Massage for Your Health
Massage therapy has been used as a therapeutic measure for generations,
and across cultures around the world. Although different types of
massage techniques are designed to target specific areas, dysfunctions,
and promote natural healing processes, there are some distinctive
benefits that can be received from regular massage.

Physical
benefits range from improved circulation, lower stress levels, and
increased flexibility in tense muscles. Mental benefits include a calm
mind, increased awareness, better focus and concentration, and increased
alertness. Here are the top ten physical and mental health benefits of
massage.
1. Promotes deeper breathing - deep breathing is vital to ensure that
oxygen circulates easily throughout your body, and encourages healing
and growth in the process. Decreased oxygen circulation results in
headaches, tension aches, and random muscle pain that can accumulate
into a significant problem over time. By enhancing your oxygen intake,
you will naturally promote the release of toxins and negative energy
within the body.
2. Improves posture - although massage should never be used as a
replacement for a chiropractic diagnosis, posture can slowly and
naturally improve as the spine and muscles around the spine become more
flexible and supple. Improved posture also aids in breathing and less
tension throughout the body.
3. Improves circulation - an improvement in both blood and lymph
circulation helps your body gain strength and maximizes your energy
level. Especially during the winter months when circulation and
metabolisms may be slower, massage can help in removing toxins in the
blood and encouraging fresh energy to circulate easily. Efficient
circulation also helps in muscle recovery, growth, and promotes the
natural healing process.
4. Enhances skin tone and skin health - when using high-quality oils and
creams, massage therapists can significantly improve the tone and
health of your skin after just a few massage sessions. Skin cells are
revitalized, moisturized, and replenished naturally. Choose Vitamin E
and natural grapeseed oil bases for maximum benefits.
5. Increases and promotes joint flexibility - repetitive stress or
overused joints can stunt growth and create problems later. Massage
helps to relieve stored tension and encourages flexibility of the joints
after rest. Any soreness experienced after a massage can be indication
that these are tension spots for you, and focusing on these areas on
your next massage will increase joint recovery. There are even some
special oil formulations to target joints, so do check with your massage
therapist beforehand to discuss options.
6. Enhances a calm mind - encouraging a calm mind creates an avenue for
creativity; it is during these times that our minds are most conducive
to creative thinking, developing plans, organizing thoughts, and
reducing stressful thoughts. Massage can encourage this state of mind by
relaxing the entire body.
7. Reduces anxiety - as a natural deep relaxant, a successful massage
can significantly reduce anxiety. Usually, anxiety is stored in some key
areas of the body; the lower back, shoulders, abdomen, and neck. By
relieving these areas of tension, the mind can ‘let go’ of anxiety and
experience a light, almost freeing sensation.
8. Increases self-awareness - the mind-body connection is often
overlooked in today’s fast-paced society. From the minute you wake up,
to the moment you go to bed, it is easy to slip into ‘mind-only’ mode.
When you re-establish the connection with your body, you will experience
greater ease of movement, a more centered feeling, and an enhanced
feeling of well-being.
9. Promotes mental alertness - although a massage can bring you into a
state of deep relaxation, this is also a state of heightened mental
alertness. Your mind is relaxed and calm, but acutely aware and in this
state, capable of solving even the toughest problems!
10. Increases peace of mind - with your ability to feel relaxed and
naturally aware, peace of mind becomes a necessary result. Peace of mind
can be defined as a sense of calm well-being and just feeling good
naturally.
11. Satisfies need for human touch - as human beings, we all need to
feel the touch of another human being. This can range from a simple hug,
handshake, or a nurturing touch. A massage encourages this type of
connection and increases your appreciation for this human need.
These are just the top ten benefits of regular massage. Check with your
individual massage therapist to define what you need, and what your body
will most benefit from. During different times, or stages of your life,
you may need a specific treatment or an individual recommendation. Try
various approaches and see what works best for you.