Massage: Health and Healing Benefits

Massage is known to be among one the very oldest health treatments. Its benefits are numerous, so I'll just list a few: relief from chronic muscular tension and pain, improved digestion, circulation, and joint flexibility; reduced blood pressure, mental, physical fatigue and stress. And let's not forget what I see as the most important benefit of all: an overall increased sense of well-being.

States of deep relaxation often experienced during and after a massage are rejuvinating on many levels. Often my clients report that these unique states of "healing sleep" are quite remarkable. It is not regular sleep, nor just meditative contemplation; better described as a type of out-of-body, yet fully in-your-body altered state. I like to refer to it as  "magic time." The massage experience is always different. Unique to the moment.

Having a massage, this downtime from everyday stress and worries, can enhance one’s ability to enjoy life and experience greater energy, joy and vitality. Receiving massage on a regular basis can truly contribute to an overall plan for maintaining good health, mobility and longevity.

While massage is amazingly beneficial for most people, there are a few conditions and special situations for which massage is contraindicated. Whenever you receive a massage, please let your practitioner know about any medications you are taking, injuries or health concerns before your massage. When in doubt ask your primary care physician if massage is recommended for your particular condition.