Today, more and more people look to alternative medicine and complimentary modalities in their search for stress and pain relief and as a way of bringing their whole selves back to balance. The above question is one that is being asked by an ever growing number of the population.
Massage is defined as the intentional manipulation of the bodies soft tissues to enhance overall health, well-being and healing. This manual manipulation is administered through specific techniques that encourage safe touch and facilitate movement (such as stretching). Each technique has a specific purpose in the massage from assisting venous (blood) return to the heart, to softening adhesions and creating more mobile scar tissue. Massage impacts the overall holistic well-being of the client, focusing on all aspects of the whole person physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual. Massage may be indicated for numerous conditions as it provides many health enhancing benefits in its application.
Some of the many benefits of massage are:
Promotes general relaxation
Assists blood and lymph flow
Promotes muscular relaxation
Loosens scar tissue creating a more mobile adhesion
Increases range of motion in joints and restores flexibility
Reduces blood pressure
Flushes metabolic wastes from muscle and surrounding tissue
Relieves trigger points
Heightens body awareness
Enhances immune function
Reduces anxiety
Enhances mental clarity
Stimulates the release of endorphins - the body's natural pain killers
Provides opportunities for self care
Increases general feelings of well-being
