At Prana Healing Massage Center www.massageprana.com we are committed to your health and well-being. Today we are going to be talking about unlocking the benefits of Massage:
We know we are what we eat, but have you considered you are also what you think? Most people go to a massage therapist for stress reduction and relaxation. You want your pain to decrease, your tension to melt away, and your body to relax. But what if you can help the process along simply by changing your words and thoughts?
Studies have shown that stress slows wound healing, increases heart rate and blood pressure and even seems to speed aging. We all have been affected by stress and try to find different ways to relieve the tensions. Massage addresses so much of our physical bodies, but what will change your thoughts. Here are a few suggestions that you can bring to your mind during you next massage to enhance lasting effects, decrease stress, and benefit your emotional body, too.
Getting a massage, breath work, qigong, meditation, tai chi, yoga and visualization are some of the things we can do for ourselves. You can incorporate some of these techniques into your massage, starting with meditation. There have been several times that I have taken a minute or two before a bodywork session to do a minin with the clients and help them relax. I asked what the intention is for their sessions today. What would the client like to focus the healing on today. Then we discuss the following techniques that are helpful to clear the mind:
Countdown- count very slowly to yourself from 10 down to zero, one number on each out breath. Breathe in deeply and on your first out breath say “10” to your self. Repeat and with the next out breath , say “9” working your way down to zero. When you get to zero, notice how you feel.
Visualize relaxation is another way that can help you relax during your massage. Picture the muscle the therapist is working on and imagine it melting or softening, it can help with the treatment. If you are having a relaxing massage, picture you body melting into the table or turning to jelly.
These techniques can release endorphins throughout the body to relax. Incorporating your mind during bodywork can create an even more enjoyable and relaxing experience.
