When you hear the word ''massage'' what comes to mind? Most people think of a nice spa day, a weekend or holiday luxury or a once in a blue moon treat to yourself or a loved one. For others it can seem weird and when I think about it I can agree! You take off your clothes (underwear strictly kept on) you lie down on a table and let a stranger rub the stress out of your body for an hour or so. And just to add to that, majority of my appointments are mobile, so I turn up on your doorstep and you initially let a stranger into your home. Despite the weird setup, massage is an effective way to de-stress and the physical and mental benefits are worth any potential initial awkwardness for many people. We all know that massage can make us feel relaxed, But have you ever thought about how regular massage appointments can help your over all wellbeing?
REDUCE STRESS - When your brain senses any form of stress, your muscles tighten and your blood pressure and heart rate can rise. Stress is considered a liability for many chronic diseases, and can make your symptoms worse. Massage increases endorphin levels (our body's natural "feel good" chemical) in the body, reducing stress and creating a natural feeling of relaxation and calm. A study from 2005 in the International Journal of Neuroscience found that cortisol levels decreased by an average of 31% per person after they got a professional massage, Other studies show that massage can also lower heart rate and insulin levels. Another really interesting claim by the American Massage Therapy Association is that massage can improve your immune system's function, it is said to increases the activity level of the body’s white blood cells that work to fight viruses, which is especially helpful during our current climate! Stress relief alone can improve your vitality and state of mind, so by adding DeepTissue Massage to your routine now, you'll feel happier and healthier far into the future!
REDUCE MUSCULAR TENSION:
A common example of muscular tension is something we've all experienced at some point in our lives and that is the aches and pains after we exercise or do any form of physical activity commonly known as Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). But a lot of people experience muscular pain from other less strenuous activities or lack of movement. Lack of movement can increase muscle tightness and produce pain even when the muscles are at rest.
Raynor Deep Tissue Massage gets to the root of the pain, relaxing tense muscles and increasing flexibility It also encourages blood flow to the sore muscles, which can increase nutrients and oxygen. Massage releases endorphins and increases your serotonin and dopamine (all the hormones your body produces to help you manage pain, feel good, promote healing and calm nerves). Raynor Massage focuses on deeper tissue structures, directly on the areas of tightness to release the tension, knots and congestion and so the healing process begins!
INCREASE ENERGY: Massage can reduce fatigue and often decreases the symptoms that drain us of energy. By increasing muscle recovery, reducing pain, stress and improving sleep it will make us feel happier and more energised . Massage helps to clear the mind, leaving you stress free and mentally recharged. Essential oils such as bergamot, peppermint, lemongrass and jasmine can be used in massage to stimulate the mind and body, acting as an additional pick-me-up.
AID SLEEP: Having a good night's sleep can sometimes seem impossible. Whether if it's from everyday stress, short or long term pain or hormonal changes, there's nothing quite so frustrating as laying there desperate to sleep whilst staring at the ceiling counting those silly sheep who keep running around in circles.
Lack of sleep has been linked to vehicle crashes, medical errors and other occupational errors. Sleep impacts our mood, ability to function mentally and make decisions, all of which impacts our energy levels and the levels of fatigue we can experience. Feeling lethargic or less energetic during the day is bad enough, but insomnia can also increase depression, anxiety, stress and problems with memory. Research has shown that massage therapy can improve sleep quality especially in children and those suffering from fibromyalgia. And it can certainly aid healthy people who are stressed out because they cant get to sleep! By reducing stress and pain levels and bringing the body into a state of relaxation, many people are able to finally reach a state of healing sleep.
The convenience of your Pure Therapeutic Massage therapist coming to your home, you don’t have to go anywhere afterwards you can just relax in the comfort of your own home feeling relaxed and ready for a good night's sleep. Massage helps promote the production of serotonin (a neurotransmitter in the brain) and it is said that the area of the brain that facilitates the body entering into deep sleep uses serotonin to communicate. The brain also uses serotonin to produce melatonin. Melatonin tells the brain to “wind down” and to prepare you to sleep. Other research has found that brain waves which appear in heaviest concentration during the deepest realm of sleep - increase as a result of massage. I have many clients fall asleep during a massage, the feeling I get knowing how relaxed I have made them feel brings me so much contentment! But it is a team effort, all you have to do is book the appointment and then I do the rest.
Today there are many different styles of massage available and the amazing thing is as massage therapists we are able to research these ancient practices and integrate our modern techniques into new and more effective styles such as RAYNOR MASSAGE.