Kim Binckes therapeutic massage

Massage for Mind and Body

About three years ago when Kim Binckes became interested in massage, she thought it was just a body rub that felt incredibly relaxing and soothing, but whilst studying for her diploma, she learnt to her amazement, the many benefits massage has on the mind and body.

Says Kim: "In our modem day life, many of us load ourselves with unrelenting and overburdening stress that can eventually lead to serious health problems. Continued anxiety, tension hypertension can lead to allergies, arthritis, indigestion, constipation, high blood pres-sure, heart disease, insomnia and many other conditions.

The most effective way to deal with stress when it becomes unmanageable is to seek counseling and treatment, and often doctors and psychologists will recommend massage for the relief tension, anxiety, worry, anger and emotional problems.

Massage is popular with sports men ands women to improve muscle tone, restore mobility and ensure elimination of waste products after exercise.

Regular massage will help strains and sprains heal more rapidly and also relieve cramps and stiff muscles. Massage also improves circulation, thereby relieving back, neck, muscle and joint pain including Occupational Overuse Injuries [OOS, RSI].

Massage speeds up the flow of lymph, encouraging filtering and elimination of waste throughout the body and an efficient lymphatic system provides the body with a strong immune system to fight against infections and diseases.

Massage mobilises the digestive system so and that assimilation and elimination are improved which helps to relieve constipation and flatulence.

A good massage therapist will have detailed knowledge of human anatomy and physiology to ascertain when and when not to massage.

"It is advisable to seek out massage therapists who are affiliated with a professional association such as the New Zealand Association of Therapeutic Massage Practitioners, and are in possession of a formal qualification from a reputable massage school.

As a massage therapist, I like to create a restful environment with relaxing back ground music and calming, scented massage oil to aid relaxation thereby helping clients who are experiencing stress, and for those who want to prevent stress related illnesses.

My clients come from all walks of life and many of them use massage as a rehabilitative and preventative health measure, and they are committed to obtaining and maintaining optimal health through regular therapeutic massage treatments

"The sense of touch is very powerful and it is the most natural reaction in the world to comfort, soothe or heal a person through touching and that is why massage has been around for centuries.

~Kim Binckes (Diploma in Therapeutic Massage certified member NZATMP) can be contacted at The Value of Touch Massage Clinic, 233 8162.

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