Empowerment through Massage

Relaxation isn’t just time out doing nothing or enjoying scented candles and a soothing voice. Relaxation is a crucial part of enabling high performance. The path to physiological (and therefore psychological) relaxation may involve some technical bodywork techniques, targeting tension patterns and restricted areas in the body. The neurological, psychological and physiological science behind a relaxing massage treatment shows that it is a crucial aid to stress recovery and health. Relaxation protects the immune system, reduces blood pressure, eases inflammation and enhances brain functions such as memory, decision making and enjoyment.

After a decade working with athletes, corporate bosses, musicians and luxury holidaymakers looking to de-stress, Ruth Martin now runs Equilibrium ~ Performance & Wellbeing in the Alpine town of Chamonix Mont Blanc, France. She is a Massage Therapist well versed in helping anyone become the most relaxed and powerful version of themselves, to perform at the best level they can. Fascinated by the inter-relationship between psychology and physiology, she has developed an approach to enhancing anyone’s “performance and wellbeing” through a combination of therapeutic massage, relaxation and a field of soft tissue therapy known as myofascial release.

Massage is a phenomenal medium to reduce tension, energise the body and boost endorphins – the wellbeing hormones. Taking time out just to be looked after for an hour or so is a wonderful psychological boost. And relieving immediate stress and long term tension involves some amazing physiological processes.

The New Corporate Incentive – Massage & Wellbeing

“A good therapeutic massage” explains Ruth Martin, “will relax muscles, rehydrate connective tissue, pinpoint and release areas of unwanted tension that have perhaps been holding you in an unhelpful posture or movement pattern. For instance, an ostensibly successful entrepreneur may have tension headaches. Following chronic travel, desk work and high intensity business work, a great massage should help restore posture to an open, “regal” holding pattern, letting the upper shoulders drop and soften, the upper chest feel open and the neck feel relaxed, while the core can become engaged and powerful.

Simultaneously massage should engage the parasympathetic nervous system that motivates rest and recovery. The idea is that if physically you feel relaxed, stronger and confident, then psychologically you are happier and calmer. More often than not, massage will alleviate or reduce any tension pains.”