Physical Benefits of Massage Therapy
- Increases joint mobility
- Releases fascia restrictions, break down adhesions and scar tissue
- Relieves muscular tightness, stiffness, and spasms
- Increases flexibility
- Reduces muscular fatigue and soreness
- Improves muscular tone and balance
- Increases circulation, oxygen and nutrients into the muscles, hastening removal of waste products and toxins from the system
- Stimulates sensory receptors: this can either stimulate or sooth the nerves depending on the techniques used
- Stimulates parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reversing negative effects of stress
- Help reduce pain by the release of endorphins (endorphins are known to elevate the mood)
- Temporarily reduces blood pressure and heart rate
- Improves circulation to the skin, increasing nutrition to the cells and encouraging cell regeneration
- Increases production of sweat from the sweat glands, helping to excrete urea and waste products through skin
- Improves skin elasticity
- Increases sebum production, helping to improve skins suppleness and resistance to infection
- Deepens respiration and improves lung capacity by relaxing any tightness in the respiratory muscles
- Increases peristalsis in the large intestine, helping to relieve constipation, colic and gas
- Increases urinary output due to the increased circulation and lymph drainage from the tissues.
- Improves and strengthens immune system
- Helps relieve tension related headaches and eyestrain
- Improves posture
Psychological Benefits of Massage Therapy:
- Reduces mental stress and anxiety
- Promotes peace of mind
- Fosters feeling of well-being and enhances self-esteem
- Promotes positive body awareness and an improved body image
- Eases emotional trauma
- Promotes a relaxed state of mental alertness
- Improves ability to monitor stress signals and respond appropriately
- Enhances capacity for calm thinking and creativity
- Satisfies needs for caring-nurturing touch