Massage: a component of whole body wellness
We are very lucky to have registered massage therapist- Alison Rogers working in our office! We believe that massage can be part of a regular health and wellness routine with many health benefits. Here she lists the numerous physical, mental and emotional effects:
Health Benefits of Massage
- Superficially, massage therapy stimulates skin receptors, adds moisture and nourishment to skin, and removes dead skin.
- Massage improves blood circulation, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to tissue cells, and facilitates cellular waste removal. Massage stimulates the lymphatic system, which carries away the body’s cellular waste products, thus boosting the immune system. Improved circulation can also have a positive effect on blood pressure.
- Massage therapy prevents and relieves muscles cramps and spasms and maintains pliability of fascia (a web of connective tissue). Manual manipulation of muscle and connective tissue can reduce an active spasm and helps maintain proper joint and muscle function. This allows for healthy, pain free range of motion with increased joint mobility.
- Massage therapy helps reduce pain. Regular sessions can help manage chronic pain by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system to evoke a relaxation response which reduces stress and tension. The release of endorphins or “feel good” hormones also brings pain relief, a sense of well being, and often times, mental clarity.
- On occasion, emotional release can also be experienced with massage therapy. Unexpressed emotions, held within the body, may come to the surface, arising in various forms such as anger, fear, or weeping. The release of these “trapped” emotions can be an important step in a psychological or physical healing process.
These are some of the many benefits of massage in general. Different practitioners may make use of specialized techniques such as Deep tissue, Swedish, Thai, acupressure, hot stone and cupping to name a few. These varying modalities also offer specific benefits unique to the approach used. Some clients may prefer how a particular modality feels or affects them. Try some of the available therapies and see what works for you!
If you have any questions about whether a massage would be right for you because of an existing medical condition, ask to speak to a massage therapist before you make your appointment.
Remember, massage has its greatest benefits over time. The therapeutic effects of massage are cumulative, so the more often a person gets a massage, the better he or she will feel and the more quickly the body will respond. If you are getting massage to address chronic issues, such as muscular tension or recovery from a soft tissue injury, more than one session is usually needed. Be prepared to schedule several sessions to reap the full benefits.
Have you experienced any of the above benefits? Did massage help you increase your wellness?
