03/22/08

Why Massage

Stress on the body causes chronic muscle tension.  Less oxygen and nutrients are available to muscle tissue and waste by-products are retained.  Prolonged muscle tension leads to poor circulation and muscle pain.  Regular massage relaxes tense muscles, increases circulation and helps the body eliminate waste by-products while leaving you feeling relaxed and refreshed.

Remember to drink plenty of water after a massage.  This will aid in the removal of released toxins from your body.

Massage is one of the best known antidotes for stress.  Reducing stress gives you the more energy, improves your outlook on life, and in the process reduces your likelihood of injury and illness.  Massage can also relieve symptoms of conditions that are aggravated by anxiety such as asthma or insomnia.  Because it relieves stress, massage is an excellent supportive therapy for people in psychological counseling or treatment for addiction.

Massage on normal tissue is almost always a pleasant sensation.  Massage in the area of an injury or chronic pain may at first cause some discomfort which usually lessens noticeably in the first few minutes.  Your massage therapist knows ways to minimize pain, and will work carefully within what feels right to you.  Always tell your massage therapist if you feel any discomfort so she or he can make adjustments.

There are some conditions for which massage is not appropriate.  Always tell your massage therapist if you have a medical problem, even a minor one.  Also, let your primary health care practitioner know you are receiving massage.  Some conditions require close communication between your massage therapist and your health care practitioner.