Deep, Therapeutic Relaxation

The number one reason most people receive massage is also the most widespread result. Massage therapy causes deep, therapeutic relaxation. This relaxation is unlike sitting on the couch after a long day. Most massage techniques use our knowledge of the human body to induce the parasympathetic nervous system. This is the "rest & digest" state of being - the opposite of the "fight or flight" response. Perhaps you can think back to your last massage, and how difficult it was to peel yourself off the table or mat! Certainly your mind and body were not focused on that hyena chasing you. They were in an active state of healing.

You are always experiencing a ratio of sympathetic to parasympathetic stimulation in the brain. Research generally supports the belief that spending most of your time in a parasympathetic state improves your health. I believe many people already understand there is a relationship between the stress in one's life and one's health. You can feel the tension in your muscles! The physical effects of massage therapy on muscles and connective tissue, as well as the neurological changes it induces is a safe and time-tested way to reduce stress in your body.