the elements therapeutic massage experience

 

Therapeutic Massage provides relief to people of all ages—from infants to seniors—and from all walks of life—from the weekend warrior or competitive athlete to the home gardener or overstressed, overworked executive.

 

Treating the Body

Massage therapy addresses a variety of health conditions, the most prevalent being stress-related tension.  Massage has been proven beneficial for:

 

autism,post-operative care,age-related disorders,infertility,eating disorders,

cancer-related fatigue, sleep disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, low back pain, immunity suppression, spinal cord injury, smoking cessation and depression and more!

 

Physiological Effects

Massage offers a drug-free, non-invasive and humanistic approach based on the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Massage has many physiological effects, such as:

 

• Increasing circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs.

 

• Stimulating the lymph system, the body’s natural defense, against toxic invaders. For example, in breast cancer patients, massage has been shown to increase the cells that fight cancer.

 

• Relaxing and softening injured and overused muscles.

 

• Reducing spasms and cramping.

 

• Increasing joint flexibility.

 

• Reducing recovery time for strenuous workouts and eliminating subsequent pains of the athlete at any level.

 

• Releasing endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller. For this reason, massage is being incorporated into treatment for chronic illness, injury and recovery from surgery to control and relieve pain.

 

• Reducing post-surgery adhesions and edema, as well as reducing and realigning scar tissue after healing has occurred.

 

• Relieving pain for migraine sufferers and decreasing the need for medication.

 

• Contributing to shorter labor and reduced tearing for expectant mothers, as well as lessening the need for medication, minimizing depression and anxiety and shortening hospital stays.

 

Other Conditions

It is important to note that there are some conditions for which massage is not recommended. For example, massage is contraindicated in people with:

 

• Certain forms of cancer

• Phlebitis

• Some cardiac problems

• Some skin conditions

• Infectious diseases

 

In some cases, the practitioner may need doctor’s permission before providing services.

 

Links between kinesiology and health

As studies continue to reveal the link between kinesiology and physical and emotional health, the effects of massage will be further documented. However, one need only experience a good massage to know it is beneficial to the body and soul.

 

Massage has been found to improve health by:

• Increasing venous circulation of blood and lymphatic flow
• Improving immunity by increasing T-cell counts
• Flushing out toxins by increasing flow of the the excretory system
• Producing a anti-depressant effect due to released endorphins
• Causing a significant increase in weight gain of premature infants

 

Massage reduces pain by:

• Providing a powerful muscle relaxant
• Stretching pathologically shortened muscles
• Breaking compensation patterns
• Reducing delayed onset of muscle soreness
• Stretching contracted connective tissue (fascia)
• Flushing out lactic acid
• Stimulating production of endorphins (natural pain killers)
• Introducing new information through the nervous system which re-educates muscles in poor posture

 

Massage increases strength by:

• Maximizing performance ability
• Reducing scar tissue formation

 

Massage decreases stress by:

• Decreasing rate of respiration
• Decreasing heart rate which helps anxiety levels decrease
• Increasing mental/self awareness
• Being healthier

 

IMPORTANT: Be aware that some people may experience an emotional release from massage. Plan your visit accordingly.