| Once you've had your first professional massage, | | | | reduced as "feel good" hormones such as |
| it soon becomes something you yearn for. Just | | | | serotonin are increased. An overall feeling of |
| the mention of the word "massage" evokes a | | | | well-being can be produced in just one massage |
| desire for the deep therapeutic feelings that occur | | | | session. |
| when muscles and tissues are kneaded, stroked | | | | People who get massaged on a regular basis get |
| and pressed by the skilled hands of a professional | | | | fewer colds with less severe symptoms. This |
| massage therapist. | | | | could be due to the effect it has on the immune |
| Your massage session is a time to be selfish. The | | | | system. Massage increases the number and the |
| time belongs to you and you alone. During your | | | | efficiency of disease fighting cells. |
| one hour session, nothing or nobody else matters. | | | | The increase in blood circulation, oxygen capacity |
| As you become deeply relaxed you may find | | | | and lymph flow created by massage can have a |
| yourself drifting off to a far-away place. As you | | | | profound effect on the entire system. There is |
| escape the world and re-connect with yourself, | | | | not a single part of the body or brain that does |
| you may notice a renewed sense of mental | | | | not benefit by these functions as they encourage |
| clarity. | | | | proficiency within the entire human system. |
| Relaxation and rejuvenation are well known | | | | Physical performance can be improved through |
| effects of massage, but the benefits go way | | | | massage as it enhances muscle flexibility, joint |
| beyond that. Massage creates actual physiological | | | | mobility, range of motion, and tissue elasticity, |
| changes which affect the body both physically | | | | allowing athletes to train at a higher level. Chance |
| and emotionally. | | | | of injury is decrease and recovery time is quicker. |
| Massage is known to reduce heart rate and lower | | | | There are few if any conditions which cannot |
| blood pressure. It calms the nervous system as it | | | | benefit from massage. Being massaged on a |
| reduces feelings of anger and anxiety. Massage | | | | regular basis by a skilled, professional massage |
| stimulates the brain to produce endorphins, the | | | | therapist can be thought of as preventative |
| body's natural mood enhancers and pain | | | | medicine. It's an enjoyable and affordable way to |
| suppressors. Stress hormones such as cortisol are | | | | enhance one's health and well-being! |