Improves Circulation
Improved circulation is a proliferating effect that occurs as a result of receiving massage therapy on a prolonged basis. Proper circulation brings damaged, stiff, and tense muscles the rich blood supply they need to promote healing. Hands-on pressure aids in this technique; moving blood through damaged and congested areas of the body, with the release of this pressure causing new blood flow to tissues. The light squeezing, twisting and pulling action of our approach removes lactic acid from muscle tissues. This system improves lymph fluid circulation, carrying metabolic waste products away from internal organs and muscles; resulting in lower blood pressure levels and improved overall body function.
Aids in Relaxation
Consistent massage sessions over a period of time is proven to relax the mind and body, allowing higher energy levels, reduction of discomfort, and stimulation on both physical and emotional plains. Many Americans are walking around with high cortisol levels, which are correlated to a number psychological and physical issues, including but not limited to: depression, anxiety and immunity function. Massage allows the body to relax and in turn, release pain-killing hormones and endorphins, which boost dopamine and serotonin levels in the body, relieving high cortisol levels. Relaxation overall promotes healing, pain management, and feelings of euphoria, calming your nerves and strengthening your health.
Pain Management: Neck & Back
According the American Massage Therapy Association, pain is a serious health concern, affecting 100 million Americans and accounting for approximately 80 percent of physician visits per year. With the majority of the American workforce sitting at a desk for 40 hours per week with poor posture, pain management is a big deal, and neck and back regions are the first to suffer. Neck pain is known for causing cervicogenic and cluster headaches, as well as migraines. Back pain is connected to a number of areas in the body, and can lead to long-term physical and mental suffering. Massage techniques relieve adhesions in these targeted areas; which are bands of painful, rigid tissue in the body’s tendons, muscles and ligaments. Releasing this tension allows blood flow circulation, rejuvenated movement and the surrender of inflammation, aiding neck and back range of motion, and reversing them back to their natural state.
Computer Pain Management
Most Americans experience neck, back, and muscle pain from a variety of sources, however, the primary cause of this suffering results from poor posture. Chronic back pain is the number one reason for missed work days, followed by the most common cause of disability, and is often the result of incorrect posture while standing and sitting. Additionally, being overweight combined with poor posture and repetitive movements also contributes to strain on the neck, back and other potential problem areas. As a result, added tension causes spasms, pain, and tense muscles in the hips, glutes, back, neck, and legs. Massage therapy aids the body back into proper alignment. Improving posture can be one of the most beneficial and relaxing aspects of massage, which allows the body to soften; while loosening tense muscles made sore through feeble tendencies. Once massaged, the body is able to get into an original, organic position, with pain-free posture. As part of a consistent massage therapy program, muscles are loosened and relaxed, giving joints greater freedom, flexibility and range of motion; while relieving pressure points.
Insomnia
Restlessness during bedtime is a combination of physical and mental stress, in response to life’s every day demands. Insomnia is a common problem, with more than ⅓ of Americans experiencing it chronically each year. Reduction of sleep has a multitude of negative side effects, including obvious attributes, such as a loss of concentration and willpower, to serious implications, including infertility and dementia. Insufficient sleep means the brain cannot process our daily information or reset, causing a lesser quality of life and shortened life span. How can massage help? External massage creates a domino effect with vital internal organs and chemicals, generating signals that activate positive physiological and chemical changes within the body. Most importantly, serotonin is released, a crucial neurotransmitter, which plays a role in everything from mood to the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone we need to reset our minds each night. Overall, massage allows us to relax while regenerating our natural circadian rhythm, something everyone can benefit from.
Enhances Athletic Performance
Evidence for massage as a form of preventive and holistic medicine dates back thousands of years; from the Egyptians to the Greeks, massage has always been a primary health treatment. Fast forward to contemporary times, where professional sports entertainment and athletes are more popular than ever, and physical fitness for everyday people is as routine as brushing our teeth. How does massage relate? The purpose of massage therapy is to target the source of the body’s pain via eliminating tense muscles, increasing flexibility, and providing relaxation to the affected muscles, as well as the body as a whole. Massage additionally promotes circulation to the affected or injured muscles, which increases nutrients and oxygen to damaged tissues. Our bodies are also loaded with mitochondria, the powerhouses of our cells, and are responsible for converting nutrients into useful energy. The more we are massaged, the greater number of new mitochondria are produced, improving endurance and increasing the rate that muscles can utilize oxygen. Blood flow and muscle temperature are then increased, allowing less muscle stiffness, and more flexible joints and recovery periods. Whether you’re a professional triathlete, a yogi or a runner, massage is a beautiful way for preventative healthcare maintenance.