When you feel pain somewhere in your body, a natural instinct leads you to rub and compress that area. Why do we have this innate inclination?
Because our bodies are gifted with cellular intelligence ~ massaging the body causes friction between your skin and your hands, dilating the blood vessels (widens & opens them), thereby increasing the flow of blood and lymph which helps to remove waste products from the blood. Increasing blood and lymph circulation through the tissues, therefore, cleanses the body promoting a healing response and a reduction in pain.
This benefit of massage is especially crucial for those that don't get enough movement on their own due to lifestyle, an injury, or a medical condition. In order for the immune system to work efficiently, our bodies need movement to stimulate the circulation of the lymphatic system, so that it can do its job of draining the waste and toxins out of our body. The lymphatic system does not have a pump like the heart is for the cardiovascular system. Massage greatly supports this important function.
Most everyone knows that one of the biggest benefits of massage is its stress-relieving benefits. That’s because massage triggers our body's inner pharmacy! By activating pressure receptors under the skin that relay messages to the brain, massage stimulates the release of endorphins (such as serotonin & dopamine) causing our nervous system to shift into parasympathetic dominance (rest & digest mode). An increase in endorphins decreases pain, soothes the nervous system, and reduces the stress hormone, cortisol. Reducing cortisol helps return the body and mind to a more balanced, calm state.
Massage also relaxes and normalizes soft tissue (muscle, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments), which helps release the deeper connective tissue which is where we produce fat cells and store energy, so massage opens the flow of life force and revitalizes the body.
These are just some of the benefits of massage therapy. The fact is, we need healing touch and we need it throughout all stages of our lives. Especially even more so today with all the chronic stress of the modern lifestyle. Massage therapy is not a luxury or pampering, it is preventive medicine for health and wellbeing. It has been practiced for over 5,000 years because its healing effects are profound and immediate.
I get a massage for myself every two weeks and have done so for many years. When was the last time you had one? I bet you’re overdue.
If you or anyone you know could use some of this medicine, check out my Nature to Balance bodywork tab. My specialty is providing a deeply nurturing and soothing touch resulting in total relaxation. Reach out to me directly if you’d like to book a session.
I love helping others find stress relief through bodywork. Gift certificates are available too! A stress-relieving massage is a phenomenal gift for the holidays.
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