photo courtesy of
ABMP
BENEFITS
Massage is an ancient healing art that was practiced for thousands of years in many different lands:
• Hippocrates wrote papers recommending the use of massage for joint and circulatory problems.
- Hindus, Persians and Egyptians of old applied forms of massage to treat many ailments.
- Chinese records dating back 3,000 years document its use.
Today, many Americans rely on therapeutic massage for pain relief, relaxation, rehabilitation or physical and mental rejuvenation. Massage and bodywork provide numerous and varied physiological and psychological benefits.
On a physiological level, massage increases circulation to all areas of the body, especially to the muscles
being directly manipulated. Better circulation of the blood and lymph delivers more oxygen and nutrients to
the body tissues and allows for more efficient removal of metabolic wastes. Therapeutic massage relieves muscle spasms; prevents muscle tears, sprains and strains, increases flexibility and enhances athletic performance. In addition, massage directly or indirectly affects every system of the body, promoting health, preventing illness
and injury and speeding recovery.
On a psychological level, massage therapy eases tension and helps people cope more effectively with stress.
It can slow racing thoughts and worries, help individuals to reconnect with their bodies, and bring attention to their mental and physical needs, so that they may better take care of themselves. Massage promotes a sense
of wholeness and helps enhance self-image. When received on a regular basis, it can also be effective in
preventing illness and other physical ailments.
Additional benefits of massage therapy include:
- increasing mobility and speeding healing after injury or surgery • providing relief from headaches and chronic back pain • easing women through the discomforts of pregnancy • promoting a sense of relaxation and tranquility • increasing circulation of blood and lymph • providing mental and physical relaxation • decreasing blood pressure and stress • relieving muscle pain and stiffness • strengthening the immune system • encouraging more restful sleep • increasing energy and vitality • providing quiet time for self • calms the nervous system • enhances concentration • increases joint flexibility
- loosens tight muscles • creates a sense of well-being •