Integrated massage combines massage and bodywork principles to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness. It focuses on the fascial system and is used in physical rehabilitation programs and as a complementary therapy for various conditions. It can also help with pain management, depressive and anxiety-related disorders, and improve mood, sleep, and concentration. Practitioners use a combination of over 250 massage techniques tailored to the individual.
Integrated massage, also known as eclectic massage, is a therapeutic method that combines the principles of massage and bodywork. Like other somatic disciplines, it incorporates physical, emotional and spiritual elements. In other words, it supports a holistic mind-body approach to wellness rather than relying on a physiological or environmental point of view.
Several hands-on techniques are used in integrated massage to promote physiological changes. This is accomplished by primarily focusing on the fascial system or connective tissue of the body. Like somatic therapy, this type of massage often coincides with guided movement and other body work techniques to help stimulate atrophied muscles and release compressed soft tissue.
In general, massage is an ancient practice dating back at least 3,000 years. While it may just feel good, its health benefits are well documented today. In fact, integrated massage techniques have become standard practice in many physical rehabilitation programs. Additionally, it is used as a complementary therapy for a wide variety of conditions, such as arthritis, high blood pressure, infertility, and immune dysfunction. Of course, one of its biggest benefits may be stress reduction.
Integrated massage therapy is also helpful in pain management. In fact, the various techniques used are often found in sports therapy programs. In addition to increasing the flow of blood and oxygen to the muscles, it also improves joint flexibility. Practitioners attribute these benefits to increased production and release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain reliever.
This type of massage also has applications in the treatment of depressive and anxiety-related disorders. The release of tension and stress is attributed to the improvement of physical symptoms. However, many people who receive a massage also report improved mood. Additionally, it has been noted to promote better quality sleep and greater concentration.
An integrated massage therapist can employ one of more than 250 massage techniques that have emerged over the centuries. More often than not, however, he will develop a plan that uses a combination of techniques geared towards the individual. Some of these techniques include fairly well-known therapies such as acupressure or Reiki. In general, however, therapy sessions can be expected to include variations of kneading, tapping, and applying pressure to targeted points.
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