5 Reasons to Get a Massage

It helps your body release toxins

Your body is designed to flush harmful chemicals, viruses and other toxins via the kidneys, liver, lungs, intestines, skin and lymphatic system. We can help it with this task by drinking lots of water, eating healthy foods, doing exercise, and, yes, getting a massage! A massage helps drain toxins through the lymphatic system, which clears your body of cellular waste.

It lowers cortisol levels

Human touch is a powerful tool. By physically interacting with another person, you are socially validated and that has physiological impacts: it lowers your levels of cortisol (stress hormone) and releases dopamine. If you don’t have the opportunity for daily physical interaction with a loved one in the form of a hug for example, the skin-on-skin contact offered by a massage therapist is the next best thing.

It boosts immunity

In 2010 a study was published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine that determined the effects of a single session of Swedish massage on neuroendocrine and immune function. It was recorded that Swedish Massage Therapy increased oxytocin levels within participants, which helped decrease hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal activity and enhanced immune function. The authors also concluded that massage boosts patients’ white blood cell count, which help defend the body against disease.

It soothes anxiety and depression

As mentioned above, human touch in a safe, friendly environment has positive physiological impacts. Not only does it lower cortisol levels but it can ease negative moods. According to a 2005 study published in the International Journal of Neuroscience, women diagnosed with breast cancer who received massage therapy three times a week reported being less angry and less depressed.

It improves sleep

Not only does massage encourage relaxation but it can also help lead to a restful sleep. That’s why we prefer to offer Swedish massage in the evening, it helps ease muscle pain and encourages your body to relax, and you’re then set up for a deep, restorative sleep.

Here is a brief description of the different types of massages I offer and they can be combined to create an ideal treatment for you. Have questions or want to schedule an appointment call (626)374-4037. 

Swedish massage is designed to relax the body, increase oxygen flow to the blood, decrease muscle toxins and improve circulation and flexibility.

Deep tissue massage goes deeper than a Swedish massage and becomes more focused on the sore and tight muscles.

Trigger point therapy is often used with the deep tissue massage to relieve a tight area within the muscle tissue. A trigger point is a tight and often painful area within the muscle.

Myofascial release technique is similar to trigger point therapy in that it goes deep and is targeted to the sore muscles. Fascia is our connective tissue throughout our body and if it is tight in one area it can often trigger pain in an unrelated area.

CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle hands-on modality which helps relieve the restrictions and tensions in the soft tissue surrounding the central nervous system.

Polarity Therapy uses bodywork in combination with the human energy field to support your balance of body, mind and spirit. The flow and balance of energy in the body is the foundation for good health.

Raindrop Technique combines therapeutic grade essential oils with massage and other holistic modalities.