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Massage is a wonderful way of making time for
oneself. The ‘feel good’ factor of massage is surprisingly effective
in rejuvenating an individual and melting away the tension and the aches
and pains.
Recent research
by the Touch Research Institute in Florida,
have shown that when we are massaged we increase the production of natural
painkillers and give our immune system a boost. We also tend to lower our
blood pressure and respiratory rate, which improves the function of our
heart and lungs. Excess fluid and metabolic wastes are pushed back into
the circulation for removal. Muscles are warmed up and stretched, and
given more space to move. Imbalances between neural activities of
the 2 hemispheres of the brain (linked to depression) are corrected with
just 20 minutes massage. Massage
can also realign the body. Taking tension out of tight muscles can restore
normal pain free movement to joints. We also get the soothing effect of
touch, which sedates our body and calms our nervous system, resulting in
us feeling calmer and less stressed and anxious, which usually allows us
to sleep better.
Benefits to employees
On-site chair massage is the ideal way to relieve
stress. The massage focuses on the upper body and
consists of a 15-20 minute routine not much more than a coffee break or a
cigarette break), which is applied through the clothes, while the client
is seated on an ergonomically designed chair. The massage allows the
client to release accumulated tension, and to experience a greater sense
of well-being, relaxation and renewal.
A group of employees at 3M in
Texas
was surveyed as part of a
trial on-site massage programme within the company.
Participants and massage therapists were surveyed to
measure several variables – perceptions about massage therapy and
feelings about this form of therapy, perceived stress - using a global
measure of perceived stress, symptoms of illness, and core wellness.
Massage was shown to:
reduce the instances of common cold or flu
symptoms.
reduce the number of migraines and tension
headaches.
improve quality of sleep at night.
reduce likelihood of being tired,
and increase
alertness.
enhance a secure sense of self, boosting self
awareness.
reduce stress, resulting in a happier work
environment. This in turn will
help to retain good staff.
It is no wonder that more
and more people are choosing massage-based therapies to restore and then
maintain health. Massage is
non-invasive, non-chemical, and relies on ‘touch’ - essential for life.
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