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| Copyright 2006 Michael J. Barry |
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Massage is designed to enhance your wellbeing and revitalize your body, mind, and spirit by relaxing muscles, increasing blood and lymph circulation, and calming the nervous system. In addition to my own personal beliefs regarding the benefits of Massage Therapy, which have been outlined throughout this web site, the following are benefits as stated by the American Massage Therapy Association: Physical Benefits of Massage Therapy: • Helps relieve stress and promotes relaxation • Helps relieve muscle tension and stiffness • Reduces muscle spasms • Provides greater joint flexibility and range of motion • Enhances athletic performance • Promotes deeper and easier breathing • Improves circulation of blood and movement of lymph fluids • 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 Mental Benefits of Massage Therapy: • Promotes peace of mind • Promotes a relaxed state of mental alertness • Helps relieve mental stress • 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 • Increases awareness of mind-body connection Many people have found therapeutic massage beneficial for a variety conditions, including: • Allergies • Anxiety and stress • Arthritis (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis) • Asthma and bronchitis • Carpal tunnel syndrome • Chronic and temporary pain • Circulatory problems • Depression • Digestive disorders, including spastic colon, constipation and diarrhea • Headache, especially when due to muscle tension • Insomnia • Myofascial pain (a condition of the tissue connecting the muscles) • Reduced range of motion • Sinusitis • Sports injuries, including pulled or strained muscles and sprained ligaments • Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) |
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