Massage provides relief to people of all ages, from infants to seniors, and from all walks of life. Massage therapy addresses a variety of health conditions common ailments, the most prevalent being stress-related tension, which, experts believe, accounts for 80%-90% of illness.

How does it work
Bodywork offers a drug-free, non-invasive and humanistic approach based on the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

Treating the Body
Massage has many physiological effects, such as:

• Increasing circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs.
  
  
• Stimulating the lymph system, the body’s natural defence, against toxins.
  
  
• Relaxing and softening injured and overused muscles.
  
  
• Reducing spasms and cramping.
  
  
• Increasing joint flexibility.
  
  
• Reducing recovery time for strenuous workouts and eliminating subsequent pains of the athlete at any level.
  
  
• Releases endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller.
  
  
• Reducing post-surgery adhesions and reducing and realigning scar tissue after healing has occurred.
  
  
• Improving range of motion and decreasing discomfort for patients with low back pain.
  
  
• Relieving pain for headache and migraine sufferers and decreasing the need for medication.
  
  
• Providing exercise and stretching for muscles and reducing shortening of the muscles for those with restricted range of motion.
  
  

Treating the Mind

• assists mental focus and performance.
  
  
• releases stress and fatigue.
  
  
• improves sense of well-being.
  
  
• increases concentration levels.
  
  
• creates greater awareness of ones self.
  
  
• allows the mind to rest.
  
  
• promotes positive moods.
  
  
• helps the mind to restore clarity.
  
  
  

Treating the Spirit
Massage also provides another therapeutic component largely absent in today’s world: tactile stimulation, or, more simply, touch. What can loving touch do spiritually? Many people have reported cathartic experiences during a massage. As a therapist carefully unwinds a client’s stressed and tired muscles, the therapist may very well be unwinding the taut, pent-up emotions that one does not always have time to process in the middle of the day. And the feeling of being touched in a safe, caring, compassionate manner can be a very powerful experience, reminding the client that she or he is not alone in the world. As studies continue to reveal the link between physical, mental and emotional health , the effects of massage will be further documented. However, one need only experience a good massage to know it's beneficial to body, mind and soul.