Benefits of Massage
Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress-related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally than high stress. Massage is an effective tool for managing this stress, which translates into:
- Decreased anxiety.
- Enhanced sleep quality.
- Greater energy.
- Improved concentration.
- Increased circulation.
- Reduced fatigue.
- Decreased muscle tightness
- Improve relaxation
Massage can also help specifically address a number of health issues. Bodywork can:
- Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
- Eliminate general Pain throughout.
- Eliminate Sciatica or Piriformis Syndrome.
- Kinked and stiff neck.
- Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
- Ease medication dependence.
- Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system.
- Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
- Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
- Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin.
- Increase joint flexibility.
- Lessen depression and anxiety.
- Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
- Pump oxygen, blood flow and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
- Reduce post surgery adhesions and swelling.
- Reduce spasms and cramping.
- Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
- Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.
- Relieve migraine pain.
There are a number of different types of massage techniques used depending on what is needed for each person such as Swedish Relaxation Massage, Deep Tissue, Myofascial Release, Trigger Points, Acupressure points, Tapotement, Reflexology Shiatsu, Rolfing and the list can go on.
Massage can range from 60 to 90 min sessions (sometimes longer) working the front, back, head to toe to eliminate the triggers of stress and other health issues. It is very important to fill out a Client Health Form prior to a massage to determine if there might be any contraindication to receiving a massage to general questions to make your experience a positive, relaxing and effective one.
Here are a few questions and answers you might be wondering about when in session:
What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
Prior to the massage, feel free to ask the practitioner any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. The practitioner will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax, communicating if/when they need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else relevant to the session. If you have any questions regarding the session or about the particular technique you are receiving, feel free to ask.
Will I be covered during the session?
You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed.
How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate…It is so important to drink a lot of water after your massage to detox and eliminate and to replenish healthy nutrients to feed the body.
Basically, in my opinion, everyone should receive a massage at least once a month to reap the health benefits to keep the body healthy, happy and free from stress. It is a way to detox the body to bring it back into balance for restoration.
Reach out to a Licensed Massage Therapist today and schedule an appointment as he or she will be able to answer all of your questions and know exactly what you need depending on what you are seeking and what is going on with your body. Here’s to a happy and relaxing massage!
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debs
The post AHHH…MASSAGE…IT DOES THE BODY GOOD first appeared on Ahhmazingly Healthy.
