Benefits of Massage

Mind-Body Relaxation… is a term emphasizing the connection between the “Body”—and its influence on the “Mind”. In simple terms…

What the Body experiences—the Mind becomes!

Clinical studies have shown that as the body becomes relaxed… so goes the mind—in perfect harmony! The long-term effects of Mind-Body Relaxation are clear… studies published in the American Journal of Cardiology, British Medical and American Heart Association Journals note reductions in heart disease, high blood pressure, heart attacks and hardening of the arteries. Countless other independent studies show that Mind-Body Relaxation reduces depression, anxiety, panic attacks, chronic pain and symptoms of fibromyalgia. Other studies indicate that Mind-Body Relaxation can be effective in the treatment and prevention of substance abuse and addiction. Which massage you choose… is of lesser importance than just making massage a part of your health routine—it can lead to a healthier body and increased vitality!

As children … we ran, jumped, exercised and pushed our endurance to its limits… our bodies were fleshy, flexible and supple—in perfect harmony. As adults we ceased most strenuous activities… muscles go unused… retain toxins, become less fleshy, flexible and supple… causing discomfort and pain—and no longer in harmony. If you think of your body as the vehicle which must propel you throughout each day of your life—its maintenance is important!

The following is a simple illustration which each of us can relate to…

A car which is maintained routinely… i.e. oil and filter changes, spark plug changes, air cleaner changes, drive train servicing, tires rotated, aligned and balanced, lubrication of moving parts, all contribute to its overall operational reliability and safety—assuring minimal repairs and roadside breakdowns and will demonstrate increased gas mileage and driving pleasure.

From this simple illustration… one can reason that routine maintenance can play a significant role in the reliability of the vehicles we depend on to transport us!

In virtually the same way, the routine maintenance of your body… heart, digestive system, musculature, nervous system, skeletal system and joints—will supply you with the increased energy and stamina needed to propel you throughout your rigorous day. Equally important is … making the right choice about who will perform the maintenance you desire—as not everyone is experienced and/or capable of providing superior body work!

Here are some of the benefits that regularly scheduled massage therapy can offer…

• improve detoxification of musculature—easing tension, stiffness and pain
• alleviate or reduce neck, shoulder, back and other bodily pain and improve range of motion and joint flexibility
• help athletes at all levels prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts
• exercises and stretches weak, tight, or atrophied muscles by relaxing and softening injured, tired, and overused muscles; helping to reduce or eliminate spasms and cramping
• help reduce the discomfort and pain of rheumatoid arthritis
• enhance the body’s immune system by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system
• improve breathing—assisting in increased oxygenation of the blood
• pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs—improving circulation
• help enhance mental and physical well-being—improving alertness and performance in all daily activities
• help reduce fatigue and listlessness
• release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller
• help alleviate pain in migraine and cluster headache suffers
• reduce the painful effects of gout
• reduce the potential for varicose veins
• reduce pregnancy related pain and discomfort
• reduce the discomfort and pain of chronic diseases such as heart, autoimmune, myofascial and carpal tunnel syndrome, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, Raynaud’s, diabetes, osteoarthritis and hypertension
• improve the condition of the body’s largest organ… the skin—by helping to replenish its natural oils, keeping it moist and supple
• create a sense of relaxation and well-being by reducing mind and bodily stress—aiding in improved sleep patterns and decreased sleep disturbance help to lessen depression and anxiety caused by stress

Which massage you may choose… is of lesser importance than just making massage therapies a part of your health routine—it can lead to a healthier body and increased vitality!