Amanda Porter - holistic massage page

ABOUT HOLISTIC MASSAGE
The term holistic comes from the Greek word ‘ holos’ meaning whole. Holistic massage therapy treats the whole of the person, mind body and

Massage is a healing art and as such it has a strong artistic/intuitive component. Massage isn't capable of curing any serious or life-threatening medical disorders - but it can provide welcome relief from the symptoms of anxiety, tension, depression, insomnia and stress, as well as back pain, headache, muscle pain and some forms of chronic pain.

Holistic massage is the systematic manipulation of soft tissue. Modern day massage techniques have developed into a very sophisticated & specialised tool and as such, massage has become highly recognised by both the general public & the medical profession as a multi-system therapy that encompasses the whole body.

The comfort, warmth and reassurance of touch can improve the body's well-being by stimulating its own natural healing abilities, giving a sense of well being, restoring both the physical and psychological self.

In a neutral environment, our bodies are well equipped to deal with short-term stress situations and the imbalances they create. Balance is restored to the systems of the body in a repeating cycle of physiological move and counter move.

Long-term stress inhibits the balancing process by denying the body the opportunity and interrupting the cycle. Chronic long-term stress, often self-imposed by modern work day pressures and the environmental stress of urban living maintain imbalance with all its attendant problems.

Regular massage strengthens and tones the entire body system. It can stimulate or alternately calm the nervous system, help to ease tension, stiffness and pain leaving the recipient with an enhanced sense of well being.

Many of us find ourselves in a constant state of hyper-alertness as we try to respond to the stresses of day-to-day living. Massage acts directly on the nervous system, activating the opposite of the "fight or flight syndrome" that we are so familiar with.

Massage relaxes painful and tight muscles. Massage stretches and kneads tight and painful muscles, gently separating individual fibres that may have become bound and knotted together.

Once your muscles are relaxed, you may find that you can move more freely, breathe more deeply, making it more likely for your muscles to remain in their new-found flexible state.

Massage improves joint mobility and health. Massage can help increase range of motion in your joints by releasing muscle tension around them. In addition, circulation is also increased in the joints - actually stimulating the healthy production of the joint's natural lubrication.

Massage can relieve secondary pain that builds up around a primary source of pain which can even sometimes last longer than the original cause. Headaches brought about by tense shoulder and neck muscles, pain and tingling that travels down your leg as a result of tight low back muscles or arthritis are just a few examples. Massage increases vitality, energy and alertness. Massage also helps the body and mind relax, and it's a great way to end a hectic day.

It encourages the body to release your natural endorphins that reduce pain and give a feel-good factor. It's a great way to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, so lowering the pulse, slowing breathing and in general, simply helping you to relax.

By assisting in breaking down of scar tissue, adhesions and improved blood circulation, massage speeds up the elimination of waste products which in effect promotes healing.

Physiological benefits may include:
- stimulating the blood circulation and assisting the lymphatic system, improving the elimination of waste throughout the body;

- relieving accumulated tension and restoring flexibility to tight, sore muscles; improving muscle tone;

- stimulating or calming the nervous system depending on what is required by the client; it can be either relaxing and reassuring, providing comfort - or refreshing and rejuvenating, boosting energy;

- improving posture by enhancing one's own awareness of the body;

- slowing and regulating respiration, promoting deeper and easier breathing;

- increasing the flow of oxygen and nutrients to cells and tissues;

- relieving cramps and muscle spasms and reducing pain and swellings by stimulation of the release of endorphins (the body's natural painkiller) into the brain and nervous system;

- fostering faster healing of strained muscles and sprained ligaments by preventing and reducing excessive scar tissue;

- stretching connective tissue and increasing tissue metabolism;

- increasing joint mobility and range of motion;

- lowering blood pressure and reduing the heart rate;

- increasing the red blood cell count;

- stimulating the immune system and strengthening resistance to disease;

- improved skin tone by removal of dead cells and improving circulation;

- increased ability of the body to withstand fatigue;

- increased physical stress tolerance;

- less tendency to injury;

- increased physical confidence;

- lengthened compressed joints;

- improved flow of nutrients to soft tissues and joints;

- regenerated tissue, including burns, wounds and wrinkles.

Psychological benefits may include:
- reduced mental stress and the promotion of better sleep;

- mental relaxation and an even temper;

- peace of mind;

- a relaxed state of mental alertness;

- improved concentration;

- enhanced capacity for calm thinking and creativity;

- improved ability to monitor stress and respond appropriately;

- the ability to make peace between one's ambitions and limitations.