Massage: Forever a reliable therapy

The benefits realised then, are probably the reason the therapy is still an essential part of health care today. It is one of the simplest forms of health practices which involves rubbing, stroking, kneading and pressing in circular or other directions, of different parts of the body to heal, relieve pain, help blood circulation, breathing, […]

The benefits realised then, are probably the reason the therapy is still an essential part of health care today.

It is one of the simplest forms of health practices which involves rubbing, stroking, kneading and pressing in circular or other directions, of different parts of the body to heal, relieve pain, help blood circulation, breathing, ease tension, relax nerves, stimulate and tone the body amongst many others. Some beneficiaries say, “it does much more than create a pleasant sensation on the skin, it also works on the soft tissues (the muscles, tendons, and ligaments) to improve muscle tone.”

For traditional masseuse especially in the Southern part of Nigeria with a good massage you almost do not need a doctor or medication to get well.

Mama Miebi as she is called is regarded as a massage expert in the Pesu Market Area of Warri where she specialises in massaging pregnant women and people who suffer conditions which could be helped with good massage therapy. She spoke on phone to our correspondent on her routine.

“I have no less than twenty patients daily who vary from pregnant women to people who have one pain or the other aching in different parts of their bodies. My aim is to first relax them and depending on their conditions I use oil which could be local kernel oil I make myself with spices added to it and even oil I extract from orange peels and like food items.  Some of the oils I heat up to use, some others, I use as fresh as I extract them.

Massaging pregnant women relieves them of pain and discomfort and many times makes delivery easy for them. For those who have pains and head aches especially migraine, massaging the base of their necks over time and in a particular motion has proved to be a great remedy for their discomfort.”

One of her patients for over six years Toju Olu (not real name) explains the process through which he got a soothing back massage. “I used to have chronic back ache when I started visiting her some six years ago. Lying on my back on the floor, after applying her oil, she would place one hand on my lower back and one hand between my shoulder blades, over my heart area. Then she applies pressure on both sides of my spine at the same time which creates a warm kind of sensation. Slowly she goes to my lower back and kneads gently with her thumbs up to my neck area. I began to feel relief and relaxed over a period until the pain finally went away.

This is one of the many benefits of massage which is a cheap and accessible form of health care if you find the right masseur or masseuse.

According to yourbodymassage.com, therapeutic massage is currently one of the fastest growing approaches to healthcare. One of the reasons for this gain in popularity is that not only does it relieve stress and promote relaxation, but research is documenting a vast number of physiological benefits as well. More and more people are looking to prevention and alternative solutions in healthcare instead of invasive procedures or medications. They classify the benefits of massage under three major categories.

Mental Benefits: Massage helps to create a calm state of alertness while reducing mental stress. It can create a calmer mind, and increases the capacity for clear thinking. It is relaxing and allows the body to release stored stress.

Physical Benefits: Massage improves circulation, improves joint flexibility, aids in healing scar tissue due to injury. It also releases chronic muscle tension and pain, reduces physical fatigue, releases muscle spasms and cramps, aids in the release and elimination of toxins, promotes deeper and easier breathing, reduces blood pressure, relieves tension related to headache and eye strain. Massage nourishes your skin, improves posture and body awareness. It has been proven to aid in fibromyalga.

Emotional Benefits: Massage creates a feeling of well being while reducing anxiety. It creates awareness of body-mind connection, enhances a sense of harmony, and increases energy flow at all levels.