Today I want to talk about the many benefits of therapeutic massage and just how beneficial it can be on our overall health and well-being.
When you hear the word “massage” you probably envision a lavender scented, candle-lit spa room with soft music playing. However, therapeutic massage isn’t just about relaxing, it usually focuses on a specific problem, such as chronic pain, limited mobility, and repetitive strain injuries.
Therapeutic massage is a type of manual therapy that uses a combination of hands-on techniques to manipulate and treat musculoskeletal issues, such as pain, postural stress, stiffness, strains and tension.
One of the most common reasons people seek out massage is due to chronic pain. Therapeutic massage targets the source of pain a client is experiencing and helps provide immediate relief. Massage elicits a mechanical response (from pressure and movement), as well as a reflex response. These responses reduce muscle tension and help increase blood flow which blocks pain receptors and signals the brain to relax the body. Therapeutic massage is a well thought out process, with a specific goal in mind based on what the body needs.
Massage positively affects the circulatory, nervous, and immune systems. The pressure applied during a massage helps to stimulate blood flow which increases blood circulation, allowing oxygen and nutrients to reach different parts of the body more efficiently.
Studies show that upwards of 90 percent of disease is stress related. Not only does massage help alleviate stress it also helps relieve chronic pain, reduce tension, boost immunity, and promote restful sleep. In today’s fast paced world it is more important than ever to disconnect and take a break from the stresses of modern day living. Massage is a healthy way to invest in yourself and often produces a sense of deep relief and replenishment.
Without the ability to shake off stress, we are left with an incomplete physiological process that can result in ongoing physical effects, including chronic pain, anxiety, depression, disrupted sleep cycles, compromised digestion and low energy.
On a physical level, massage helps regulate and support the parasympathetic nervous system—the system that allows us to rest, digest, replenish and restore. Resulting in decreased anxiety, lowered heart rate and blood pressure, a drop in cortisol levels and an increase in serotonin and dopamine levels (the “feel-good” chemicals). Massage also helps release unnecessary tension and emotional holding patterns from the past so that natural alignment can emerge from the body’s inner wisdom.
In addition to the overall physical well-being that occurs from massage, there are also many restorative benefits for the mind. Mental focus and clarity occurs when our mind releases excess tension. Which may result in less conflict or negativity in our consciousness, therefore allowing more joy into our life.
The better you feel overall, the higher your vibration and the more positive the energy you put out into the world will be.
There is no denying the many benefits of therapeutic massage, it can be a powerful ally on your health and wellness journey. It also has cumulative results, so the more massage you receive the more benefits you reap.
If you feel that you could benefit from a therapeutic massage schedule an appointment and experience for yourself just how beneficial it can be on your overall health and well-being.