Clay McGuire
The Union-Recorder
March 17, 2008 11:29 pm
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Massage therapy is much more than an indulgent treat: It is good medicine. It helps move lymph, blood and oxygen to the various organs and tissues to promote healing and to prevent disease.
Human touch in therapeutic massage is proven to reduce blood pressure, boost immune function, and lower stress. In fact, every person, healthy or otherwise, should receive a massage therapy treatment at least once a month. Massage therapy is especially critical for those who don’t exercise regularly.
What is massage therapy?
Therapeutic massage involves the manipulation of the soft tissue structures of the body to promote health and wellness, and to prevent and alleviate pain, discomfort, muscle spasm and stress.
What are the benefits of massage therapy?
— Alleviates low-back pain and improves range of motion;
— Assists with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers;
— Enhances immunity by stimulating lymph flow — the body’s natural defense system;
— Exercises and stretches weak, tight or atrophied
muscles;
— Helps athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts;
— Improves skin;
— Increases joint flexibility;
— Lessens depression and anxiety;
— Promotes tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks;
— Pumps oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation;
— Reduces post surgery adhesions and swelling;
— Reduces spasms and cramping;
— Relaxes and softens injured, tired and overused muscles;
— Releases endorphins and amino acids that work as the body’s natural pain killers; and
— Relieves migraine pain.
There is no denying the power of massage therapy. Regardless of the adjectives we assign to it (pampering, rejuvenating, therapeutic) or the reasons we seek it out (a treat, stress relief, pain management), massage therapy can be a powerful ally in your healthcare regimen.
Experts estimate that upward of 90 percent of disease is stress related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. While eliminating anxiety and stress altogether in this world may be idealistic, massage can, without a doubt, help manage stress.
Reducing stress levels through Massage Therapy will lead to decreased anxiety, enhanced sleep quality, greater energy, improved concentration, increased circulation and reduced fatigue.
Furthermore, clients often report a sense of perspective and clarity after receiving a massage. The emotional balance that massage provides can often be as vital and as valuable as the more tangible physical benefits.
Getting a massage can do you a world of good. And getting massages frequently can help to prevent disease and promote healing. Taking part in this form of regularly scheduled self-care can play a huge role in how healthy you’ll be and how youthful you’ll remain. Budgeting time and money for bodywork at consistent intervals is truly an investment in your health. And remember: Just because massage feels like a pampering treat doesn’t mean it is any less therapeutic.
Consider massage appointments a necessary piece of your health and wellness plan. And work with your therapist to establish a treatment schedule that best meets your needs.
By Clay McGuire LMT, LNMT, spa director, Serenity Wellness Spa and Salon
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