What is Massage Therapy?
Massage involves a manual application of pressure and movement to soft body tissues the skin, muscles, tendon, ligaments, and fascia (membranes surrounding muscles). Massage is believed to increase blood circulation and flow of lymph (fluid from body tissues that flows into the blood stream).
It helps the body to heal itself by promoting the flow of blood and lymph, stimulating nerves, conditioning the skin, and stretching and loosening muscles to keep them elastic. Massage also has a positive psychological effect. When we are stressed, our breathing becomes more rapid and shallow, our hearts work harder and digestion slows down.
Chronic Stress
Chronic stress can influence a number of illnesses including migraines, depression, and hypertension. Massage therapy can help to relieve tension and counteract the effects of stress on the body.
Muscle Tightness & Imbalances
Muscle Tightness and Muscle Imbalances can benefit from massage as it relieves muscle restrictions, tightness, stiffness and spasm which may limit full movement. It encourages better muscle activity through increased movement of nutrients and removal of waste products. It can improve muscle tone and delays muscle atrophy resulting from inactivity.