The benefits of Massage Therapy
In the 20 plus years that I have been a massage therapist, I am still stunned when people tell me that they have never had a massage. Even though there are many reasons, the main one is in making the time to allow for such “luxury”. We all lead busy lives and booking a session seems indulgent. Understanding the benefits, might shift your views on this healing therapy.
Here are only some of the benefits of massage therapy:
- The most immediate benefit of massage therapy is the feeling of deep relaxation and calm. This all happens because of the immediate release of endorphins, the brain chemicals that produce feelings of relaxation. Your nervous system goes into a “rest and digest” cycle. If there is any pain or tension in your body, causing pressure on the nerves, massage therapy strokes will alleviate that pressure.
- Much of our tension starts in the shoulders, chest, and neck muscles. As you relax during the massage, your breathing deepens and balances out while making it easier for the therapist to properly work on tense and stiff muscles.
- Massage therapy reduces muscle tension and stiffness. Sitting at a computer all day, really accounts for most peoples’ neck, shoulders, and back issues. When muscles relax, fresh blood enters the muscles with oxygen and fresh nutrients. The therapist’s techniques help untangle any knots for an overall sense of relief and helps bring damaged and tense muscles the oxygen-rich blood they need to heal.
- Applying specific massage techniques and stretches allows for an increase in joint mobility, flexibility, and range of motion. Massage therapy is just one of the many ways that muscles get stretched.
- Your entire cardiovascular system relaxes, regulating your heart rate and the circulation flowing through your body improves. The pressure techniques of massage move blood throughout any congested areas and the release of this pressure causes new blood to flow in.
- As stress takes a toll on our digestive system, massage therapy has a great effect on how the body processes food and nutrients. Massage strokes help move food through the intestines by producing much- needed chemicals like saliva, gastric juice, and insulin.
- Our lymphatic system is important in balancing the fluid and function of the immune system. By massaging the muscles and tissues, the lymphatic system is being drained, filtering out dead cells, waste products and possible pathogens.
- Improved recovery of soft tissue injuries such as, strains, sprains, contusions, tendinitis, and bursitis and the rehabilitation of old injuries!
- The friction of massage allows for fresh skin cells to emerge by increasing blood flow and waste excretion. This also helps your skin’s resistance to infections and disease. Massage also improves skin tone and helps with the breaking up of cellulite!
There are many possibilities of discovering a therapy that may very well be exactly what you need!
If you are still not convinced, book an appointment today!
Amy Vasiliou is a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) with 20 years of experience. Amy received her Neuromuscular Massage Therapy training at the Natural Health Consultant Institute. She has had diverse experience working within various branches of the health and wellness industry. Amy is a firm believer in the holistic approach to healing. That by treating the “whole” body and understanding that everything is connected, true progress can begin. In this way, the client gains a deeper sense of their own relationship with their body.
