Positives of Combining Massage Therapy and Yoga

There are many areas where combining techniques can show particularly notable benefits for the task being pursued, and a great example here is for those dealing with pain, discomfort or any other issue that massage therapy might be utilized for. While massage on its own can be immensely effective for many such issues, some also find value in combining massage with other similar approaches - and a common example is yoga.

At Body Balance Massage and Float, we're here to offer a wide range of massage therapy options to clients around Lehi, Orem and nearby areas, from basic techniques to specialty modalities and more. Here are some of the common benefits of combining yoga and massage therapy, plus some tips on utilizing yoga before or after a massage therapy session.

Value of Yoga Alongside Massage Therapy

Generally speaking, there are several benefits that come with combining the touch-based therapy of massage with the active, stretch-based approach of yoga. Some examples:

• Circulation improvement: While massage already helps boost circulation, yoga is also able to improve the flow of blood around the body with its exercises and stretches. Together, they can greatly increase the body's ability to circulate oxygen, keeping muscles and other tissues healthy.

• Relaxation: As mentioned earlier, massage is already a great way to relax both physically and mentally. However, combining it with yoga's breathing exercises allow for even deeper states of relaxation that can lead to better concentration and focus.

• Relief of stress and anxiety: Down related lines, yoga + massage can be a particularly effective tool for reducing stress levels and managing anxiety. The combination of deep breathing, stretching, and massage therapy can help clients enter a state of tranquility and peace.

• Sleep improvements: Another benefit of combining massage and yoga is that it can help clients get better sleep. The combination of the two therapies can assist in releasing tension and improving circulation, both of which can contribute to a more restful night's slumber.

• Easing tension and pain: Combining yoga and massage together can be an incredibly effective way of relieving tension in the body, especially in areas such as the neck and shoulders. The stretches offered by yoga combined with targeted massage therapy can help to reduce pain, discomfort, and soreness.

Yoga Before a Massage

For many people, the ideal combination of massage and yoga is to do some light stretches before a massage session. This helps to warm up the muscles, improve circulation, and prepare the body for the massage therapy session. It can also make it easier for therapists to access those deeper muscles during a massage treatment.

For others, more of a comprehensive yoga session before a massage might be in order. This can work to help relax the body, slow down breathing and heart rate, and create an environment for deep relaxation during the massage session.

In either case, it's important to listen to your body if you're considering doing yoga before a massage. Make sure to do light stretching that doesn't put too much strain on the body, and don't push too hard or ignore any signals your body is sending.

Yoga After Massage

Another great way to take advantage of combining both yoga and massage therapy is by incorporating some light stretches after a massage session. This can help to further relax the body, as well as stretch out any muscles that have been loosened up during the massage.

If you're looking for a more comprehensive yoga session after your massage, be sure to take it slow and listen to your body. Try poses such as child's pose or cat-cow stretches to help further release tension in the body and help it process all of the work that was done during the massage.

At Body Balance Massage and Float, we understand the value in combining yoga and massage therapy - and are here to help clients from Lehi, Orem and other nearby areas make sure they get the most out of their treatment sessions. With our experienced team of therapists and instructors, you can be sure to receive the highest quality massage services for an effective, holistic approach to relaxation. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.