Massage Benefits

Massage increases the lubrication between muscle fibers and allows the muscle to move optimally. Muscle fibers are designed to work independently of each other, but when they become dehydrated, the fibers adhere to one another causing stiffness and rigidity. Increasing blood circulation in the muscles increases the amount of nutrients coming into muscle cells and fibers, as well as increasing the amount of toxins being flushed out.

Dehydration plays a large part in the aging process. As we age we tend to "dry up". If our body does not get the amount of water it needs it ages more quickly, we age more quickly. When leather is wet it is pliable and has some elasticity. As it dries (dehydrates) it becomes stiffer, less elastic, and begins to shrink. The same happens to us as we dehydrate, our muscles become shriveled, and our skin begins to crack and wrinkle . Drinking lots of water and having regular massage is a great way to get rid of wrinkles.

Muscle dehydration is found around areas of disease, leading us to believe that good circulation could possibly keep one healthy. Anaerobic diseases such as muscular sclerosis and cancer cannot survive in oxygenated environments. Our cells receive their oxygen supply from blood. Proper blood circulation is crucial for optimal health. Life depends on the proper circulation of blood, because it now only carries oxygen, it carries nutrients in and toxins out. Massage increases circulation, which in turn increases the amount of oxygen our cells receive. I

From a psychological point of view, massage creates a sense of being cared for, of being nurtured. Massage helps us become more aware of our bodies and the feelings we value. Human touch connects one person to another and the feelings shared are healing and energizing emotionally. Safe touch is an important part of life. Massage by a responsible professional is a relaxing way to enjoy safe touch.

Looking at massage from an Eastern perspective there is a transfer of energy via the therapist to the client. This energy is called chi and is drawn from the energy that surrounds us, not the energy in us. This means that the therapist is an energy channel, not an energy source. The oriental cultures call this energy Chi (life energy).

A clinical study, at the University of Miami Medical School's Touch Research Institute, shows that mental alertness and accuracy in mathematical calculations increases after receiving a massage. A group was given mathematical problems before and after a series of massages. Accuracy increased 20% after they received a massage. The same study documented increased beta wave activity, indicating a higher state of relaxation after massage. It was noted that the high beta state lasted for longer and longer periods of time after each massage in a series of massages.