Massage has many benefits: among those, it is a powerful tool for relaxation and stress reduction. Stress can take a toll on a person’s health, both physical and emotional. Besides the health problems and discomfort stress can cause, it can show on your face, making your look weary and tired.
As you lay on the table, you can feel the heaviness of the day melt away, and the massaging works away the tension in the muscles. Besides giving an enhanced feeling of well-being, it can help relieve minor aches and pains. Some may think of this type of bodywork as a luxury or for those who want some pampering, but it is a practical approach to health and feeling better.
What is Massage?
The touch and manipulation of the muscles has the ability to do so much: relieve stress, encourage relaxation, aid pain management, enhance circulation, increase flexibility and improve range of motion. During a session, the therapist works to manipulate the muscles and connective tissues. A range of techniques, rubbing, kneading and pressure are used. To add to the relaxing experience, a darkened room and soothing music are incorporated. A session can last from 15 minutes up to 90 minutes and can concentrate on a specific problem area or the full body.
The pressure used can range from light stroking to deep pressure. There are different methods of massage, depending on a person’s needs. Swedish massage is a popular method that incorporates long strokes, firm kneading, tapping and deep circular movements. Deep tissue or therapeutic massaging concentrates on the deeper muscle tissue. This method involves deeper pressure and slower movements by the therapist. The process improves circulation and relieves tension.
What are the Benefits of Massage?
There are both physical and emotional advantages. Physically it can relax tense muscles and encourage better circulation, reducing swelling and decrease stiffness. Muscular manipulation can improve flexibility, relieve pain and smooth out knots.
This bodywork can do much more than help sore muscles feel better. Less tight and tense muscles can provide many mental or emotional benefits. The soothing touch not only relaxes the muscles, it also can lower the heart rate and blood pressure. As the muscles are worked on, the stress and pressure melt away, leaving one feeling refreshed. It is easy to come away with a general sense of calm and better mental outlook. This rejuvenation can lead a better ability to handle the pressures of life and improved mental alertness.