Massage - Ancient Art in Modern Hands
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Patty_Mooney]Patty Mooney

Touch is one of the highest expressions of love, and love is our purpose for living. What we strive for in life is emotional comfort (serenity, relaxation). Massage can be cathartic in this regard. When the body is relaxed, the mind can let go. As the mind opens, self-awareness begins.

Massage is a valuable tool in learning about yourself. It is a means of obtaining love and comfort, feeling your own skin through another person’s hands, balancing and relaxing your body, loving yourself.

Massage can be a brief yet powerful vacation. It soothes the nerves, makes aching muscles feel better and gets the blood flowing. A massage can wake you up, or put you to sleep.

Massage is a way to gain happiness through healthiness. Allow yourself to concentrate more on the pleasures of receiving massage rather than on anxieties — the mind chatter that could become obsessive, if you let it.

What to Expect

No two massages are alike. Each is as unique as the person who gives it. When you seek a massage, know what kind you want. Massage is simply a variety of strokes and pressures. Swedish massage employs any combination of oils (creams are acceptable, too, but require repeated application); in it, one kneads the body like bread, using “petrissage,” and uses long, firm strokes called “effleurage.” Shiatsu, jin shin jiutsu, reflexology and acupressure are zone therapies concentrating pressure or energy on various points along your body’s “meridians”. Rolfers give a deep massage reaching behind muscles for joints, bone origins and cartilage (i.e., that between the ribs and up the nasal cavity) sometimes leaving bruises. The desired effect after ten sessions is a structural realignment of your body.

You have a right to expect what feels best for you. This is where communication comes in. Know where your pains are (if you have any) and describe them to your practitioner. S/he can easily modify a general body massage to fit your needs.

Where to Get a Massage

A quick glance through the yellow pages will tell you where to find a massage. Look for massage schools and therapeutic massage services. A school may offer massage on their premises (by students or instructors) or can refer you to graduates with private practices. If you wish, the practitioner can come to your home. Certain health clubs employ massage therapists who specialize in half-hour “slap-down” rubs after your workout.

A good, thorough session lasts from forty-five minutes to one hour or longer, and costs $30 to $50 and up. Some establishments offer a sauna, Jacuzzi and/or steam bath; most facilities have showers.

It is important to feel comfortable with the massage therapist. Any feelings of discomfort from the beginning will only increase during the session and you will not enjoy the massage. Better to walk the yellow pages again than submit yourself to someone you cannot trust. Remember that massage uniquely is an art expression. The giver must be clear about why s/he does what s/he does; this becomes evident in her “handiwork.”

The massage environment — preferably a small, warm, darkened room — is also important. You will not be able to relax if you can hear someone working out with weights in the next room. If possible, there should be complete silence or meditative music that allows the mind to relax.

Self Massage

In case you are in need of healing touch and no one is readily available to help you, try self-massage. This can entail a “spot” rub, such as the feet, hands, head, face, back, neck; or a full-body massage. It’s as simple as applying your favorite lotion or oil to your body, really getting into the warmth and healing energy of your hands and varying the pressure. Experiment with your technique. Try pinching, kneading, rolling the skin between thumb and fingers and patting. Locate “trigger” points, where muscle attaches to bone, and rub deeply in a clockwise direction. You might be surprised at how relaxing just five minutes of self-massage can feel. Of course, your self-massage can last as long as you desire.

The more you learn of yourself through massage and/or self-massage, the better you will feel, the more self-confidence you may exude in the outside world.

Patty Mooney has been writing since the age of 16. Her favorite topics include women’s issues, homelessness, homeless veterans, the arts, cinema, biographies, nature and video production. Her work has appeared in many publications around the world, including the Los Angeles Times, The San Diego Reader, Create Magazine, Post Magazine, Women’s Sports & Fitness, Yoga Journal and others. You can read her blog, “A Diary Left Open” at http://www.sandiegovideoproduction.blogspot.com Her business site is http://www.crystalpyramid.com

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