Prevention is Preferable To a Cure

Tired, sore and stressed out?

Most people would agree a massage makes them feel good. But many probably don't realise exactly how good a regular massage is for their overall health. How about if they knew massage could improve performance, aid recovery, prevent and eliminate injuries, reduce stress and even enhance metabolism and circulation!

With so many alternative health treatments available it's little wonder people get confused about where to go when they're not feeling the best. But, while new health therapies continue to emerge, think about this the Chinese began using massage to heal the human body as long ago as 5,000BC and it's still being used today. Now there has to be something to be said for that.

Massage Therapy for Health and Fitness

It may simply look like a lot of pressing and kneading on skin, but massage is actually a scientific process. The reason you feel different after a massage is because it is healing and invigorating tired, aching or injured muscles. Massage increases blood land lymph circulation. Lymph is a fluid that rids body tissues of waste, is dependent on the squeezing effect of muscles. An active person has better lymph flow than an inactive person. However, stimulation from vigorous activity can lead to increased waste, which can negate the benefit. This is where massage has a huge advantage. Massage can dramatically aid lymph movement, which together with blood, supplies nutrients and oxygen and rids wastes and toxins. It is easy to understand why good circulation is so important to our health and why massage can be so beneficial just for this purpose.

But Massage has so many other benefits:

• Increase the blood's oxygen capacity by 10-15%
• Help loosen contracted, shortened muscles and stimulate weak, flaccid muscles. This muscle "balancing" can even help posture and promote more efficient movement;
• Speed recovery from exercise-induced fatigue;
• Increase production of gastric juices, saliva and urine;
• Increase excretion of nitrogen, inorganic phosphorus, and sodium chloride (salt). This suggests that the metabolic rate increases;
• Balance the nervous system by soothing or stimulating it, depending on which effect is needed;
• Improves function of the oil and sweat glands that lubricate, clean and cool the skin. Though, inflexible skin can become softer and more supple;
• Indirectly or directly stimulating nerves the supply internal organs can dilate the organs' blood vessels, improving blood supply.
• Getting a massage can do you a world of good. And getting a massage frequently can do even more. This is the beauty of bodywork. Taking part in this form of regularly scheduled self-care can play a huge part in how healthy you'll be and how youthful you'll remain with each passing year. Budgeting time and money for bodywork at consistent intervals is truly an investment in your health. And remember: just because massage feels like a pampering treat doesn't mean it is any less therapeutic. Consider massage appointments a necessary piece of your health and wellness plan, and work with your therapist to establish a treatment schedule