Benefits of Massage
Did you ever
wonder if Massage Therapy is good for more than relaxation?
The typical initiation into massage is usually motivated by
a stressful or painful condition. But massage goes deeper and offers you
far more than you may have ever realized. Regular massage can greatly
benefit your overall health and well-being.
The more you learn about massage, the more you will benefit
from each of your sessions. This overview touches on some of the basic
massage benefits available to you.
STRESS REDUCTION ~
Massage therapy is a great way to reduce the
stress in your life. Not only are the physical effects very soothing, but
you often have reduced anxiety and increased feelings of well-being.
Massage has been proven to reduce levels of "stress hormones" that can be
hazardous to your health.
Your nervous system is your communication network, sending
messages constantly that determine proper functioning throughout your body.
Stress can affect the ability of your nervous system to do its job.
The many nerve endings found in your skin and muscles are
soothed by massage and this contributes to keeping your internal lines of
communication open and operational. The stress-relieving, soothing results
are enough for many to include massage as a regular part of their lives, but
what about the less obvious benefits.
PAIN RELIEF ~
Muscular aches and pains, some joint pains, and
some nerve impingements (pinched nerves) are often reduced or eliminated through
massage therapy. Also, when combined with multiple styles of massage
therapy, like Myofascial Release, Trigger Point Therapy and Reiki, those with
chronic pain may get the benefit of long-lasting relief. Pain management
and relief from conditions such as chronic low back pain, neck and shoulder
pain, fibromyalgia, lupus, myofascial pain syndrome, migraines and other
headaches, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, whiplash and arthritis is common.
IMPROVED CIRCULATION ~
Proper circulation is vital to your continued
health. Your blood and lymph carry nourishment to the trillions of cells
throughout your body, and then carry away the waste to be eliminated from your
cells. Massage encourages a better exchange of nutrients at the cellular
level and more thorough detoxification.
The circulation of the blood and lymph are generally
improved, helping you to eliminate toxins, feel great and promote healthy bodily
function. This is true of all massage techniques, but especially with
Swedish Massage, Reiki-ssage and Hot Stone Massage. Remember, the future
"you" is determined by how well your army of cells regenerate themselves, so
this is indeed a critical part of remaining healthy.
IMPROVED FLEXIBILITY ~
Massage also aids in maintaining flexibility in
your joints, such as the knee, hip, spine, shoulder and neck, and can enhance
tissue elasticity and flexibility and help increase the range of motion
(mobility) of your joints. These joints are thoroughfares for nerves,
veins and arteries so their freedom of movement allow energy and blood to flow
unimpeded.
To improve flexibility, massage therapy combined with
Myofascial Release or Reiki works very well. Even people with some forms
of arthritis, Cerebral Palsy and Parkinson's Disease can receive this benefit ~
ask your doctor.
BETTER SLEEP ~
Many people sleep more restfully after receiving
massage therapy. The benefit often continues several days after receiving
massage therapy.
BETTER ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE ~
Anyone who wants to be better in their sport
should have massage therapy. In addition to the benefits above, Sports
Massage can reduce recovery time from workouts, help prevent injury and speed up
healing on injuries that you get ~ letting you make greater gains.
LESS SORENESS ~
Muscle soreness from your fitness and sports
activities, called Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS), can be decreased with
massage.
IMPROVED POSTURE ~
Massage therapy can improve your posture by
releasing muscles and connective tissues that lead to poor posture. Better
posture helps you relieve stress on joints and muscles, reducing your pain,
reducing your chronic tension and increasing your energy.
REDUCED ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION ~
Studies by the Touch Research Institute of the
University of Miami report reduced anxiety and feelings of depression with
regular massage therapy.
A MORE COMFORTABLE PREGNANCY ~
Any mother who received massage therapy during her
pregnancy can tell you that there is nothing better! Massage during
pregnancy is safe and effective in relieving the aches and pains that often
accompany the changes in the expectant mother's body. Guys, it is a great
gift for the mom-to-be.
Best of all . . . It feels GREAT!!!
As you can see, massage offers more benefits than you may
have imagined. Isn't it good to know that something that feels so great
can contribute to your long-term health as well?
Nothing is more important than your well-being, so make
taking care of yourself a high priority. When you feel your best, you are
in much better condition to deal with all of life's challenges and demands.
Let's work together to help you get the most from your
massages. Call me today at