Flexible, Relaxed, and Refreshed
Clinical research has shown massage therapy to have myriad positive effects on the body. These effects boil down to three key benefits: increased circulation decreased stress hormones, and decreased fibrosis. (Fibrosis is when muscle fibers become stuck together.)
Circulation
— Massage increases circulation to constricted areas. This is crucial to eliminating injuries and helping to prevent future ones.
— Massage increases the flow of blood to the heart, which is sort of equivalent to getting cardiovascular exercise and a nap at the same time.
— Increased blood flow hastens oxygen uptake, making you stronger and more refreshed. It also pushes metabolic waste out faster, reducing toxicity.
Muscle
— Massage increases range of motion by relaxing hardened nodules called trigger points.
— Massage reduces unhealthy muscle tone, enhancing muscle rest and repair.
— Massage reduces fibrosis and adhesion, eliminating legacy of past injury including pain, stiffness, and reduced function.
Immunity
— Massage reduces stress hormone levels in the body, jump-starting the cellular repair process.
Psychological
— Massage increases the presence of the body’s natural pain killers, serotonin and endorphin, while decreasing the levels of cortisol and adrenalin. In our highly “stressed-out” society, putting cortisol and adrenalin to rest has huge benefits: it reduces burnout and improves sleep and concentration. Higher levels of pain- and stress-relieving hormones also makes us feel happier while decreasing pain and discomfort.