Benefits of Massage

"Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance and order and rhythm and harmony."
--Thomas Merton

Proven Benefits of Therapeutic Massage

Consider the make-up of our body as it pertains to movement and balance. More than half of our body’s weight is muscles. The main role of these muscles is to help the body move, give our body its shape, and protect our internal organs. Every part of our body, including the skin, bones, muscles, organs, veins, arteries, etc., are connected by tendons, ligaments, and different types of tissues and membranes. Nerves connect the muscles to the brain, sending signals for our voluntary muscles to move. These nerve signals cause our muscles to contract and pull the tendons, which move our bones at their perspective joints. All these put together is like the assembly of an orchestra or a machine, where each instrument (muscle) plays an important role in maintaining harmony and balance. If one part goes array, no matter the size, the whole ensemble will eventually fall apart. The onset of the damage may appear slowly over time or quite suddenly.

The benefits of massage are numerous - its effects ranging from physiological, emotional, and psychological. It enhances your general health and can be an important part of your wellness. Massage can help alleviate some common physical problems and help to bring the body back to its optimal function. Your fitness program can be highly supported with massage, helping you achieve your top performance goals with minimum injury and pain. The negative effects of aging in the middle to later years of life can be effectively fought by keeping the body tissues and basic functions in a more youthful state. In today's society, stress level is very high. The negative effects on our health is evident in the multitude of people, young and old, who suffer from stress related or aggravated conditions. Massage can help balance the effects of stress in our everyday life, and prevents stress-related disease and dysfunctions. Today, massage is often combined with other types of healthcare to enhance specific beneficial effects. More and more physical and occupational therapy, chiropractic, and psychotherapy treatment plans include massage to maximize their benefits. Massage therapy is not an end-all cure by itself, but many researches have shown that it can be an effective prevention of more serious conditions. Most importantly, those who include massage therapy as part of their healthcare treatment plan show greater improvement in their healing process.

So, what can massage therapy and bodywork do for you?

Promotes well-nourished and healthy skin
Breaks down adhesions or scarring
Increases flexibility and mobility
Increases joint range of motion
Reduces pain and inflammation
Increases skin temperature and blood flow
Removes toxins and metabolic wastes
Improves overall blood and lymph circulation
Speeds up healing
Removes toxins and metabolic wastes
Affects heart rate and blood pressure
Reduces edema
Increases blood flow to the skin
Promotes muscle relaxation
Improves muscle tone

Relieves muscle spasms, cramps, and pain
Improves athletic performance
Promotes muscular healing
Improves motor function
Relieves tension headaches
Promotes natural release of pain killers (i.e., endorphins)
Reduces stress, which affects the immune system
Decreases anxiety, which promotes relaxation
Encourages better nutrition, exercise, and health practices
Reduces physical and emotional pain
Reduces physical and emotional fatigue
Increases productivity and morale
Promotes a sense of confidence and control
Increases energy
Helps develop a positive self-image and self-worth

Learn the Risks (contraindications) for Massage

Begin to feel the benefits of massage. Schedule your appointment today!

*** Massage should not be considered as a replacement for professional medical treatment: a physician should be consulted in all matters relating to health and especially in relation to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. In some cases, a primary physician’s approval/prescription is required before any bodywork is administered. Care should be taken during pregnancy, particularly in the use of essential oils and pressure points. Essential oils should not be ingested, and should be used for babies and children only on professional advice.