What are the benefits?

The positive benefits of holistic massage are too numerous to cover completely here, and will of course depend on the individual. The table below gives a few examples of the physiological and psychological benefits that are known to occur.

Physiological benefits Psychological benefits
Muscles When muscles are massaged, the alternate pressure and relaxation on each muscle fibre causes increased circulation. This in turn enhances both cellular nutrition and the elimination of toxins and waste products. Muscles will be kept in tone; elasticity and flexibility will increase. Tense muscles can be relaxed helping to correct postural problems. Relaxation Massage will relax the body thereby reducing tension and the effects of stress. Massage will also relax the mind thereby reducing anxiety and its effects.
Bones and joints Pressure against the periosteum (a sheath surrounding the bone) stimulates blood circulation. This feeds and nourishes the bone and also the joints of the neighbouring area. Regular massage will maintain and increase the mobility of joints, and certain manipulations can help to prevent adhesions and stiffness in joints thus enabling their full range of movements. Soothing The soothing effects of massage will generally make the client feel better, and generally enhances the 'feel good' factor. Scientific theories for why this works involve the release of endorphins in the brain, but the fact that this does work has been known for many centuries.
Circulatory and Lymphatic systems Massage movements dramatically increase the rate of blood flow which is rich in oxygen and other nutrients vital for growth and repair. Effleurage and kneading accelerate lymphatic circulation which remove toxins, waste products and impurities from the body, which helps the healing process. Insomnia Insomnia, which is the inability to sleep during a period when sleep should normally occur, is thought to be due to a disruption of the body's circadian rhythm. Massage, which relaxes the body and mind, and also helps the body to reach homeostasis can lead to a dramatic improvement in this condition.
Skin Massage stimulates the secretary glands to produce more sebum making the skin softer, more supple and increasing it's resistance to infection. The top layer of skin cells can be rubbed off causing its functions of absorption and protection to be more effective. A general improvement in skin condition will result by allowing effective tissue respiration. Depression and anxiety A number of clinical researches have shown that massage has a positive effect on brain activity in depressed teenagers. More specifically, it has been shown that masage decreases the EEG asymmetry in the brain which is correlated to depression and anxiety. Post natal depression has also been shown to be aided by massage.
Adipose tissue Fatty globules or deposits (adipose tissue) can be mobilised by the application of massage and spread over a larger area, aiding absorption by the lymphatic system. Furthermore, the increased blood circulation caused by massage will also aid the absorption of fat, and the increased metabolism of the tissues will help to burn it up. Stress One of the main benefits of massage is that it helps to balance the effects of stress in our lives and thus relieve the symptoms caused by stress such as tension headaches. It also reduces anxiety levels and restores a calm mind and feeling of well-being. Many companies are now realising the benefits of massage within the work environment.
Nerves Slow rhythmic movements such as effleurage have a soothing effect on nerves which in turn promote relaxation and other psychological benefits. Vigorous movements such as vibrations, frictions and percussions have a stimulating effect making you feel invigorated. Pressure on nerves can also temporarily relieve pain. Self esteem In the long term, regular massage will make your body more efficient, and this in turn will have the psychological effect of improving your body image and self esteem.
Other The long term physiological effects of massage can include a lowering of blood pressure, an increase in blood cell count, relief from insomnia, and a balancing of the digestive system. Increased energy levels Because less energy is spent holding the body in a state of tension and strain (both physical and mental), your general energy levels will be higher. Increased energy will also result from invigorating all of the body systems and reducing fatigue.

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