Massage therapy is one of the oldest methods of healing. Hippocrates, known as the "father of medicine," referenced massage when he wrote, in the 4th century B.C.: "The physician must be acquainted with many things, and assuredly with rubbing." Today, massage therapy is recognized as one of the basic applications of holistic and natural medicine and is an effective component of detox and rejuvenation programs.
Massage therapy composes of the application of various techniques to the muscular structure and soft tissues of the body that include applying fixed or movable pressure, holding, vibration, rocking, friction, kneading and compression using primarily the hands, although massage therapists do use other areas of the body, such as the forearms, elbows or feet. All of the techniques are used for the benefit of the musculoskeletal, circulatory-lymphatic, nervous, and other systems of the body. Massage therapy positively influences the overall health and well-being of the client.
Clinical studies show that even a single 1 hour session can significantly lower heart rate, cortisol levels and insulin levels-all of which help reduce stress through massage therapy. Massage also keeps stress hormone levels under control.
Other Benefits of Massage Therapy:
- Relieves stress
- Helps the removal of toxins from the body.
- Encourages physical and mental relaxation.
- Improves posture
- Improves circulation
- Lowers blood pressure
- Relaxes the whole body
- Loosens tight muscles
- Improves flexibility and range of motion
- Promotes deeper and easier breathing
- Promotes restful sleep
- Relieves headaches
- Strengthens the immune system
- Enhances post-operative rehabilitation
- Improves rehabilitation after injury
- Manages pain of chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia, migraine and arthritis