Therapeutic Massage
Massage therapy is the manipulation of soft tissues of the body including, muscles, connective tissues, tendons, ligaments and joints. Massage therapy is a clinically-oriented healthcare option that helps alleviate the discomfort associated with everyday and occupational stresses, muscular overuse and many chronic pain conditions.
Pressure, massage, and touch healing depend on stimulation by the fingers rather than needles, although they are based on acupuncture principles. Touch therapy has been shown to have excellent effects on children's growth, development, and emotional well-being. In adults, a 15-minute rubdown by fingertips can lead to relaxation and sleep. It is also useful for premature babies.
Benefits of Therapeutic Massage
- Increase joint mobility by reducing any thickening of the connective tissue and helping to release restrictions in the fascia
- Relieve muscular tightness, stiffness, spasms and restrictions in the muscle tissue. It increases flexibility in the muscles due to muscular relaxation
- Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks
- Produce an enhanced blood flow; delivery of fresh oxygen and nutrients to the tissues is improved and the removal of waste products, toxins and carbon dioxide is hastened via the venous system
- Reduce edema (excess fluid in the tissue) by increasing lymphatic drainage and the removal of waste from the system
- Help strengthen the immune system, due to an increase in white blood cells —the body’s natural defense system
- Stimulate sensory receptors: this can either stimulate or soothe nerves depending on the techniques used
- Stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping promote relaxation and the reduction of stress
- Help to reduce pain by the release of endorphins (endorphins are also known to elevate the mood)
- Ease emotional trauma through relaxation
- Enhance sleep quality
- Improve concentration
- Relieve migraine pain
- Result in shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorter maternity hospital stays