Massage therapy could be as simple as a gentle rubbing or stroking, or as complicated as precise manipulation and kneading. Massage therapy, no matter what you want to define it involves manipulating the body in ways that aid in the healing and harmony of different organs and systems. Massage therapy’s aim is to restore harmony and improve function.
One form of massage therapy is referred to as the watsu. Watsu is an Japanese term which roughly translates to ‘Oriental bodywork’ but is more commonly referred to as massage. In Japanese the word watsu is a reference to “ido” or “quality of life.’ Watsu is usually characterized by one-on-one massage sessions in which a therapist or practitioner gently cradles, manipulates or stretches the recipient in warm water with fingers, hands elbows, feet, and elbows. When a massage session is performed the person receiving the treatment remains covered, and the therapist or practitioner can only touch the superficial skin of the person being massaged.
Massage therapy is frequently used to relieve chronic pain, like from an injury from sports, tennis elbow, or carpal tunnel syndrome. Chronic pain is one of the most frequent conditions that watsu is able to treat. Massage chairs are now incorporating many different techniques to help treat chronic pain. Most massage recliners available on market today have at least one mode of treatment for chronic pain. The use of spinal decompression is frequently recommended for those suffering from back pain because it lengthens the spine and eases the pressure on the spinal cord. Other massage therapies used to relieve pain in the back include acupressure, shiatsu Swedish massage, deep tissue, reflexology, and Thai massage.
Another way to use Watsu to treat pain is called Shiatsu. In shiatsu it is the application of pressure to specific points on the feet and hands using smooth, circular movements. The pressure is applied in a way that the bodywork gets warm before the movements start. Shiatsu movements are similar to Swedish massage, but are usually slower. Shiatsu is another form of massage that uses hot stones to apply pressure to specific areas.
Another application of watsu involves the reduction of muscle relaxation. Muscles can become stiff when they are overworked or injured. The muscles can relax when an experienced massage therapist relaxes them with gentle pressure. A skilled therapist can identify specific techniques for relaxation of muscles to reduce the pain experienced by the patient. Some of these techniques include hip flexion , and knee flexion.
Watsu also incorporates several stretching techniques. These stretches aid in relieving tension in muscles and improve the flexibility of joints. You can stretch your quadriceps quadriceps, hamstrings, hips, and shoulders by using these stretching movements. These exercises do not just alleviate muscle tension, but also improve circulation which can reduce discomfort and speed the healing process from injuries.
To be able to receive a full Watsu treatment, they should be given the proper instruction by a skilled, trained practitioner. While most watsu therapists can offer instruction in private practice, some may also offer massages at spas. Sometimes, therapists offer this service at an exercise facility or business. The client should be taught on how to massage and the methods that are used prior to the time they receive this intensive therapy. A professional should not advise to a client to seek additional treatment if they are suffering from an injury or a condition that they are experiencing.
The traditional watsu technique can cause decreased blood flow to the area injured by the physical pressure. Anemia and discomfort may result from the decrease in blood flow and muscle contractions. A licensed therapist is essential for patients receiving treatment. The therapist will place the body of the patient so that the force is applied to the muscles that are contracting. The contractions will get stronger when force is not applied directly to the muscles. This can cause a decrease in blood flow. This condition is detected by a licensed therapist, and the massage session will be terminated immediately.