For many people, with traditional medicine often come side effects that can lead to a dependency on prescription drugs or even the onset of another illness.
That’s why a growing number of Americans are finding more alternative, non-invasive ways to heal their bodies.
At the forefront of alternative treatment is massage therapy. Massage therapy is a “hands-on” therapy in which muscles and other soft tissues of the body are manipulated to improve health and well-being. The act of massaging has been observed for centuries by nearly every culture. It helps relieve muscles tension, reduce stress and evoke feelings of calmness. Experts say that while message therapy affects the entire body, it particularly influences the activity of the musculoskeletal, circulatory, lymphatic, and nervous systems.
The Recorder recently spoke with Kobie Johnson, a local massage therapist who left a lucrative career at Chrysler to pursue massage therapy, a decision that he said was spiritually guided.
Recorder: What are some of the benefits to massage therapy?
Kobie Johnson: One of the major things is that it increases your blood flow. If you increase blood flow, you increase oxygen and when you increase blood flow and oxygen, and then you increase healing. It’s also been known to break up scar tissue and to help firm and tighten the skin.
What is one of the main misconceptions about massage therapy?
That (massage) is only about rubbing. It’s more than just a lot of rubbing. That’s the thing I love about it – getting the physical, mental and the spiritual. It benefits more than just your physical; it goes deeper.
Explain how massage helps to restore a person mentally.
I won’t say we cure, but if you can help a person be more comfortable, then you will help their mental or emotional state. You’ll help them to not be as frustrated, or if they’ve been hurt for long periods, massage kind of makes them more hopeful.
What would you consider the most challenging aspect of your job?
One of the most frustrating things is when you want to help (a client), but they won’t let you. Especially when there’s a situation when they told you where their problem area is and you’re trying to work that area and they won’t let you.
What is one characteristic you feel all massage therapists should have?
Any good massage therapist should have intent – there should be a reason why you do what you do. That’s the most important part – having intent.
Common types of massages
Aromatherapy massage: Essential oils from plants are massaged into the skin in order to enhance the healing and relaxing effects of massage. Essential oils are believed to have a powerful effect on mood by stimulating two structures deep in the brain known to store emotions and memory.
Deep tissue massage: Deep tissue massage targets the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. The massage therapist uses slower strokes or friction techniques across the grain of the muscle. Deep tissue massage is used for chronically tight or painful muscles, repetitive strain, postural problems, or recovery from injury.
Hot stone massage: Heated, smooth stones are placed on certain points on the body to warm and loosen tight muscles and balance energy centers in the body. The massage therapist may also hold stones and apply gentle pressure with them. The warmth is comforting. Hot stone massage is good for people who have muscle tension but prefer lighter massage.
Reflexology: Specialized thumb and finger techniques are applied to the hands and/or feet. Reflexologists believe that these areas contain “reflex points” or direct connections to specific organs and structures throughout the body.
Swedish massage: A variety of strokes and pressure techniques are used to enhance the flow of blood to the heart, remove waste products from the tissues, stretch ligaments and tendons, and ease physical and emotional tension.
Treating children
Studies have also shown that massage may be an effective treatment for young children and adolescents with a wide range of health problems including the following:
Autism: Autistic children, who usually don’t like being touched, show less autistic behavior and are more social and attentive after receiving massage therapy from their parents.
Atopic dermatitis/Eczema: Children with this scaly, itchy skin problem seem to experience less redness, scaling, and other symptoms if receiving massage between flares. Massage should not be used when this skin condition is actively inflamed.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Massage may improve mood in children with ADHD and help them feel less fidgety and hyperactive.
Bulimia: Studies have shown that adolescents with this eating disorder feel less depressed and anxious after receiving massage therapy.
