Health Benefits of Massage Therapy

Massage is all a matter of touch. We are all sensual beings and as a result our bodies respond well to massage and human contact. When there is touch, more healing takes place.
These are some of known health benefits of Massage Therapy:

• Improves blood circulation, thus allowing increased oxygen and nutrients to be delivered to treated areas including areas that have been injured or have experienced overexertion.
• Helps to lower blood pressure.
• Aids in detoxification by propelling toxic waste products through the lymphatic system.
• Relieves stress and promote sense of well being.
• Relaxes injured muscles, reducing cramps, and muscle spasms
• Stimulates the release of the bodies’ natural endorphins which may aid in pain control.
• Provides increased exercise stretching for atrophied muscles.

In fact, increasing evidence show that massage therapy helps to bolster the immune system of a person. Some studies show of cellular changes in immune function following massage therapy, including the new research on healthy women that indicates increases in disease-fighting white blood cells and natural killer-cell activity.
Before a Massage Therapy session, you may wish to consult with the Massage Therapist as to your treatment goals. Different combinations of massage techniques may be used to attain these goals. For instance, if you have a sports injury, you may wish to have specific massage strokes targeted to reduce swelling and to improve blood flow in that area. Or the therapy session may just well be a general de-stressing and relaxing one.
If you agree that many of today’s illnesses are due to stress-related issues, then Massage Therapy which helps in the reduction of stress, can really help in the process of building white blood cells. For a better immune system and reduced stress levels, try Massage Therapy today!

Massages are a great way to release tension

Massages are a great way to release tension and stress and promote relaxation. But a new study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine has revealed for the first time that massages also provide a measurable, therapeutic benefit to the immune system as well.

Dr. Mark Rapaport and his team of researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, Calif., evaluated 53 people, 29 of which received 45-minute Swedish massages--one of the most common forms of massage used in the U.S.--and 24 who received gentler, light touch massages. Researchers took blood samples at intervals before and after the massages and found that those who received even just one Swedish massage experienced significant, positive changes in blood composition.

"This research indicates that massage doesn't only feel good, it also may be good for you," explained Dr. Rapaport in a press release. "People often seek out massage as part of a healthy lifestyle but there hasn't been much physiological proof of the body's heightened immune response following massage until now."

Besides experiencing a significant increase in lymphocytes, the white cells in the body that help fight and prevent disease, the Swedish massage group experienced lower cortisol levels as well. Cortisol is the hormone released by the adrenal gland in response to stress.

The Swedish massage group also experienced a decrease in arginine vasopressin, a hormone linked with aggressive behavior.

Benefits of Full Body Massage Therapy

Massage has been used as a curing therapy for many thousands of years. Records dating back to 2700 B.C. show that in China massage was used to treat many illnesses or to prevent any. Even Hippocrates, the famous Greek physician writing in 400 B.C., recommended that physicians should treat war or sports injuries with rubbing and massage.

The ancient cultures of Japan, Rome, Egypt and Arabia all considered massage to be calming, soothing and relaxing, and also very important as a therapeutic therapy. Now, in the 21st century, there are many different kinds of massage therapies available, each of which offers specific benefits to the mind and body..Full  body massage is one of them.
These forms of specific massage can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, plus they can be used to simply unwind and relax.

What are the benefits?
Full Body Massage promotes relaxation and improved sleep, eases the symptoms of stiff, tired joints, encourages improved circulation and speeds up digestion. Clients who have experienced these forms of dedicated massage report that they find the treatment soothing and relaxing.

The skin's natural functions will be stimulated improving the condition of the skin and the warmth created will help relax the body physically and mentally. Full body massage technique involves a sequence of movements working superficially and deeper into the tissue layers. Movements such as effleurage work over the skin with the palm of the hand producing relaxation, whereas movements like petrissage work deeply. Petrissage movements such as wringing and kneading will help to relieve tension promoting deep relaxation in the tissues and muscles.

What to expect?
As no two people are alike, the body massage routine will be tailored to the client's needs. For those clients who are apprehensive about a massage treatment and of course the stigma attached to this may need some reassurance. A professional Massage Therapist will offer this treatment 

respecting the client's modesty at all times. The client is covered in towels, which are turned back to reveal only the area to be massaged at that time. Areas massaged in a full body massage are normally back, legs (back and front), arms front of shoulders and optionally abdomen.
By ensuring you call only a reputable, established company that has professional certificates and qualifications for its therapists, you will receive a wonderful, relaxing, treatment.

 Why a Full Body Massage?
The massage is good for people who want to unwind and relax! It is a very relaxing and soothing massage. Available full Body Massages are for example:

-Swedish
-Holistic
-Deep Tissue
-Aromatherapy

As with any massage, it's a good idea to avoid big meals and alcohol beforehand.