Massage: More Than a Luxury

It is time to erase the notion that massage is nothing but a luxury. Many massage therapists and their clients believe it is a necessary tool for maintaining a person’s well-being. A good therapeutic massage can improve certain medical conditions and generally will improve certain aspects in one’s life.

1. Sleep

            An adult needs eight hours of sleep in order to be fully functional. Many of us struggle with insomnia, have tried every trick in the book, but cannot seem to find a drug free cure. Massage therapy can actually improve one's sleep in different ways. The first is by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain which produces more melatonin, the key hormone that enables you to fall asleep. The second way is by promoting relaxation, therefor calming any anxiety, which will also help you fall asleep faster and easier. Massage will reduce stress, improve blood flow, reduce pain, release tension, and even lower blood pressure. Once these factors are under control, you regular sleep cycle should restore itself naturally. If you are looking to catch up on rest you may have missed the night before, studies show that massage may equate to approximately eight hours of sleep.

1. Migraines

            If one suffers from chronic migraines, massage therapy will be able to release tension in the neck and around the spine. The release of pressure and tension will help to balance the natural rhythm of the cerebral spinal fluid, providing instant relief from the headache.

            Seeing a licensed massage therapist on a regular basis can greatly aid in stress relief by releasing endorphins that calm the peripheral nervous system. You will feel like the weight of the world has lifted off your shoulders after your massage. The levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, will actually be lowered after just a half hour of massage.

1. Multiple Sclerosis

            Therapeutic massage is also proven to help with more serious medical conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, chronic migraines, and chronic back pain. For patients with multiple sclerosis, spasticity will be reduced by relaxing the muscles and enhancing range of motion. Massage will increase blood flow through superficial veins and deeper arteries and veins, ending the problem of poor circulation. Pressure sores can also be prevented but should not be used on existing pressure sores. Lastly the reduction of swelling and increased mobilization that results from massage therapy will be a great reliever of pain.

1. High Blood Pressure

             High blood pressure is a condition that thousands of Americans are faced with. Massage therapy, having a relaxing and calming effect on the body, will stimulate the brain. Next, the chemical oxytocin will be released, which will aid in reducing your heart rate. The reduction of stress will also help maintain the lowered heart rate throughout the day.

1. Chronic Back Pain

            Chronic back pain is a growing problem in America, but not many are aware that massage is actually a proven treatment for this issue. If your pain resides in your lower back or buttocks the therapist will massage the muscles around the sciatic nerve to relax and release tension, providing immediate pain relief. Some back pain can be caused by a misalignment of the pelvis. In this case the therapist will try to realign the pelvis and eliminate tension in the muscles surrounding. If you feel discomfort in your joints the therapist will be able to release tension and increase range of motion.

            At Elements Therapeutic Massage we strive to match you with the perfect therapist that best fits your needs. We have a variety of therapists that specialize in many different therapeutic modalities, such as Swedish, Deep Tissue Reflexology, Myofascial Release, Craniosacral, and Trigger Point. Some have experience with certain conditions so, when booking the appointment, it is important to let us know about any you may be looking to heal. To learn more about the Elements Therapeutic Massage and the various benefits of massage please visit our website www.elementsmassage.com/warren.