Among alternative (i.e., non-medicinal) means of staying healthy, massage is my favorite. That’s because it’s not only very healthy in physical terms, but it can also be very helpful psychologically. Aside from helping your body relax, the therapeutic benefits of massage includes relief from the stresses of everyday life.
There are quite a number of massage techniques, and these vary depending on the origin. But the benefits are usually the same, no matter what technique is applied. Here are a few physical and mental/emotional benefits, to note.
- Improved circulation. Massage usually involves manipulation of the muscles and joints. This helps the blood to flow more freely through the body. Massage also aids in the flow of lymphatic fluids since these require muscular movements to flow through the body.
- Stress relief. This is one of the most important benefits of massage. Physical manipulation of muscles can be very pleasing and relaxing. This can lead to an overall feeling of relaxation and release from the physical stresses of everyday living.
- Pain reduction. Some types of massage focus on reducing pain from injury or athletic activities. Some techniques are also designed to reduce pain from surgery, accidents, or other medical conditions.
- Alertness. After massage, one usually feels more alert and energetic. This is especially appreciated by professionals who take quick massage sessions during their workday.
There are countless benefits to touch therapy. We’ll try to cover some particular techniques here on the Health Blog, along with a discussion of their origins and applications.
Originally posted on September 30, 2010 @ 4:26 pm