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More than simply making you feel good, a massage has an impressive range of therapeutic effects. It can induce relaxation, help you rest better and can enable you to move more easily. Massage strokes, stroke patterns, rhythm, depth, timing, purpose and intent are what differentiate the various massage modalities. For easy relaxation, I might recommend a Swedish massage, for chronic pain a sports/deep/trigger point massage, In addition, the pressure applied can be light, medium, firm or extra firm depending on your preference, body tolerance and medical condition.
Massage Benefits
Massage has an impressive range of therapeutic effects and benefits, many of which have been documented in research studies. There are a variety of methods a massage therapist uses to stretch and loosen muscle and connective tissue, and to greatly improve blood flow to the heart and the movement of lymph fluid throughout the body. Massage speeds the removal of metabolic waste products resulting from exercise or inactivity, allowing more oxygen and nutrients to reach the cells and tissues. In addition, massage can stimulate the release of endorphins –the body's natural painkillers – into the brain and nervous system. Sensory receptors in skin and muscles "wake-up," bringing new awareness to areas that have felt "cut off" by chronic tension patterns. The release of muscular tension encourages:
Deep relaxation and stress reduction
Relief of muscle tension and stiffness
Greater joint flexibility and range of motion
Increased ease and efficiency of movement
Promotes deeper and easier breathing
Better circulation of both blood and lymph fluids
Reduced blood pressure
Relief of tension-related headaches, eye-strain
Healthier, better nourished skin
Improved posture
Faster healing time from pulled muscles and sprained ligaments:
reduced spasm, pain and swelling; reduced formation of scar tissue
Strengthened immune system and disease prevention
Mental Level
Relaxed state of awareness
Reduced mental stress;
a calmer mind Greater ability to monitor stress signals
and respond appropriately
Increased capacity for clearer thinking
Emotional Level
Feeling of well being
Greater ease of emotional expression
enhanced self-image
Reduced levels of anxiety
Increased awareness of the mind-body connection
Modalities/techniques practiced:
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