You may have heard the terms Massage, Massage Therapy, Clinical Massage, Medical Massage, Bodywork, Therapeutic Bodywork, Integrative Bodywork, and Manual Therapy used interchangeably. These overlap in many regards, but have important distinctions and different benefits.
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 improving 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.
These terms are not always used appropriately by professionals, and techniques vary significantly between providers.
ARC goes much further — by integrating Chinese Medical Theory and Somatic Therapy with Behavioral and Lifestyle strategies — to help people attain optimal health and fulfillment.
Overall Performance
Bodywork is a well-known essential for top athletes to bring their A-Game.
Frequent bodywork supports optional performance in every part of our life, including academics, work, relationships, parenting, creativity, personal growth, and more.
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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.
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"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.
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Further Reading:
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