Get fit for the slopes

Hailing from South Africa, I only encountered snow at the ripe old age of 22.  I was au-pairing in Lake Tahoe in the USA and can recall my delight at seeing my first snow.  I immediately got the toboggan out and along with some other Aussie au-pairs [who were also snow virgins] we turned into shrieking kids.

I tried to ski and was abysmal at it.  I couldn't afford lessons as a lowly paid au-pair and skiing really isn't something you can teach yourself.  Years later I went on a work teambuilding trip to Megeve, in the French Alps.  We had the choice between skiing and snowboarding.  I chose snowboarding as it was much cooler.  Two lessons later I very nearly got the hang of it but it was time to go home.  What a shame!

This article in the London Evening Standard gives some excellent advice on how to get in shape for skiing.  Those under-used thighs are going to be screaming in protest, so I'd suggest booking a sports massage for the evening after your first day on the slopes.

Photo courtesy of Flickr.com

Posture affects thoughts

Whenever I see an old person who is very hunched over, to the point where they are only looking at the floor and can't look forward at all,  I always wonder if they've had a very hard life.

The saying "you look like you have the world on your shoulders" is so true.  When we're troubled, worried, depressed or lacking in motivation we tend to hunch forward.  Sedentary lifestyles and the fact that many people spend 8+ hours a day chained to their PC's, leads me to believe that kyphosis caused by bad posture, will soon be endemic and start to affect people at a younger and younger age.

I found this interesting article on MassageMag.com which says that posture also has an affect on thoughts  - it says "body posture can affect not only what others think about us, but also how we think about ourselves".

Learn more here.

This ties nicely into the holistic concept that the body affects the mind and vice-versa.   If the problem originates from bad posture there are many ways to reverse the problem:  yoga, Alexander Technique, Pilates, Rolfing  and massage to name but a few.

Glossary of bodywork and complementary therapies

Ever wondered what some of the more obscure bodywork and complementary therapies are all about?  Then look no further. 

The MassageTherapy.com have produced this excellent online glossary.

Why we ache after exercise

Did you know:

"The culprit for delayed muscle soreness is not, as some people used to think, the buildup of lactic acid, a byproduct of exercise that dissipates from the muscle tissues within an hour. That kind of soreness is considered acute. As soon as someone stops exercising, or shortly afterward, the burn goes away".

I've read about this "new" discovery over the last few years but never really found an article which explained this phenomonon really well. Until I found this excellent article in the New York Times from 2004.

It goes onto to explain:

"No one knows for sure exactly what does cause muscle soreness. But many scientists now think that the delayed pain is caused by microscopic tears in the muscles when a certain exercise or activity is new or novel. These tiny tears eventually produce inflammation, and corresponding pain, 24 to 36 hours later.

The good news is that as these little tears repair themselves, they prepare the muscles to handle the same type of exercise better the next time.

"The muscle gets more resilient, meaning the next time you do that same exercise you won't get damaged as much," said Dr. Priscilla Clarkson, a professor of exercise science at the University of Massachusetts and a leading researcher on muscle soreness. "That doesn't mean you are stronger, or mean you can lift more weight. It just means your muscle fibers are likely stronger so they won't tear as easily. Over time they'll build up and become a stronger fiber to lift more weight."

The article goes on to explain which exercise will guarantee soreness and how to limit stiffness and soreness with the right nutrition.

To read the article in full click here

So, if there's no accumulation of lactic acid to get rid of, then how does massage help with stiffness?  Well, microtears and the resultant inflammation causes the muscle fibre to swell slightly and this causes stiffness and nerve sensitivity [pain].  Massage reduces the swelling through improved blood and lymphatic system cirulation and assists in the removal of metabolites and other toxins.  Plus, it feels good!

Anyone for a good "shmeissing"

I'm a long time fan of James Cracknell. Watching him and his team win the Olympic Gold reduced me to floods of tears. I also recently enjoyed watching "On Thin Ice" which was about his team racing to the South Pole. Besides seeing him in all his resplendent glory doing what bears usually do in the woods - on ice, I particularly liked the fact that he allowed himself to be portrayed in a less than flattering light. Even though he comes across as arrogant, stubborn and dangerously driven it gives an insight into the personality traits an olympian medallist probably has to have.

Anyway......I digress.......... he writes a column for the The Daily Telegraph and this week he wrote about a massage technique which he tried out called "shmeissing". This is a yiddish word for "beating" ..... I think you can work out the rest.

Read the article in full HERE

It's a real shame that James doesn't actually say how he felt after the treatment.

P.S I also found this article where the writer says the following:

"I am not a man lightly given to admitting to good health, yet so absolute are the relaxing, energising and stressbusting qualities of the shmeiss that even I emerge from a session with Big Lee feeling gleamingly clean (you wouldn't believe the gunk that emerges from a human back) and bereft of medical complaint".

Lance Armstrong uses his massage time to Tweet

This year, for the first time ever, I've got into the Tour de France. Maybe because I'm doing a spin class at the gym and can appreciate the fitness involved to cycle for 85 hours over three weeks up vertigo-inducing mountains. Well done Alberto Contador - you're amazing!

I was interested to see that since beginning the Tour de France on July 4th, Lance Armstrong has updated his Twitter page more than 225 times, an average of 14 times per day. That's a pretty impressive total considering that he spent most of his day taking part in a gruelling 2,141 mile race. He's accrued around 1.4m followers and he reckons the short messages are ‘prob the most accurate’ way for people to gain a ‘good perspective’ of the demands of the 21-stage race and, taken collectively, they provide an intriguing insight into the mind of a one of cycling’s greats.

What particularly interested me was that he often used his time on the massage table to send his tweets. That's multi-tasking for you.

The photo of Lance [above] gives a real insight into all the muscles involved in cycling. Professional athletes know the benefits of massage for cyclists - they're living proof!

Click HERE to read more about tweeting Lance.

In Depth Back Massage

Many clients express an interest as to what is going on during a massage. Such as which muscle is tight, why is it tight and how will massage help?

I've found this great video on YouTube showing a back massage, with the superficial back muscles overlaid.

Now you can really see why massage works!

More people turn to massage to manage stress

There's a saying which goes "where the U.S goes, the world will follow".

Since the global financial crisis got into full swing, management at the U.S website "Spafinder" noticed that weekly traffic to it's "stress management" category has doubled. When the economy was good, booking a massage was largely about pampering yourself, however, it's now seen as an investment of sorts, in well-being.

To quote from The New York Times online: "People are giving up on gold and caviar facials and honing in on core stress busters like therapeutic massage, especially if the price is right"

So just what makes massage such a great stress buster:

• Our skin is full of many millions of nerve receptors that are linked to our nervous system.
  


• When the skin is massaged it causes stimulation and release of chemicals in the brain
  it increases dopamine and serotonin [feel good chemicals] and reduces the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline.
  


• It increases the relaxation alpha brain waves and also increases pain relieving levels of endorphins.
  


• on the massage table there's no mobile phone/blackberry beckoning for your attention.
  

What's particularly fantastic about a treatment at home, is that you don't have to get up and make your way home. Your toughest decision is whether to take a bubble bath, curl up on the sofa or take a nap. Oooh life can be tough sometimes ...........

How Massage Can Help Common Cricket Injuries

Driving past village greens on a sunny day and seeing local cricket teams is so quintessentially British.

Many cricket players are quite sedentary over the winter months and then get their kit out of mothballs and hit the pitch with a vengeance. Inevitably, using muscles which haven't seen action for months, can lead to aching and stiffness and in some cases painful overuse injuries.

In cricket you're throwing, lunging, twisting, running - really getting a good all over workout. This somewhat gentile sport can be very taxing on the body. If bowling or batting is your speciality you could very well pick up an injury within a couple of weeks.

It is possible to reduce your chances of injury by:

• warming up, cooling down and stretching


• proper conditioning


• regular sports massage


• good nutrition


• having the right equipment


• sufficient rest between matches

Common cricket injuries include:

• throwers elbow - which is very similar to golfers elbow and is caused by additional stress placed on the muscles of the forearm through repetitive wrist flexion


• back pain - bowling can cause soft tissue injury and potential disc problems


• leg injuries - bruising and fractures from ball impact due to inadequate protection for the hands and face

Getting a regular sports massage can release tight knots in muscles, that if left can cause strains, tears and inflammation. Should you already suspect you may have picked up an injury, then massage can help get you back on the pitch a lot quicker.

REMEMBER - PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE!

Arthritis of the Knee, Massage May Help

People who suffer from arthritis of the knee appear to gain lasting relief from a traditional course of Swedish massage, researchers report.

The findings suggest that doctors may want to advise arthritis patients to add massage to the treatments they are already using, like anti-inflammatory drugs. Massage may even be able to take the place of drugs for people who have mild arthritis or whose health does not allow them to take the medications.

Part of the benefit may come from attracting more blood to the knee, Dr. Katz said. Massage may also reduce pain in the same way rubbing injured areas often does, by sending out sensory stimuli that compete with the pain stimuli.

Click here for full article from the New York Times

Now Is The Time To Invest In Yourself

I've valiantly attempted to try and ignore, or at least keep in perspective, the constant naysaying and doomsday scaremongering which is pretty much on constant media loop these days. However, I came across this excellent article in Massagetherapy.com and thought I'd share it with you.

"Consumers may be tempted to trim their wellness budgets when economic times are tough. Yet a recent national consumer survey showed most holistic therapy minded people are committed to maintaining the health benefits they experience with massage. It only makes sense. The better you feel, the better job you can do of caring for yourself and your loved ones.

Now, more than ever, massage should play a role in reducing stress and strengthening health. When people feel their best, they are more likely to be able to face the challenges difficult times present. With greater health and peace of mind, consumers can face difficulties with poise, clarity of purpose, and strengthened emotional reserves.

Truly, massage is more than a luxury--it's a vital part of self-care that has a positive ripple effect on us as we work, play, and care for others.

Invest In Yourself and Those You Love

If you think about it, massage is an excellent value. The price of massage has remained stable in recent years, as the cost of movies, meals out, and sports events has risen. Which of these has the power to improve your health and your outlook on life?

Massage makes sense because it:

* Reduces anxiety
* Reduces the flow of stress hormones
* Improves sleep
* Boosts the immune system
* Improves energy levels and reduces fatigue
* Improves concentration
* Increases circulation
* Improves self-esteem
* Reduces frequency of headaches
* Releases endorphins

The positive effects of regular massage can have benefits in many areas of your life.

Home
Massage therapy will also help families under stress create healthier households with clear-thinking and more relaxed moms and dads. Children are very sensitive and often pick up on tension in a household, parents who are taking care of themselves are more likely to be better caregivers and provide a sense of security to their kids. This goes for caregivers of aging parents and other family members.

Work
The health benefits of massage can help forestall illnesses and lost work time, especially when you may be asked to produce more with fewer resources. Decision-making skills will be better and your performance is likely to be improved with a clear focus and more energy. A hint for the boss: Research shows employees exhibit less stress and improved performance when given twice-weekly, 15-minute massages in the office!

Health Conditions
Those with already existing health conditions can continue to reap benefits in the following ways. And proactively caring for health through massage may help reduce costly doctor visits and use of prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Research shows:

* Massage can reduce sports-related soreness and improve circulation--good to know when you may be exercising more to reduce stress.

* Deep-tissue massage is effective in treating back pain, arthritis, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia patients receiving massage also have less pain, depression, anxiety, stiffness, fatigue, and sleep problems.

*Massage reduces symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

* Oncology patients show less pain, fatigue, nausea, anxiety and depression following massage therapy.

* Stroke patients show less anxiety and lower blood pressure with massage therapy.

* Massage therapy is effective is reducing postsurgical pain.

* Alzheimer's patients exhibit reduced pacing, irritability and restlessness after neck and shoulder massage.

* Labor pain. Massage during labor appears to reduce stress and anxiety, relax muscles and help block pain. Some medical professionals believe massage also reduces tearing, shortens labor, reduces the need for medication and shortens hospital stays.

* Preterm babies receiving massage therapy gain more weight and have shorter hospital stays than infants not receiving massage.

* Massage is beneficial in reducing symptoms associated with arthritis, asthma burns, high blood pressure, and premenstrual syndrome."

EVERY BODY DESERVES A MASSAGE!

Ever wished you could have more massage?

A great way to fit more massage into your life without blowing the budget is to have regular 20-30 minute chair massage sessions.

If you can find a few colleagues or friends * who could also do with some regular massage then chair massage is the way to go. Why not catch up with friends and organise a coffee morning or pamper evening?  Or spend 20 minutes of your lunch break relaxing and de-stressing.

In fact having regular shorter massage sessions is often more beneficial than only having one longer session every few months. Tight muscles in your back, neck and shoulders easily return to their usual state within a week. So, imagine if in a weeks time you had another massage?

For the price of an hours massage you could get three 20 minute sessions, spread over three weeks.

Chair massage has become popular in the last few years for a number of reasons. If you're not familiar with this "alternative" form of massage, or if you've just been putting off getting one, here are a few reasons why you should try it:

• It's fast. A chair massage can be as short as fifteen minutes or as long as a half hour. This is a perfect arrangement for people who don't have much time.
  

• It's easy on the budget. Chair massages are all timed and the charge is based on the length of the massage. So if you don't want to spend a lot of money, it's a good way to try massage

• It's specific. A lot of people don't want, or feel they don't need, what is traditionally called a "full body massage" (a table massage). Chair massage was designed to make it easy to treat the back, neck and shoulders - areas that carry a lot of stress in most people. (But it's also possible to massage the arms, hands and head this way. The only parts of the body that are hard to access in a massage chair are the extreme lower back, the legs and the feet.)

• It's less threatening. For some people, the idea of removing some of their clothes and then having someone they don't know, or don't know well, give them a massage is enough to keep them away from the massage table permanently. During a chair massage the client keeps their clothes on. Nudity is not only not required, it's not allowed!

• It can be just as effective as a longer table massage. Sometimes it's the frequency - not the length - of a treatment that matters. People who can't afford, or don't have the time for, regular table massages may not get them very often, or on a regular basis. But if they can manage a shorter (and therefore lower-priced) chair massage more often than they would get a table massage, they may find that the benefits - the relaxation and stress relief - last longer. Also, it's possible that when they do get stressed, their reaction is not as severe or as long-lasting. Because their muscles have been getting more frequent reminders of how to handle stress, they are better equipped to deal with it when it does arrive.

GET IN TOUCH TODAY TO FIND OUT HOW TO SCHEDULE 

REGULAR MASSAGE INTO YOUR WEEK!

* Kindly note - a minimum of three clients are required to book a chair massage session at work or home.

What is holistic massage about?

Many clients wonder what the term "holistic" massage means. A good explanation is as follows:

The word holistic means 'whole' (it has Greek roots for those interested in the Etymology!). So this form of massage deals with you as a 'whole'. Like other therapies, it is not just looking to treat the symptoms, but to establish the cause, whether it be internal or external. The aim is to rebalance the body so it achieves homeostasis or balance. The training for the therapist is quite extensive, as it not only covers massage, but also anatomy and physiology, nutrition and general health. The therapist's consultation form will include questions regarding lifestyle, medical history, exercise and diet to form a "holistic" picture of the client.

Usually holistic massage techniques are performed with light to medium pressure and the pace of the massage is slower. Unlike sports massage techniques which generally start off with light to medium pressure and then use deep tissue massage techniques to get to the root of the muscular problem. A sports massage therapist may move you into many different positions to achieve this - thereby making the massage more results focussed and less about treating mind, body and soul. That's not to say your tight muscles won't get ironed out in a holistic massage - however, the aim and intention of holistic massage is to treat the mind, body, heart and soul.

Don't get put off and think the therapist will be wearing tie-dyed clothing, smell of patchouli, burn incense and play whale music. [I do none of that by the way]. Holistic massage will treat "all of you" without you making any conscious effort.

I found the following article in Positive Health Magazine, which not only explains very well what holistic massage is about but also how you can practise it at home for yourself.

What helped Phelps become the Greatest Olympian of all time?

I doubt there are many people who don't know who Michael Phelps is and what he's famous for?

This Greatest Olympian Of All Time [a total of 14 gold medals] who recently wowed the world by winning 8 Olympic gold medals in Beijing - has an interesting regime.

Guess what Michael Phelps has twice a day? A massage!

This is what an average day looked like for him:

A day in the life of a swimming great


Tues, Aug 12,

4.30am: Reveille. Turn over for another half an hour’s sleep.

5am: Breakfast in the team room and nodded greetings to fellow swimmers.

5.30am: Talks tactics with coach Bob Bowman.

6.30am: First massage of the day. Up to three massage therapists work on him.

7.45am: Leave for the Water Cube. I-pod on.

8.15am: Stretching and intensive warm-up.

9.50am: The 200m field gather nervously in the call room. 10.17am: Phelps briefly acknowledges the crowd.

10.19am: Another world record and masterclass.

10.40am: Gold medal ceremony.

11.10am: The 200m butterfly semi-final and a new Olympic record.

11.30am: Mandatory drugs test.

Noon: The daily Phelps press conference for 400-plus reporters.

12.30pm: Warm-down and return to Village for a long lunch, massage and sleep.

7pm: Evening meal. Final texts to the folks.

10pm: Go to bed.

You don't need to have olympic ambition or talent to benefit from sports massage.  Anyone who keeps fit or who has a job which involves manual labour can benefit from regular massage.

To read more about the benefits of sports massage click here

Why have a deep tissue massage?

What is Deep Tissue Massage?

Deep Tissue Massage is a massage technique that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue also called connective tissue. It aims to release the persistent patterns of tension in the body (also known as "adhesions") through slow strokes and deep finger, hand and forearm pressure on the tight areas, either going across or following the fibres of the muscles, fascia and tendons.

Deep tissue massage uses many of the same movements and techniques as Swedish massage, but the pressure will generally be more intense. It helps to break up scar tissue. Deep Tissue Massage usually focuses on more specific areas and may cause some soreness or discomfort during or right after the massage. It shouldn't hurt, but it's likely to be a bit more uncomfortable than a classic Swedish massage. However, if the massage is done correctly you should feel better than ever within a couple of days. You should always feel free to speak up if the pressure is too much for you!

Why get a Deep Tissue Massage?

It feels good and it is beneficial to your health. If you are stressed muscles are tense, they block oxygen and nutrients, leading to possible inflammation that builds up toxins in the muscle tissue. Deep tissue massages assist muscle tissue release, get blood and oxygen circulating properly and also “liberates” the knots. Because many toxins are released, it's important to drink plenty of water after a session to help eliminate these toxins quickly from the body.

So what is the purpose of Deep Tissue Massage?

The purpose is to "unstick" the glued fibres of a muscle while releasing the built up tension, eliminate toxins, while relaxing and soothing the muscle itself. It is both remedial and therapeutic.

Precautions:

Always let your therapist * know if you:

- have any skin allergies or conditions
- have problems with your joints
- are, or think you could be, pregnant
- have recently undergone surgery, or are prone to or recovering from injury
- you have any other medical condition
- have a history of respiratory or heart problems

* a good massage therapist should ask you these question before embarking on any massage treatment.

Is Your Job A Pain In The Neck?

If so, then how about a "coffee break" massage at work. Yes, in the time it takes for you to pop out to Starbucks or down to the canteen for your favourite caffiene fix, you could enjoy a 15-20 minute Seated Acupressure Massage.

Among other benefits, your massage with leave you with a caffeine-free natural high.

So what are the benefits of having a regular massage at work?

* eases tight and tense muscles in the back, neck, shoulders, arms and hands
* decreases the likelihood of succumbing to a repetitive strain injury
* lowers blood pressure and promotes a feeling of relaxation and calm
* increases circulation, improving oxygen flow to the body and the brain
* improves concentration and alleviates mental fatigue

What's great about my service?

- You get to sit on a luxury, padded, top of the range chair
- I have top notch professional qualifications and am highly skilled
- I leave you with a stretching programme to prolong the benefits
- My treatments are refreshingly affordable
- You've still got 40 minutes left to eat your lunch!

All you need to do is find three colleagues who'd like a chair massage and I'll come to your office. Find more than 3 colleagues and the price goes down and down .......

Prices:

4 x 20 min Chair Massage - £15 per person
6 x 20 min Chair Massage - £14 per person
8 x 20 min Chair Massage - £13 per person

YOU WORK HARD ENOUGH - NOW LET MASSAGE WORK FOR YOU!

Make the most of your massage

Massage can be a powerful tool to help your body best perform its countless functions in its goal to maintain a healthy balance. Why not do everything you can to get the best possible results from every massage session?

This article is devoted to providing you with some hints to make the most from your bodywork sessions.

Before your session

The mood of your session can be affected by the things currently influencing your life. You can improve your results by preparing yourself before your massage time. If you can put the events of your life on pause for a little while and truly devote your session time to taking care of you, the benefits you experience can be greatly enhanced. Life really will wait a couple of hours for you — and you’ll be in much better shape to deal with your responsibilities when you are feeling your best! Other things you can do, as time allows:

- If possible, take a relaxing bath or shower before your appointment time
- Limit consumption of caffeine and sugar, as well as other stimulants
- Avoid eating immediately before your appointment
- Allow extra time in your schedule so you don’t have to rush to be ready for your session.
- Be aware of your current condition so you can report anything that needs attention

During your session

Share what’s going on with your therapist. A good therapist will work intuitively but don't forget, they're not psychic and will appreciate your feedback. If you have a tender spot or an injured area, bring it up so it can be addressed. If you feel you need more pressure or a lighter touch during the session, please say so. If everything is great, you can lie back and relax. If you find your attention is on something, bring it up so you will be able to lie back and relax!

Specify your preferences. Everyone has different needs and wants, so share yours! Is everything in the massage environment okay? The temperature? The lighting? Any other distractions? Are you completely at ease? Do you like certain music? Is the volume okay? Do you like specific techniques? More time spent on a certain area? Each session is especially for you, so please communicate about what you want! If there is anything you don’t understand, please ask so we can discuss it.

Let it all go and relax! One of the major massage goals for many people is to lessen tension and stress. Many of those aches and pains that demand our attention are linked to stress. In fact — according to Dr. Sandra McLanahan — eighty percent of disease is stress-related, so maximizing the relaxation in each session should help you to maintain a much higher level of well-being!

One way to quiet your mind is to focus your attention on the session — really get in tune with your sense of touch. Proper breathing helps you to relax and to reach your session goals. Slow, deep breathing (from the gut) will provide your body with much-needed oxygen, while signaling your body to let go of its tensions.

After your session

If at all possible, allow for some quiet time before you continue your busy life.

Drink extra water!! Massage releases waste products and toxins from your muscles. Increasing your fluid intake lowers this toxicity and lessens the strain on filtering organs.

Why book a massage with me?

You will discover the benefits of holistic, deep tissue and sports massage in the comfort and convenience of your home. No getting up afterwards and struggling home in traffic. The effects last and last!

Do you feel low on energy, like your stress resides in your shoulders and neck? Do you feel the need to take some time out for yourself? Are you training for a marathon or putting in extra hours at the gym? I can help!

Deep tissue massage is proven to loosen and lengthen tight muscles. Regular sports massage helps to improve performance and prevent injury. Flowing, more gentle. holistic massage encourages relaxation and calm.

What's great about my service?

- You get to relax on a big, comfy massage table
- I provide fresh towels and use blended aromatherapy oils
- I have top notch professional qualifications and am highly skilled
- Every massage is tailored to your individual needs
- I leave you with a stretching programme to maintain correct muscle tone
- All you have to do after the massage is put your feet up

YOU WORK HARD ENOUGH - NOW LET MASSAGE WORK FOR YOU!

Why your skin loves massage

The skin is the largest organ of the human body, so it's no wonder that healthy skin often reflects a healthy body. Often when people feel the need for a massage it's usually because they have tight muscles which cause them discomfort, headeaches, lethargy etc. However, before the massage therapist starts working on the muscle they have to first touch the superficial tissue above it, which is the skin.

Some factoids about skin:

- Is the body’s largest organ
- Makes up about 16% of our total body weight
- Every 24 hours, the surface of the skin sheds a layer of dead cells
- All the skin on your body renews itself about every 28 days
- Dead skin cells make up about 90% of household dust
- An average of 40 kilos of skin is shed during a lifetime
- Varies in thickness from 1mm on eyelids to 3mms on palms and soles

Functions of the skin:

Acts as a protective barrier from the external environment – guarding against bacterial invasion, dehydration and ultra-violet light (UVL).

Resilience to injury - resumes its previous shape withstanding considerable trauma w/out permanent damage.

Purifies our system by eliminating waste fluid.

Regulates body temperature by fine tuning heat insulation – like a thermostat.

Provides a waterproof barrier to prevent excess loss of body fluids, and penetration of external substances.

Why your skin loves massage:

As if massage wasn’t enjoyable enough for stress relief, it is even more enjoyable knowing it’s good for your skin, as well.

Massage increases blood flow, improves circulation and releases toxins, all of which can help keep the skin clear and healthy. In fact, healthy circulation does quite a bit for the skin; it stimulates sensory nerve endings, heightening physical awareness and perception, and also floods the body with oxygen, imparting the skin with a healthy color and tone.

More importantly, because massage helps improve circulation, it may also help keep the pores clear and the skin unblemished — a skincare goal for most everyone! Additionally, improved circulation stimulates the sweat glands, which regulate body temperature, as well as release toxins from your body. Improving this function may help improve the clarity of the skin, as well.

And there’s more! Massage may help reduce or re-align superficial scar tissue after surgery, reduce the appearance of stretch marks, and promote tissue regeneration. As the skin heals from a trauma, scar tissue may form, which often binds together many layers of muscle and connective tissue resulting in an unattractive or even painful scar. Also, depending upon the size, as it heals a scar may limit your range-of-motion or movement. By manipulating the skin and muscles with deep-tissue massage, you may be able to side-step some of this discomfort and speed healing. However, always check with your doctor first before starting a course of massage therapy as some wounds need to heal completely before they are manipulated or disturbed by a massage.

The massage medium such as oil or lotion, will hydrate the skin. Depending on your massage therapist they may choose a specific oil which will benefit your skin type or they may use a general purpose oil which suits all skin types. If you have an aromatherapy massage your therapist will also incorporate the use of essential oils dependent on both your physical and mental condition.

Massage will not only have your muscles thanking you but your skin too!

Massage As Morphine

Time Magazine has published an interesting article - which goes so far as to say that post-operative massage gives similar pain relief to morphine!

I remember being taught at massage school something called the "pain gate theory". Pain travels through the body via nerve fibres of the nervous system and it's main route to the brain is via the spinal cord. If you injure yourself or have surgery your nerve fibres will be transmitting "OW, OW, OW!!!". If stroking and gentle pressure from massage is added on top of "OW", the nerve pathways aren't sure what to transmit anymore and pleasurable sensations can literally block the pain getting through the "gate" to the brain.

I found the following quote on a Washington University website:

"Although the gate control theory has support from some experiments and does explain some observations seen in pain patients during therapy, it does not explain everything. However, think of this...what is one of the first things you do after you bump your head or pinch a finger by accident? You probably rub it and it feels better, right? Could this be explained by the gate control theory? Well, rubbing your bumped head or pinched finger would activate non-nociceptive touch signals carried into the spinal cord by large nerve fibers. According to the theory, the activity in the large nerve fibers would activate the inhibitory interneuron that would then block the projection neuron and therefore block the pain."

Permission should be sought from your GP, Consultant or Surgeon prior to receiving post-operative massage.