Why Massage Matters
Massage Benefits Are Massive
Masseuse Sophie Bolvary shares her unique insights on the benefits of massage and how it can be life changing.
What should you look for in a masseuse?
It is imperative that a licensed massage therapist has a solid education of human anatomy; the flow of circulation, where muscles become tendons attaching to bones, and how to approach different patterns of pain for their clients. Most clients seeking a massage are anticipating the physical relief of pain, but what is often overlooked are the psychological and emotional benefits a single session can provide.
What are the physical benefits of massage?
The physical benefits of massage are well known; a boost in full-body circulation, support in lymph flow, and a softening of tense tissue. Simply put, a massage can help a tight, pained body feel a lot softer. But the work is more than skin deep. There are more subtle and profound changes happening in the nervous system. A full-body effect, regulating the chronic stress responses in our body.
What is relaxation so important?
A massage session can create a portal of relaxation, by signaling the nervous system to move from a Sympathetic State, also known as “Fight or Flight” to a Parasympathetic State, also known as “Rest and Digest.” Most of us “big city folk” spend much of our day immersed in excess stimulation; work demands, blinking phones, subway commuting, erratically changing schedules, etc!
This chronic state of stress-stimulus can lead to sleepless nights, increased heart rate, shallow breathing, constipation and so on. When our body gets a chance to relax, expand and be heavy on the massage table, our nervous system adapts to the safe environment. This facilitates the body’s recovery functions; supporting digestion, optimizing lymph flow, detoxing the cells, and creating a space in an anxious mind.
Holding a safe and calm space for the client is perhaps the most important job of the massage therapist. Without this, it doesn’t matter how eclectic the manual techniques are. If the body on the table cannot sense it is safe, deep healing cannot happen.
‘When the body can slow down,
so can the mind.’
What are some other advantages of massage?
Massage at its best is a participatory experience between giver and receiver. An exchange of energy, and trust and intention. The opportunity for deep-healing is available in every session, given that the practitioner and client establish a sense of trust first. The few minutes of conversation before getting on the table, is the chance for the client to be heard, and observed. With full, undivided presence from the practitioner. This is a very important part of building the trust needed and creates the intention for the session.
While a massage therapist is going through the motions of varying manual techniques, they can also focus their mind on what the client shared. The simple act of giving the client complete presence offers an experience of emotional shelter and compassion. It creates depth in the session, holding a space of safety and comfort, catering to a “calming of the mind” and a reset to the nervous system. For some, that can be the most beautiful and powerful “benefit” they didn’t expect.
Studio Updates
Raquel here – as many of you know, I am having a baby! I will be taking maternity leave from 11/24 – 1/13.
In the interim, Monica, who is exceptional, will be available Wednesdays through Sundays for all your facialing needs.
With the holidays fast approaching, we’d also like to share our Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s schedule. The studio will be closed the following dates:
Thursday, November 28
Friday, November 29
Saturday, November 30
Sunday, December 1
Tuesday, December 24
Wednesday, December 25
Wednesday, January 1
We encourage you to book ahead so we can help ensure you are in tip top shape for all the celebrations to come!
Raquel x