Beneficial effects of Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy is an ancient practice which dates back thousands of years to previous cultures who through the centuries discovered  the natural healing benefits from alleviating injuries,relieving pain and preventing and curing many illnesses in addition to the therapeutic and relaxation reasons for which it is now recognized today. 

There are many reasons that  massage therapy is essential to maintaining health and well being  but below are listed the most beneficial effects massage has on the body to maintain optimum health physically,psychologically and spiritually.

Aids Relaxation

An increase in responsibilities in both our personal and professional lives often mean that finding time to relax can be challenging. Muscular discomfort in the body caused by long working hours and insufficient rest can effect the entire core of our emotional and physical well being. Excessive   emotional strain leads to aches and pains forming in the physical body, through trigger point work and a variety of massage techniques and stretching pain can be alleviated and feelings of relaxation restored. This in turn improves our mood and increases our sense of clarity as a result.

Reduces Stress 

Increasing demands of modern day living can often result in our bodies and minds becoming exhausted and overwhelmed with feelings of Stress and Anxiety. As the body is put under increasing pressure the stress hormone Cortisol is released causing the bodily systems to become unbalanced and problems start to occur including weight gain, headaches, Insomnia and digestive problems. Massage Therapy decreases the levels of Cortisol enabling the body to rebalance internally and equilibrium can be restored.

Improves Circulation

Many problems in the body are caused by a lack of adequate blood supply to the relevant areas restricting cell regeneration. This lack of circulation over a period of time results in congestion building up and lactic acid forming  which combine to cause discomfort and blockages in the body. Bad circulation can also cause an uncomfortable tingling or ' pins and needles ' effect.  Massage Therapy increases the circulation resulting in the lymphatic system  releasing more toxins from the body at a faster rate, stiffness in joints is alleviated and mobility increased.

Strengthens Posture

Back pain effects many of us and is often due to using our bodies incorrectly in the way we function on a daily basis often leading to conditions such as Sciatica and spasms which are both painful and debilitating. Unfortunately gaining weight only causes additional strain on the joints and muscles but by correcting our posture using a variety of simple techniques and massage plus learning  how to use our bodies in a more effective way reduces the risk of problems occurring.

Maintaining a healthy weight and exercise is essential to prevent further postural problems. 

Boosts Immunity

Due to illness or genetical imbalances our immune system can easily become run down and weak  leading us to become more vulnerable to fight disease and keep our bodies fit and healthy.

Massage therapy  not only improves  the circulation which allows the lymphatic system to eliminate pathogens more effectively but also increases the number of lymphocytes in the blood. These are the white blood cells responsible for defending the body from disease.

In addition a healthy diet and supplements are advised to maintain homeostasis on a long term basis.

Tones Skin

It is surprising that physical discomfort is not always due to tightness in the muscles,if the skin is excessively tight additional strain can be put on the connected tissues,muscles and tendons causing tenderness. An additional benefit of massage is sebum production which is increased this is highly beneficial for suppleness, moisture content and softness of the skin.

As we age our skin naturally starts to sag and lose elasticity, massage helps to improve the tightness and tone using a variety of effective techniques. 

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