If you’re one of the many who overindulged and under exercised over the festive season, the good news is that it’s the best time of the year to give your new health regime a good kickstart.

It’s very common to emerge from the festive season feeling a little worse for wear and not quite sure why, according to Massage Club managing director and co-founder Grant Jones.

“Many of us feel the need to detox in some way as we say goodbye to the festive season, ” says Mr Jones.

He says often people baulk at the idea of a strict detox diet or simply find it impractical for their lifestyle, however he says there are alternative ways of allowing the body to experience detoxification.

“A detoxification massage is a great way to kickstart your body’s cleansing process which can naturally slow for a number of reasons, ” he says.

Insufficient fibre in the diet, a lack of exercise, excessive alcohol consumption and lack of fluids can all contribute to a slowing of the metabolism.

Mr Jones says research shows that pressure and rhythmic strokes applied to the muscles, tissues and organs help stimulate the circulatory system, assisting in the release of toxins.

The body’s lymphatic system works in conjunction with the circulatory system to flush out toxins and carry immune cells throughout the body.

When the lymphatic system gets sluggish, especially at this time of year he says, toxins can accumulate in the body draining us of energy as well as causing aches, pains and swelling.

Mr Jones says regular massage can keep things moving in the body and its detoxifying effect can stimulate the lymph system especially during times when you have let your diet and exercise regimes slip a little.

“It’s easy to see why detoxification is important in avoiding illness and chronic health conditions. A massage can be an enjoyable way to get back on track.

“It’s very important though whenever you experience a massage to follow it up with sufficient intake of water afterwards to help your body flush out the toxins more rapidly.”

Your massage checklist:

  • Check your therapist is fully qualified.
  • At a minimum, a massage therapist should hold a Certificate IV in massage therapy. To qualify for a rebate from a health fund, therapists must have a diploma in remedial massage.
  • Grant Jones says a lack of regulations across the industry has led to a proliferation of untrained massage therapists conducting work.
  • Make sure the clinic or therapist takes your medical history so that the therapist is aware of any new or ongoing medical conditions.
  • Request the kind of massage you are after, whether that’s a relaxation massage, deep tissue or remedial massage.
  • If referred by a GP or qualified health practitioner accredited therapists can offer a rebate.

 

© The West Australian

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