The Oak Tree

* Photograph by Susan M. Costa-Anderson


Completely immerse yourself into a state of wellbeing

The Benefits Of Massage

Massage and massage related therapies are
known to provide a variety of benefits from
stress reduction, to increased relaxation, or even pain management.
Below is a detailed list of these benefits courtesy of http://www.
massagetherapy.com/learnmore/benefits.php

Massage can:

Alleviate low-back pain and improve range

Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and
shorten maternity hospital stays.

Ease medication dependence.

Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s
natural defense system.

Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.

Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from,
strenuous workouts.

Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin.

Increase joint flexibility.

Lessen depression and anxiety.

Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch
marks.

Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs,
improving circulation.

Reduce post-surgery adhesions and swelling.

Reduce spasms and cramping.

Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.

Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s
natural painkiller.

Relieve migraine pain.

Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress
related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally,
than high stress. While eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether in
this fast-paced world may be idealistic, massage can, without a doubt,
help manage stress.

This translates into:

Decreased anxiety.

Enhanced sleep quality.

Greater energy.

Improved concentration.

Increased circulation.

Reduced fatigue.

Furthermore, clients often report a sense of perspective and clarity after
receiving a massage. The emotional balance bodywork provides can
often be just as vital and valuable as the more tangible physical benefits.

Profound Effects

In response to massage, specific physiological and chemical changes
cascade throughout the body, with profound effects. Research shows
that with massage:

Arthritis sufferers note fewer aches and less stiffness and pain.

Asthmatic children show better pulmonary function and
increased peak air flow.

Burn injury patients report reduced pain, itching, and anxiety.

High blood pressure patients demonstrate lower diastolic blood
pressure, anxiety, and stress hormones.

Premenstrual syndrome sufferers have decreased water retention
and cramping.

Pre-term infants have improved weight gain.

Increase the Benefits with Frequent Visits

Getting a massage can do you a world of good. And getting 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
practitioner to establish a treatment schedule that best meets your
needs.