Massage therapy is just that–therapy. There are many benefits, both physical and mental, to massage therapy. Getting a massage is more than an experience at a spa; it’s a practice that involves researched and time-tested techniques to help ease pain and discomfort and even heal physical and emotional traumas. Empathic Practice has two massage therapists in house: Carlie Nagy, LMT and Ben Driskell, LMT. They both perform a variety of massage techniques and proven therapies to help their clients ease pain and achieve a holistic physical and emotional well-being.
Studies have shown that some of the physical and mental benefits to massage therapy can include:
- Reducing stress
- Improving relaxation
- Reducing pain, tension, and muscle soreness
- Improving circulation
- Raising energy and alertness
- Lowering heart rate
- Lowering blood pressure
- Improving immune function
Massage therapy is a proven form of physical therapy, says Empathic Practice licensed massage therapist Carlie Nagy. “Massage therapists are very well-educated about the anatomy and physiology of the human body. This can include knowledge of the circulatory system, the lymphatic system, and the musculoskeletal system.
“In my practice I use this knowledge along with techniques like sports massage, acupressure, and (IASTM) instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization to help heal the body from previous imbalances and injuries. Passive and active stretches can also be utilized for healing on the table.”
There is an emotional element to massage therapy, as well. Receiving massages regularly can reduce anxiety and relieve insomnia. Carlie Nagy, LMT asks her clients to speak their needs and boundaries during her practice, which can heal bodily trauma.
“I once read an article that said that if a person’s body is still in a trauma state it will not respond to traditional talk therapy treatment. Sometimes a person is so numbed in their own bodies from trauma or other things that they are completely disconnected to their own essential selves. This can include the inability to make basic choices or to self-soothe which could lead up to anxiety and even depression,” Carlie says.
In order for all of the physical and mental benefits of massage therapy to be utilized and to enhance the massage experience, our practitioners use a variety of products and techniques:
- Warm dosha balancing ayurvedic oils infused with herbs, CBD oil, tiger balm and Arnica infused sore muscle oils depending on the treatment.
- VacuCupping
- Silicone dynamic cupping
- Hot stones
- Gua Sha scraping
- Percussion massage device
- Infrared and NIR light therapy
- Vibrational frequency healing with binaural music, crystal singing bowls
- SOMA Breathwork
- Crystal healing
- Reiki
- Pranic healing energywork
The many lasting effects of regular massage therapy can include a healthier immune system, better circulation to all systems, homeostasis of the central nervous system resulting in total body healing, scar tissue management, systemic muscular balance, pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects, Vagus nerve stimulation, increased self-worth, self-esteem, and self-image, smoother skin tissue, increased collagen and elastin production, better sleep, more regulated hormones, faster physical recovery from exercise and sickness, and, of course, a sense of peace throughout the mind and body.
Book your massage with one of our Licensed Massage Therapists today to get started on your healing journey. Click here to book your appointment.
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