Back pain can be so stressful, that it affects us at our very core. – Our emotions often shatter all over the place, as the instability brought on by our agony stops us from living our best lives. – Our work and home life suffer, we feel miserable, and often have trouble sleeping. So what is the answer? Did you know that extensive research gives the thumbs up to massage therapy?  Enjoying a therapeutic massage, and ameliorating our aches and pains, is just a ticket! The proof is in several research articles.

Extensive Research Gives the Thumbs Up to Massage Therapy

A study published in the medical journal, Pain Medicine, relates to research carried out at the University of Kentucky and Indiana. “It suggests that massage can help individuals with lower back pain More than 50% of the participants reported improvement. Of those, 75 % noted that they still felt better after 24 weeks”. And more research in the Annals of Internal Medicine, “concluded that massage may be effective for treating chronic back pain, with benefits lasting at least 6 months. Participants in the massage groups received 1 hour of weekly therapy for 10 weeks. The massage treatments had significantly greater effects than usual physical therapy”.

Massage is the Golden Key to Optimum Wellness

Massage is a wonderful natural treatment which balances our emotions, and ameliorates our mind, body and soul. Massage maintenance plays a crucial role in helping us keep in tip top condition. And if you are having a course of back treatments with a chiropractor or osteopath, then it will make their treatment all the more successful. Investigation on massage & back pain by the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami, found that: “Massage lessened lower back pain, depression & anxiety, and improved sleep. The massage therapy group also showed improved range of motion and their serotonin and dopamine levels were higher”

The best strategy to negate back pain is by having regular professional massage therapy. Not only will it boost blood circulation in the injured regions, it will also help to regenerate damaged tendons, ligaments and muscles. With regular massage, the body will be in an optimum mode to heal and regenerate the area/s of your back where you are feeling discomfort and pain. The benefits will be immense, and as the American Massage Therapy Association notes, science-backed research shows that regular professional massage can:

● Boost blood circulation, thereby helping to negate muscle soreness due to physical activity
● Relax muscles to allow a better range of motion
● Eradicate issues with insomnia
● Elevate endorphin levels

Did you know?

“Most healthcare providers are recognizing massage therapy as a legitimate aid for lower back pain and an effective adjunct to lower back treatment. 54% of healthcare providers say they will encourage their patients to pursue massage therapy in addition to their medical treatment”.

Putting a Spotlight on Emotional Distress

Studies show that: “Psychological distress is a common reaction to chronic low back pain that can in turn contribute to increased disability. Both short & long-term back pain can be associated with psychological distress in the form of anxiety (worries, stress) or depression (sadness, discouragement)”

This is a very serious dilemma, as the more negative we become about our hurting back, the more we remain in a vicious circle. – One which can result in even more pain. It’s easy to understand that this mental stress is a common response to the elements of the suffering we have to endure from back pain, even when it’s not serious and the symptoms are short-term. Another aspect to bear in mind, is that this emotional distress is linked to the neural and hormonal processes which are consistent with self-protection. And it is because of this self-protection, that over a period of time, the back pain normally worsens, and the disability which is brought on by the pain, gets systematically worse. – And so here are yet more reasons why having a professional massage right from the get go, is a truly smart move.

Long-Term Emotional Negativity Due to Back Pain

Chronic back pain, which refers to long-term back pain, is the term used to describe pain which has been present for longer than three months. Some people find that this pain comes and goes, but the fact of the matter is that it needs to be dealt with as soon as possible, and not left to the chronic stage. As John Hopkins Medical notes: “chronic back pain is straining both physically and emotionally. To manage the frustration, irritability, depression and other psychological aspects of dealing with chronic pain, you may get referred”. If you have visited a chiropractor or osteopath, they are likely to recommend having a professional massage, and the benefits of this is multifold: it helps our body’s physical and biological functioning, and helps to keep our emotional levels in check. – And this includes soothing our frustration about not feeling the way we normally do.

The Healing Benefits of Human Touch

“What many people don’t know is that endorphins may help block pain signals from registering in our brain. Endorphins also help alleviate anxiety, stress, & depression, which are all associated with chronic back pain & often make the pain worse. Certain activities may boost our endorphin levels, such as aerobic exercise, massage therapy, or meditation”Human touch has been the root of healing since time immemorial, and there is nothing better than having a professional massage therapist give you a healing massage in the comfort and privacy of your own home. Your massage will boost your endorphin levels, which will ease your pain, and make you feel calm and happy.

Endorphins are hormones which are sometimes called the ‘Body’s Natural Painkillers.” They are also thought of as ‘happy chemicals,’ and are often linked to a ‘runner’s high.’ – This is because people feel empowered by the extra bounce they get in their step! So in a nutshell: endorphins are generated naturally by our bodies at times of stress or pain. They are automatically released via our hypothalamus and pituitary gland, and having a massage gives them a helping hand. – So the sum total leaves us feeling calm and at ease, both emotionally and physically.

It is important to be mindful of the fact that the way we feel is directly connected to the activity of the billions of neurotransmitters in our brain. Neurotransmitters are our brain’s chemical messengers. – Their job is to transmit, boost, and balance the signals which are transmitted between our nerve cells, and other cells throughout our body. These chemical messengers are busy at work, 24/7, as they keep our brain functioning at optimum capacity, by controlling everything from learning a new language, to breathing. Serotonin and dopamine are two of the most well known neurotransmitters. And in addition to this, both of them act as hormones. – In fact, they are known as the ‘happy hormones,’ due to the action they play in the regulation of our mood and emotions.

The Healing Benefits of Human Touch

Research published in the International Journal of Neuroscience showed that the level of Cortisol (the stress hormone), went down significantly following massage therapy. The scientists reviewed studies on depression, pain syndrome, stress on the job, and other conditions, and showed that levels of cortisol went down as much as a whopping 31% after participants had a professional massage. And there’s even more good news – massage therapy not only lowers our cortisol levels, it also boosts our major feel-good chemicals – dopamine and serotonin. The latter works to balance our sense of well-being, sleep, hunger, and mood – all of which play a role in helping us beat our back ache, and regenerate our bones, muscles, connective tissue, and more.

Fun fact

When you have a massage, your body’s production of serotonin, the happy hormone, is one of the reasons why you let go of your negative emotions, and feel wonderfully relaxed.

Taking Positive Action!

Book a weekly (or bi-weekly) home massage, you will soon see and feel the cumulative effects that deliver immense benefits to your back pain, and overall physical, emotional and mental health. Your levels of the stress-linked hormone, cortisol, will plummet, and levels of oxytocin (the happy hormone), will rocket up. Ultimately, this will lead to the release of serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins, thereby alleviating stress, and bolstering your mood.

“Touch therapy or massage therapy has got hard science on its side. It’s not just good for our muscles; it’s good for our entire physical & mental health. Proper uses of touch truly have the potential to transform the practice of medicine.” Berkley University, 2010

Take Care of Yourself!

Sources

[1]. RMT EDU (2022). “Does Massage Help Back Pain? Here’s What the Research Says.”
https://www.rmtedu.com/blog/does-massage-help-back-pain#:~:text=A%202011%20study%20published%20in,that%20reported%20chronic%20back%20pain.

[2]. Curtis, S. (2019). “6 Overlooked Remedies for Lower Back Pain Relief.” Spine Health.
https://www.spine-health.com/blog/6-overlooked-remedies-lower-back-pain-relief

[3]. International Association For the Study of Back Pain (2022). “Psychology of Back Pain.”
https://www.iasp-pain.org/resources/fact-sheets/psychology-of-back-pain/#:~:text=Both acute and chronic back,not medically serious [35].

[4]. John Hopkins Medical (2020). “7 Ways to Treat Chronic Back Pain Without Surgery.”
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/back-pain/7-ways-to-treat-chronic-back-pain-without-surgery

[5]. Mayo Clinic (2020). “Back Pain.”
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20369906#:~:text=Back%20pain%20often%20develops%20without,back%20muscles%20and%20spinal%20ligaments

[6]. Field T, Hernandez-Reif M, Diego M, Schanberg S, Kuhn C. Cortisol decreases and serotonin and dopamine increase following massage therapy. Int J Neurosci. 2005 Oct;115(10):1397-413.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16162447/

[7]. International Journal of Neuroscience (2002). “Cortisol decreases and serotonin and dopamine increase following massage therapy.”
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00207450590956459

Nowadays, intentionally or unintentionally we are all exposed to the news on tv, radio and social media and the stress and anxiety levels can creep up on us. We are all going through a difficult time period that can certainly have a negative impact not only on our mental health but also on our physical well-being also. Stress can profoundly impact our health, influencing everything from our skin to our digestion to our sleep and our mood. Since most likely we have more alone time now, we can take this opportunity to do all the things we’ve always wanted but never got around to do them.

Perhaps it is to create new and better habits for a more conscious and healthier living or revising our diets or taking on new hobbies. The list is really endless. Ultimately you choose the one or two that makes you the happiest and healthiest. In my opinion one of the most important one is self-care since this has implications in every aspect in our lives. What does self-care mean exactly?   According to our dictionary self-care is: “the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s own health” and “the practice of taking an active role in protecting one’s own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress.

What does Self-Care Look Like?

Medical professionals advocate for self-care as a way of prevention to many chronic and acute health issues. Self-care may require some self-discipline like many other things that are for good for us, but the investment is well worth it.

Setting measurable goals

When you set goals, it shows yourself that you are progressing, continuously improving, learning, and it keeps you motivated moving forward.

Create a gratitude list

You may surprise yourself with how much gratitude you have. Try adding three new gratitude to your list every day and before you realize you filled up pages with things that sometimes we take for granted.

Unplugging from technology

Reduce the time spent on the internet, television, social media so you can go to bed earlier and wake up earlier to meditate or to exercise. Nowadays, you don’t even need to hit the gym to get a fun workout. There are endless apps that you can use to raise your heart rate and tone your muscles even with just 10-15 minutes of exercise.

Simplify

Schedule your “ME” time and avoid over-commitment. We’d all love to do everything we could do, but it is important not to over-commit and burn yourself out on doing all the “stuff” we want to do.

Work-life balance

If you work full-time or even part-time, you must maintain a healthy work and life balance. If you work all the time and feel like you do not have time or energy for anything else, that could be an indicator that things need to change. It goes along with the point of simplifying your schedule, do not do more than you can handle.

Try a new hobby

Learn something new you have always wanted to do, but have not had the chance as of yet. Or try something completely new and different that will stimulate different neural pathways. That can be, through taking an art class, working with wood to make furniture or art pieces, remodel a car, learn interior design, take up sewing, or learning a new language. The options are limitless, choose one that brings you the most joy.

Spirituality

Regardless of your religion, find a place near your home that you can visit that can help you recenter your spiritual self. Now that gives something to ponder about. What is that you would enjoy doing every day to preserve and better yet improve your own health? What active steps are you taking to make sure you have the best quality life possible? Living over half a century now and being in health care for most of my life I collected a few suggestions for you that you can try out and see if it works for you. Anything related to our health and well-being can’t be approached in a cookie cutter manner. You have to experiment and try out different things until you find the right fit for YOU!

• Take a daily vacation by planning something that creates joy and excitement in your daily life. Watch the movies or read the books that transport you to those experiences you wish to live. Visit and explore virtual museums and online tours to see national parks.

• Rethink your goals and purposes! Dream and explore what things you would like to accomplish in the next twelve months. This draws on the most important dimension of our well being – a sense of purpose! Which can change and evolve with each passing year.

• Make a list of all the people who are important to you and plan memorable experiences that you’ll do for them. Your friends and family will always remember how you made them feel for the rest of their life!

• Create a meal that is completely different and out of your ordinary routine and share it with your friends. And if you don’t feel like cooking just order from a new restaurant and explore different cuisines.

• Plan for your health and for healthy living. What does that mean for you? How does it look like on a daily basis? Healthy living shouldn’t be a chore. It should be an enjoyable habit that you can maintain for the rest of our life.

• Receive a massage or other wellness/self-care service. Self-care has never been so accessible and easy to add to our daily or weekly routine.. We can receive a massage at home,  hairdressers, manicurists or even yoga instructors can come to our home to help us feel better. And if your mom’s, or your friend’s birthday is coming up this could be a wonderful surprise to plan for them. Certainly  this could be an out of the ordinary gift for them.

What are the benefits of Self-Care?

As I mentioned earlier, there are several benefits to self-care. When you take care of yourself, you are choosing to treat your body, mind, and spirit positively. Here are several ways that can affect you:

​Increased Productivity

For example, if you stayed up late watching television and only got about four hours of sleep, your day could have gone quite poorly. You could have struggled with focusing, slower at performing tasks, and your brain seems sluggish, you lacked the energy to do your responsibilities, or if you did your responsibilities, you might not have done them as well as you could have. Driving becomes dangerous, and so on.

Positive Self Image

When you care for your body through eating healthy and exercising, you tend to view yourself in a more positive light. If you meet weight goals or run a marathon, you are naturally proud of yourself, which increase your self-confidence and self-worth and rightly so.

Improved physical health

Participating in regular self-care habits lowers stress levels, lessen the chance of headaches, chest pain, upset stomach, high blood pressure, and other ailments. Another way your physical health can benefit from a self-care routine is setting aside time for regular massage therapy. The University of Minnesota wrote an article about the numerous benefits of massage therapy on our mental and physical well-being. Some of these are improved circulation, increased energy, and focus, improved range of motion, muscle pain relief from chronic and acute medical conditions such and relaxation. Some of the mental or emotional benefits are increased peace, reduced anxiety and depression and lower stress levels.

Improved Emotional Health

When you participate in self-care activities, it has a positive effect on your emotional well being. Many people enjoy going on walks or hikes as a form of self-care. When you go on walks or hikes, it engages both sides of your brain, allowing your judgment abilities to increase.

How often should I do Self-Care?

Especially because self-care is a practice that is encouraged by the medical and all other health professionals, the question may come up as to how often you should you do it? It’s been proven numerous times that adding self-care into one’s daily life reduces stress, decreases the chance of mental and physical illness, improves productivity, and increases the feelings of happiness. By giving ourselves a daily dose of self-love and compassion, we’re able to approach our work and relationships with a bright and happy mind, hence allowing the cycle of positivity to continue. It is the same way with how long you should do it. You may only need a ten-minute walk before you feel rejuvenated or it may take a two-hour hike. Do self-care activities until you feel better.

How does it affect those around me?

So far, you have learned about self-care, what it does to the benefits you can get. Even though the primary reason for taking care of yourself is the effect, it has on you, but it will have a positive impact as well as those around you. To put it bluntly, with regular self-care practice, you are happier, and people enjoy being around you. When you have good self-care habits, you are more likely to be patient, and you perform your job better.

True personal care is about honoring one’s body and mind through activities that give birth to the true self. When you choose to make personal care decisions, you want to improve your emotional, physical and mental well-being. Taking care of yourself is creating habits and a state of mind that helps relieve your stress. The way you decide to take care of yourself should be directly connected to what is best for you. There are so many ways to take better care of your body and mind. Identify the activities that make you feel at your best and “Just Do It”.

Commit yourself today to take care of yourself and enjoy the unlimited benefits of a healthy and fulfilling life.

Vivanti provides a highly personalized In-Home massage that will address your specific needs. You don’t need to spend another day in misery because of stress, painful and tense muscles  or with  built-up tension. Our certified and skilled massage therapists are ready to deliver fast relief from stress and pain to you. With our personalized treatments, you will find balance, health and longevity. Our massage therapists will bring everything needed for your In-home massage experience. A routine of regular massage therapy has real and long-lasting health benefits to feel and function at your best.

We are always looking forward to contributing to your wellness!

Take Care of Yourself!

Maybe you’ve received a Gift Certificate for an In-home massage or have given one to one of your friend or family member to spoil them with something that they will truly appreciate and to make them feel extra special. Either way, you may be full of questions about embarking on this new experience. Here, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about preparing for an In-Home massage, both physically and mentally.

What to do before the massage therapist arrives:

You may never heard of or had a professional massage at home, you may feel a little anxious about making your home spotless and tidy before your in-home massage therapist arrives. But please be at ease as most of the preparation is about making yourself comfortable.
Your massage therapist is coming to provide you with a great massage, not to judge your living space. As long as you clear a space for the massage table (since Vivanti’s therapists bring everything needed for your session), it’s all good. All you need to do is to relax and to let go. Try not to plan phone calls or important errands right after your session so your mind can stay in a relaxed state as long as possible. So you’ll truly feel the bliss of disconnectedness from the fast paced world.

After the intake interview is over and the table is set up -which takes only a few minutes- your therapist will leave to give you time and privacy to disrobe, get onto the table, and to lay down under the sheet. Undress to your personal comfort level, and remove all your jewelry. It’s fine to strip all the way down, as private areas will stay covered at all times. However, leaving too many clothes on may reduce the benefits of your massage. Your therapist will advise beforehand on how to get onto the heated massage table, depending on each specific case. If you start laying face-down you’ll place your face in the soft face cradle unless you have other preference which you can discuss with your therapist. Some clients find that it’s more comfortable to place a pillow under their hips when in a prone position. If you’re lying on your back, the therapist will place a support under the knees to relax the lower back. After the therapist ensures that you are completely comfortable your massage session can begin.

During your couples massage session:

Good communication in massage therapy is critical to a pleasant experience. You are always welcome to talk to therapist or ask questions before or during your massage.  Your massage therapist is an experienced professional and she’ll be more than happy to listen and answer any question you may have to ensure that everything is at your comfort level so both of you will have a lovely, relaxing and completely personalized experience. If you become uncomfortable at any point, it’s important to let the therapist know. Your service provider wants you to get the most out from your session.

​Ending a massage therapy session:

Sadly, your massage therapy session must eventually end. Your therapist will gently let you know that your massage session has ended. Your therapist will leave the room once again to wash his/her hands and to give you time to slowly get up, put your robe on, and to take a minute to come back from this relaxing and healing experience. The therapist will ask you a few follow up questions and feedback about your experience that might further help to ensure an even more personalized session in the future. The long term benefits of massage therapy are cumulative, the more your massage therapist understand your needs and goals, the more he/she will be able to personalize your sessions to meet your specific health and wellness goals.

Vivanti is a leading provider of In-Home massage for over 20 years in Greater Montreal, Laval, and South Shore areas. Having a massage at home a great way to reconnect and to reward yourself and/or your partner. Massage at home is a mini vacation for your body and mind, without the stress of traveling.

Review our services and packages today to find the right relaxation for you.

I accept to receive news articles from Vivanti on wellness and massage therapy. My information will never be shared with a third party.

References:

https://www.zeel.com/blog/massage/what-to-expect-during-your-first-massage/
https://www.massagemag.com/what-to-expect-during-your-first-massage-session-93928/
https://www.amtamassage.org/findamassage/expect.html
https://www.massagetherapy.com/articles/therapeutic-communication

​Quality time is hard to find!

Life is hectic, and time is precious for all couples. You probably spend a good amount of your day rushing through it: commuting to work, shuttling the kids, and running errands. And then there’s your time spent at home:. feeding the crew, cleaning everyone and everything, managing your finances The list goes on. Your significant other helps you juggle it all, but where’s room for romance. Roommates and caregivers often live together harmoniously and take care of business efficiently, but that certainly doesn’t constitute a love relationship.

Making time to spend quality time with the person you love might seem impossible some days, what with your,families bosses, and community demanding every spare moment. But time together is essential if you want a rich relationship that lasts for you at every turn.You might be in the same home, but how often do you actually take time to look at and appreciate each other? To speak to them with your full attention? Yes, it can be difficult, but making time for this is so important.

​How to Make More Time for Each Other

When you were dating, your relationship often may have sailed along on chemistry. However, over the long term, as everyday matters poke their heads in, a relationship needs committed maintenance. Everything in your life needs attention: your children and pets; your job; your house and car. Sadly, many people believe that a good relationship simply takes care of itself.

You and your significant other will benefit greatly from changing your mindset about what being a ‘partner’ means. Partners don’t act parallel to each other; they interact. Modern life makes it almost impossible to thrive on spontaneity. Investing time in your relationship isn’t a sign of weakness but of strength and character. So start here: spend formal quality time with your partner. Schedule a block of time for the two of you at least once a week. If necessary, arrange childcare during that time.

Whether it’s on Sunday morning or a weeknight, treat your appointment like any other obligation. Make a point of rescheduling if you miss a date and add it to your schedule; it shows you take your priorities seriously.

​Date Ideas for Long-Term Partners

You and your significant other haven’t taken time for each other lately, you may need some ideas new ideas for being together. Although physical intimacy is essential for a healthy relationship, it takes more than that to keep a couple together for the long haul.
Try some of the following tips on creating cherished moments as a pair consider:

​Fancy dining

Dressing up and going out is a great way to replicate those early days of dating. You may have gotten used to sharing Chinese takeaway at home—in sweatpants and no makeup. Making the effort to look nice shows that you still care.
If , going out for dinner isn’t possible right now, you can still make your partner a priority at mealtime. Cook together, freshen up before you sit down at the table, and take your time to enjoy the food and really talk without looking at your phones.

​First date (again)

If you live in or near the same city where you first met, go back to your first date spot. Recreate everything you did on that first date. Remember what you wore, ate, talked about, and felt. Notice what’s better the second time around. Remind yourselves why you chose each other for life.

​Talk time

Sometimes the greatest thing a couple needs is meaningful conversation. Your quality time could simply be a scheduled time to stalk without distraction—and about more than kids and bills.  Ask how your partner’s week has been going and how they’re feeling. Talk about bigger things, the things that matter to you as individuals. Review life goals. Verbalize dreams and passions.  Address any tension between the two of you, even if it feels awkward. Become genuinely interested in learning and how you can continue to support your partner.

​Game night

Your playful side—the one that may have been buried for months or years.. If gaming isn’t your thing, rent a movie and snuggle up to watch it with a tub of popcorn. But remember: children aren’t invited to this party!

​New adventure

If you’re at a loss for what to do together, try something new. Search for local events that might be fun, such as concerts, galas, art gallery exhibits, musicals, or anything else you might not usually consider. Even if what you choose isn’t your cup of tea, you’ll have gotten closer by learning something about each other.

​Double workout

Spend time together while getting in shape! This is especially important when one partner wants the other to lose a few pounds. Showing support in this way can make a huge difference. Schedule a few gym dates a week, or walk or run in the evenings. You could even sign up for a local race and train together.

​Couples massage

Not for special occasions only, couples massage benefits your relationship in many ways. It can make you feel more relaxed, more limber, and just plain sexier. It gives you a chance to talk if you wish, or encourages you to talk afterwards. In-home massage is a popular option for busy couples. You can send the kids for an overnight with friends or grandparents. Then continue your quality time all night.

Quality time is often hard to come by, but it’s a crucial aspect of a healthy relationship. This week, plan to make more time for your partner. You’ll be surprised how much of a difference it can make for you both.

Treat Yourselves

Fear of undressing: Does Your Massage Therapist Judge Your Body?

Your shoulders are on fire, your back aches and your leg muscles are cramped; you desperately need the relief that only a good massage can provide, but you just can’t imagine actually letting someone see your body because you think it’s going to be rated, stereotyped and secretly ridiculed. Many people struggle with body image issues. If you’ve ever been terrified that your massage therapist will judge you for being overweight or having skin problems or less-than-perfect toes, you’re not alone. Although it might be hard to overcome your fear, worrying about how your therapist will judge you should never be a barrier that keeps you from getting the relief you need.

​Everyone Feels Vulnerable at First

No matter how many times you’re told that your flaws are not important to your massage therapist, you’ll probably still feel nervous when you first disrobe. After all, you are making yourself vulnerable and taking a risk in the hopes of transforming your health. Given the success rate of massage therapy, the risk is well worth it. If your reluctance is overwhelming, it may help to talk to your therapist about your concerns. If you fear being exposed to others accidentally, in-home massage sessions can eliminate the stress associated with being treated in public.

Your body is a beautiful machine. It deserves the many benefits of massage, so don’t let a few stray hairs or a little cellulite keep you from enjoying the best health possible. If you are still not able to shake off the fear of undressing, our therapist can perform a massage over your clothes and perhaps over time you can gain your confidence and create trust between you and the therapist to undress and fully enjoy your massage experience. Our professional and dedicated therapists will always respect and meet your comfort level wherever it may be.

I accept to receive news articles from Vivanti on wellness and massage therapy. My information will never be shared with a third party.

​The Many Restorative Effects of Massage Therapy

1. Massage stimulates blood circulation, which in turn delivers oxygen and nutrients to fatigued tissues; this enhances the body’s power to repair and rebuild itself and hastens the elimination of bodily toxins.

 2. Skillful massage serves as a passive substitute for muscle activity. It increases blood supply, relieves painful spasms, breaks up tissue adhesions and encourages muscle tone and elasticity. Massage helps muscle tissue obtain more regenerative power without exhausting it.

3. Waste products, which slow the healing and regeneration of tissues, are removed through lymph circulation. The passive joint movement and pressure over vessels and glands produced by massage encourages the flow of lymphatic fluids.

4. Massage encourages liver and renal activity, which also results in better waste metabolism and elimination of toxins.
Poor sleep quality due to chronic pain or stress can have profound effects on your body’s restorative abilities and your immune system. Massage is proven to relieve pain and encourage better sleep.

5. Mental and emotional fatigue are intimately connected with physical health. When you are under stress, your body responds by producing more of a hormone called cortisol. Excess cortisol in your body increases your blood pressure, suppresses your thyroid, lowers your immune response, decreases your muscle tissue and bone density and causes generalized inflammation. It can also increase blood sugar levels and slow wound healing.

Massage can decrease cortisol levels by as much as 50 percent. At the same time, it increases your body’s production of serotonin and dopamine, which help to stabilize your mood and fight depression. Reduced stress and normal cortisol levels allow your body to more easily restore itself and fight cell damage.

​​When Is It Time to Renew?

If your body is struggling to restore itself, it will tell you. You’ll probably notice symptoms such as physical and mental exhaustion, poor sleep, slow healing, unusual aches and pains, daytime fatigue and frequent colds. If you schedule regular sessions and tell your massage therapist about your symptoms, he or she can help your body restore itself to health. Continued therapy can play a huge part in optimizing and maintaining your quality of life for years to come.

I accept to receive news articles from Vivanti on wellness and massage therapy. My information will never be shared with a third party.