Massage, used in health or in illness, is one of the most ancient forms of healing known to humans and animals. Of course, it relaxes painful spasm and tensions, and increases cleansing circulation to, and pliability of, body tissues, bringing fresh nutrients, Qi, and fluids, and flushing out metabolic wastes. In good health, massage benefits us all in wellness of body and mind.
It can also do much more than that if repeated regularly, like any other therapy, during times of ill health. Massage can decrease swelling, stimulate immune and nervous system functions, and release or align painful scar tissues and fascial restrictions due to injury, surgery, repetitive stresses and compensation patterns, arthritis, hip dysplasia, vertebral disc damage, and muscle atrophy. It can sedate overactive, spastic nerve tremors or rigidity, and help correct painful postural changes. It can relax chronically tight breathing muscles (asthma, bronchitis) and help nutrify tissues prone to circulation deficits (diabetes, heart disease).
As a complement to both traditional and holistic medicine, massage can reduce pain, increase function and mobility, increase immunity and circulation, and quality of life. Animals’ physiology is far more similar to ours than it is different!