Massage & Its Healing Benefits

"One imagines tranquility and peace when they hear the word massage, but there are many types that are widely used ranging from the foot to the head, relaxing to therapeutic. Massages can help in instantly relaxing you from fatigue and tiredness and easing muscle pains, with Thai massage being the most relaxing and energizing form of massage technique.

Thai massage originated from India around 2,500 years ago, which then spread to other parts of Asia including Thailand. This type of massage is therapeutic. Thai massage was further developed by a physician Buddha named Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha who is regarded as the ‘Father of Medicine’. For centuries, Buddhist monks have practiced Thai massage for spiritual healing in temples and it is based on the theory that our body is ruled by life forces, an imbalance which can lead to many diseases. The purpose of Thai massage is to balance these forces, and indirectly help in a healing process.

Many places will provide loose clothing for you to change into, but bear in mind that not all do this so wear loose clothing just in case and don’t have a heavy meal prior to going for a massage. Thai massage does not require oils unlike other methods of massage and is performed on a padded mat on the floor. You will be asked to lie on your back on the mat, then they will apply gentle strokes using their hands, knees legs and feet following the energy lines on your body, starting with the legs and moving up to body parts.

A Thai massage is usually carried out on a 1-2 hour session on a monthly basis, but if the condition of the patient is bad it may be carried out 2-3 times a month. Thai massage does not require the removal of clothing as with other massage techniques and is associated with many health benefits such as, blood circulation, improvement of mobility, increase of energy levels, deep relaxation, reduction of muscle pain and spasm, stress, calms nerves, relieves fatigue, clears toxins, headaches, migraines, sciatica along with many more ailments.

Any one suffering from heart problems, blood pressure, osteoporosis, hemophilia, phlebitis, lymphatic cancer or any skin diseases should refrain from having a Thai massage. There are many who go to spas or gyms in order to find relaxation and peace from a massage, while others will call out a mobile masseuse. The Deep Tissue Massage is very popular among athletes and those who indulge in strenuous exercise as it helps in reducing stress and chronic pain in muscles. This version of massage stimulates stressed muscles which block the flow of oxygen and nutrients through the body. It involves slow, deep, and prolonged pressure strokes on the contracted area.  This breaks up the scar tissue, loosens muscles and improves mobility. Getting a deep tissue massage will help untie knots and deeply held tension in the muscle.

A build up of toxins in the deep layers of muscle and tendons can lead to inflammation of the muscles which can cause inconvenience to your daily life and restrict your daily routine. Some muscle pain caused by heavy workouts, incorrect posture, sitting for lengths of time can contribute to neck, shoulder and back pain. Deep massage techniques are used to rid you of these discomforts which include the use of more pressure than normal massage.

One of the deep tissue massage methods requires pressure applied directly over the sore area which is maintained until there is no more resistance.   The use of the hands, elbows, fingers and knuckles is common, along with massage tools like ceramic, wooden and glass objects for Deep Tissue Massage, applying as much pressure as is necessary to the affected area,  eventually  loosening the muscle and giving it flexibility. This deep muscle massage is a time consuming procedure as more time is given to the areas with most tension."
~ Source: www.pattayadailynews.com

For more information on the benefits of massage therapy, contact Edmund Morgan School of Massage.

Different Types of Massage

"Many different types of massage are offered at places from health care facilities and fitness centers to resorts and spas. Here's a sampling:

Swedish: Intended to relax and energize you, this is the most common type. Long strokes, kneading and friction techniques are used on the more superficial layers of the muscles, combined with active and passive movements of the joints.

Deep tissue: For muscle damage from an injury, such as whiplash or back strain. It's designed to release chronic patterns of tension through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on contracted areas.

Injury: Uses the technique of deep tissue massage and targets areas specific to injury or illness, such as headaches, back pain, ankle sprains and joint disorders.

Hot stone: A technique used in conjunction with other modalities in which warmed stones are placed on specific spots, such as acupuncture points, and sometimes used as massage tools.

Sports: Aimed at enhancing athletic performance and recovery by helping to prevent and treat injuries and keep the body flexible." ~ Source: CourierJournal.com

Please contact John Morgan, certified massage therapist, to learn more about massages!

Edmund Morgan School of Massage

Welcome to the Edmund Morgan School of Neuromuscular and Massage Therapy!

Alumni, Potential Students, Future Employers...

We are excited to introduce a new way for each and everyone of you to communicate with each other. Alumni can keep in touch with fellow classmates! Future employers can post job opportunities! Potential Students can read and ask questions about our massage therapy program...

The Edmund Morgan School offers the most comprehensie and experiential program to those planning to join the momentous growth of the profession. Our program offers a powerful combination of educational excellence and balance-balance between classic Western massage, bodywork in the Eastern tradition, clinical massage specialization, and bodywork focusing on the integration of mind, body and spirit.

So, let's get started. Have a question for John or Kristie Morgan? Looking for a massage therapist to join your practice? Just post it here!

Can't wait to hear from all of you!

Kristie Morgan
Director of Admissions
Edmund Morgan School
of Neuromuscular & Massage Therapy