Finding time for your self in this fast paced modern world is no longer easy . It seems the busier we become the more stressed our body’s feel. When we do finally allow ourselves some time to relax our bodies are tight stiff and sore and full of tension.
It isn’t just your body benefits … its your mind
• MASSAGE IS A CALMING REMEDY FOR YOUR MIND BODY AND SOUL
• Massage enhances your mental and physical wellbeing
• Massage is a calming and stimulating remedy for all body systems.
• Massage can be combined with many other healing therapies
• Massage helps eliminate toxins and shift stagnant energy
• Massage helps improve metabolism and lymphatic circulation.
• Massage quietens the mind and clears thought processes.
TIRED, SORE AND STRESSED OUT?
Most people would agree a massage makes them feel good. But many probably don't realize exactly how good a regular massage is for their overall health.
How about if they knew massage could improve performance, aid recovery, prevent and eliminate injuries, reduce stress and even enhance metabolism and circulation!
With so many alternative health treatments available it's little wonder people get confused about where to go when they're not feeling the best.
But, while new health therapies continue to emerge, think about this. the Chinese began using massage to heal the human body as long ago as 5,000BC and it's still being used today.
Now there has to be something to be said for that.
MASSAGE THERAPY FOR HEALTH AND FITNESS
It may simply look like a lot of pressing and kneading on skin, but massage is actually a scientific process.
The reason you feel different after a massage is because it is healing and invigorating tired, aching or injured muscles. Massage increases blood land lymph circulation.
Lymph is a fluid that rids body tissues of waste, is dependent on the squeezing effect of muscles. An active person has better lymph flow than an inactive person. However, stimulation from vigorous activity can lead to increased waste, which can negate the benefit.
This is where massage has a huge advantage.
Massage can dramatically aid lymph movement, which together with blood, supplies nutrients and oxygen and rids wastes and toxins.
It is easy to understand why good circulation is so important to our health and why massage can be so beneficial just for this purpose.
MASSAGE AND SPORT
Massage plays a part in every form of sport or exercise. Unfortunately, many people believe aches and pains are an inevitable consequence to activity. But massage can actually reduce or eliminate what may appear to be exercise-induced pain.
It can increase endurance, control fatigue and help people feel better when used as part of a regular health program. Massage can also speed muscle recovery rates as it eliminates irritation from waste.
By helping reduce fatigue and aid recovery, massage enables more productive training, with longer, more effective workouts. The ultimate spin-offs are better performance with fewer injuries.
Exercise changes the way our muscles work. Blood vessels become more intricate as the body demands more oxygen and nutrients and increases waste elimination. This takes time.
While the muscles are getting into shape, they can struggle to get enough oxygen and nutrients, so waste collects.
Massage and Injuries
Massage also helps recovery from soft tissue injuries such as sprains and strains. Tissue growth and repair is accelerated by efficient circulation and appropriate stimulation. Everybody experiences some form of stress through work, family, the environment and society.
Mental tensions, frustrations, and insecurity cause the most damage. Hormones released by stress actually shrink the vessels, inhibiting circulation. A stressed mind and body means the heart works harder. Breathing becomes rapid and shallow and digestion slows.
Nearly every body process is degraded. Studies show stress can cause migraines, hypertension (high blood pressure), depression, some peptic ulcers, etc.
In fact, researchers have estimated 80% of disease is stress related. Soothing and relaxing massage therapy can counteract the effects of stress.
Author: Bengt Carlson
Principal masseur at V.I.T&L Massage Therapy
