MASSAGE THERAPY FOR THE WORKPLACE
"360 million work days are lost annually in the U.K. at a cost of £8 billion, and half of these absences are stress-related"
Quoted from Mental Health and Stress in the Workplace: A Guide for Employers

Because of this, many businesses are now turning to massage therapy as a way of increasing productivity and lowering health costs. It can help reduce stress and fatigue, increase mental clarity, relax and rejuvenate and therefore help productivity by reducing time lost through absenteeism and medical appointments. Following a 1996 survey of employees who regularly receive therapeutic massage on site at Reebok International Ltd., 98 percent said it helped them reduce work related stress; 92 percent said it increased alertness, motivation and productivity; 83 percent said it had in some cases sufficiently addressed a problem so medical attention was not necessary; and 66 percent said it had enabled them to stay at work when they would have otherwise gone home sick.

The effects of stress can then lead to

Massage can help soothe your workers both physically and emotionally, refresh and rejuvenate them, allowing them to put things into perspective and face rest of the day with a feeling of well being. Regular massages are beneficial to the individual, but also to the company as a whole as they can significantly improve creative thinking and problem solving abilities as well as relieve fatigue. Massage can help employees stay healthy as well as happy by easing aches and pains, reducing blood pressure and even increasing immunity to colds and flu by improving the immune system!

Aurora Holistics has a range of plans to accommodate the growing requirement for massage in the workplace. As long as you are able to provide a small, secluded amount of private space I can visit at a time to suit you and your employees. The service can be paid for either by the employer as an additional benefit, or by the employees themselves. Prices vary, as reductions can be made for block bookings - please contact me to discuss a plan.

Even if you do not have space in the workplace your employees can still benefit from our services, as I will be happy to visit them at home, at their gym or sports club, or anywhere else they choose!

Massage and Health
Massage is an holistic therapy and therfore has an effect on both the body and the mind.

Massage increases the circulation of blood and flow of lymph. The direct mechanical effect of rhythmically applied manual pressure and movement used in massage can dramatically increase the rate of blood flow. Also, the stimulation of nerve receptors causes the blood vessels (by reflex action) to dilate, which also facilitates blood flow. This has a profound effect on one's health.

The following are benefits of massage
Reduced muscle tension. Massage affects the muscles throughout the body. Massage affects the muscles and other soft tissues throughout the body. It loosens contracted, shortened, hardened muscles. Massage can stimulate weak, flaccid muscles. Chronic muscle tension reduces the circulation of the blood and movement of lymph in an area.

Improved blood circulation. The oxygen capacity of the blood can increase 10-15% after massage. By indirectly or directly stimulating nerves that supply internal organs, blood vessels of these organs dilate and allow greater blood supply to them.

Better lymph movement. Lymph is a milky white fluid that drains impurities and waste away from the tissue cells. A component of these wastes is toxins which are the by-products of metabolism. So, it is a vital to our health. Muscular contraction has a pumping effect that moves lymph. Massage and exercise help to move lymph.

Increased mobility and range of motion of joints. Massage provides a gentle stretching action to both the muscles and connective tissues that surround and support the muscles and many other parts of the body, which helps keep these tissues elastic.

Stimulated or soothed nervous system. Massage balances the nervous system by soothing or stimulating it, depending on which effect is needed by the individual at the time of the massage.

Enhanced skin condition. Massage enhances the skin condition by improving the function of the sebaceous and sweat glands, which keep the skin lubricated, clean, and cool.

Better digestion and intestinal function. Massage increases the body's secretions and excretions. It increases the production of gastric juices, saliva, and urine. There is also an increased excretion of nitrogen, inorganic phosphorus, and salt. As a result, the metabolic rate increases.

Relief of acute and chronic pain. Massage can promote recovery from the fatigue and from minor aches and pains.

Beneficial effects on the internal organs and the immune system.

Reduced stress.

General relaxation.

Overall improvement in physical health and the quality of life.

Contact
Aurora Holistics – 07775 907444
Wendy Luck MGCP – Mobile Massage Therapist
Member of the Guild of Complementary Practitioners
'massage techniques for the home and workplace'

Notes
Before treatment can commence a consultation will be carried out.
It may be necessary to seek the advice of your GP if there are any contraindications to the treatment.