August 12, 2005

Massage: luxury or necessity?

By Tobanga Tamara, CMT
Special to the Times

People are becoming more aware of the health benefits of massage therapy. According to the American Massage Therapy Association, twice as many people received massage therapy in 2000 as they did in 1997.

New research reveals that what was once considered a mere luxury, is now an essential way of promoting overall health. The stress-reducing benefits of massage therapy may be one reason why this paradigm shift is occurring.

When our bodies are constantly pummeled with stress, we secrete large levels of cortisol. Excessive cortisol promotes the accumulation of abdominal fat, suppresses immunity, shrinks brain cells and impairs memory. 

Over time, cells become less sensitive to the protective effects of cortisol and inflammation goes unchecked. This causes a chronic breakdown of tissues in the body, at the root of many of the ills from which our society suffers.

Massage therapy helps break the stress cycle and bring down cortisol levels. Stress reduction is not merely a feeling; it is a physiological event in our bodies.

Better circulation
Improved circulation is another benefit of massage. The increased levels of white blood cells in your body after receiving a massage will boost your immune system. Studies have shown that improved circulation to the brain also increases concentration and alertness, improving your daily productivity.

Receiving a massage can also brighten your mood. Endorphins that are released through massage therapy act as the body’s natural opiate. The calming effect of touch lowers your stress hormones and chemicals. An increased level of serotonin from massage helps deepen a night’s sleep, improving the regeneration of our bodies after a long day in Silicon Valley.

One study in the American Journal of Critical Care showed ill patients slept approximately one hour longer with a six-minute back massage and a seven-minute visual imaging exercise. A good night’s rest can make the difference between waking up on the wrong side of the bed or feeling refreshed and ready to face another day in good spirits.

Speeding injury recovery
Massage therapy can also aid in injury recovery. Light tissue massage can stretch the myofascia, aid in lymphatic drainage and promote detoxification. Deep-tissue massage can increase the body’s range of motion, decrease the effects and formation of scar tissue and minimize muscle spasms and cramping.

Regular massages help muscles stay flexible to allow athletes to train at a higher level and decrease the chance of re-injury.

As one of the three massage therapists at Fields Family Chiroprac-tic, I have worked in conjunction with Dr. Adam Fields to help patients with rotator cuff injuries, sciatica, knee injur-ies, plantar facscitis, TMJ, inflammation, tendonitis, shin splints, muscle strains, tennis/ golf-ers elbow and many chronic musculoskeletal conditions.

We have also found massage to be beneficial with people who have had work or auto injuries.

I have personally experienced the fusion of chiropractic care and massage therapy overhauling my body and also witnessed the improved wellbeing of others.

So, it comes back to this question: Is massage a luxury or a necessity? It’s only a necessity for those who want less stress, better circulation, a brighter mood and superior recovery from injuries.

Could this lead to a longer and healthier life? Try a massage and see for yourself.

Tobanga Tamara is a certified massage therapist at Fields Family Chiropractic in Evergreen and can be reached at (408) 274-2244.