| Benefits of Massage |
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Physiological Benefits The benefits of massage are extensive. Massage can be used to help preserve and modify illness. It can work in conjunction with Circulation During massage, the amount of blood pumped to the heart is increased due to the expansion of the capillaries. This causes a temporary reduction in systolic, and diastolic blood pressure, as well as a slight increase in the heart rate. Joints Massage can soothe joint pain caused by injury, inflammation, and every day exertion by promoting increased blood flows to the affected areas. Lungs Breathing can be greatly improved through massage of the chest, shoulders, and back. Reducing tensions in these areas can assist in the removal of congestion from the lungs, aiding respiratory conditions. Skin During massage, perspiration may be increased, thereby removing additional toxins from the body. Nervous System The nervous system assists in the regulation of all other systems of the body. Through massage the nervous system is calmed, allowing better communication with the organs, helping them to operate more effectively. Digestive System One of the primary functions of the digestive system is to remove waste and toxins from the body. However, stress and poor eating habits can prohibit this system from working efficiently, resulting in indigestion, bloating, and constipation. Massage can improve the functions of the digestive system and relieve these symptoms by stimulating peristalsis, the spontaneous massage action of the intestines. Lymphatic System The lymphatic system is a part of the body which helps fight infection. As such, its efficiency of operation plays a vital role in overall health. Through massage, congestion in the lymphatic system may be eased, improving this system's overall effectiveness, and strengthening the body's ability to fight infection. Muscles One of the most common reasons for getting a massage is relief of muscle tension. Massage releases built up tension from tight muscles, enabling them to once again work efficiently. Emotions The negative emotions we sometimes store inside can lead to tension in the muscles, which can be alleviated through the movements of massage. The counter pressure on the muscles dissipates tension, freeing it to be converted into energy. Understanding the Benefits of Therapeutic massage has been used for stress and pain relief around the world throughout the ages. As long ago as the 5th century Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, wrote, "the physician must be experienced in many things, but assuredly also in rubbing." Modern research, such as studies by the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami Medical School, has demonstrated that massage helps reduce the effects of stress and promotes well-being in a number of ways.
Stress reduction Therapeutic massage has become well known as one of the best ways to deal with the overload of stress so common in today’s world. Stress is inevitable and can inspire us to do our best, but when we experience an overload of stress for too long, our ability to respond with grace and balance may be challenged. Therapeutic massage can:
Improved circulation One of the key benefits of therapeutic massage is improved circulation. Good circulation:
Pain relief Research has shown that massage relieves pain. Combined with stress relief, improved circulation may be enough in itself to help you relax and allow the pain to recede as you let go. Massage may also help:
Massage helps ease pain from injuries by:
Increased awareness Massage therapy can help increase awareness and sensitivity to the body’s signals. Increasing your awareness:
Sports and fitness – help to perform your best Sports massage can help you prevent muscle strains and sprains, recover from events and strenuous workouts and heal from injuries. Before athletic events and workouts, massage prepares you by:
After workouts, massage:
Between competitive events and workouts, massage:
Help for moms-to-be Massage can help a mother-to-be relax and feel more energetic during pregnancy. It can help:
Making the most of the golden years Massage can help boost feelings of health and vitality as we age. Massage:
Caring touch for the frail and ill Massage therapists offer personal contact and a listening ear to those that are frail and ill, which can help replace feelings of loneliness with those of connection and caring. Practitioners use gentle and flexible techniques, designed to meet a person’s varying needs. Often massage for the frail and ill is not meant to specifically treat a person’s condition or disease, but rather to address the whole person with soothing, nurturing touch. Gentle touch for the frail or ill enhances health by:
If you are a caregiver, you may also enjoy a relaxing and renewing respite with massage. Massage can:
Headache relief Therapeutic massage offers complete relaxation and a chance to let go of the worry and anxiety that can cause chronic headaches. Massage can help reduce chronic headaches by:
Although massage may not put an end to a migraine headache in progress, used between episodes it can be very helpful in reducing their frequency and intensity, especially with a series of treatments. For fibromyalgia – pain relief and better sleep When received alongside medical attention, massage therapy can be immeasurably helpful to those suffering from fibromyalgia. Massage:
For arthritis – pain relief and increased flexibility Massage therapy can help reduce pain and improve decreased mobility caused by arthritis. Massage:
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orthodox and complementary therapies, and is in itself an enjoyable and healthy activity.