Editorial:

Massage by Phil Goodenough
What on earth does massage do?

Confusion and uncertainty is understandable.
There are a lot of therapists out there, offering all sorts of treatments and accompanying them with a variety of claims. Cutting to the chase, as they say and without getting too technical, it’s like this.  All massage is carried out to treat the body’s soft tissues, whether that be close to the surface, deep or both. What it does is to stimulate and improve your circulation.

“And So” you might say.

The circulation of blood, carries fresh oxygen and nutrients to feed the body’s tissue (or flesh if you like) creating energy. Then it carries away the left over carbon dioxide and waste rubbish. In a nut shell, that’s it.

“So why does anybody need this?”

Well different types of massage, treat different problems. I’ll try to keep this brief. A gentle massage such as Swedish is very relaxing, easing tension and stress, improved circulation helps with problems like scars, dryness, skin elasticity. Manipulation helps to unblock pores and shed dead skin cells. It can also help you sleep. Firmer massage acts on deeper tissue, manipulating muscles and getting into awkward spots. This would be called remedial, deep tissue or sports massage.

“And the point being”

Again circulation. Blockages due to damaged and torn muscle, clogging with toxic waste or maybe muscle tension, restrict the flow. Massage breaks up these problems allowing blood to get to where it’s suppose to and do its job.  The signs of a problem: aches and pains, stiffness. Where? Everywhere and anywhere. The causes? Too much hard work, too much exercise, not enough exercise, moving awkwardly, lifted something too heavy. This list could fill several pages.

“Anything else?”

Loads, but I’m running out of paper. There is one other thing I think worth a mention.  Massage is often very good at easing the pain of arthritis in a joint.

“Oh...How?”
Allowing in the circulation of course

Contact Phil Goodenough on 07815 863173 or www.northdevonmassage.co.uk