What Are the Benefits of Massage and
Bodywork?
Massage and bodywork can help release chronic muscular tension and pain,
improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical
fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve
posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage and bodywork is also known to
promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an
overall sense of well-being. Click here for more
details on the benefits of massage.
Are There Any Medical Conditions That Would
Make Massage or Bodywork Inadvisable?
Yes. That's why it's imperative that, before you begin your session, the
practitioner asks general health questions. It is very important that you
inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking.
If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you receive a
written recommendation for massage or bodywork prior to any session. Your
practitioner may require a recommendation or approval from your doctor.
What Will the Massage or Bodywork Feel
Like?
It depends on the techniques used. In a general Swedish massage, your session
may start with broad, flowing strokes that will help calm your nervous system
and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will
gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular
tension. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that
another approach may be taken. Massage and bodywork are most effective when
your body is not resisting.
What Should I Do During the Massage or
Bodywork Session?
Make yourself comfortable. The practitioner will either gently move you or tell
you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). Many
people just close their eyes and completely relax. Others like to talk during
their session. Feel free to ask the practitioner questions about massage and
bodywork in general or about the particular technique you are receiving.
How Will I Feel After the Massage or
Bodywork Session?
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and
pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of
feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened
awareness, and greater productivity, which can last for days. Since toxins are
released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink
plenty of water following your massage.
Why Massage During Pregnancy?
Massage
during pregnancy not only makes a woman feel pampered, but offers undeniable
physical benefits as well. Massage can relieve fatigue, enhance sleep, and calm
an active baby.
•
Relieve headaches
• Help
alleviate morning sickness
• Reduce
fatigue
•
Alleviate backaches
•
Relieve leg cramps
• Reduce
swelling/ edema
•
Relieve pain from varicosities
•
Enhance sleep
•
Prepare pelvic muscles for birth process
During
the entire term of the pregnancy, massage can stimulate blood flow, which may
assist in the prevention of anemia. An increase in muscle tone and flexibility
will occur, alleviating leg cramps and muscle spasms. Massage during pregnancy
is also a great way to relieve everyday tension and the general aches and pains
your body is suffering. It stimulates your lymphatic system, increasing
immunity and the removal of excess toxins, while also stabilizing hormonal
levels and balancing the glandular system.