Research has verified that:
• Office workers massaged regularly were more alert, performed better and were less stressed than those who weren't massaged. • Massage therapy decreased the effects of anxiety, tension, depression, pain, and itching in burn patients. • Abdominal surgery patients recovered more quickly after massage. • massage helps both physically and mentally.
Physical Benefits of Therapeutic Massage
• Helps relieve stress and aids relaxation • Helps relieve muscle tension and stiffness
• Alleviates discomfort during pregnancy • Fosters faster healing of strained muscles and sprained ligaments; reduces pain and swelling; reduces formation of excessive scar tissue• Reduces muscle spasms • Provides greater joint flexibility and range of motion
• Enhances athletic performance; Treats injuries caused during sport or work • Promotes deeper and easier breathing • Improves circulation of blood and movement of lymph fluids • Reduces blood pressure • Helps relieve tension-related headaches and effects of eye-strain • Enhances the health and nourishment of skin • Improves posture
• Strengthens the immune system • Treats musculoskeletal problems • Rehabilitation post operative • Rehabilitation after injury
Mental Benefits of Massage Therapy
• Fosters peace of mind • Promotes a relaxed state of mental alertness • Helps relieve mental stress • Improves ability to monitor stress signals and respond appropriately
• Enhances capacity for calm thinking and creativity • Emotional Benefits • Satisfies needs for caring nurturing touch • Fosters a feeling of well-being • Reduces levels of anxiety
• Creates body awareness • Increases awareness of mind-body connection
Massage Therapy - Natural Rejuvenation
Massage is recognized as one of the oldest, simplest forms of therapy for healing, with references in medical texts nearly 4,000 years old.
Nowadays, massage therapy (under the term "bodywork") refers to the application of various techniques, which include stroking, kneading, tapping, vibrating to the muscular structure and soft tissues of the body, using hands, forearms, elbows, feet or vibrators. The goal of massage therapy is to benefit the musculoskeletal, circulatory-lymphatic, nervous, and other systems of the body, and positively influences the overall health and well-being of the client.
Clinical research shows massage can be effective in:
• relieving stress • improving circulation • increasing energy • enhancing immune system function • reducing blood pressure • diminishing chronic pain • assisting in recovery from injuries and illness • increasing flexibility and range of motion • easing symptoms of arthritis • promoting restful sleep • balancing body, mind and spirit
(Source: AMTA)