The Purpose & Benefits of Massage
I am often asked what the purpose of massage is, what the benefits are of getting body work done, or what is the purpose of massage. I thought it would be wonderful to answer these questions here.
Massage is part of integrative, or alternative medicine. There are many benefits to bodywork, ranging from therapeutic touch to structural alignment.
Subtle Benefits of Massage:
✧ Emotional Release
✧ Stress & Anxiety Reduction
✧ Improve Circulation
✧ Activate Parasympathetic Nervous System – Creating Calm
✧ Accelerate Muscle Repair
More Substantial & Noticeable Benefits of Massage:
✧ Reduction of Muscle Tension
✧ Pain Management
✧ Increased Range of Motion
✧ Improves Soft Tissue Function
✧ Decrease Low Back Pain
✧ Relieve Tension Headaches
✧ Structural Alignment
The purpose of massage therapy is to locate the root of the body’s pain through eliminating muscle tensions, increasing flexibility, and providing relaxation to the affected muscles as well as the body as a whole. Massage also promotes circulation to the areas worked during the session, which increases nutrients and oxygen in the damaged tissues. In turn, this increased activity to the affected sites reduces stiffness and swelling in the muscles and joints to help reduce pain. This form of therapy also releases endorphins (pain-killing hormones), which can boost the dopamine and serotonin levels in the body. These hormones assist the body in many ways–physically as well as emotionally. Therapeutic touch also helps to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting calming of the nerves. Depending on the modality used, there is also the ability to restore alignment in the body through fascial work (this could be through Myofascial Release, Structural Integration, or Rolfing).
I believe in holistic care and that symptoms are signs from our bodies showing us the presence of imbalances. Holistic health is multifaceted and requires looking deeper than just the surface pain we are feeling. Each session looks different because we work together to create the most optimal bodywork session for each client, I pull techniques from multiple modalities that I am trained in; such as Deep Tissue, Lymphatic, Craniosacral, Structural Integration, Reiki, & more. We will look at water intake, food intake (both in quantity and quality), activity levels & styles, work life, home life, sleep, stresses and with this information we will tailor a body work session that fits your individual needs. It is common for my clients to leave with homework, small changes in their lifestyle habits that are geared towards helping to restore balance. While I am here to assist with restoring balance, my main goal is to empower my clients and to give them the tools to heal themselves.
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/massage/art-20045743
https://www.amtamassage.org/about/position-statements/massage-therapy-can-relieve-stress/
https://www.amtamassage.org/about/position-statements/massage-therapy-for-anxiety/
https://www.amtamassage.org/about/position-statements/massage-therapy-can-be-effective-for-low-back-pain/
https://www.amtamassage.org/about/position-statements/massage-therapy-for-those-who-exercise/
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/low-back-pain-and-complementary-health-approaches-what-you-need-to-know
