Guest Writer: Author and Blog Talk Radio Host Barbara Howard
BENEFITS OF MASSAGE
We all know a massage feels good and can make us more relaxed, but there are also many, many health benefits that come with a massage.
Therapeutic effects include:
• Stimulating blood and lymph circulation
• Loosening muscular tension
• Toning and firming muscles
When fibers stop sliding over each other easily, it's most likely the cause of people not getting enough exercise, too much exercise, or physical or mental tension. These factors cause the drop of any increase in muscle tone
The waste products from muscular activity, like carbon dioxide, lactic acid and urea, build up in the muscles. Massage therapy fosters drainage of those wastes, therefore restoring there normal functions
• Stress reduction
The effect in reducing stress is seen as one the most valuable aspects, since stress is blamed for causing up to 90% of human diseases
• Increased muscle flexibility and range of motion
For both of these, this results in increased power and performance, which helps you work efficiently and with proper intensity to facilitate the body's muscle-building response
• Shortens recovery time between workouts
Waste products such as lactic and carbonic acid build up in muscles after exercise. Increased circulation to these muscles help to eliminate toxic debris and shorten recovery time
• Prevent over-training.
Massage has a relaxing effect on the muscles, as well as a sedative effect on the nervous system. This can prevent over-training syndrome which has limiting effect on muscle building.
• Aids in fat loss
According to some research, massage may burst the fat capsule in subcutaneous tissue so that the fat exudes and becomes absorbed. In this way, combined with proper nutrition, massage may help in weight loss.
• Prevents and even heals injuries
By stretching connective tissue, massage improves circulation to help prevent or break down adhesions. Massage also influences the excretion of certain fluids (nitrogen, phosphorous, sulfur) necessary for tissue repair
Massage therapy also fosters the drainage of lymph, causing better circulation of the blood. Because of this, the skin looks much better than if drainage was difficult. Why bother with the how the skin looks? Often, the appearance of the skin is usually a good indicator of a person’s inner condition.
The effect of massage upon the nervous system gives birth to the feeling of relaxation. How? By stimulating the sensory nerve endings located within the skin. Signals are sent to the brain by the central nervous system. This in turn produces the experience of feeling good. Once again because of this action, a new reaction takes place by causing a significant reduction in the body's stress level.
Massage improves circulation and general nutrition of muscles. This appears to be the most valuable fitness-related benefit. After a muscle is exercised, vital nutrients must be supplied in order for it to increase in size. Massage maximizes the supply of nutrients and oxygen though increased blood flow, which helps the body rebuild itself.
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