Massage is far more than an emotionally therapeutic exercise. It also has numerous physical benefits, and can be used to treat all sorts of physical disorders:
DIGESTIVE DISORDERS
Massage can improve the action of the colon, strengthening the muscles of the intestines and the abdomen, and relieving constipation. It helps to get the digestive juices flowing, and helps the system to absorb food after it has been digested.
KIDNEY PROBLEMS
Kidney function can be improved through massage to help eliminate waste products and toxins, and reduce fluid retention.
REPRODUCTIVE PROBLEMS
Back and abdominal massage can help to treat period cramps, irregular periods, PMS and the symptoms of the menopause.
RESPIRATORY DISORDERS
Regular massage increases lung activity, leading to slower, deeper breathing. Certain movements can also help expel mucus from the lungs.
LYMPHATIC PROBLEMS
As the flow of lymph is stimulated, toxins are eliminated more efficiently. Swelling around injuries is also dispersed by this process, preventing adhesions from forming. (Adhesions are caused when the fluid in a swelling is not moved, but becomes sticky and adheres to the surrounding tissues, restricting movement in the affected joint).
CIRCULATORY DISORDERS
Massage eases the pressure on the blood vessels, speeding up the flow of blood through the system. This helps with poor circulation and strengthens the heartbeat. It can therefore help treat cardiac problems, and reduce blood pressure and heart rate.
MUSCULAR PROBLEMS
Massage can be adapted according to need. Movements which relax and stretch the muscles ease cramp and physical tension, and can break down scar tissue and help eliminate toxins. Contracting the muscles through massage improves muscle tone. Stiffness as a result of over-activity can be eased with movements which relax and contract the muscle by turns.
SKELETAL PROBLEMS
Bones are not affected directly by massage but they can benefit indirectly. Improved blood and lymph circulation leads to better nutrition for bones, and massage gives relief to painful joint conditions such as arthritis.
SKIN PROBLEMS
Massage stimulates glades in the skin and improves it's texture, tone and condition
Despite it's many curative properties, massage is generally preferred as a preventative treatment, simply because prevention is better than cure. Regular massage, which has long been the practice in many Eastern countries, can significantly improve overall health as well as emotional wellbeing.
THERAPEUTIC TREATMENT
The simple act of touching another person is hugely therapeutic in itself. We all know that babies need touching and caressing. According to research, most infants choose comforting, physical contact in preference to food, and as we grow older we still need touch to soothe and comfort us. However, we tend to touch each other less as adults, which is one reason why massage is so valuable, as a tool for giving us back the physical contact we need emotionally.
PREGNANCY
During
pregnancy there is little in the way of medicines and drugs that a woman can
take to relieve pain and discomfort. However, massage if used correctly, is
both safe and effective in these cases.
The women's body undergoes such enormous
changes in a very short space of time that all women will experience some discomfort
and pain to a greater or lesser extent. Massage can help relieve pain as well
as keeping the body supple and toned, which will help to reduce 'stretch
marks' from forming.
Benefits of massage during pregnancy
