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Massage, Integrative Bodywork vs. ARC, and their Benefits

You may have heard the terms Massage, Massage Therapy, Clinical Massage, Medical Massage, Bodywork, Therapeutic Bodywork, Integrative Bodywork, and Manual Therapy used interchangeably. While these overlap in many regards, they have important distinctions, each with their own benefits. Thus these terms are not always used appropriately by professionals; and techniques vary significantly between providers.
Massage is generally used for overall physical and mental relaxation, and wellness.
Massage Therapy, Clinical Massage, and Medical Massage are used for targeted physical outcomes such as increasing flexibility, mobility, pain relief, and injury rehabilitation.
Collectively, these are considered Manual Therapies. However, Manual Therapy is generally reserved for Licensed Healthcare Professionals, including Massage Therapists, Physical Therapists, Osteopaths, Chiropractors, some Acupuncturists, OMDs, and Naturopaths.
Bodywork is a catch-all term that includes Manual Therapy, Breath Work, and Energy Medicine/Work -like Reiki, and Jin Shin/Acupressure Therapy- as they respectively address one's Physical, Mental, Emotional, or Spiritual "Bodies."
Integrative Bodywork seeks to facilitate healing and balancing all of these dimensions of human wellbeing, thus integrates any of these methods according to client needs.
ARC takes Integrative Bodywork further by integrating Chinese Medical Theory and Somatic Therapy with Nutritional, Behavioral, and Lifestyle strategies to not just help people be healthy, but live with meaningful purpose and contribution for a truly comprehensive approach to complete health of Body, Mind, and Soul.

General Benefits:

  • Better Sleep
  • More Energy
  • Less Fatigue
  • Stress Reduction
  • Pain Relief
  • Higher Pain & Stress Threshold
  • Reduce Tension
  • Improve Digestion
  • Optimize Hormone Levels
  • Balance & Improve Mood
  • Lower Blood Pressure
  • Protect & Improve Cardiovascular Health
  • Strengthen Immune System
  • Better Breathing
  • Increase Body Awareness & Mindfulness
  • Improve Balance & Coordination
  • Enhance Joint Mobility
  • Improve Posture
  • Less Risk of Injuries & Illness
  • Recover Faster from Illness, Injuries & Operations
  • Lymphatic Drainage (detox support)
  • Healthy Skin
  • Resistance to Anxiety & Depression
  • Enhance Focus, Concentration & Cognitive Function

Overall Performance

Bodywork is a well-known essential for top athletes to bring their A-Game.

On average, I was getting worked on four to five days a week.

"Massage therapy was hugely important to my recovery, which I believe is the biggest thing you yourself can control. ...Recovery put me in position to maximize my training and performance."
Michael Phelps, 23x Olympic gold medalist
  • Read the full article here.
Frequent bodywork supports optional performance in every part of our life, including academics, work, relationships, parenting, creativity, personal growth, and more.

Psychological

General Bodywork stimulates:
  • Dopamine to boost motivation
  • Serotonin to ease anxiety & depression
  • Oxytocin to enhance intimacy & bonding
  • Testosterone to boost energy & vitality, increase muscle mass, & control weight
  • Endorphins to relieve pain, lower stress, lift mood, & enhance overall sense of well-being
Together, these results improve Self-Esteem, Confidence, Decision-Making, Focus, and Mental Stamina, Reduce Stress, Irritability, and Balance Mood.

ARC induces neuroplasticity (reorganizing and increasing neural connections) to adapt to psychological or physical trauma, and release unconscious dysfunctional coping mechanisms that keep people from reaching their full physical and cognitive potential, so they can thrive and enjoy the most fulfilling life possible.

Individual responses and benefits can vary, and may depend on the competency, methods, and skill of the provider, and the recipient's conditions and circumstances.


Although Integrative Bodywork offers so many benefits, it is not a substitute for medical treatment, or a healthy lifestyle.


Always consult with your doctor to ensure that Integrative Bodywork is appropriate for your specific needs and health conditions.

Positive Touch is Fundamental for Health

"In recent years, a wave of studies has documented some incredible emotional and physical health benefits that come from touch. This research is suggesting that touch is truly fundamental to human communication, bonding, and health."
  • Read the full article here.

Virtually every human degenerative condition corresponds with inadequate positive touch.

Further Reading:

Give and receive ARC at least once a week, and you will realize why it's essential for a thriving life!