Most people would agree that a relaxation massage makes you feel great and oh so wonderfully relaxed afterwards.  Many would also agree that after a deeper more “remedial” style massage leaves you feeling great afterwards with painful spots having been alleviated, even though it may feel a bit intense and painful at the time.

However, this is not all that massage can do for you, and many people do not realise the benefits a regular massage can actually do for you.

Massage therapy can actually help improve performance (physically and mentally), it  also helps to relieve stress, tension, sore muscles and general aches and pains.  It helps enhance your body’s immunity system by stimulating the lymph flow, which is your body’s natural defence system.  Massage also helps to promote tissue regeneration and helps to pump oxygen and nutrients into the tissues and vital organs, improving general circulation.

For those who still feel a bit doubtful about the amazing benefits of massage, just think about this: The Chinese began using massage to heal the body as long ago as 5000 BC and it is still being used today.  Now there has to be something in that!

Benefits of Massage

Although a single Massage Therapy session is very enjoyable and you will notice some immediate relief, having several sessions will bring the most benefit.  Through these sessions a therapist will aim to work on:

• Decreasing anxiety
• Enhancing sleep patterns
• Improving energy levels
• Increasing fatigue and boosting your immune system and circulation.
• Increase the blood's oxygen capacity by 10-15%
• Help loosen contracted, shortened muscles and stimulate weak, flaccid muscles. This muscle "balancing" can even help posture and promote more efficient movement;
• Speed recovery from exercise-induced fatigue;

• Increase production of gastric juices, saliva and urine;
• Increase excretion of nitrogen, inorganic phosphorus, and sodium chloride (salt). This suggests that the metabolic rate increases;
• Balance the nervous system by soothing or stimulating it, depending on which effect is needed;
• Improves function of the oil and sweat glands that lubricate, clean and cool the skin. (Inflexible skin can become softer and more supple)
• Indirectly or directly stimulating nerves the supply internal organs can dilate the organs' blood vessels, improving blood supply.

Massage and Sport

Many people believe aches and pains are an inevitable consequence to sport. But massage can actually reduce or eliminate what may appear to be exercise-induced pain.

It can increase endurance, control fatigue and help people feel better when used as part of a regular health program. Massage can also speed muscle recovery rates as it eliminates irritation from waste.

By helping reduce fatigue and aid recovery, massage enables more productive training, with longer, more effective workouts. The ultimate spin-offs are better performance with fewer injuries.

Exercise changes the way our muscles work. Blood vessels become more intricate as the body demands more oxygen and nutrients and increases waste elimination. This takes time. While the muscles are getting into shape, they can struggle to get enough oxygen and nutrients, so waste collects.

Massage and Stress

Everybody experiences some form of stress through work, family, the environment and society. Mental tensions, frustrations, and insecurity cause the most damage. Hormones released by stress actually shrink the vessels, inhibiting circulation.

A stressed mind and body means the heart works harder. Breathing becomes rapid and shallow and even your digestive system is affected as your digestion slows.

Nearly every body process is negatively affected. Studies show stress can cause migraines, hypertension (high blood pressure), depression, ulcers, acne and other skin conditions and numerous other conditions. In fact, researchers have estimated 80% of disease is stress related.

Soothing and relaxing massage therapy can counteract the effects of stress.

What Injuries and conditions can Massage Treat?

• Headaches & migraines
• Frozen shoulder
• Sore shoulder and neck
• Back pain & sciatica
• Tennis and golfers elbow
• Sprains, strains and tears
• Over-use injuries
• Shin splints
• Stress related conditions
• Oedema or fluid retention

Types of Massage

There are many styles and different types of massage available and by talking to your massage therapist you can determine the correct style of massage you need at any given point in time.

Some of the basic styles include:

Relaxation - based on a Swedish massage of gentle flowing strokes, this massage is designed to help you to relax and feel blissed out!

Remedial - no pain, no gain.  With trigger point release, fascial release, stretching and variations of pressure applied to the body, this massage will alleviate painful spots and work on new and old injuries.

Lymphatic - a special massage that is oil free, this gentle style will pump your body in a specific sequence to help your body rid itself of toxins and fluid build up.  Especially good for those that have been sick, are on a diet or detoxification program, are trying to loose weight, or have been a little naughty and over-indulged with food or drink at a celebration.

Massage will lead to an improved quality and enjoyment of life. A true investment for your health, both physically and emotionally and I strongly encourage you to make it a continual part of your lifestyle.

Daylight Organic Spa has many different styles of massage available, including relaxation, remedial, lymphatic, heavenly poultice and cupping massage, in addition to a wide variety of beauty services and holistic healing services. For more information, please call 03 9572 5645 or visit our website at: www.daylightorganicspa.com.au

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