Why Massage is Essential to Our Health and Well-Being
The skin is the body's largest sensory organ and thousands
of specialized receptors in the dermis, the second layer
of skin, react to external stimuli such as heat, cold and
pressure by sending messages through the nervous system to
the brain. Gentle massage affects the nervous system through
nerve endings in the skin, stimulating the release of endorphins,
the body's natural 'feel good' chemicals.
Endorphins help induce relaxation and a sense of well-being,
to relieve pain and reduce levels of stress chemicals such
as cortisol and noradrenaline - reversing the damaging effects
of stress by slowing heart rate, respiration and metabolism
and lowering raised blood pressure.
Stronger massage stimulates blood circulation to improve
the supply of oxygen and nutrients to body tissues and helps
the lymphatic system to flush away waste products. It eases
tense and knotted muscles and stiff joints, improving mobility
and flexibility.
Massage is said to increase activity of the vagus nerve,
one of ten cranial nerves, that affects the secretion of
food absorption hormones, heart rate and respiration. It
has proven to be an effective therapy for a variety of health
conditions - particularly stress related tension, which experts
believe accounts for as much as 80%-90% of disease.
Long-term stress is a large contributor to the development
of most chronic illness. Massage is one way to control stress
in your life and significantly reduce your risk of developing
stress-induced diseases such as heart disease and type 2
diabetes.
Massage is a nearly perfect therapy because it taps into
the body's natural ability to heal itself, often eliminating
the need for medication. Among its many physiological effects,
massage can:
* Stimulate the lymph system, the body's natural defense,
against toxic invaders.
* Relax and soften injured and overused muscles, reducing spasms and cramping.
* Provide arthritis relief by increasing joint flexibility.
* Reduce recovery time for strenuous workouts and eliminate subsequent pains
of the athlete at any level.
* Release endorphins, the body's natural painkiller to reduce pain in the elderly
and patients with cancer, AIDS, heart attacks and stroke.
* Reduce post-surgery adhesions and edema and reduce and realign scar tissue
after healing has occurred.
* Relieve pain for migraine sufferers.
* Contribute to shorter labor and reduce tearing for expectant mothers.
A recent multicentre study in the American Medical Association's
Annals of Internal Medicine showed that therapeutic massage
was an effective treatment for persistent low back pain,
out-performing acupuncture. Massage is also commonly used
to help insomnia, as well as digestive disorders like constipation.
However, it's important to understand that massage is not
recommended in people with certain forms of cancer, phlebitis,
some cardiac problems, skin conditions, or infectious diseases.
As with any treatment, you should consult with your practitioner
regarding specific health conditions to determine if massage
is an appropriate treatment.
The Healing Mind and Body Connection of Massage
The benefits of massage extend beyond the physical. Massage
is unique in that it provides tangible stimulation through
touch. Touch is our first sensual experience and remains,
along with smell, the most immediate and evocative link between
mind and body.
Many people have reported cathartic experiences during a
massage. Just as a massage unwinds tired and stressed muscles,
it also may very well unwind repressed emotions that are
not processed during a hectic day. In addition to reducing
anxiety, massage has shown success in:
* Fostering peace of mind and feeling of well-being
* Promoting a relaxed state of mental alertness
* Improving ability to monitor stress signals and respond appropriately
* Enhancing creativity
* Increased awareness of the mind-body connection
* Improving employee performance and creating higher job satisfaction and morale |
