Message therapy is the technique of relieving muscle or skeletal pain by physically rubbing the affected area with the hands of trained professionals. The technique is beneficial because it relieves the patient of pain.

 

Massage is a wonderful antidote to stress and a powerful way to relax. It allows you to switch off that nagging voice inside your head, to unwind from the overwork, rush and worries that compound, encourages you to breathe deeply and slowly and eases out the tension found in tight muscles. Through the act of relaxation we stimulate a part of the brain (the parasympathetic nervous system) that slows down the heart rate, the rate of breathing, lowers blood pressure and stimulates digestion and immunity.

Massage can literally soothe our nerves and produce a feeling of well being.

The action of rubbing the skin creates changes in the body and the hormone endorphin is also released. This is the body's natural pain killer which also creates a sense of well being.

It improves circulation by assisting the flow of blood from the limbs back to the heart and increases the flow of fresh blood, which carries nutrients and oxygen to organs and muscles.

The first action of massage on muscles is to encourage them to relax and lengthen; (imagine a wound up elastic band being unravelled), relieving tightness, tension and toxins.

The second action is to encourage fresh blood into the congested area, bringing fresh nutrients and oxygen to the fatigued muscle, and assisting with the removal of the toxic waste product produced by muscle action called lactic acid.

Massage will assist the flow of the straw coloured fluid that circulates our body known as lymph. The lymphatic system is instrumental in fighting infection and developing immunity.

Often after a number of massages people find that they are more aware of their bodies and in turn more able to relax. When 80 percent of visits to GP’s [doctors] are stress related, massage has an important role to play in the nations health.