When Massage Is Only Skin Deep

Having your masseur work kinks out of your back feels like heaven, and if you’ve ever fallen under the spell of a massage therapists’ hands, you know all to well what I mean.nnThose convinced of massage therapy’s benefits by way of experience feel the results in better working muscles, how the stress of a typical workday can melt away, how the mind feels clearer and thoughts are less jumbled.nnBut there is another aspect of massage therapy that you probably have not considered:nIt’s the added benefit of healthier skin.nnThis may not surprise some of you; since you are familiar with the massage lotions your masseur uses to reduce friction during the massage. It also creates a comfortable surface when a good ‘knuckling down’ is needed for those muscles hiding deep beneath the skin. nnBut did you know that massage could help those who suffer from dry skin? Even if you aren’t yet a fan of a deep tissue work out, the simple massage of the surface of your body can be just as rewarding. This is especially true with the rich emollients used during the massage.nnAn allergic reaction is highly unlikely to nonexistent since the massage oils and creams are typically hypoallergenic. If you have any doubts, consult your masseur for the specifics of his massage lotion ingredients. nnOnce you feel the difference on your skin, you’ll know you’ve hit on something good. Yet, not only does the top of your skin applaud the benefits, there are some other good things going on just below the surface.nnDid you know that your circulatory system works at a more optimal level through massage therapy? Increased blood flow means more nutrients reaching skin tissue and more waste being removed from skin cells. If you drink a gallon of water a day, you also increase the amount of fluid reaching your skin. And this also cuts down on skin dryness as well as keeping skin healthy in general.nnScalp massage relieves tense muscles that cause headaches and tense areas on the face and neck. Did you know that there are muscles just beneath the skin covering your skull?nMassaging the skull and face area is one of the quickest ways to better manage and reduce tension due to stress. Not only do we typically carry stress in our shoulders, we do it as well in our faces. Ever wonder why those frown wrinkles and creases between our eyebrows never seem to go away if left unattended?nnScalp massage has another benefit. For those of us challenged with a receding hairline or thinning hair in general, a good and gentle working over of the scalp increases blood flow helping hair follicles produce stronger and thicker hair. It won’t reverse baldness single-handedly, but an invigorated scalp contributes to overall healthier hair. nnWith the scalp addressed what about those feet? You know what I mean. The dry, cracked areas around our heels, the ankles rubbed to the point of soreness, the tops of our feet and toes—these areas crave our attention since they are some of the most neglected on our bodies. We are the worst enemies of our feet, since we may take the time to wash them but typically little else. nnPedicures are the best to overall care of the feet. But even at home, we can use moisturizers to help soften tough, thick skin. Some products are geared specifically for the feet, usually containing ingredients—such as urea—designed to heal the cracked areas on our heels. At this time of year when we expose our feet to the sun and water and wear sandals and flip-flops, it makes sense to treat our feet to some TLC.nnBut let’s not forget that wonderful visit to your massage therapist. The right one for you is likely hanging his shingle at Findamasseur.com. There, you’ll find someone surprisingly close by. So, why keep your skin waiting any longer? Now you know you can have fabulous skin from head to toe.n