As a licensed massage therapist, I have an array of clients that walk through my door looking for help. Some come to see me for tension relief, others come for chronic pain management, but most come to reconnect with their bodies and understand the reasons why they hurt. Some come because they have heard about the benefits of therapeutic massage. We live in a fast-paced world and we often forget to connect with ourselves and really listen to what is happening within our own body. What I want to share today is that massage is not just a luxury, it is an alternative healing modality for anyone dealing with pain, either mentally or physically, that may want to try something other than drug therapy.
We hold so much within our minds and bodies that we don’t even realize what it feels like to release this tension. There are several benefits to receiving a therapeutic massage from a licensed massage therapist. These benefits can truly change and improve your way of life. Don’t underestimate the power of touch.
Below are 5 important benefits of therapeutic massage:
1) Stress, Tension and Anxiety Reduction of the Mind: Massage stimulates the body’s parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s rest and recovery. Soft tissue manipulation activates this system and reminds the body that it doesn’t’ need to remain in a heightened state. Massage resets the mind so that it can rest and literally unwind from all of the stresses that have been placed upon it. Many clients become so relaxed that they drift off to sleep and into a restorative place for the mind to fully let go. This alone can reduce headaches that plague so many of us.
2) Release of Muscle Tension: We have various stresses in life that cause body tension leading to trigger points or pain points within our muscle tissue. Over time, these points spread to other surrounding muscle tissue. Massage resets these points which relay to the surrounding muscle tissue, causing an overall relaxation of all surrounding muscles.
3) Improvement of Blood Circulation: Manipulation of the body’s soft tissues stimulates the flow of lymph and blood, therefore increasing the overall blood flow which moves toxins out to their proper locations for removal. When pressure is applied to the blood vessels it automatically increases blood flow just like squeezing a tube of toothpaste makes the toothpaste move easier.
4) Increased Mobility: Routine massage can improve a person’s mobility and range of motion by manipulating the muscles, ligaments, tendons and connective tissues. Again, blood flow is increased in the area to help provide nutrients and this keeps the joints less prone to injury and much more fluid.
5) Better Sleep: Who couldn’t use better sleep? I know I could. Massage can literally help restore your sleep patterns by releasing serotonin, which is the body’s natural anti-pain chemical. Serotonin is one of the “happy” neurotransmitters that aids in sleep and other body functions. Massage often results in a reset of sleep patterns and aids in deep, restorative sleep.
What Did You Come Away With?
These are just a few of the many benefits of therapeutic massage. I have seen my clients lives change and become pain-free with regular routine massage and bodywork. Factors to keep in mind are that change doesn’t happen overnight and if you have been struggling with pain for a long time, that therapeutic massage is a cumulative therapy. If you are looking to try massage as an alternative pain and stress reduction therapy, you can find a local licensed massage therapist who would be more than happy to discuss a treatment plan with you. We live in a fast-paced world. Remember to take care of yourself. You only have one body, treat it well and keep it as relaxed as possible to diminish the chances of pain and disease onset. Now, make the call to a massage therapist. You deserve it.
Articles of Interest: 10 Ways to Start Taking Better Care of Yourself Today!
How to Have a Spiritual Cleanse and Why
The Profound Effects of Nature on the Soul
©Love Wide Open
The fact that you talked about tension so much in this article really interested me a lot. With how busy it’s been for me lately, I feel like my muscles have started really wearing out and becoming tenser and tenser, thus resulting in regular pain episodes. I’ll do something about that by taking your advice and looking for a massage clinic that offers therapeutic procedures.