As humans, we all have an innate need to be touched. Touching is a natural human reaction to pain and stress; we naturally rub a part of our body that is injured or in pain. Touching conveys compassion and support.
Research has found that massage has many psychological and physical health benefits:
• Massage speeds the recovery of strained muscles
• Aids sleep, digestion and mood
• Has been used to treat chronic diseases and injuries
• Alleviates the tensions of our modern lifestyles
• Increases relaxation
• Can decrease anxiety
• Lowers blood pressure
• Increases circulation
• Improves recovery from injury
• Helps you to sleep better
• Increases your concentration
• Reduces fatigue
• Gives you more energy
• Can help combat cancer
• The benefits of massage increase with regular treatments
What happens during and after a massage treatment?
Circulation is increased, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs.
The flow of lymph is stimulated. Lymph is the body's natural defense system against infections, diseases and invaders. Studies have shown that in breast cancer patients, massage has been shown to increase the cells that fight cancer.
Skin condition is improved by the increased circulation of blood and lymph.
Injured and overused muscles are relaxed and softened.
Massage reduces spasms and cramping and increases joint flexibility.
Injury recovery time is reduced; massage also helps prepare for strenuous workouts and eliminates subsequent pains of the athlete.
Endorphins, the body's natural painkiller are released by massage, which can be used to relieve pain from chronic illness, injury and surgery.
Range-of-motion is improved.
Massage can also help to relieve labor pain during childbirth.
The Benefits of Stress Relief
Many diseases are stress-related, probably because when you are stressed, your immune system shuts down. This is an ancient reaction, designed to help us fight or flee when we are under attack. However, the changes in our bodies due to stress are only supposed to be for a short amount of time, until we have safely escaped a dangerous situation. Continued stress becomes very damaging to your health.
One of the immediate benefits of massage is stress relief, massage can provide emotional and spiritual balance, bringing with it true relaxation and peace.
