What could be more comforting in the winter chill than a soothing and warming massage to breathe life into aching limbs? The main feature that all massage techniques share, according to the National Centre for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), is their ability to provide relaxation and stress relief. Not only is tension released from muscles but massage sessions, especially when taken regularly, can effectively remove psychological strains - fear, anticipation and worry all contribute to the physical reactions the body experiences when hit with psychologically charged feelings. Researchers at NCCAM report that massage therapy can reverse those psychological conditions by first helping to lower blood pressure and heart rate.
Multiple massage sessions can effectively remove the original fears, also referred to as trait anxiety, to combat the initial responses.
Improving Mood
The manual manipulations of the body cause serotonin and endorphins to be released into the bloodstream, elevating moods. Massage also can stimulate pain blockers and reduce the feelings associated with chronic pain. Doctors at the University of Maryland Medical Centre in the US report that massage can relieve feelings of depression in people with chronic illnesses such as cancer and fibromyalgia.
Promoting Energy
While massage can be very relaxing, the brisk movement of certain massage strokes can energize the client and increase concentration and mental acuity. Office managers have taken up the cry for massage in the workplace to keep workers energized and alert. While athletes often use massage to reduce anxiety and soothe sore muscles, doctors at the Sports Injury Clinic report that specific pre-event sports massage can pump athletes up by leaving them with a positive self-image and attitude needed to win competitions.
Increasing Relaxation
Most people find a massage very relaxing. The environment prepared by the massage therapist is typically soothing and calm, often filled with soft music and the healing fragrance of various aromatherapy scents from candles or diffusers. The client lies down on a table and is cared for by a trained professional—touched by another human being with soothing hands. Tight muscles are rubbed, relaxed and loosened. If you can't afford to be pampered in a spa or massage therapist's office those same relaxing benefits may be achieved through self-massage techniques and massage sessions with a partner.
Would you like to discuss massage therapy and how it may help you? Please call Jenn or email - always in strictest confidence.
These posts are the opinions of the author based on experience and research but do not constitute medical advice. Please seek medical advice if your symptoms continue, deteriorate or you experience any other symptoms.