Benefits Of Massage

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Massage is an ancient method of healing. Every person on this planet is hard-wired to perform massage. Massage is in our genes. A mother whose baby is crying will pat or rub his back. A person will give their friend’s shoulder a squeeze to release anxiety before a big speech. You may have rubbed your own sore muscles to increase the blood flow and alleviate pain. Anytime you take your hands and place them on your body, or someone else’s, with the intent to calm, relax, soothe, or comfort - you are performing massage. Massage Therapy is the practice of learning, understanding, and honing this basic, instinctual form of healing. Throughout history, the practice of massage has taken on many various forms - but they all have the same basic intention ... to heal the body and soothe the mind.

Everyone has heard of the “Wire Monkey” experiments of the 1950’s. Researchers took two groups of infant monkeys and put them in two separate cages. One cage had a realistic mother surrogate - the other cage had a wire monkey which could mimic all of the vital functions of a real mother. It provided warmth, food, and protection. Yet, almost all of the monkeys with the wire mother either got sick or were permanently damaged!
(See experiments by Harry Harlow)

These experiments show that we need more than basic elements to stay alive and thrive. Human touch is one of the most powerful and natural forms of healing that we know of - and not solely for sore muscles! Receiving massage on a regular basis can help improve almost every aspect of your life. You’ll have less stress, better posture, less anxiety, lower blood pressure ... the list goes on and on. By receiving massage from an educated massage therapist, you are giving your body one of its most basic needs for survival. And the best part ... it feels wonderful!

While you are receive massage, your body is able to access the same repairing and regenerative systems you access while asleep. Normally your body can only access these natural healing and repairing functions while you are in a deep slumber (which hardly anyone has time for anymore). By receiving massage on a regular basis, you are programming your body to access these abilities while you go through your conscious everyday activities.

A practiced therapist can also help alleviate muscle guarding after an auto or sports accident. He or she may help trigger emotional releases or reset muscle memory to injured or traumatized muscles. After surgery, a massage therapist can help in the break up of scar tissue and restore range of motion to the affected joints. There are even studies that suggest massage can be beneficial in children with Autism! With all the different modalities available, there’s bound to be one that fits your specific needs.

There is a type of massage for everyone (see a list here). However, finding a massage therapist is more then just finding someone with a good technique. You must also find a therapists who’s healing energy matches your own and who’s style is compatible with your body. You might find the most nurturing and soothing therapist in the world - but, if your body needs more pressure then they can provide, you won’t be getting the full benefit of massage. The same thing applies the other around. You might find a therapist who can definitely supply enough pressure - but your sessions aren’t relaxing or calming ... just painful! Finding a balance can take time, but is well worth the effort.

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