Fort Collins Spa Massages

Rubbing the skin and layers of muscle in the body is known as massage. It is an ancient practice that was documented by early Greeks and Chinese. Its benefits include pain relief, stress relief, healing of injured muscle tissue, improved blood circulation and stimulation of the lymphatic system.

Massage is most frequently performed with an oil of some kind. The ancient Greeks used olive oil because it was plentiful, effective and healthy. A very early form of massage was actually a way of cleaning the body. After applying liberal amounts of olive oil to all parts of their bodies, people would use a curved, knife-like tool, called a strigil, to scrape the oil from their skin. This also removed dirt, grime and dead skin cells. The process left the skin clean, smooth and silky.

Modern massage is often done with sweet almond oil as a base. Other essential oils may be added for various effects. The main purpose of the almond oil is for lubrication. It reduces friction between the hands of the masseuse and the skin of the person receiving the massage.

Fort Collins Massages

Therapeutic massage uses a number of strokes and pressure to physically release tension stored in muscles. Repeated massage of a group of muscles will lengthen and soften the muscle fibers. This allows better blood flow to the muscle tissue. As a result, built up toxins and lactic acids are quickly carried away for removal by the liver and kidneys. This cleansing process is one of the ways massage helps a person feel better.

Overworked and torn muscles will heal faster with massage. Gentle rubbing and pressure helps circulate fluids, including blood, throughout the injured area. With better blood flow, the site will receive more oxygen, and will be more quickly cleansed of cellular waste products.

An old technique with renewed popularity is hot stone massage. Smooth river stones are heated and placed at several locations on the back. The warmth is soothing in itself. In addition, it warms the muscles, making them more supple before massage. This helps with healing and allows greater manipulation of the muscles with less pressure.

The lymphatic system is always helped by massage, whether it is a light massage focused more on the skin, or deep muscle work. Lymph circulates through the body via small tubes. The clear fluid carries cells and agents that are critical to immune system health. There is no pump for the lymph system. It moves only when the body moves. Exercise is the best way to stimulate lymph movement. The next best, and often more pleasurable, is massage.

Regular massage will keep the lymphatic system flowing smoothly. One result of good lymph circulation is improved immune function. The circulation helps keep lymph nodes clear, which allows macrophages to do their work of killing off microbial invaders. In short, a well-massaged body is a healthy body. Plan your Fort Collins spa massage today.