Massage therapy can be used in many ways on our bodies. It can aid healing if muscles are damaged, help with many muscle related illnesses, be used in recuperation after illness or surgery, or to promote relaxation and wellbeing. We are all sensual beings and as a result our bodies respond well to massage and human contact. When there is touch, there is healing.
Below are some of the many health benefits of Massage Therapy:
– Massage Therapy improves blood circulation, thus allowing increased oxygen and nutrients to be delivered to treated areas including areas that have been injured, have experienced overexertion or have experienced trauma.
– Helps to lower blood pressure (please make sure you seek medical advice if you have high blood pressure before receiving massage).
– Because massage stimulates the lymphatic system it helps in detoxification by propelling toxic waste products through the lymphatic system, so make sure you drink plenty of water afterwards.
– Relieves stress and anxiety and promotes a sense of calm and overall well being. Many of today’s illnesses are stress related and reducing stress with massage therapy is a gentle way to lower stress levels. It also heightens mental awareness.
– Relaxes injured muscles, reducing pain, tension, cramps and muscle spasms
– Stimulates the release of the bodies’ natural endorphins which can aid pain control.
– Provides increased exercise stretching for atrophied muscles, helping recuperation.
-Boosts the immune system by aiding the production of white blood cells in the body thus helping a person be less susceptible to illnesses and viruses.
-Improve skin tone and flexibility
-Increased joint mobility and flexibility.
Before you have any type of Massage Therapy always consult with the Massage Therapist and make sure that he/she is aware of your medical history and any medications that you are taking.
It is also good advice to talk to your therapist about your treatment goals. Different combinations of massage techniques may be used to attain different goals. For instance, if you have a sports injury, you may wish to have specific massage targeted to reduce swelling and to improve blood flow in that area, or the therapy session may just well be a general de-stressing and relaxing one.
There are many types of massage therapy available today, from aromatherapy massage, reflexology, sports massage, Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, shiatsu, etc. that can really help alleviate many common problems and ailments.
