The Benefits of Massage Therapy:

Improved Blood Circulation Removal of Toxins/Waste from Muscles Greater Muscle Definition Injury Prevention/Recovery Lowered Blood Pressure Reduction of Joint Stiffness Experience of Nurturing Touch Enhanced Mental Concentration Relief of Tension Headaches Overall Feeling of Well Being	Tension Relief Weight Loss Assistance Improved Digestion Pain Reduction Relaxation Increased Flexibility Sinus Pressure Relief Increased Energy Increased Lymph Circulation Aids More Restful Sleep

Massage was one of the earliest remedial practices for relief of pain and for restoration of proper and healthy body function. It is a natural and instinctive method for relief of aches and pains, fatigue and nervous tension.

The effects of massage differ from one client to another depending on the needs of the individual and the results to be achieved. Identical massage to two different people will get two different results. In addition to physical effects, a client is affected mentally and emotionally. Many healthy people believe that frequent massage maintains physical, mental and emotional fitness. They enjoy the pleasant, refreshing and invigorating feeling derived from a good massage.

Physiologically, a person's activity is divided into two modes: the active mode and the passive(resting) mode. In the active mode strong demands are placed on the body's systems and a great deal of energy is expanded. Both mental and physical activity may be accelerated. "Wear and tear" and aging take place at this point. During the passive(resting) mode, the body is able to convert energy into rejuvenating and restoring the body.

If a person feels sluggish and nonproductive, massage will induce relaxation and impart a renewed sense of well-being. Basically, this is due to the increase of nutrients (via the blood stream) to the system and the release and flushing out of cellular waste.

Massage can have positive effects on the range of motion of limbs that have limitation due to tissue injury, inflammation or muscle strain. The client may have discomfort or pain and limited the use of a limb or stopped using it altogether. That limb will need to be taken through the range of motion passively and carefully and the range of motion increased gradually.

Passive movement is the method by which joints are massaged with no resistance or assisted by client's muscular activity. Passive massage benefits the circulation blood and lymph, nourishes the skin and relaxes the nerves. Active movement is the method by which voluntary muscles are contracted by the client. Active exercise, such as participating in sports or specific exercise regimen, helps to firm muscles, improve circulation and aids in function of all internal organs.

There are indications that massage is beneficial in numerous conditions. However, in the case of disease or injury, a client's physician should always be consulted before massage treatments are given. Massage has been credited with being of great benefit in assisting patients recover from various injuries or or illnesses. Many times, physicians recommend therapeutic massage for both its physical and psychological benefits.

Therapeutic massage has both stimulating and sedative effects. It encourages the nutition and development of the muscular system by way of stimulation of its circulation, nerve supply and cell activity. Regular and systematic massage causes the muscles to become firmer and more elastic while muscles too weak to be used voluntarily can be strengthened.

Blood supply is proportionate to muscle activity. It is estimated that blood passes 3 times more rapidly through muscles being massaged. Kneading movements (petrissage) create pumping action which forces venous blood and lymph onward and brings a fresh blood supply to muscles.

Massage prevents and relieves stiffness and soreness of muscles. Fatigued muscles will be more quickly restored by massage than by passive rest of the same duration. Massage also aids in the removal of metabolic waste and helps to nourish the tissues.

Facial massage helps to tone the muscles of the face and assists in the prevention of lines and wrinkles. The immediate effects of massage are first noticeable on the skin. Heightened blood circulation to the skin and increased activity of the sweat (sudorferous) and oil (sebaceous) glands cause a slight reddening (blushing) and warming of the skin. Nutrition of the skin is improved and a healthy radiance is imparted. The skin tends to become more supple and of finer texture.

The physiological effects of massage are not limited to the skin. The body as a whole benefits from the stimulation of muscular, glandular and vascular activities. Most organs of the body and all of the body systems are positively affected.