The Power of Touch Therapy

Human touch can be a powerful thing on its own, but it becomes doubly effective when used in conjunction with techniques that have been proven to be beneficial for your health and overall wellbeing. In trying healing touch therapy or massage therapy, you may find that the symptoms of any ailments you’re experiencing will be alleviated.

There are many different types of touch and massage therapy, almost all dating back to ancient Egypt, China, Japan, India, Greece or Rome. These ancient civilizations used their own variations of therapeutic touch and massage practices to promote general health and wellbeing, and these traditions have been sustained due to their efficacy. Through the years touch therapy has evolved, resulting in the vast range of practices from all sorts of different cultures that we see today. Though it has fallen out of fashion since the 1850s as a mainstream treatment for physical maladies, there is no denying the enormous benefits that can be reaped from touch and massage therapies. They can relieve pain, rehabilitate injuries, promote relaxation, treat insomnia and even address mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

Touch therapy is considered by some to be pseudoscientific, but others profess the holistic practice’s incredible benefits. Most commonly known as reiki, therapeutic touch or healing touch, these therapies work through energy. Touch therapy involves working with and stimulating the body’s energy fields to rebalance any energetic disharmony or “blockages” you may be experiencing. This non-invasive treatment often induces a deep meditative state, and contrary to the name given doesn’t even have to involve touch at all if you would prefer. It is a wonderful complement to other treatments for physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing.

Massage therapy includes a far wider range of practices, from Swedish deep tissue massage to shiatsu and beyond. It generally involves a trained therapist pressing, rubbing or otherwise manipulating the muscles and soft tissue in your body. Seek out a practice suited to your needs – if you’re an athlete looking to alleviate stiffness, try a sports massage. If you’re looking to relax, try an aromatherapy or hot stone massage. If you suffer from some form of chronic pain, give deep tissue or trigger point massage a try.

No matter the issue you’re facing, there will be a type of touch or massage therapy suited to your needs.