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What is Massage Therapy?
Massage
is one of the oldest, simplest forms of therapy and is a
system of stroking, pressing and kneading different
areas of the body to relieve pain, relax, stimulate, and
tone the body. Massage does much more than create a
pleasant sensation on the skin; it also works on the
soft tissues (the muscles, tendons, and ligaments) to
improve muscle tone. Massage also stimulates blood
circulation and assists the lymphatic system (which runs
parallel to the circulatory system), improving the
elimination of waste throughout the body.
Some
Benefits Of Massage:
-
Relaxing
-
Soothing
-
Healing
-
Eases tension,
stiffness, and pain
-
Improves breathing
-
Improves circulation
-
Enhances well-being
The
Effects Of Massage:
Although
a single massage will be enjoyable, the
effects of massage are cumulative and a
course of massage treatments will bring the
most benefits. Regular massage can have the
effect of strengthening and toning the
entire body. It may also prevent unnecessary
strains and injuries that might otherwise
occur due to excess tension. Massage can
stimulate or calm the nervous system,
depending upon what is required by the
individual. At its best, massage has the
potential to restore the individual
physically, mentally and spiritually.
Massage
treatments aim to:
- Develop,
maintain, rehabilitate or augment
physical function
- Relieve
or prevent physical dysfunction and pain
- Relax
tight and tense muscles
- Improve
circulation, recovery time and immune
system function
- Reduce
overall stress
Massage
therapy is also effective in the control of
pain—chronic or acute—in stress reduction,
and in creating a sense of relaxation and
well-being. |
