Massage 

Finally, Something That Feels Good Is Good For You !

By Steph Moore

Ahhh…watch what happens when people hear the word “massage.” They sigh deeply, rub their necks, stretch their arms with a wistful sigh. And who can blame them, since for most getting a massage is an indulgent, stress-relieving slice of heaven that’s rejuvenating for both body and soul. But what not everyone realizes is that the benefits of massage are significant beyond just making our sore shoulders feel better after a long week stuck behind the keyboard or after a tough aerobics class:

Benefits of Massage:

• Reducing muscular tension & associated discomfort
• Improving the flow of energy throughout the body
• Relieving muscle aches and stiffness
• Improving quality of sleep
• Relaxing tight muscles
• Relieving chronic headaches
• Enhancing overall mental and physical relaxation
• Enhancing digestion
• Reducing anxiety
• Increasing feelings of well-being and calm
• Enhancing flexibility and tissue elasticity
• Increasing range of motion in joints
• Speeding recovery from injury or overuse
• Promoting healthy skin
• Improving circulation
• Improving immune system
• The variety of massage therapy techniques practiced around the world is extensive.

Here is just a partial list of the options:

• Craniosacral Therapy
• Deep Tissue Massage
• Esalen Massage
• Erotic massage
• Shiatsu
• Swedish massage
• Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy
• Aromatherapy Massage
• Neuromuscular therapy
• Jin Shin Do
• Hakomi
• Trager Psychophysical Integration
• Myofascial
• Trigger point and Myotherapy
• Polarity therapy
• Hot Stone Massage
• On-site or chair massage
• Reiki. 
• Manual Lymphatic Drainage
• Rolfing
• Sports Massage
• Watsu
• Thai

Check out massagenetwork.com/massage_therapy.html, www.thebodyworker.com/typesofmassage.html, and www.holisticonline.com/massage/mas_types.htm for more detailed information about these as well as additional kinds of massage therapies, then call your local massage therapist’s office to schedule a meeting to discuss the type of approach that is right for your situation/needs/goals.

So there’s no reason ever to feel guilty about treating yourself to a massage ~ it might seem decadent, but it’s also very healthy!