Benefits of Massage Therapy

Even though massage therapy has increased dramatically in the last 30 or 40 years, it is actually a very ancient form of therapy. Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, was known to use massage therapy for his patients 4000 years ago. One of his medical mandates what that all physicians must be familiar with the practice of “rubbing”. That is a very clear reference to massage therapy.

Massage therapy has evolved a lot since Hippocrates time, and you certainly can’t call it “rubbing” anymore.You can see how popular massage is getting by just looking at how many clinics have opened in the last several years. It is even more popular than ever with the Hollywood social elite getting massage therapy several times every week. According to the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (2007), there are over 90,000 massage therapists nationally certified in the United States.

What Is Massage Therapy?

In scientific terms, massage therapy is the technique of applying pressure to muscular structures and soft tissues for the purpose of relaxation. That definition is a Western one, and massage therapy today incorporates not only Western traditions like Hippocrates, but Eastern techniques like acupressure. Pressure can also mean different things as well. Kneading, pressing, holding, and rocking are all types of pressure strokes a therapist will use. Most of the massage is done with the hands, but specific techniques will use elbows, forearms, fists, and even the feet. Some of the newer massage techniques use hot and cold stones as well.

The popularity of massage is not that big of a surprise in this stressed out world, and almost everyone who has had a massage will attest to the relaxing benefits. More and more people are looking to massage therapy for not only relaxation, but regeneration as well. Don’t worry though, massage therapy is backed by science and academic research has proven its medical viability. Besides the therapeutic benefits to the body, massage is beneficial for increasing the overall wellness of the mind and spirit.

4 Benefits Of Massage Therapy

1. Relaxation

Most people initially go to a massage therapist to relax. After a stressful day or week at home or in the office, many of us, especially women, are just looking to relax. The skin also receives a great benefit from massage since it stimulates the release of both hormones and toxins. There are also studies that show massage effective in lowering the amount of wrinkle production.

2. Pain Relief

Some people get their first massage at a chiropractor or physical therapist for pain relief. Massage has been proven to relax tight muscles and remove toxins that cause cramping. For the sports minded, or even after a day of Spring cleaning, massage therapy can help relive those aching muscles.

3. Increase Your Athleticism

On top of pain relief, athletes can increase flexibility and range of motion. Massage is so effective for athletes that in 1996 it became part of the core medical services in the Summer Olympics. Only nationally certified massage therapists, like all the therapists at Billings Mobile Massage, were allowed the opportunity to work on these highly skilled athletes. Massage therapy was used to not only help recover from injuries and fatigue, but also in lowering blood pressure, heart rate, and strengthening the immune system.

4. Improve Mental Abilities

If you are looking to increase your mental performance, massage can help you. By reducing mental stress, massage allows you to think more clearly which increases your productivity. Massage can also relieve many types of headaches, especially those related to tension and in some cases even migraines. When your massage is over you will have a clearer mind similar to how you feel after a good nights sleep.

Next time you are in Billings, try something different, a Billings Massage. You will feel better, and whatever your plans are, a Billings massage will make your visit something to remember. Oh, and locals, you can take advantage of a Billings massage as well.

Licensed and Insured

At Billings Mobile Massage, all of our therapists are nationally certified, and licensed by the State of Nevada. We follow all the legal and ethical guidelines and want to make sure that you are 115% satisfied with your massage. If you have any concerns, feel free to talk to your therapist, or call 702-518-8737.