Massage is one of the oldest forms of remedial therapy, and it has been practiced for thousands of years.

It is quite amazing when you discover that ancient Chinese medical texts written more than 5,000 years ago make reference to massage. It’s a physical therapy that relaxes, strengthens and stimulates the soft tissues of the body, making use of a variety of hands-on techniques.

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Increasing Responsibilities and Demands

The 21^st century isn’t proving to be easy on most of us. We’re annoyed, tense, agitated, miserable and tired. We’ve got increasing demands and responsibilities. Week in and week out our jobs and life’s pressures are taking their toll, and many people are being treated for stress and depression.

They’re prescribed anti-anxiety drugs which help to relieve symptoms somewhat, altering the balance of certain chemicals in the brain, and sometimes coming with some nasty side effects. These can be dry mouth, decreased sexual desire, constipation, weight gain, headaches, and drowsiness. Many people then switch to another drug, and the vicious circle continues.

1. Excess Stress Compromises the Immune System: One of the first and most advantageous benefits of massage therapy is that it enhances the immune system. We need a strong immune system to fight stress. A healthy immune system is only minimally affected by stressors, but a weakened immune system can be toppled by even small stressors.Something like the death of a loved one can bring everything crashing down. You feel as though you’re going to crack, you’ve got a drooped head, facial tension lines and you don’t have reserves of energy for coping. Depression sets in.The good news is that this needn’t be your lot. There are natural, effective ways to manage stressful situations - Massage is one of them.

2. Lymphatic Drainage: Massage helps to relax both the mind and the body, increasing vitality, easing stiff joints, promoting circulation and stimulating lymphatic drainage. Lymphatic drainage is a massage treatment which stimulates the circulation of lymph fluid in the body. It removes wastes and toxins from a sluggish lymphatic system, improving your metabolic rate, your circulation system, and your immunity.Some of the conditions that can benefit from lymphatic drainage massage include swollen legs due to fluid retention, breast tenderness, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia among others.

3. Emotional Well-being: Our muscles store both physical strain and emotional tension, and massage improves both physical and emotional well-being. We don’t only store emotions of happiness but also stress and fear, and this shows up as aches and pains.When you receive a massage, physical tension is released as you let go of stress. You could even be holding the memory of some trauma or stress, which during a massage, can be released. Emotional release is a natural part of a massage, and hugely beneficial. You feel rejuvenated, balanced and carefree from healing touch.

4. Eases Muscle Pain: Back pain is a misery, and the increased use of computers in the workplace means we’re spending our working days in a sedentary position, dealing with postural stress. Massage can counteract the imbalance caused by this sitting. It is excellent for improving circulation and relieving neck, shoulder and back pain.Two muscles, the quadratus lumborum, and the gluteus medius are responsible for causing low back pain, and a massage therapist can spend an hour on these muscles to bring relief from pain and also avoid you getting a variety of potential physical problems from a sedentary lifestyle.

5. Improved Sleep: Sleep is important for providing restoration, both physically and mentally. Being sleep deprived can have a negative impact on just about every aspect of your life. Financial problems, a terminal disease or a rocky relationship may be keeping you awake at night, tossing and turning.Instead of counting sheep, regular massage sessions can decrease anxiety levels. Massage releases serotonin, a neurotransmitter that brings about calmness.

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Massage – of Value for ALL Ages

The beauty of massage in Vernon is that it can be of value to all ages, and even animals can benefit. When life is giving you a hard time and it’s taking its toll on your physical, mental and emotional well-being, massage can do wonders with restoring your balance, energy, peace, and happiness.