Massage is one of the oldest forms of therapy affecting the superficial and deeper layers of tissue. It involves using long gliding strokes, kneading the tissue and pressing various areas of the body in order to relieve pain as well as relax, stimulate and tone the body. In addition to creating a pleasant sensation on the skin, massage also works on the soft tissues, muscles, tendons, and ligaments in order to improve muscle tone. This is done to increase circulation and blood flow to the tissue which helps with muscle pain and joint aches and also provides a unique level of healing, allowing the lymphatic system to eliminate waste and toxins out of the body, creating a healthier you.
Massage therapy provides improved circulation by allowing oxygen and other nutrients to move into the body tissues in addition to reducing pain and stiffness in muscles and joints by helping clear out lactic acid and other waste. Clients notice that massage therapy relieves muscle tension and pain as well as increasing flexibility and mobility.
The Benefits of Massage
Perhaps you are wondering about the specific benefits of massage. The benefits of massage include:
- Relieve low-back pain as well as enhance range of motion.
- Help with easier, shorter labor for expectant mothers and reduce the length of maternity hospital stays.
- Reduce dependence on medication.
- Improve immune system defense by stimulation of lymph flow, which is the body’s natural defense system.
- Stretch and Exercise tight, weak, or atrophied muscles.
- Help athletes with strenuous workouts in terms of preparation and recovery.
- Improve the condition of the skin, which is the body’s largest organ.
- Increase flexibility in the joints.
- Reduce anxiety and depression.
- Reducing scar tissue and stretch marks by promoting tissue regeneration.
- Improve circulation by pumping oxygen and nutrients into vital organs and tissues.
- Reduce adhesions and swelling after surgery.
- Minimize cramping and spasms.
- Relax and soften tired, injured and overused muscles.
- Release endorphins, which are amino acids that function as the body’s natural painkiller.
- Alleviate pain associated with migraines.
Some consider massage to be therapeutic, rejuvenating or pampering, and people decide to get a massage for a variety of reasons, including stress relief, pain management or a luxurious treat. In addition, massage therapy can also be an important and powerful ally in your healthcare regimen.
Experts have determined that 90% or more of disease is actually related to stress. And it is quite possible that nothing causes us to age faster, both internally and externally, than high levels of stress. While it would be ideal to eliminate stress and anxiety completely, it’s nice to know that in this fast-paced world, massage can, without a doubt, help us to better manage stress. This results in:
- A reduction in anxiety.
- Improved quality of sleep.
- Increased energy.
- Enhanced concentration.
- Improved circulation.
- Reduction of fatigue.
In addition, massage clients often report a sense of clarity and a renewed perspective after receiving a massage. The emotional balance provided can often be just as important and vital to your health as the more obvious physical benefits.