Massage Therapy: Benefits, Techniques, and Ayurveda Insights

Massage Therapy is a combination of science and art, offering a relaxing experience through artistic hand strokes on the body to rejuvenate both the mind and body while eliminating stress scientifically. Massage Therapy is an excellent preventive treatment crucial for maintaining health and fitness, with the principle that prevention is always better than cure. Today, people of all ages are increasingly turning to Ayurveda therapies as a means to enhance well-being and achieve a long, happy, and harmonious life free of illness.
Ayurvedic massage therapy works on both the physical and mental levels, transmitting a life-giving energy that assists all systems of the body in repairing and renewing themselves. Ayurvedic massage practitioners focus on subtle energy points (similar to Shiatsu) that respond to gentle physical manipulation and cater to the needs of different body types. The author guides both novices and practitioners through each step of the full body process and explains which massage oils and techniques are most effective for particular body types. Massage therapy involves manipulating the soft tissue structures of the body to prevent pain, discomfort, muscle spasm, and stress, and to promote overall health and wellness.
Massage Therapy is defined as “a profession in which the practitioner applies manual techniques, and may apply adjunctive therapies, with the intention of positively affecting the health and well-being of the client”. Therapeutic massage improves functioning of the circulatory, lymphatic, muscular, skeletal, and nervous systems and may improve the rate at which the body recovers from injury and illness. Massage Therapy operates on the foundation of different types of strokes and oils that work on stress accumulated areas. For additional wellness practices, consider joining our Online Yoga Classes.
Overall Health Benefit of Massage Therapy

• Massage therapy and bodywork increases blood circulation thus enabling the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs.
• A therapist can render massage that stimulates the lymph system, the body’s natural defense, against toxic invaders.
• Helps in releasing endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller.
• Is being incorporated into treatment for chronic illness, injury and recovery from surgery to control and relieve pain.
• Relieves pain for migraine sufferers and decreases the need for medication.
• Contributes to shorter labor and reduced tearing for expectant mothers, as well as lessening the need for medication, minimizing depression and anxiety, and shortening hospital stays. Massage Therapy can further enhance these benefits by promoting relaxation and easing discomfort.
• Can relax tense and tightened muscles. Massage therapist often render massage to treat low-back pain and neck pain.
• Reduces overall stress. It helps the body’s stress response by lowering levels of stress hormones such as cortisol.
• Massage therapy could also treat inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and tendinitis

Physical Benefit of Massage Therapy

• Helps relieve muscle tension and stiffness
• Fosters faster healing of strained muscles and sprained ligaments; reduces pain and swelling; reduces formation of excessive scar tissue. Massage Therapy enhances these benefits by improving circulation and relaxing tense muscles.
• Reduces muscle spasms
• Provides greater joint flexibility and range of motion
• Enhances athletic performance; Treats injuries caused during sport or work
• Reduces blood pressure
• Helps relieve tension-related headaches and effects of eye-strain
• Enhances the health and nourishment of skin
• Improves posture Strengthens the immune system
• Treats musculoskeletal problems
• Rehabilitation post operative
• Rehabilitation after injury

Emotional Benefit of Massage Therapy

• Promotes a relaxed state of mental alertness
• Improves ability to monitor stress signals and respond appropriately
• Enhances capacity for calm thinking and creativity
• Satisfies needs for caring nurturing touch
• Fosters a feeling of well-being
• Reduces levels of anxiety
• Creates body awareness
• Increases awareness of mind-body connection