The idea of detoxification is often over used and marketed; with most modern hunters and gatherer’s finding physical and digital shelves full of supplements and protocols alleging degrees of efficacy in performance and supporting well being. Casting aside any of these paid and unconfirmed claims, we look to well documented and natural approaches to the idea of true detoxification: specifically manually stimulated through deep tissue massage.
Deep tissue massage is defined by a full body routine of hands on stimulation, focusing on achieving muscular pressure, release, and fluid flow. Coupled with the physical, the mental angle purports stimulating relaxation, meditation, and the healing powers of intention and human touch; both perhaps synergizing to enhance the effects of both.
Anchoring more in the physical, the ability of a massage to facilitate directional flow, funneling, and release, all stimulates systemic circulation within both deep and superficial layers of the body; unquestionably facilitating detoxification through the gutters of the body also known as the lymphatic system. Utilizing firm pressure and slow strokes, deep tissue massage targets areas of tension and tightness while addressing chronic muscle pain, stiffness, and tension as specified by patient and felt as needed by practitioner. All resulting in relaxation, increased mobility, and nutrient and waste flow systemically.
Detoxification From Deep Tissue Massage
- Increased Circulation: Augmenting blood flow enhances the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to cells while promoting the removal of metabolic waste and toxins.
- Lymphatic Drainage: Facilitates the circulation within the lymphatic system: whereby its primary function is removing excess fluid, metabolic waste and toxins from tissue systems.
- Muscle Relaxation: Releasing tension and tightness within muscle system agonists & antagonists, improves efficiency of the body’s natural detox processes through toxin elimination.
Other Benefits
- Pain Relief: Alleviation of chronic muscle tension, stiffness, and pain.
- Improved Mobility: Increases flexibility and range of motion by breaking up scar tissue and collagenous adhesions (knots).
- Stress Reduction: Promoting relaxation and reduction of stress by stimulating the release of endorphins (natural pain killers and mood elevators).
- Injury Prevention: Addresses muscular imbalance and tension. Re-establishing healthy length tension relationships between muscle groups and resulting in improved posture and function.
- Rehabilitation: Improvements in tissue healing, reduction in inflammation, and preventing scar tissue formation.
- Post Exercise Recovery: Reduces soreness and fatigue after intense physical activity while promoting faster and improved recovery.
Post Massage
Deep tissue massage not only releases the storage of physical tension, but also emotional stress and trauma. Following release, patients can experience relief, catharsis, or emotional ejecta of crying.
Hydration post massage is important as water & electrolytes helps keep the body hydrated as toxins are released; while also supporting overall muscle and tissue health. Rest and relaxation is important following a deep tissue massage session. Similar to following high intensity and arduous workouts, give your body time to recover. Gentle movement is permissible and encouraged as this promotes continued circulation from all release.
Massages are an ancient technology that has surely coevolved with the advent of any muscular strain, injury, or intimate encounter within our very social groups of Sapiens. Keep your body in touch with others.
