Therapeutic Benefits of Massage

Help Yourself to Health

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nyone who has ever had a massage can vouch for the relaxing, peaceful, and sometimes invigorating effects a good massage can have. People living with many medical conditions (such as cancer or HIV) have touted the benefits of massage for years, claiming it has helped with everything from stress reduction to increased T cells. But the benefits of massage are not merely anecdotal. The Touch Research Institute of the University of Miami has conducted numerous studies on the various benefits of massage therapy and its effects on a large spectrum of individuals. Massage can:

  • Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion
  • Ease medication dependence
  • Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system
  • Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles
  • Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts
  • Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin
  • Increase joint flexibility
  • Lessen depression and anxiety
  • Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks
  • Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation
  • Reduce postsurgery adhesions and swelling
  • Reduce spasms and cramping
  • Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles
  • Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller
  • Relieve migraine pain

Furthermore, many of my clients often report a sense of perspective and clarity after receiving a massage. The emotional balance bodywork provides can often be just as vital and valuable as the more tangible physical benefits.

Boost Your Immune System

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assage works to boost immune system function by reducing anxiety and stress, increasing white blood cell counts, decreasing levels of cortisol (a stress hormone), and activating disease-fighting cells. Massage can also decrease pain by relieving muscle spasms, cramps, general body tension, edema (swelling), and inflammation. It works by increasing the blood flow, which assists in the removal of toxins and increases oxygen and nutrients to affected areas.

Certain modalities can aid in relieving respiratory congestion by facilitating the removal of excess phlegm. Other techniques increase liver function by assisting in the removal of toxins and increasing blood flow. By improving muscle tone, massage also helps in the prevention or reduction of muscular atrophy that can result from immobilization and inactivity. Other benefits include increasing red blood counts in cases of anemia, acting as a mechanical lymph drainage system by stimulating lymph circulation and speeding the elimination of wastes and toxins, and assisting in the post-surgical breakdown of scar tissue and adhesions.

Preparing for Your Massage…

  • Schedule business or chores before your massage to allow the healing benefits of massage integrate and/or plan more relaxing activities pre and/or post-massage to extend the in-home massage experience
  • Avoid a heavy meal two hours prior
  • Avoid any caffeine-related food or beverages to easily relax
  • Relax your muscles with a warm jacuzzi bath, bubble bath or shower
  • Consider shaving to avoid unnecessary discomfort (if you prefer someone else to shave you, as a licensed barber I provide body grooming services)
  • Avoid strong colognes, perfumes, or hairsprays