Why Massage?
What Massage does: Calms the Nervous System • Relieve Stress & Headaches • Improve Sleep • Strengthen the Immune System • Aid in Removal of Toxins from the Body • Reduce Muscle Tension • Improve Circulation • Improve Posture • Increase Flexibility & improve Range of Motion • Enhance Overall Well-Being • Increase the flow of Oxygen & Nutrients to Cells & Tissue • Stimulate & release Endorphins, your Body’s Natural Painkiller.
In a massage, a caring, safe touch helps you to relax.
The relaxation response is a state in which your heart and breathing rate slow, your blood pressure goes down, your production of stress hormones decreases, and your muscles relax. The relaxation response also seems to increase the available level of serotonin, which is a chemical in the body that positively affects emotions and thoughts. The relaxation response may decrease the physical effects of stress and reduce the risks associated with stress.
What are mechanical responses?
Massage is believed to improve blood and lymph circulation. This is due partly to the physical manipulation of soft tissue and partly to the chemicals released as part of the relaxation response.
Improved circulation can enhance the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscle cells. As cellular health improves, tissues function more efficiently. Massage therapy relaxes muscle tissue, which reduces painful contractions and spasms. Massage can also reduce nerve compression. Touching the skin or applying pressure relaxes muscles, tendons, and ligaments. In addition, while some of the deeper tissues of the body, such as deep spinal musculature, cannot be easily accessed by a massage therapist, the release of more superficial layers of muscles may also affect these deeper layers. Organs can also benefit from massage, as they share neurological pain pathways with muscles, bones, and nerves. Massage can therefore improve symptoms associated with the functioning of both the organ and the muscles.
