Addiction is often a ‘dirty word’. Your January resolutions may have centered on your dependence on an assortment of products. Such as…
A desire to quit using (or reducing) tobacco and/or nicotine
Perhaps you felt the need to minimize caffeine intake
Or lower your intake of refined sugars
Maybe you’ve wanted to drink less alcohol
These are admirable goals, and depending on your reliance on the above products, you’ll likely feel uncomfortable as you wean yourself away from any of those addictive substances. Are you feeling stressed, fatigued, having trouble sleeping, feeling a bit cranky? Therapeutic Massage can support your body and mind during the weaning process and become a healthy alternative to negative habits. Would I confess and say that I am addicted to therapeutic massage? Perhaps I am. I will freely admit that, I cannot imagine my life without the healing modality like Therapeutic Massage.
Bodywork and touch therapies are crucial aspects of my personal wellness plan; these practices have changed my life both as a practitioner, and as a recipient.
Massage is much more than a luxury. The benefits of Therapeutic Massage are tremendous. In fact, touch therapies are healing modalities that can assist you towards specific health-related goals. For example, during smoking cessation the body will begin a detoxification process…experienced as withdrawal symptoms. Depending on the smoker’s current health (a release from a medical professional may be necessary), a therapeutic massage can assist them during the cessation process. Here’s how…
Therapeutic Massage directly affects circulation and lymphatic flow. This will aid in lowering blood pressure and in the removal of waste products.
While receiving a Therapeutic Massage endorphins are released in the brain. These endorphins provide both a natural uplifting feeling and an overall sense of well-being.
Therapeutic Massage stimulates the skin, our body’s largest organ of detoxification, and brings nutrients to the cells and increases tone over time. The appearance, texture, and color of your skin can and does improve when you receive a therapeutic massage on a regular* basis.
Therapeutic Massage counteracts the stress response, assisting a person to relax and relieve muscle aches and pains.
Lastly, a Therapeutic Massage supports good health and is a positive reward as you progress towards freedom from any addictive substance.
Whether someone is detoxing from a substance or not, the above health benefits apply. I have been a Professional Licensed Massage Therapist for over two decades and practice what I preach. Visit my website to learn more about the health benefits of Bodywork and Therapeutic Massage.
Investigate further and read in-depth studies and research on the subject. I encourage you to visit The Touch Research Institute that is located in Miami, Florida. As stated on their website, TRI is the first center in the world devoted solely to the study of touch and its application in science and medicine.
Be Well! ~Tiffany Anderson, LMT, RMT, BS, CHES
Founder, Anderson Therapeutics
*Research has shown that long-term health benefits are achieved when receiving a therapeutic massage every 4-6 weeks. This measure is also dependent on the recipient - you decide what works best for you. Personally, I feel my best when I receive professional bodywork at least once a month.
(Portions of this article first published and distributed via SLCC Health & Wellness Services, during my employment as adjunct faculty and part-time staff - 2008.)