Why Try Massage ?
Massage therapy has a number of benefits including lowering inflammation, pain, and stress levels. Massage therapy techniques increase blood flow to injured tissues which helps with the healing process, promotes lymphatic drainage, and relaxes tight muscles.
The Importance of Relaxation:
Relaxation is often underrated, but it is very much essential. People who live under constant stress, whether from responsibility or from health concerns, have higher rates of chronic disease than those who don’t. Morbidity and mortality rates are much higher in these type of individuals. Additionally, chronic activation of the acute-stress response results in hormonal releases which subsequently affect other hormonal processes and interferes the activity of body systems. In this manner, chronic stress disturbs and alters many functions of the body.
Fertility, for example, may be negatively affected by chronic stress. This is because stress chemicals known as glucocorticoids interfere with functions of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis. Increased levels of glucocorticoids interfere with the production and release of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus. It interferes with the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary gland. All of these hormones–GnRH, LH, and FSH–are essential to the reproductive health of an individual and disturbing the balance can have adverse effects on gonadal function.
Fertility is just one example, but the chronic activation of the acute-stress-response has many adverse effects on the body. It can affect digestion, sleep, recovery, growth, and circulation. Not taking the time to relax will most certainly have its drawbacks on health.
Additionally, massage therapy proves beneficial for a variety of common ailments including:
- Tension Headaches
- Delayed Muscle Soreness
- Tight Muscles
- Muscular Imbalance
- Stress
- Sports Injury
- Medical Recovery
- Musculoskeletal Pain
At Santa Cruz CORE, we specialize in a variety of massage therapy techniques including hot stone, shiatsu, thai, reflexology and many others. This gives our clients the opportunity to try out the techniques that prove most effective for their specific concern or ailment. Our Fusion and Specialty massage services especially gives the client the opportunity for a therapy session tailored to their needs and preferences.
CORE Signature Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is by far the most common type of massage. This method is mostly for relaxation and the release of muscular tension caused by stress. Stress makes the body believe that it is in some type of danger and it responds by tightening muscles. Chronic activation (contraction) of muscle groups subsequently leads to a lactic acid build up which contributes to muscle soreness. Over time this built up muscle tension combines with awkward postures and repetitive motions, leading to pain and discomfort.
A relaxation massage works on the outermost layers of tissue and muscle with a combination of long-gliding strokes, vibration, and a variety of other techniques. This allows for increased blood flow to areas with built-up toxins and fluids thus allowing them to leave. This promotion in local blood flow and relief of build-up fluid then allows for better range of motion and muscle function.