News
How Massage Therapy can help you |
Massage therapy has many benefits to the mind, body and spirit. We live in a society where we are rarely touched in a nurturing and healing way, yet massage therapy is so important to one’s health and wellbeing. Studies have been conducted for well over 100 years on the benefits of massage therapy. Research has shown that massage increases circulation of blood and lymph fluids, relaxes nervous system, relieves muscle spasm and tension, increases joint flexibility and range of motion, reduces blood pressure, nourishes the skin, speeds recovery from physical exercise, strengthens the immune system, increases the excretion of fluids and waste products, improves digestion, provides nutrition for muscles, tissues, and joints, increases energy flow, increases the capacity for clear thinking, reduces anxiety, and eases arthritis pain.
Researchers found that the babies that were massaged showed significant improvements over the control group. At the end of the 10-day study period the babies who received massage averaged 28% greater weight gain per day even though both the dietary volume and calorific intakes were the same in both groups. The babies in the massage group also showed significantly fewer post-natal complications and stress behaviors than the control group, and they also demonstrated better motor skills. In addition, massage helps the body release endorphins and oxytocins which assist with pain relief during times of teething and mood enhancement. Properly applied abdominal massage has a positive effect for babies with colic by aiding in the elimination of gas. Tapotement, a massage technique which helps to break up phlegm and mucus during times of congestion is an age old remedy.
Massage therapy can also help reduce stress and anxiety and lower stress hormones, such as cortisol in people with PTSD. Massage can also be beneficial during pregnancy giving relief to common back, hip and joint pain. Massage therapy helps decrease headaches, sleep disturbances and increased serotonin levels in adults with migraine headaches. Above all, massage helps build connection and feelings of safety in a technology driven world that creates distance between people. There are too many benefits and research on the subject to mention in this one article. Call a licensed massage therapist today to experience the benefits for yourself. There are many types of massage therapy out there and many levels of experienced massage therapists so ask questions and express your concerns. A good massage therapist is a good listener and knows their scope of practice.
For more information on how you can benefit from massage therapy, contact Barbara Loomis, a licensed massage therapist in Portland, Oregon at 503-341-0663.