Massage:
Massage is the use of hands, or mechanical means, to manipulate the soft tissues of the body, particularly muscles. It can be used for relaxation, stimulation or rehabilitation of the whole body or part of it. Massage provides relief to people of all ages and from all walks of life.
The main benefits and effects of massage:
Massage has an immediate local and physiological effect on the part of the body being worked and it also affects the whole body through stimulation and relaxation of the nerves. It has physiological and psychological benefits and can affect all of the body systems in a positive way. Massage is a non-threatening, non-invasive and natural therapy.
Physiological:
Improve skin tone by removing dead cells (desquamation) and improving circulation.
Encourage better circulation therefore more efficient delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the cells and more efficient waste removal.
Encourage deeper breathing which promotes relaxation.
Encourage better lymph drainage and reduce swelling.
Relieve muscle soreness, stiffness and fatigue.
Relieve tired and stiff joints.
Promote general relaxation
Sedate or stimulate the nervous system (depending on the type of massage performed).
Speed up digestion and waste removal.
Improve skin elasticity.
Improve circulation
Improve muscle suppleness.
Relieve insomnia.
Lower high blood pressure.
Psychological:
Promote general relaxation, thereby reducing tension and the effects of stress.
Relax the mind, thereby reducing anxiety and its effects.
Soothe and comfort the patient.
Increase positive feelings by lifting the emotions.
Increase energy by invigorating all body systems and reducing fatigue.
Enable sustained relaxation of body and mind.
Improve body image, awareness and general self esteem.
Increase energy levels as less energy is spent on holding the body in a state of tension and strain.