My first body massage was one of the most nostalgic
experiences I have before I was about to get married. Situated at a quiet and
sanctuary corner of Yishun Safra, I was greeted with a strong sense of ylang
ylang aromatic essential oil diffusion. What was most memorable was the body
massage. The masseur applied the weakest yet firm pressure upon my shoulder to
my lower body. The feeling was sensational, however I was quite sore at the end
of the session because the lady was still exerting a fair bit of pressure when
massaging the body.
My second massage was to get back into shape when I
delivered my baby one week later. A Malay Jamu, came, to my house and performed
a post-natal massage. This time is no fun. It is all about pain. All the
pushing and rubbing of my belly to get rid of all the clotted blood and toxin
were painful. Ouch! Imagine the weight of the human resting upon your fragile
weak tummy especially after birth. But my tummy managed to lose a bit perhaps
an inch with the helping hand of the Jamu. The overall experience is still
acceptable but seriously painful. If massage is done regularly and practiced correctly,
weight loss is definitely achievable.
My third massage was commenced by the masseur at the
slimming center. Combination of fingers and tools are used to ensure user have
the best of both world experience. The beating, squeezing and pushing of the
fatty layers made you just want to cry out aloud. Though such massage method is
not as painful as a foot massage, but still a sore experience. Definitely, no
pain, no gain… I can feel my fats being tightened and perhaps some parts of the
body firmer. Such treatment are expensive as you do need to sign up a package
with slimming centers to enjoy the beating away.
What is so important about massage?
In a research conducted by the Department of Psychiatry
and Behavioral Neurosciences at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles,
blood tests were conducted on 53 healthy adults who received one of two types
of touch treatments. The results revealed that those who had a Swedish massage
with moderate pressure experienced decreases in stress hormones while increases
in white blood cells. Even the immunity system has a great boost. If you tend
to get sick easily especially a flu, try massage regularly to keep that virus
at bay.
Meanwhile
volunteers who had a "light touch" treatment showed higher levels of
oxytocin, a hormone that promotes bonding. Based on the findings, Mark
Rapaport, the chairman, believes that massage might be effective in treating
inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. That accounts for the growing
popularity in athletes going for massage after vigorous exercise to minimize injuiries.
The simplest cure may lie in just a simple touch. Why
not give it a shot since it offers so many benefits.
We shall deal with some techniques of massage for the
body in my next article.