Massage therapy is a natural treatment which can provide physical benefits to an individual based on the hands - on manipulation of connective, superficial and deep muscle tissue, otherwise referred to as fascia. With ‘listening touch’ a therapist uses a variety of techniques by applying fixed or movable pressure, holding, and/or causing movement to the fascia. These techniques can affect our muscular, skeletal, circulatory, lymphatic and nervous systems, promoting the release of muscle tension, painful trigger points, chronic pain, and can help repair sprains and strains.
By receiving ‘touch’, a physical hands-on massage can also release oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine, our happy hormones. These hormones provide mental health benefits such as relaxation and easing of anxiety and depression, whilst lowering levels of our stress hormone cortisol.
So whilst Massage still tends to be thought of either as a luxury activity to pamper yourself or as something sport-specific, it’s now starting to be seen as a valuable element in health care, because it has been shown not only to decrease pain and tightness in muscles, but also to help relieve symptoms of anxiety, stress, and sleeping disorders.
Massage is for anyone who wants to reach a state of physical and mental well-being that promotes their personal optimal performance and/or everyday functioning.
Professional, elite, and weekend athletes, desk/office bound corporate individuals, persons with a physically/mentally demanding job. The list is infinite.
Massage is increasingly being used for relaxation in certain pathologies such as cancer, and multiple sclerosis.