What Is Massage Therapy?

Massage is one of the oldest, simplest forms of therapy and is a system of stroking, pressing and kneading different areas of the body to relieve pain, relax, stimulate, and tone the body. Massage does much more than create a pleasant sensation on the skin; it also works on the soft tissues (the muscles, tendons, and ligaments) to improve muscle tone. Although it largely affects those muscles just under the skin, its benefits may also reach the deeper layers of muscle and possibly even the organs themselves. Massage also stimulates blood circulation and assists the lymphatic system (which runs parallel to the circulatory system,) improving the elimination of waste throughout the body.

Some Benefits Of Massage

Relaxing
Soothing
Healing
Eases tension
stiffness and pain
Improves breathing
Improves circulation
Enhances well-being
Overall rejuvenation

The Effects Of Massage

Although a single massage will be enjoyable, the effects of massage are cumulative and a course of massage treatments will bring the most benefits. Regular massage can have the effect of strengthening and toning the entire body mechanism, and so help to prevent unnecessary strains and injuries that might otherwise occur due to excess tension and any resulting structural weaknesses. Massage can stimulate or calm the nervous system depending upon what is required by the individual and thus help reduce fatigue, leaving the receiver with a feeling of replenished energy. At its best, massage has the potential to restore the individual physically, mentally and spiritually.

Massage therapy is the systematized manipulation of soft tissues for the purpose of normalizing them. I use a variety of physical methods including applying fixed or movable pressure, holding, or causing movement to the body. I primarily use my hands and forearms, but may also use my elbows, knees or feet.

The basic goal of massage therapy is to help the body heal itself and to increase health and well-being.

Touch is the core ingredient of massage therapy and also combines science and art. I have learned specific techniques of massage and use my sense of touch to determine: the right amount of pressure to apply to each person, and locate areas of tension and other soft-tissue problems. Touch also conveys a sense of caring, an important component in the healing relationship.

When muscles are overworked, waste products such as lactic acid can accumulate in the muscle, causing soreness, stiffness, and even muscle spasm.

Massage improves circulation, which increases blood flow, bringing fresh oxygen and nutrients to the body tissues. This can assist the elimination of waste products, speed healing after injury, and enhance recovery from disease.

Therapeutic massage can be used to promote general well-being and enhance self-esteem, while boosting the circulatory and immune systems to benefit blood pressure, circulation, muscle tone, digestion, and skin tone. It has been incorporated into many health systems, and different massage techniques have been developed and integrated into various complementary therapies.

Helpful hints for a complete satisfactory experience

It is important that you drink plenty of water, especially right after a massage, to ensure the full benefits are realized. Do some light weights, cardio and stretching the next day; this will allow fresh oxygen and nutrients to enter the muscles to increase the healing process. This will also flush out any lactic acid that we may have broken up from within the muscles, and assist in the elimination process.

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