The Benefits of Massage
Massage has been practiced by humans for as long as we have had hearts and hands to transmit touch, caring, nurturing, and healing. It is instinctual, and we are designed to give and receive this kind of touch to stay healthy. In “Hands on Research: The Science of Touch”, an article by Dacher Keltner, the author tells us:
There are studies showing that touch signals safety and trust, it soothes. Basic warm touch calms cardiovascular stress. It activates the body’s vagus nerve, which is intimately involved with our compassionate response, and a simple touch can trigger release of oxytocin, aka “the love hormone.”
Touch heals. Focused, intentional, mindful touch is the most effective and simplest form of healing and prevention of illness there is. This has always been true, and in our age of highly sophisticated medical technology and scientific knowledge and advancements, this simple, no-tech offering is still the most effective way to stay healthy and to encourage healing when illness or imbalance does arise.
Many cultures on the planet have highly developed forms of massage, which are integrated into holistic health philosophies and used widely by professionals as well as in families and communities. Westerners are finally catching on. In the last 10+ years, the popularity of massage in the US has grown very rapidly. Due to the clearly proven efficacy of massage in the treatment of many modern day health concerns, scientists are now taking massage, as well as other forms of touch very seriously, and many recent studies have been done which continue to provide support for the effectiveness of massage in healing and wellness. Professional associations have experienced rapid growth as massage as a respected professional endeavor is more widely recognized by the mainstream population.
Regular massage is a gift of self care that can be deeply supportive to one’s health and well being. Arcata Healing Arts Center offers many massage modalities to the community, and invites everyone to explore the endless benefits of massage for themselves.
Proven Health Benefits of Massage:
Relieves stress and anxiety
Encourages relaxation
Improves posture
Increases circulation
Lowers blood pressure
Relaxes muscles
Improves flexibility and range of motion
Promotes deeper, easier breathing
Strengthens immune system
Supports post-op recovery
Improves healing after injury
Increases overall vitality
Facilitates easier pregnancy and childbirth
Supports fertility
Enhances physical and mental well-being
Feels good!
Supports feelings of contentment and happiness
Increases feeling of connection with self and others
Supports sense of peace and self-awareness
Increases focus and concentration
Increases sense of trust
Relieves depression
Supports healing for ADHD and PTSD
Increases levels of feel good hormones in bloodstream and brain
Assists with integration of body, mind, and emotions
Sources:
https://www.amtamassage.org
http://www.massageadvantage.com
http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/hands_on_research
http://www.nwtherapeuticmassage.com/emotional-benefits-of-massage-therapy/
http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/massage-therapy-mental-health-0401135
Keywords: swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, medical massage, shiatsu, trigger point massage therapy, ayurvedic massage, myofascial release massage, health benefits of massage, Arcata massage
