Massage Therapy
Lynne & Sarah Dark of Zest health & beauty
Massage is a most effective and powerful therapy which can have a profound effect on many levels within the body, physically, physiologically and psychologically. It is most effective if you have sore overworked muscles, aches and pains and the like but it is also excellent if you are suffering from nervous tension and fatigue, depression and sleep problems.
The Egyptians made references to the benefits of massage and the Chinese first recognised its healing value around 3000BC. The Romans and Greeks were prescribed it for its restorative powers, especially after Battle! It wasn’t until the eighteenth and nineteenth century that it became popular in Europe due to Henrik Ling, a Swede, who returned from China and developed his technique from detailed insight whilst there, into what we now know as Swedish massage. Worldwide recognition followed and today we now can prove the enormous benefits obtained from this ancient knowledge.
The effects of massage are extensive. Massage can stimulate and relax the body and mind. It improves the skin, blood and lymphatic systems as it boosts circulation, aids cellular renewal and removes toxic wastes. Tense muscles relax, stiff joints loosen, nerves are soothed and relaxation and wellbeing follow. |
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The part of the nervous system which regulates many physiological functions runs down the spinal cord with the millions of nerve endings controlling much of the way it functions. Depending on the depth of the massage movements used, the nerve endings can be stimulated or soothed. Massage increases blood circulation which is wonderful for the skin as well as helping exfoliation of dead skin cells, improving colour, skin tone and encouraging the renewal process. Massage helps maintain the collagen fibres, which gives skin elasticity and strength and keeps wrinkles at bay! It also regulates sweat and the sebaceous glands which lubricate and moisturise the skin.
With the increased blood flow, nutrients circulate more efficiently to the muscles. After strenuous exercise, the waste product Lactic Acid builds up and causes pain and stiffness. Massage will accelerate elimination of this build-up. Blood flow moves three times more quickly through a muscle after massage and muscle tone and mobility are improved.
A good circulatory system depends on a plentiful supply of oxygen and nutrients reaching the billions of cells in the body – vital for healthy functioning of muscles and organs, including the liver and kidneys. The Lymphatic system has no pump of its own and is dependant on muscular action for its efficiency. Massage is a good way of speeding up lymph slow for better filtering and elimination of waste throughout the body. An efficient lymphatic system promotes a strong immune system to fight infections and disease.
Massage mobilises the digestive system to improve digestion and elimination. The digestive system is quick to respond to stress and a reduction in anxiety and tension has a regulating effect. Soothing, rhythmic massage can deeply relax and help sleep problems. It benefits anyone suffering nervous tension and fatigue through overwork and helps to alleviate depression…a great morale booster, promoting well being and a tonic effect. Older clients particularly enjoy the tranquillity and rest from massage. Touch is one of our most important senses and massage is the art of touch and a therapy that has deep healing powers for both mind and body.
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