Benefits of Massage

photo from In Touch Massage NewsletterDo you like getting massages?  I know I do.  In fact one of my good friends relies on a weekly massage to keep her life (and back) in order.  However besides just the fact that getting massaged feels good, were you aware that there were many more benefits than just that?  Here’s some more of my aromatherapy homework detailing the benefits of massage.

There are many benefits to massage both physiological and psychological.  The western approach  to massage focuses on the physical manipulation of muscles.  Massage can help to relax muscles and beyond that research has shown that massage also promotes sleep, relieves pain, reduces high blood pressure, stimulates blood and lymph circulation.  The western approach to massage also focuses on breaking the body down into pieces and focusing on symptoms.

The Eastern approach to massage looks at the mind and body as a whole.  For example Shiatsu is a type of bodywork developed in Japan based on Traditional Oriental medicine.  It comprises stretching, holding and leaning body weight into various part of the client’s body to improve energy flow, blood circulation, flexibility, and posture.  During the treatment pressure is applied to various body parts focused along specific meridians of subtle body energy.

One very important psychological effect of massage is the reduction of stress.  Research has shown that patients who were massaged regularly  had a reduction in symptoms of depression and/or adjustment disorders.   The relationship between the client and aromatherapist can also have healing effects if the client feels they are in a safe environment and that the aromatherapist cares for their wellbeing.  Just the feeling of being touched can be comforting and soothing.   Massage can also prepare the mind for meditation through relaxation.  It is also and a non-verbal  form of communication and preventative holistic therapy.

Part of the reason that massage can have such a profound effect on the mind and soul is because touch is a basic human need.  Research has shown that babies who were not touched after they were born for long periods had a much reduced chance of survival.

Aromatherapy and massage work very well together.  Massage is one of the best ways for essential oils to promote healing.  Essential oils are diluted in vegetable carrier oils and when applied to the skin through massage the oils are absorbed into the skin and into the blood stream when they are carried throughout the body and have positive effects on internal organs.  The other way in which essential oils work is by being inhaled.  In this way the effect of the oils travel straight to the brain.  It is because essential oils are volatile that allows them to do this.

Comments

[James (Massage Chair Guy)]

I agree massage can have a profound effect on a persons well being. There is some fantastic research which has found "Massage significantly reduced the intensity of acute or subacute low-back pain" http://nccam.nih.gov/research/results/spotlight/100110.htm and even "The researchers concluded that massage therapy may provide some immediate relief for patients with advanced cancer" find that here http://nccam.nih.gov/research/results/spotlight/110608.htm

[xlpharmacy]

Whenever I feel body aches and doesn't want to take NSAIDs, I run to my massage therapist. Not only does massage help me with pain management, it improves blood circulation and reduces tension and anxiety.