Knead to Relax? The Physical and Emotional Benefits of Massage
When most of us think of spa days we almost immediately conjure up the image of lying on a warm table, as soft music and gentle aromas fill the air and an extremely talented therapist relaxes us into rejuvenation with a firm and well-executed massage. When we actually experience this spa go-to, whether enjoying 10 minutes, 30 minutes or a full-body two-hour massage, we usually find ourselves leaving feeling like an entirely new person. Ever wonder why just one session of massage therapy has the capability to leave us feeling brand new? Thanks to the powers of the human touch, the benefits of this ancient practice are innumerable.
The Chinese have used massage since 1600 BC, and the technique has been mentioned in ancient records from the Arabic, Egyptian, Greek, Japanese, Greek and Roman nations as well. One of the most recent of several studies published on the actual benefits of massage therapy was printed in the Science Translational Medicine journal, which found that short 10-minute sports massage can reduce inflammation after working out. As we’ve written before, the benefits of sports massage, which is a variation and combination of the more common Swedish and deep tissue massage modalities, are improved fitness endurance and performance, increased flexibility and recovery time and injury prevention. However, sports massage isn’t the only modality that reaps benefits post massage.
According to The Mayo Clinic, massage has been shown to help with:
• Stress Relief
• Managing Anxiety and Depression
• Alleviating Pain and Stiffness
• Controlling Blood Pressure
• Infant Growth
• Sports-Related Injuries
• Boosting Immunity
• Cancer Treatment
There are as many as 80 different massage modalities and techniques, and the most common link between all of them is the human touch. Throughout the years research has shown the profound benefits from something as simple as this platonic skin-to-skin interaction. We crave being touched as newborns; in fact, premature infants are known to thrive from this simple gesture. My favorite story is of Brielle and Kyrie Jackson, twins born 12 weeks before their due date in Worcester, Massachusetts, and immediately placed in separate incubators. Brielle, weighing only two pounds, was struggling with breathing and had heart rate difficulties, while Kylie, two pounds, three ounces, was considered the stronger of the two. After less than a month Brielle became increasingly stressed, and the nurse thought to co-bed the infants. Brielle instantly calmed down upon the twins being placed together in one incubator. Her breathing was regulated to that of her sister’s , her blood-oxygen levels improved, and it seemed that the power of Kylie’s “Rescuing Hug” as it was dubbed, had been enough to save Brielle.
From Ayurvedic to Thai, the emotional and physical benefits of massage have the ability to pay us back tenfold. It is now becoming commonplace for doctors to write prescriptions for monthly massage for their patients in order to alleviate back pain and help with anxiety. This is all yet another example of the Spa Evidence trend, part of SpaFinder’s 2012 Spa Trend Report. “In 2012, more hospitals than ever before will incorporate – and more doctors will prescribe – spa and wellness approaches, not only because more new research shows that mind-body treatments can be especially effective for chronic pain, heart disease, sleep disorders and depression/anxiety, etc., but because the sheer global costs of not focusing on prevention have passed the tipping point,” the report says.
Wow, touch is powerful indeed. I saw this video recently which almost made me cry: http://video.today.msnbc.msn.com/today/38989084
This is just one of MANY things I miss about invilg on the East coast. The great Buckeye state where I live doesn’t have spa week!
Maybe if I’m in the DMV, I can go w/ you! I need a hot stone massage like NOW! lol
Making time for taking care of myself is so important. My physical health is maintained through a health lifestyle. Spa treatments help to relax me and release toxins from my body. At Le Petite Retreat day spa near Paramount Studios in Los Angeles I am able to get a reasonably priced massage in a intimate setting. It is not like the large spas where the relaxation is hard to find through the hussle and bussle of too many clients. When I am there at the spa, I feel like their only client that day! I love taking care of my body and Le Petite Retreat day spa near Paramount Studios is able to help me to do that.
From the right practitioner, touch is critical in reducing stress and healing. When I am stressed out, it shows up as neck and shoulder pain, including breakouts, dryness or itchy skin. I enjoy soothing facials that include hydration, and a facial massage, along with the back of my neck and shoulders. I had a fantastic facial treat at About Face by Nancy at Wesfield Century City. Along with anti-aging antioxidants to prevent free radicials, the skincare serums are a miracle. I love the Exlinea product, it’s like botox in a bottle. Everytime I use it, people comment on how smooth my skin is. I was quite pleased to to find About Face by Nancy at Wesfield Century City, where I relax and look better at the same time.
Escape the winter and spring into the new you at Le Petite Retreat Day Spa near Paramount Studios in LA. Best spa treatments at great prices. I always seem to happen upon a Spa Special there!