Types of Massage Therapy
Click here to find out about the different types of massage therapy.

WHAT IS MASSAGE?
Massage is the manipulation of soft tissue effecting a change in the surrounding tissue and structures. Massage therapy offers a drug-free, noninvasive and humanistic approach based on the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

GENERAL BENEFITS OF MASSAGE THERAPY:

• Our bodies and posture are held in balance by the muscular system. In order for you to stand still there are various muscles throughout the body constantly tightening and slackening to maintaining the stillness that you desire.
• If one or more of your muscles becomes too tight or slack then tight or slack then your posture will be thrown out and your body will a over a period of time accept it and you will have permanent imbalance.
• This is where massage therapy comes into its own for if the muscles being worked are too tight they will be relaxed and stretch, however if they are too slack then they will be toned and tightened.
• If a joint is too tight causing stiffness then it will released, or if too slack then it will be tightened, or rather the surrounding tissue that holds it in proper alignment will be adjusted.
• This is the main physical property to massage but it does have a pronounced effect on all the systems of your body; as well as relaxing you mentally and reducing emotional turmoil.
• The feeling of being touched in a safe caring, compassionate manner can be a very powerful experience, reminding the client that she or he is not alone in the world. As a therapist carefully unwinds a client’s stressed and tired muscles, the therapist may very well be unwinding the pent-up emotions that one doesn’t always have time to process in the middle of the day. Many adults reported cathartic experiences on the massage table.

Other important benefits of massage therapy:

• Massage calms the nervous systemand has a centering/ balancing effect.
• Massage can reduce nerve root compression caused by muscular tension.
• Massage encourages self- esteem and a general feeling of well-being.
• Increasing circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs. Massage has the overall effect of lowering your blood pressure.
• Stimulating the lymph system, the body’s natural defense, against toxic invaders.
• Speeds recovery from strenuous physical exertion.
• Enhances tissue elasticity and joint flexibility.
• Increases attentiveness and learning. Massage relaxes, focuses and clears your mind.
• Encourages dietary compliance in diabetics, leading to normal glucose levels.
• Diminishes premenstrual syndrome symptoms.
• Tension headaches.
• Assists in overcoming additions such as cigarette smoking.
• Releasing endorphins, the body’s natural pain-killer.
• Reduces post surgery adhesions, by controlling and alleviating pain.
• Relieves pain from migraines and decreasing the need for medication.