Massage
has been around for over 3,000 years as documented by Chinese records.
Whether we seek it out as a pampering, luxurious treat, stress relief,
or pain management, massage therapy can be a powerful ally in your
healthcare regimen. The following are a few of the benefits you may
experience from massage.
- Alleviate
low-back pain and improve range of motion.
- Enhance immunity
by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense
system.
- Stretch tight
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 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.
Experts estimate
that close to ninety percent of disease is stress related. Perhaps
nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress.
Massage can, without a doubt, help manage stress. This translates
into:
- Decreased
anxiety.
- Enhanced sleep
quality.
- Greater energy.
- Improved concentration.
- Increased
circulation.
- Reduced fatigue.
Research continues to show the enormous benefits of touch—which
range from treating chronic diseases, neurological disorders, and
injuries, to alleviating the tensions of modern lifestyles. Massage
is becoming an integral part of hospice care and neonatal intensive
care units. Many hospitals are also incorporating on-site massage
practitioners and even spas to treat post-surgery or pain patients
as part of the recovery process.
Sharon attended
The School of Healing Arts in Pacific Beach, California, in 2000 where
she received her massage certification in traditional massage as well
as Zen Touch massage (Eastern philosophy massage that utilizes pressure
points, friction, stretching, and meridian work while the client is
dressed in comfortable clothing reclining on a futon mat).
