Benefits of Therapeutic Massage
Boost circulation
Massage actually moves blood through the congested areas facilitating circulation because of the pressure created by the massage technique. The release of this same pressure causes new blood to flow in. The squeezing and pulling also flushes lactic acid from the muscles and improves the circulation of the lymph fluid which facilitates moving the metabolic waste away from muscles and internal organs.
Poor circulation can cause a number of discomforts including the pooling of fluid in the extremities, cold hands and feet, fatigue, and achiness due to an accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles. Improving circulation can bring damaged, tense muscles the oxygen-rich blood they need to heal. An improvement in both blood and lymph circulation helps your body gain strength and maximizes your energy level. Especially during the winter months when circulation and metabolisms may be slower, massage can help in removing toxins in the blood and encouraging fresh energy to circulate easily. Efficient circulation also helps in muscle recovery, growth, and promotes the natural healing process.
Promotes deeper breathing
Deep breathing is vital to ensure that oxygen circulates easily throughout your body, and encourages healing and growth in the process. Decreased oxygen circulation results in headaches, tension aches, and random muscle pain that can accumulate into a significant problem over time. By enhancing your oxygen intake, you will naturally promote the release of toxins and negative energy within the body.
Improves posture
Although massage should never be used as a replacement for a chiropractic diagnosis, posture can slowly and naturally improve as the spine and muscles around the spine become more flexible and supple. Improved posture also aids in breathing and less tension throughout the body.
Improves circulation
An improvement in both blood and lymph circulation helps your body gain strength and maximizes your energy level. Especially during the winter months when circulation and metabolisms may be slower, massage can help in removing toxins in the blood and encouraging fresh energy to circulate easily. Efficient circulation also helps in muscle recovery, growth, and promotes the natural healing process.
Enhances skin tone and skin health
When using high-quality oils and creams, massage therapists can significantly improve the tone and health of your skin after just a few massage sessions. Skin cells are revitalized, moisturized, and replenished naturally. Choose Vitamin E and natural grapeseed oil bases for maximum benefits.
Increases and promotes joint flexibility
Repetitive stress or overused joints can stunt growth and create problems later. Massage helps to relieve stored tension and encourages flexibility of the joints after rest. Any soreness experienced after a massage can be indication that these are tension spots for you, and focusing on these areas on your next massage will increase joint recovery. There are even some special oil formulations to target joints, so do check with your massage therapist beforehand to discuss options.
Enhances a calm mind
Encouraging a calm mind creates an avenue for creativity; it is during these times that our minds are most conducive to creative thinking, developing plans, organizing thoughts, and reducing stressful thoughts. Massage can encourage this state of mind by relaxing the entire body.
Reduces anxiety
As a natural deep relaxant, a successful massage can significantly reduce anxiety. Usually, anxiety is stored in some key areas of the body; the lower back, shoulders, abdomen, and neck. By relieving these areas of tension, the mind can ‘let go’ of anxiety and experience a light, almost freeing sensation.
Increases self-awareness
The mind-body connection is often overlooked in today’s fast-paced society. From the minute you wake up, to the moment you go to bed, it is easy to slip into ‘mind-only’ mode. When you re-establish the connection with your body, you will experience greater ease of movement, a more centered feeling, and an enhanced feeling of well-being.
Promotes mental alertness
Although a massage can bring you into a state of deep relaxation, this is also a state of heightened mental alertness. Your mind is relaxed and calm, but acutely aware and in this state, capable of solving even the toughest problems!
Increases peace of mind
With your ability to feel relaxed and naturally aware, peace of mind becomes a necessary result. Peace of mind can be defined as a sense of calm well-being and just feeling good naturally.
Satisfies need for human touch
As human beings, we all need to feel the touch of another human being. This can range from a simple hug, handshake, or a nurturing touch. A massage encourages this type of connection and increases your appreciation for this human need.
These are just the top dozen benefits of regular massage. Check with your local spa or individual massage therapist to define what you ned, and what your body will most benefit from. During different times, or stages of your life, you may need a specific treatment or an individual recommendation. Try various approaches and see what works best for you. Alternative bodywork sessions may also include Reiki, an energy-focused consultation; Chakra-balancing massage, an Eastern approach to energy balance and release of anxiety; or a ‘traditional’ deep therapeutic massage targeting a specific area.
Massage, it turns out, may boost immunity and help people with a range of conditions from premenstrual syndrome to high blood pressure It also seems to help soothe pain from arthritis, burns and even surgery. Research finding indicate that massage creates chemical changes that reduce pain and stress throughout the body. One way it does this is by reducing a brain chemical called substance P that is related to pain. Healthy distress during periods of high stress a stress hormone cortisol is released.