I recently mentioned to a friend that I had regular massages.
Her response was “Oh, I see a chiropractor if my back hurts, I don’t have time for that.” Like many others, she didn’t understand that massage is a powerful tool in the healing arts. I find that it works well for seasonal allergies, allowing the sinuses to drain naturally.
And it is a good detoxifier for the body in general since it works to drain lymph tissue of toxins that build up causing aches, pains, and overall malaise.
Benefits of regular massage
Research studies find that massage reduces stress hormone levels and heart rate while boosting mood and relaxation by triggering the release of serotonin and oxytocin. Massage causes physiological changes in the body through the relaxation response, an involuntary yet predictable response of the nervous system as a result of massage techniques.
Massage is also great for…
- Stress Relief
- Relaxation
- Pain Management
- Improves Range of Motion & Flexibility
- Muscle Relaxation
- Lowers Blood Pressure & Reduces Anxiety
And mechanical responses occur when pressure is applied to soft tissue.
In fact, many of us recall having a knot somewhere that has been manually “worked out.”
The main effects of mechanical response will be increased blood flow, lymph drainage and relaxation or normalization of soft tissue which releases nerves and deeper connective tissue.
Types of massage
There is a massage for every individual, season and ailment.
I think hot stone massages are great during the winter and fall, Ayurvedic massage is often recommended during the change of seasons, I like relaxation or Swedish massage after a work-out and an aromatherapy massage always helps my seasonal allergy and lymph drainage – reducing toxins and promoting overall health.
But most importantly it reminds us to relax, which can help us enjoy life more.
Here is a list of the different types of massage:
- Relaxation – Relaxes tissues and reduces painful spasms
- Therapeutic – Relief from chronic pain and tension in specific areas
- Aromatherapy – Stimulates the circulatory and lymph system
- Meditative – Deep healing through touch and energy work
- Deep Tissue or Swedish – A firm touch, kneading, tapping, bending and stretching
- Shiatsu – Firm pressure that stimulate the flow of energy
- Trigger Point – Alleviates pain at its’ source
- Thai – A flowing series of yoga-based stretches
- Ayurvedic – Energizes, balances and detoxifies
- Hot Stone – Stones massaged over the body, moving energy to depleted areas and relieving sore muscles
Relax, and know that massage not only help you feel good, it’s good for you too!