It is easy to be confused by the myriad of bodywork and massage modalities that are being practiced today. Some (and this is certainly not an all-inclusive list) are Swedish, Thai, Hawaiian (lomi-lomi), Chinese (tianu), Indian (Ayuervedic) Shiatsu, Reflexology, Craniosacral, Acupressure, Esalen and the Rosen Method. And let's not even get into the other kinds of bodywork, such as tantric, erotic and sensual massage.
There are many ways massage helps to promote better overall health. First, it relaxes the body and helps reduce the effects of stress. Next, it increases circulation in the muscles and throughout the system, helping to clear toxins out of the body. Some modalities of massage also treat the lymph system, assisting in draining other bodily waste into the kidneys from where it can be eliminated.
Anyone who undergoes a massage treatment should be sure to drink extra quantities of water for the rest of the day. This helps flush out of the body the toxins that were cleansed from the muscles or lymph system by the massage.
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