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The human body is a machine that needs maintenance to run efficiently. Not only does routine maintenance help keep your car in top shape, but it also keeps your home running smoothly. When it comes to the human body, a healing massage is essential to good health and well-being. Just as maintaining a car requires oiling the moving parts, lubricating the inner workings, and keeping it clean to prevent dirt and grime from accumulating, you too must take care of your internal workings with the help of a healing massage. That means giving them a deep cleaning once in a while as well as doing some light maintenance regularly. The benefits of having a regular healing massage are clear: not only does it help release tension in target areas of the body but it also increases blood circulation which leads to increased muscle strength and flexibility, reduced muscle soreness after exercise, improved rate of recovery after stress or exertion, and even decreased risk of developing chronic conditions such as arthritis.
What is a Healing Massage?
A healing massage is a form of relaxation therapy that involves using massage techniques on the body to help ease physical tensions and stress. It can also be done to help heal injuries or improve one’s flexibility. Although almost anyone can benefit from a healing massage, it is especially useful for people with chronic pain, athletes who are recovering from injury, and people with certain disabilities. It can also be used for people who are experiencing emotional pent-up and past traumas that have been stored in the body. A healing massage is often a combination of deep tissue, Swedish techniques, and acupressure techniques. A typical session lasts about an hour, though therapeutic massage can last anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour depending on the client’s needs. The hands are not just used to massage the skin, they are used to feel the muscles, stimulate nerves to reduce pain, and to help balance the body.
Who Should Have a Healing Massage?
A healing massage can be beneficial for people of all ages, but it is especially beneficial for people who experience chronic pain, athletes who are recovering from injury, and people with certain disabilities. These are some general populations that can benefit from a healing massage:
-People who experience chronic pain: A massage can help reduce the amount of pain an individual feels by relaxing their muscles and removing excess muscle soreness.
-People who are recovering from an injury: Through gentle stretching and re-education of the body, a healing massage can help increase flexibility and boost muscle strength as the body readjusts to its new movement patterns.
-People with certain disabilities: Through dynamic stretching, a healing massage can help reduce the restrictions and pain caused by arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other chronic conditions that can be aggravated by improper movement patterns.
Types of Healing Massages
Choosing the right type of healing massage can help you make the most out of the experience. Here are a few types to consider:
- Deep tissue - This type of massage is used to release muscle tension and stimulate blood flow. It’s typically used for chronic pain and injuries.
- Swedish - Typically used for relaxation, Swedish massage usually focuses on vibrations and oscillation, which helps to relax and soothe muscles.
How to Have a Healing Massage
- Decide what you want to treat.
- Tell your massage therapist what you want out of their session. You can be as specific or broad as you want. Do not be afraid to be open and honest with your therapist. This is your time to trust them and tell them what you need.
- If you have any specific health conditions that could be aggravated during a healing massage, let your therapist know.
- Be mindful of your surroundings during your massage. Avoid distractions that could interfere with the healing process.
- Relax. It’s tempting to tense up as soon as your massage therapist comes near. Instead, relax every muscle as soon as you feel tense.
- Breathe. Breathe slowly and deeply as your therapist works on your body.
- Allow your therapist to lead the session. You can offer your input when your therapist asks you to, but they should be in charge of the session.
- Trust the process. Trust your therapist. Trust your body. Trust that this is helping you.
Conclusion
A healing massage can be a powerful tool for self-exploration, as well as a great way to reconnect with your body and calm down when you are stressed. It can also help you relieve stress, confidence, and feelings of isolation, as well as improve your athletic performance and prevent injury. With the right therapist, and a little extra effort, you can reap the many benefits of a healing massage. Check out our healing massage options here and give us a call today!