Touch is a very important part of human nature, and massage is one of the oldest and simplest forms of therapy. Massage fulfills the body’s need for touch. Regular massage improves emotional well-being by allowing the person to feel cared for and nurtured. Tpuch not only lowers stress levels but also reduces a person’s tendency to feel anxious and sink into depression.
The basic goal of massage therapy is to help the body heal itself and to increase health and well-being.
Massage is quickly becoming one of the most popular ways to treat the body because in a single dose it can reduce stress and relax us, lower anxiety and blood pressure and it can eliviate or reduce pain by releasing endorphins which reduce pain and more importantly, reduce the need for pain medications. It also stimulates the immune system by aiding in the stimulation of the lymphatic system, boosting the body’s immunity and natural defense mechanisms. A healthy lymphatic system means less susceptibility to various illnesses and the body’s heightened ability to heal itself and we all know that with the H1N1 scare, keeping our immune systems functioning and healthy is very important.
Manipulation of the muscles through massage aids in loosening and relaxing stiffened muscles and because of this inflammatory afflictions such as arthritis and tendinitis can also be treated using massage.
The circulation of blood in the body is enhanced through massage. Improved circulation means improved supply of nutrients to individual cells of the body, not to mention improved transport of wastes from these cells, helping to detoxify the body. Improved circulation can also lead to clearer, softer and healthier skin as the skin cells become more nourished with oxygen and nutrients.
