Massage therapy is a hands-on manipulation of the soft tissue and joints of the body. The soft tissues include muscle, skin, tendons and associated fascia, ligaments and joint capsules.
The manipulation can physically stretch muscles, ligaments, tendons and fascia, encourage the circulation through the tissue, inhibit muscular spasms and be either sedating or stimulating to the nervous system. This affects all the systems of the body – in particular, the muscular, circulatory, lymphatic (immune) and nervous systems
Benefits of Massage Therapy
Many of today’s health problems can benefit from massage therapy because the manipulation of soft tissues affects so many of our bodily systems–muscular, nervous, circulatory and lymphatic (immune). Massage therapy’s aims are to restore physical function, alleviate pain, relax tight and tense muscles, improve circulation and recovery time, reduce stress, an increase the sense of well-being.
Massage Therapy and Stress Reduction
Prolonged periods of stress can subconsciously aggravate, or even cause, such problems as heart disease, gastrointestinal disorders, memory loss and decreased immune function. Massage therapy is one of the best antidotes for stress. It boosts the body’s immune system, which can become compromised from extended periods of stress. Tension can build up in the muscles, causing a decrease in circulation and nutrient delivery to tissues. Manipulation of the soft tissue decreases muscular tension, increases removal of metabolic waste and promotes nutrient delivery to healing tissue.
With a therapeutic massage, stress can be significantly reduced. This, in turn, will increase energy, improve your outlook on life, and in the process boost your immune system function.