Regular massage for a healthy tomorrow - Isamu Marita

By Anuradha KODAGODA

People are oftentimes stressed out in our society. Stress-related disorders make up between 80-and-90 percent of the illnesses that bring people to their family physicians. What they require is someone to listen to, someone to touch them, and someone to care. It is not found in modern medicine.

Massage therapy is the key in the healing process, not only in the hospital environment; but because it relieves stress, it is obviously the foundation in the healing process any time, anywhere.

"Massage is said to be a "stress killer" and can alleviate many aches and pains and even rejuvenate the skin and improve muscle tone. Things such as posture and negative holding patterns can be improved with regular massage therapy sessions. People do not have to be in serious pain to get a massage. It is a tool for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and feeling good," said Isamu Morita, a therapist from Japan.

Isamu Morita, a recognized Physiotherapist from Japan came to Sri Lanka for a short stay and the Sunday Observer was able to talk about "The magic of touch" that he has been practising for the last three decades. Morita is interested to extend his expertise in massaging and healing in Sri Lanka too and hopes to conduct a few workshops around the country in January 2013.

"Most of the ordinary massaging methods are done by using the massager's hands. After many experiments and studies I am able to introduce a new method of massaging, using the massager's foot which is quite a successful method in Japan nowadays. With the correct pressure and movement this method could heal many physical disorders and pains," Morita explained.

As Morita says, getting frequent massages can impact long term health. With frequent massages the body becomes more in tune or aware of stress, and a person becomes more sensitive to what is going on in the body. When one is aware of the potential stress, one could combat any health problem that may arise before it becomes unmanageable, while feeling happier and healthier.

This would be the long-term effect of frequent massage, which can be considered as a preventative health care.

"Once people discover the many joys and benefits of massage, the common question that arises is "How often should I schedule my massage sessions?" It is a proven fact that massage at regular intervals is most beneficial to your overall health. Like exercise, massage does more for you if you engage in it regularly," Morita said.

"There are many benefits that can be enjoyed by people who used to have a good relationship with their bodies and who regularly schedule massage sessions. Massage reduces the heart rate, lowers blood pressure, increases blood circulation and lymph flow, relaxes muscles, improves range of motion, boosts the immune system, dampens harmful stress hormones and raises mood-elevating brain chemicals such as serotonin, and many more. Although therapeutic massage does not increase muscle strength, it can stimulate weak, inactive muscles and thus, partially compensate for the lack of exercise and inactivity resulting from illness or injury.

It can also hasten and lead to a more complete recovery from exercise or injury. Massage can also stimulate nerves that carry signals from the skin to the brain, triggering changes throughout the body," he added.

"So far there are millions of people around the world I have healed who suffered from many physical imbalances or illnesses. It is my pleasure to be in Sri Lanka and educate the general public about the importance of regular massaging and healing methods. My intention is not to earn money, but to educate and share my knowledge with the people who are enthusiasts in the field.

Therefore in my tour in January I wish to train a few people in Sri Lanka too with my new massaging technique and conduct a few workshops in the different districts. I hope this would be a novel opportunity for Sri Lankans," he said.

Morita said, "The human body makes every effort to maintain the best health by keeping all of its systems in balance. Along with proper nutrition, exercise and rest, massage relaxes tensed muscles and stimulates the body's communication lines to help it do its job and keep you feeling your best. Therefore regular massage, a priority in your life may lead to a healthier tomorrow,"