Massage Therapy-Complementary and Alternative Therapeutic approach Mrs. Priscilla K.1, Dr. Santha Nalini Jayavanth2, Mrs. Priscilla K.3 1Associate Professor, Ph.D. Scholar, Head of the Department in Medical Surgical Nursing, Matha College of Nursing, Manamadurai, Sivaganga District 2Principal, Sacred Heart Nursing College, Thasildar Nagar, Madurai-20 3Associate Professor, Ph.D. Scholar, Head of the Department in Medical Surgical Nursing, Matha College of Nursing, Manamadurai, Sivaganga District *Corresponding Author Email: asa.raja@yahoo.com
Online published on 5 February, 2015. Abstract There is a wide range of complementary therapies that people used to maintain positive mental, physical health and well being which include yoga, taichi, relaxation and therapeutic massage. One of the most commonly used complementary and alternative medicine is massage therapy. It is used for a wide range of health-related reason-to treat various symptoms and conditions for prevention and health maintenance. Massage is a general term for pressing, rubbing and manipulating the skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Massage therapist typically use their hands and fingers for massage. Massage may range from light stroking to deep pressure. The different types of massage are Swedish massage, deep massage, sports massage, trigger point massage, aroma therapy massage and hot stone massage. Massage is generally considered as a part of complementary and alternative medicine. Massage act as a natural bio-feedback mechanism. With regular massage, the body learn how to return to the rest and digest state with more ease. The human body actually learn to deal better with stress on a physiological level. The physiological effects of massage therapy include in the skeletal system, cardiovascular system, lymphatic system, nervous system, skin, and respiratory system. Gate control theory suggests that massage may provide stimulation that helps to block pain signals sent to the brain. The other theories suggest that massage might stimulate the release of certain chemical in the body and cause beneficial effect in the body. Thus, massage therapy can be used in the treatment of acute and chronic illness or conditions. Top Keywords Effleurage, stress, endorphins, trigger point, kneading. Top |