A FEW WORDS ON THE BENEFITS OF MASSAGE THERAPY...

The Relaxation Response

Soothing massage is commonly recognised as an effective relaxation technique,antiis known to trigger the relaxation response (also experienced during meditation and yoga). This is a phenomenon which is activated by the parasympathetic nervous system anti counters the damaging effects of chronic stress by bringing balance to the system. During the relaxation response, a person feels totally relaxed anti is in a pleasant semi-awake state of consciousness. Specific health benefits include: decreased muscle tension, reduced blood pressure, increased blood flow to limbs, decreased anxiety andfear, increased positive mental health and improved quality of sleep.

Minds and Motions

By facilitating a state of deep relaxation, massage can help to release mental stresses and fatigue and allow a person to move towards a more positive state a] mind with renewed energy to face problems with clarity and focus.
Emotionsare often held deep inside the body. Emotional stress can be reflected in the body by physical pain and tension, which often serves as a ‘defence. Allowing ourselves to relax completely in a safe and supportive environment can help us to release and express emotions, which can be an important step in a physical or emotional healing process.

Immune System Function

Massage affects immune system function byimprovinglymphatic flow anti reducing the negative effects of stress. The more efficient and effective the immune system, the stronger the body is in fighting of] infection and illness.

The main function of the lymphatic system is as the body’sdefense mechanism. Infectious materials and foreign bodies are filtered through lymph nodes to prevent them returning into the blood supply. Massage strokes can be directed towards the lymph nodes to encourage toxins to be eliminated from the body.

Massage designed to elicit the relaxation response, as described above, can assist in bringing the body back to balance and thus improve immune system function.

Improved Circulation

Massage improves and stimulates the blood supply to and from the heart. Cold feet and blood pooling in the feet due to poor circulation will benefit immensely from regular massage.

Improved circulation to the joints through massage helps to reduce any inflammation and increases the elimination of toxins and waste products kept in the muscles and blood supply around the joints

Increased Joint Mobility and Flexibility

Tense muscles, adhesions and scarring in muscles and connective tissues may all restrict movement at joints. Massage and passive joint movement can be used effectively to address any abnormal conditions found in the soft tissues surrounding the joint.

Improved Quality of Skin

The health and quality of the skin can be improved by regular massage blood and nutrient supply to the skin is increased and toxins are eliminated more effectively.

Massage stimulates the sensory receptors found in the skin, which can contribute to general relaxation and pain reduction.

The skin helps to remove excretory products from the body, and its pores must be kept open to maintain health. Massage exfoliates the skin, removing layers of dead skincells that inhibit the healthy function.

The natural oils used during a massage bring moisture, vitamins and minerals to the skin.

Muscle Tone Balance

Muscles maintain a chemical balance through normal activity. As they contract they rid themselves of metabolic waste by ‘‘milking’ these toxins into the lymphatic and venous flow to be carried away. As the muscles relax, fresh blood flows into them, bringing necessary nutrients to the area.
Overactivity disturbs the balance by not allowing sufficient time for the inflow of nutrients, and metabolic waste products are formed faster than they can be eliminated. Underactivity also disturbs the balance by not providing the ‘milking’ effect. Both overactivity and underactivity lead to a build up of waste products that irritate the muscle, causing stiffness and soreness. 

Massage increases blood, oxygen and nutrient supply to muscles and manually assists the ‘milking’ process to eliminate waste products. Stiffness and soreness can be lessened or prevented by massage following activity.

Connective Tissue Pliability and Mobility

Connective tissue is found in ligaments, tendons and fascia, the tissue that surrounds all muscles, bones arid organs anti helps to give them shape, literally holding the body together. In healthy bodies the connective tissue is pliable and moves freely. With chronic stress, immobility, trauma or disease, it may become thickened or rigid or may stick to other tissues, forming ‘adhesions.

Massage can help restore connective tissue pliability anti improve tissue function. Specific techniques can also help to free up tissue adhesions.

Digestion

Chronic stress is known to disrupt the normal digestive process, leaving people with indigestion and possibly stomach and intestinal ulcers. Stress-related digestion problems such as irritable bowel syndrome can be eased by regular massage.

Hormones

The endocrine system regulates body functions by releasing hormones. Massage can help to regulate and stimulate hormone production.