Now more than ever before, the American public is beginning to understand the benefits of Massage Therapy. The Eastern Medical practitioners have long understood the benefits of using massage therapy for preventative health care. They have identified a time in one's physical condition between good health and illness they call "the state of dysfunction." Often times this "state of dysfunction" is brought on by adverse life changing events, stress and being over tired. The immune system starts to break down under these circumstances. This time of "dysfunction" can be a careful balancing act. The body's immune system fights to prevent the body from physical or emotional break down. The breakdowns often manifest themselves in illnesses. Everything from depression, anxiety disorders, and sleeping disorders to physical illnesses such as cancer develop when the immune system is depleted. Regular massage therapy keeps the body from falling into this dysfunctional state and restores the immune system. Through long strokes over the skin, while listening to soothing music, the body moves from Sympathetic Nervous System (the fight or flight system) to the Parasympathetic Nervous System (the relaxed state of being). The later system is where healing and rejuvenation take place. Additionally many neuro-chemicals are released into the blood stream. The following Neuroendocrine chemicals influenced by Massage Therapy are:

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Dopamine: Influences conscious selection (The ability to focus attention) Moods in terms of inspiration, joy and enthusiasm. Dopamine is involved in pleasure states.

Serotonin: Regulates moods in terms of appropriate emotions, attention to thoughts, quieting and comforting effects. This is the "get a grip" chemical. A low Serotonin level has been implicated in cases of depression, eating disorders and obsessive compulsive disorder. Massage increases the available level of Serotonin.

Endorphin/Enkephalin: (endogenous opiates) Mood lifters that support satiety and modulate pain. Massage increases levels of these chemicals.

Oxytocin: Implicated in love and bonding.

Cortisol: Stress hormone, produced by the adrenal glands during long periods of stress. Cortisol has been implicated in many stress related symptoms including suppressed immune states and sleep disturbances. Massage reduces levels of cortisol.

Growth Hormone: Promotes cell division and in adults has been implicated in the function of tissue repair and regeneration.

Massage Therapy balances the blood levels of serotonin, dopamine and endorphin which in turn facilitates the production of natural killer cells in the immune system and regulates mood.

Now that we have discussed the chemical benefits of massage, I would like to turn your attention to the issue of muscle dysfunction. Healthy muscles are smooth, hydrated and free from knots and contractions. Our skeletal system supports our muscles. Ideally our muscles are perfectly balanced.  Each muscle has it's own job in getting us around in our active life styles If our muscles are balanced with gravity, we are upright and graceful. But when a muscle or muscle group becomes unhealthy, it can cause a chain reaction and breakdown which affects the entire body. When one muscle or muscle group becomes injured, another muscle or muscle group will make up for the injury. Subsequently, that muscle or muscle group becomes over-worked and also breaks down. As a result, a chain reaction occurs.  Deep Tissue Massage can restore and balance the function of the muscles. The use of heat and ice can be helpful along with stretching and guidance in nutritional supplements. A careful assessment of your physical muscular system and implementing the necessary therapies can get you back to a pain-free state of being.

I hope this page has helped you to understand the miraculous benefits of Massage Therapy.

Here is to you and your good health!

Sincerely,

Kim Freetly, L.M.T.

*Taken from Mosby's Fundamentals of Therapeutic Massage. Third Edition

Massage Therapy can not be used to take the place of medical treatment and a Massage Therapist cannot diagnose any medical condition.