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The Benefits Of Massage
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What exactly are the benefits of receiving massage or bodywork
treatments? Useful for all of the conditions listed below
and more, massage can:
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• Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
• Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers
and shorten maternity hospital stays.
• Ease medication dependence.
• Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow the body's
natural defense system.
• Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
• Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover
from, strenuous workouts.
• Improve the condition of the body's largest organ the skin.
• Increase joint flexibility.
• Lessen depression and anxiety.
• Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and
stretch marks.
• Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital
organs, improving circulation.
• Reduce postsurgery adhesions and swelling.
• Reduce spasms and cramping.
• Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
• Release endorphins amino acids that work as the
body's natural painkiller.
• Relieve migraine pain.
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A Powerful Ally There's no denying the power of
bodywork. Regardless of the adjectives we assign to it (pampering,
rejuvenating, therapeutic) or the reasons we seek it out (a
luxurious treat, stress relief, pain management), massage therapy
can be a powerful ally in your healthcare regimen.
Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of
disease is stress related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster,
internally and externally, than high stress. While eliminating
anxiety and pressure altogether in this fast-paced world may be
idealistic, massage can, without a doubt, help manage stress.
This translates into:
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• Decreased anxiety.
• Enhanced sleep quality.
• Greater energy.
• Improved concentration.
• Increased circulation.
• Reduced fatigue.
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Furthermore, clients often report a sense of perspective and
clarity after receiving a massage. The emotional balance bodywork
provides can often be just as vital and valuable as the more
tangible physical benefits.
Profound Effects In response to massage,
specific physiological and chemical changes cascade throughout
the body, with profound effects. Research shows that with massage:
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• Arthritis sufferers note fewer aches and less stiffness
and pain.
• Asthmatic children show better pulmonary function
and increased peak air flow.
• Burn injury patients report reduced pain, itching,
and anxiety.
• High blood pressure patients demonstrate lower
diastolic blood pressure, anxiety, and stress hormones.
• Premenstrual syndrome sufferers have decreased
water retention and cramping.
• Preterm infants have improved weight gain.
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Research continues to show the enormous benefits of touch, which
range from treating chronic diseases, neurological disorders, and
injuries, to alleviating the tensions of modern lifestyles.
Consequently, the medical community is actively embracing
bodywork, and massage is becoming an integral part of hospice
care and neonatal intensive care units. Many hospitals are also
incorporating on-site massage practitioners and even spas to treat
postsurgery or pain patients as part of the recovery process.
Increase the Benefits with Frequent Visits
Getting a massage can do you a world of good. And getting
massage frequently can do even more. This is the beauty of
bodywork. Taking part in this form of regularly scheduled
self-care can play a huge part in how healthy you'll be and how
youthful you'll remain with each passing year. Budgeting time
and money for bodywork at consistent intervals is truly an
investment in your health. And remember: just because massage
feels like a pampering treat doesn't mean it is any less
therapeutic. Consider massage appointments a necessary piece of
your health and wellness plan, and work with your practitioner
to establish a treatment schedule that best meets your needs.
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