When you’re feeling sore or stressed, doesn’t a full-body massage sound good?

It’s no surprise when you consider all the perks associated with the massage.

Paul McCann, president of the Australian Association of Massage Therapists, says the full-body massage (often referred to as Swedish massage) is ultimately a relaxation style of massage that can be adapted to suit your needs.

“A variety of techniques can be used by the therapist with the desired outcome being relaxation, reduction of muscle tension and a feeling of calmness and wellbeing, ” he says.

In today’s spa special, we break down the benefits:

1. RELAXATION

“Having a full body massage is often thought to be an indulgence – something that you do to pamper yourself when you are on holidays, ” says Sally Zanetic, owner of Onyesha Spa, Pinelake.

“Massages can certainly feel like an indulgent and pampering treatment but, first and foremost, they have important benefits for your health and wellbeing.

“A good full body massage will calm the nervous system thereby promoting a sense of relaxation and wellbeing and reducing tension and anxiety.”

Full body massages also improve blood circulation and help to detoxify the body by stimulating the lymphatic system.”

2. RELIEF FROM ACHING MUSCLES

Mr McCann says a full-body massage soothes aching and sore muscles. He says the massage can reduce muscle tension and pain. For specific injuries and postural problems, however, a remedial massage treatment is required.

Onyesha Spa Pinelake offers some forms of traditional Ayurvedic full body massage including ‘Vatakizhi’ which involves the use of bundles of therapeutic herbs and specialised massage to reduce aches and pains from arthritis , rheumatic joint pain and swelling. Onyesha also offers the ‘Udvarthanam’ Ayurvedic massage which is designed to kickstart weightloss, detoxify the body, improve skin complexion and enhance the mobility of joints through a specialised form of vigorous massage.

3. LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE

Ms Zanetic reccomends full body massages to help realign the body and have it working at its optimum.

“Full body massages also improve blood circulation and help to detoxify the body by stimulating the lymphatic system, ” she says.

4. RECOVERY

Did you know a full-body massage can be beneficial after surgery?

Mr McCann says by increasing circulation, a full-body massage can assist with recovery from certain surgeries, such as knee and hip replacements.

“There is also the benefit that touch provides post-surgery, as it allows the client to reconnect with the area, ” Mr McCann says.

However, he says it is important to let your therapist now about the surgery at the start of the session so they can tailor the massage to suit.

Another plus is that full-body massage is suitable for people of most ages, says Mr McCann.

“Care will be taken with the elderly or frail and a qualified therapist can assist you to choose the best style of treatment to suit your desired outcomes, ” he says.

MASSAGE TIPS:

1. Find a qualified therapist who is a member of the Australian Association of Massage Therapists at: ausmassagedirectory.com.au.

2. Drink lots of water after your massage. “During a massage, blood circulation is stimulated through your muscles. This fresh blood brings fresh nutrients and oxygen to the muscle and assists in cleaning out toxins. These toxins need to be flushed from the body, so drink as much water as you can, ” says Mr McCann.

3. Take it easy. “To benefit fully from a de-stressing massage plan relaxing activities for the rest of the day, ” says Ms Zanetic.

 

© The West Australian

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