the shoulders, neck and back can be done while you are sitting in a chair. Or you may lie on a padded massage table for a head-to-toe massage. Sessions can be 15 minutes for a chair massage or up to two hours for a table massage. The therapist may begin by asking about your health and stress level, and if any part of your body is especially sensitive.

You will be asked to remove as much clothing as you are comfortable with. For modesty and comfort, a sheet is usually draped over your body. The therapist will fold it back when necessary to work on a body part. Often, the room is darkened and soft music is played. The therapist usually applies a lotion or oil to the body to reduce friction before the massage. It is important to let the therapist know if you have any discomfort or if the massage is too vigorous for you.

Health benefits
Some doctors recommend massage as part of the treatment plan for a variety of conditions. These can range from arthritis to headaches to sports injuries. Some studies suggest that massage therapy:

• Reduces heart rate
• Lowers blood pressure
• Increases blood circulation and lymph flow
• Relaxes muscles
• Improves range of motion
• Improves sleep
• Increases endorphins, which affect pain perception
• Can lead to a fuller and speedier recovery from injury

Who should not get a massage?
Always check with your doctor before getting a massage if you have any medical problems. A massage may not be wise if you have:

• An infection
• Deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot, often in the legs)
• A bleeding disorder or are taking a blood-thinning drug
• Cancer
• Damaged nerves or blood vessels
• Diabetes
• Osteoporosis or a recent fracture
• Connective tissue disorder
• Heart problems

If you are pregnant or have a fever, skin problems or open wound, you should also talk with a doctor first.

Finding a massage therapist
Ask your doctor for names of qualified massage therapists in your area. Or, contact The American Massage Therapy Association or the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. Expect to pay about $50 to $100 an hour. Some health plans may cover massage therapy if a doctor prescribes it.