Few people who have received massage would argue the fact that massage feels good and is good for you. But few actually know what the exact benefits are. Therapeutic massage helps in ways that would surprise many people. This brochure is designed to educate and inform you of some of those benefits.
Massage And Stress Relief
Perhaps the biggest benefit of therapeutic massage is its effect on the stresses of our daily life. Massage helps restore balance, and brings the body back to normal by triggering the relaxation response. It also relieves many of the mental and physical problems caused by prolonged stress.
* Relaxation Response - The relaxation response is literally the opposite of the stress response, bringing the body back to normal function. Massage triggers certain responses in our body - slower heart rate, more relaxed muscles, increased circulation, and better digestion - which triggers the relaxation response.
* Physical Relief - Chronic stress often creates intense muscular tension, trigger points, and poor circulation. These conditions respond well to therapeutic massage.
* Mental Relief - Massage can be thought of as a vacation from stress. Research confirms that massage for relaxation reduces anxiety and increases feelings of well being.
Care of yourself and your body should be at the top of your priority list. You will feel and look better if you take the necessary steps regarding your health. Stress relief alone can improve your vitality and state of mind. Massage, bodywork and somatic therapies can play an important role in your life.
The Benefits Of Pain
That's right, pain does have benefits and isn't always bad. It can be a warning sign that something is wrong. It can also be a sign that something good is happening as the muscles, tissues, and organs of your body begin to heal. Knowing what to expect about beneficial pain will help you acknowledge and accept it. Pain, in this instance, is for a good cause.
If I Have Pain, When Will It Go Away?
Pain is often persistant and may times doesn't go away quickly. If the trauma (i.e. physical stress), toxicity (i.e. nutritional stress), or negative thoughts (i.e. emotional stress) has occurred over a long period of time, it may take a while to undo the effects of all the painful and stressful things that you did to cause the distress and sickness. Many factors enter into the equation - how sick you are, how long you have been suffering, your attitude toward being well, and the type of injury or illness. Always remember that your body was built to survive and massage will definitely aid the healing process.
Your Personalized Plan
On your first visit, you will be asked general health questions and any referring practitioner's recommendations will be reviewed. You will then be asked what your goal is for receiving massage and any problem areas will be assessed to determine the approach that is right for you. Such things as checking for restricted or painful movement, gently feeling for tenderness, or looking at your posture may occur.
Together, a plan will then be decided on by you and your therapist that will focus on your goals.
A Word Of Caution
Although massage can greatly improve an individual's quality of life, it is not intended to relplace the care of your primary physician.
In addition, there are certain contraindications (conditions where massage might be inadvisable) including: cancer, fever, acute infectious disease, inflammation, acute varicose veins, aneurosa, hematoma, edema, high blood pressure, chronic fatigue, intoxication, psychosis, certain medications, skin problems, and hernia. Other conditions may be contraindicated. Contact Balanced Health & Fitness and/or your primary physician if you have any questions or concerns about whether or not is appropriate for you to receive massage.
Self-Care Techniques
The greatest benefit from massage could very well be learning ways to release tension or help heal injuries on your own. Ask your therapist about relaxing breathing techniques or gentle exercises designed to increase flexibility and allow your muscles to move more efficiently. Other techniques you might learn are how to release tension by contracting and releasing muscles, pressing "trigger points", or using heat and ice.
Although some medications are used to combat stress, most experts agree that long-term use is counter productive. Some healthy and time-honored methods can be just as effective: recreation and hobbies, holidays and vacations, fresh air, exercise, and of course, a relaxing massage session at Balanced Health & Fitness. Combining and varying serveral self-care techniques achieves the best results.
Massage And General Health
Therapeutic massage can be an important component of your health maintenance or wellness plan. It helps keep the body and mind functioning optimally.
* Promotes well-nourished and healthy skin
* Improves circulation of blood and lymph fluid
* Relaxes muscles and improves joint mobility
* Improves functioning of the immune system
* Improves energy flow
Massage And The Negative Effects Of Aging
Therapeutic massage is effective in combating the negative effects of aging. It helps keep body tissues and basic functions operating in a more youthful state.
* Enhances tissue elasticity and joint flexibility
* Improves blood and lymph circulation
* Promotes healthy vibrant skin
* Improves functioning of the immune system
* Relieves muscle aches and stiffness
Massage And Your Fitness Or Sports Program
Therapeutic massage can be an important addition to any fitness or sports program helping you achieve your performance goals with less injury or pain.
* Relieves tired and sore muscles
* Helps improve flexibility
* Relaxes tight muscles
* Speeds recovery from strenuous physical exercise
* Reduces the anxiety of athletic competition
Massage And Complements To Other Health Care
Therapeutic massage is used frequently to enhance the beneficial effects of other types of health care.
* Physical and Occupational Therapy
* Chiropractic Care
* Psychotherapy
No part of this brochure may be used or reproduced in any matter whatsoever without the written permission from the publisher, Balanced Health & Fitness, Inc.
