Massage Your Cares Away

This fall, I had the pleasure of receiving my first full body massage.  The massage school at Pittsburgh Technical Institute (PTI) offers massage by the students who are further along in their studies for a very reasonable price.  Can I tell you, it was wonderful!  

Massage is very therapeutic.  The kneading action affects the nervous system through nerve endings in the skin, stimulating the release of endorphins, the body's natural 'feel good' chemicals. Massage is one of the oldest and simplest forms of medical care used to ease pain and anxiety, and massages have profound health benefits.

Endorphins help induce relaxation and a sense of well-being, relieve pain and reduce levels of stress chemicals such as cortisol and noradrenaline -- reversing the damaging effects of stress by slowing heart rate, respiration and metabolism and lowering raised blood pressure.

Stronger massage stimulates blood circulation to improve the supply of oxygen and nutrients to body tissues and helps the lymphatic system to flush away waste products. It eases tense and knotted muscles and stiff joints, improving mobility and flexibility.

Massage is said to increase activity of the vagus nerve, one of 10 cranial nerves, that affects the secretion of food absorption hormones, heart rate and respiration. It has proven to be an effective therapy for a variety of health conditions -- particularly stress-related tension, which experts believe accounts for as much as 80 to 90 percent of disease.

In addition to the benefits listed above, massage can:

• Stimulate the lymph system, the body's natural defense, against toxic invaders.
• Relax and soften injured and overused muscles, reducing spasms and cramping.
• Provide arthritis relief by increasing joint flexibility.
• Reduce recovery time for strenuous workouts and eliminate subsequent pains of the athlete at any level.
• Reduce post-surgery adhesions and edema, reduce and realign scar tissue after healing has occurred.
• Contribute to shorter labor and reduce tearing for expectant mothers.
• Relieve pain (from migraines, labor, fibromyalgia and even cancer)
• Boost your level of alertness and attention
• Increase your body's natural killer cells, which help your immune system to defend against illness
• Reduce stress, anxiety and depression, and ease insomnia
• Decrease symptoms of PMS

The Raindrop Treatment, developed by D. Gary Young, combines some very basic massage with the effectiveness of therapeutic essential oils.  Nine oils are used to help assist the body in removing toxins, viruses, unfriendly bacteria, and emotional blocks from the body.  I have experienced the raindrop treatment many times and have experienced powerful physical and emotional healing through this technique.

Have you had experience with massage or the raindrop technique?
How did it benefit you?