Deep tissue massage

[pinenut]

I'm wanting to get a deep tissue theraputic sports message next week. It's actually a little "reward" for myself to keep me on my raw diet and workout routine.

I've been told that these types of messages are supposed to be really affective in clearing out the lymphs of all the toxic buildup. Does anyone know if this is in fact true?

I'd like to think that this message will go a long way in helping the detox process. What do you all think?

[solarliving]

Hi, Massage therapist here,

Yes. There is Lymphatic drainage massage which is specific for the lymph system that is very light, but regular massage is also beneficial. Massage is like exercise to the muscle and exercise is good for the lymphatic system. In addition massage benefits all systems of the body, even the skeletal system. Here are some other Benefits. Happy Massage,

Angelique

Physical Benefits of Massage

Dilates the blood vessels
Massage acts to dilate the blood vessels which increases the efficiency of both supplying fresh nutrients to the tissues and eliminating metabolic wastes out of the body.
Returns blood back toward the heart.
Massage acts to promote the venous return of blood back toward the heart. This is particularly important for enhancing proper circulation within the extremities.
Helps drain sluggish lymph material
Massage acts as a mechanical cleanser, helping to drain sluggish lymph material. Good lymphatic circulation is very important for ridding the body of toxic materials.
Improves muscle tone
Massage improves muscle tone by mechanically stimulating inherent reflexes found within muscle fibers. This is particularly important to those who do not obtain adequate daily exercise due to a sedentary lifestyle or long periods of convalescence.
Prevents adhesions
Transverse massage strokes help to prevent adhesions from occurring in between the muscle fibers. When muscle fibers start to adhere together it acts to restrict their full range of motion.
Stretches the connective tissues
Massage stretches the connective tissues which surround and support the musculature. This promotes its health and prevents it from adhering to the muscle.
Lessens stiffness and swelling
Massage can help to lessen the stiffness and swelling found within the joints due to injury.
Has a stimulating or sedative effect on the nervous system
Massage can have either a stimulating or sedative effect on the nervous system depending on: the type of massage given, the duration of actual massage time, and the present state of the nervous system.
Aids in weight reduction
Some authorities believe that vigorous massage can aid in weight reduction by mechanically bursting fat capsules and then further by aiding in the reabsorption of fat back into the blood stream.
Brings awareness to the area being massaged
Massage brings the client's awareness to the area being massaged, and awareness in itself can bring about healing.

[Revvell]

That would depend on the therapist. As a bodywork therapist myself, I've gone to and experienced many masseuses (notice I didn't call them "therapists") and I've yet to find one worthy of the money they ~ or the place they work at ~ charge.

My suggestion: test out a few and find one who works for you AND if you get something less than effective, say so before you leave.

Revvell

[pinenut]

Thanks Solar for all that info. Very interesting.

I do agree with you revvell about finding a good one. The one I was recommended to has been used by several people I work wth and they all day she is the best on the island. One good thing too, this particular message theapist caters to all the rich part time residents here, so I would have to think that if they are all willing to drop their money with her, she should be pretty good. I'm gonna go check the place out today....

[Lady Green Jeans]

Great thread and one of my favorite things to do for myself.

I had deep tissue massages done each month for about two years. Was so helpful to me. When I moved away from my area, I stopped getting them for about a year and a half. Then had the opportunity when I went to a health institute to get a hot rock massage--could not believe the difference her skill made. She thought I had been in a car accident by the way I walked and how tight my lower back was. When I left there, I was feeling so loose and natural and fantastic. Guess I need to call her and go again.

I have had numerous varieties of massages, but to date find my experience that someone who knows how to properly do hot rock will benefit even more than deep tissue. Maybe boils down to hands not being able to apply that amount of pressure to particular areas as a solid rock does.

[Shivananda]

Although I don't do it professionally, I have studied and am certified as a Body Evolution practitioner. BE is an amazing body/mind/spirit deep tissue bodywork developed by Tyr Throne in NYC for treating injured dancers in the US, Germany, Italy, and Japan, which combines elements of shiatsu, swedish, rolfing, feledenkrais, and other bodywork modalities. I have found it enormously helpful in clearing all kinds of unwanted accumulations, both receiving and giving.

Anyway, when I went in for my first few sessions I was still wondering how effective they would be in circulating lymph and cleansing the lymph system when I noticed that my normally light colored urine turned quite dark after each session.

And a good salt bath afterwards assists the process even more.

[theresaann]

I've been practicing bodywork for the past 11 years, lots of advanced stuff-craniosacral, traditional osteopathic type work, and myofascial release massage. The skill and experience of the practitioner is everything in getting good results, not the "atmosphere" as you guys have eluded to! I was not very effective in my work for the first 4 years or so-oh, I'm sure people felt *better* for awhile or a little after I worked on them, at least they came back, so I guess they did, but it really wasn't until I'd been doing it consistenly for 5 years that I people REALLY got results when I worked on them. It just takes time and experience, like learning any kind of "craftsmanship" trade. But maybe you can find a "savant" of bodywork just coming out of school-that could happen, maybe!

I guess the best thing is to ask for referrals, which you have already suggested. Ask at local healthfood stores and stuff.

Good luck!