Did you ever wonder if Massage Therapy as 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'll benefit from each of our 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 even 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's 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's a great gift for the mom-to-be.
Best of All . . . It feels GREAT!!!
As you can see, massage offers more benefits that 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 to schedule your appointment!