Treating Asthma with Massage Therapy
Taking a good, deep breath can be difficult for anyone facing a
stressful situation, but it's even harder for people with asthma.
That's one reason massage can make life easier for asthmatics.
Anne Williams, education program director of Associated Bodywork
& Massage Professionals, explains that massage therapy helps
relax the accessory respiratory muscles used in breathing. And
that's only the beginning.
Benefits of Relaxation
Stress makes any condition worse, and asthma is no
exception. A Journal of Pediatrics study
indicated that children with asthma experienced less anxiety and
better air flow after receiving a pre-bedtime massage every night
for a month.
Massage works equally well for adults, who tend to suffer from
even more stress than children. Genuine relaxation is so rare that
it can be hard to imagine, but once your body has experienced that
in a massage therapy session, your mind is better able to recreate
the sensation before stress kicks in again.
Strengthening the chest muscles, which can lead to improved
circulation and pulmonary function, can be accomplished with
various massage techniques. Ask your Massage Envy professional
therapist for recommendations.
AromaTherapy
Lavender is commonly associated with relaxation, and some
studies suggest that it can help reduce the symptoms of asthma.
Massage Envy's Lavender Garden AromaTherapy blend* contains a blend
of English true lavender, which promotes tranquility, as well as
the lavandin essential oil - which is known for supporting the
respiratory system and aiding in restful sleep. Sweet dreams!
*Indicates additional charges to massage therapy session.