The benefits of massage therapy are numerous. As well as being an excellent way to relax and ease the tension we accumulate in our daily lives, it can provide safe and natural relief with a variety of conditions. Besides which, the therapeutic effects of relaxation on the body should not be underestimated, as stress has far reaching implications for all aspects of our health.
Below you'll find a general overview of some key benefits of massage, but for in depth details of how it relates to various specific conditions as well as discussion of other general topics, please take a look at the “massage and...” range of guides.
Massage is a very popular way to aid to relaxation and deal with stress related issues due to its soothing effects on the nervous system, which can be powerful in reducing tension in the body. Additionally, massage will stimulate release of the body's own endorphins. In this way it can help to reduce anxiety, improve quality of sleep and boost energy levels, all of which increase feelings of wellbeing to help you feel like 'you' again.
Massage therapy stimulates the circulation and immune system for a valuable boost when feeling tired or ‘run down’. Combine this with the positive effects that reduction in tension will have on the body and it can be an ideal way to help you get 'back on your feet' when you have been ill. In addition, people suffering certain conditions, such as M.E. or arthritis, may receive significant therapeutic relief from regular treatments, which can also help reduce the frequency of flare ups.
When recovering from injury, massage can play a role in restoring movement by breaking down formation of scar tissue and easing tension in muscles that spasm in response to the injury. At the same time massage can aid the removal of toxins and metabolic waste that often accumulate at the site of the injury.
Massage therapy not only stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s own natural painkillers, but also reduces muscle tension, which is often a major cause of pain; for instance in tension related headaches or in neck pain caused by muscle spasm. Additionally, sensations of pain can be amplified when you feel stressed, so the relaxation effects can also make a significant difference to pain levels.
Keeping muscles healthy and supple can have a significant impact on the body’s health and structure as a whole. For instance, reducing tension within the body allows blood to circulate more freely, reducing the load on the heart. Additionally, massage helps to maintain healthy, supple muscles and joints, which keeps movement smooth and easy as we age.
In this way, regular 'maintenance' massage can be excellent for keeping the body in good condition and helping to prevent injury, as well as a luxurious treat for you!
The “massage and...” range of guides offers detailed information for you to download, print and share about massage therapy and how it relates to a range of conditions and injuries as well as some broader topics.
