Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is a hands-on manipulation
of the soft tissues and joints of the body. It affects all the systems of the body - in
particular, the muscular, circulatory, lymphatic (immune) and nervous systems.The soft tissues include muscle, skin,
tendons and associated fascia, ligaments and joint capsules.
Massage has many physiological effects,
which are primarily due to the therapist's hands moving over the body. The
different movements can physically stretch muscles, ligaments, tendons and
fascia, encourage the circulation through the tissue, inhibit muscular spasms
and be either sedating or stimulating to the nervous system.
The psychological benefits shouldn't be
ignored, either. Stress-related illnesses are bad for our body. Our emotional
state impacts on our physical health, so an improvement in the psychological
aspect, through massage, can improve the physical aspect.
Benefits of Massage
- Alleviate back
pain and improve range of motion.
- Assist with
shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers.
- Enhance immunity
by stimulating lymph flow - the body's natural defense system.
- Exercise and
stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
- Help athletes
of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
- Improve the
condition of the body's largest organ—the skin.
- Increase joint
flexibility.
- Lessen depression
and anxiety.
- Promote tissue
regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
- Pump oxygen
and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
- Reduce post
surgery adhesions and swelling.
- Reduce spasms
and cramping.
- Relax and
soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
- Release endorphins
- the body's natural painkiller.
- Relieve headache pain.