Health benefits of massage, spa treatments and therapeutic bodywork

There are so many health benefits of massage, often varying between the different modalities. Most of us are keenly aware of just how wonderful it feels to go to a spa, relax and receive a massage, but how many actually know how much good it can really do for you?

Here are some basic reasons why to get a massage:

Why get a massage?

You think you handle stress well and feel great, so why get a massage?

Massage benefits the body in a variety of ways. But have you considered exploring alternative therapies for possibly healing the body of a particular problem?

The list of alternative therapies you find within is comprised of different forms of alternative medicine known for bringing relief to, and sometimes curing, certain physical symptoms and ailments.

Now, that is a benefit! Otherwise, you can still enjoy…

Massage for relaxation of the mind, body and spirit

Massage is like a natural tranquilizer. It has been used historically throughout almost every culture to relieve aches and pains, improve circulation, reduce stress, improve sleep, release tension in tight muscles and help the mind and body to relax.

The basic health benefits of massage and bodywork treatments are: improved circulation, relief from pain and fatigue, improved energy and enhanced body awareness. The simple fact that you have taken time to stop and relax is a great benefit for you physically and psychologically.

If you can actually stop your mind from thinking over past or upcoming events, conversations or situations, then you will be on your path to relaxation. That brings us to the next benefit of massage: Quiet the mind and the body will follow, as the two do work together.

Its amazing! The ability to shut down to the demands of your daily life while you are receiving a massage, spa treatment or other alternative therapy, will only enhance your experience and allow your body to truly receive the help it needs to recharge.

Think you can’t do it? Try this experiment: close your eyes, take a long, slow, deep breath and very slowly let it out. Repeat a couple of times and notice how much calmer you already feel.

This is an excellent way to relax into a massage, no matter what your realities are.

If nothing else, it will take the edge off for a while, and then of course it is helpful to keep in mind that…

Massage may be used alongside physical therapy to heal the body

Working with the body is the best way to heal it. Many times, after an injury or accident, the body requires a combination strategy of both massage and physical therapy for the system to “remember” how it used to function prior to the incident.

The natural healing process of the body will be encouraged and enhanced through massage and gentle stretching. Physical therapy will encourage the body to regain its strength where previously injured.

The effectiveness and combined health benefits of massage and physical therapy is one reason why so many doctors want their patients to receive massage in conjunction with their physical therapy treatments.

Of course, always consult your doctor prior to starting any treatment program. Please follow your doctor’s orders if you are recovering from an injury or any other situation that requires their direction.

Please clarify with your doctor which types of massage, bodywork treatments or holistic healing methods your body can handle and at which stages of your healing process.

Massage improves attitude and disposition

Ever notice how a five minute neck massage can completely change an attitude? If not, here’s another experiment, and we hope you’ll give it a try:

Find someone who is having a lousy day and give him or her a few minutes of your undivided attention while rubbing their neck. It doesn’t have to be intense, just warm and comforting. That should do it.

Within a moment or two, you should hear the sigh of relief and see a smile emerge from underneath all the stress the day has brought on.

Now, think about how much happier our world would be if we all got a little TLC when we needed it. That’s what we call a benefit. Enjoy and indulge and remember, what comes around goes around!

Health benefits of massage according to the American Massage Therapy Association

According to the American Massage Therapy Association, research shows the health benefits of massage include:

  ♦ Massage improves blood circulation, which aids in recovery of muscle soreness from physical activity.

  ♦ Massage relaxes muscles for an improved range of motion. The muscle relaxation also helps with insomnia.

  ♦ Massage leads to increased endorphin levels. The increase of endorphin levels is actually one of the greatest benefits of massage therapy. Endorphins are the chemicals the body produces that make you feel good, which is very effective in managing chronic pain.

As you can see, there are many health benefits of massage! Other benefits will be mentioned per each specific service. Review the vast collection of massage and bodywork services available for more details and a more in-depth look at some of today’s most popular treatments!

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