To Your Health
July 2007

Massage for Weight Loss???
by Linda Hall L.M.P.

Have you heard that massage helps you lose weight? Some spas and salons offer "weight-loss massage" and cellulite reduction massage. Don't be fooled! If it were that easy, none of us would have a weight problem!

Massage has not been proven to help anyone lose weight, but it can help you reshape your body by moving fluid around. Massage can even act as a diuretic, so that you'll lose weight, but remember the only weight which is actually lost is water weight and the results are not permanent.

Massage can help improve digestion and the regular function of organs such as the liver. Massage can be used to clear the system of metabolic waste, and encourage circulation. It improves digestion and helps flush out metabolic waste which can help you in a successful weight loss program. When massage aids in increasing blood circulation, this in turn increases the metabolic rate.

Probably the best way massage can enhance your weight loss is by increasing your sense of well-being, shifting your attitude towards a more health-oriented approach to life, and creating more of an awareness of your body and how to get it in shape and stronger. Massage is also a great way to keep those tired and sore muscles in shape after your new exercise program. Massage helps the blood flow and improves the flexibility of the muscles during exercise.

Massage helps reduce stress, and as we know stress-based factors can cause weight gain. Dieting people usually work on the body and forget about the mind. This helps explain why 97 out of 100 people who diet regain the weight in less than a year. Stress affects how we look, think and feel. Some say the real cause of weight gain is stress. You can manifest and maintain your weight loss goal by reducing, eliminating and controlling stress, on all levels. Massage releases feel good endorphins that can help people have a better sense of self during the time they are trying to improve their bodies. Those endorphins also help keep them motivated and helps with their energy level.

Massage can also be a great reward for reaching your weight and exercise goals. I believe that if people are doing something healthful for themselves such as massage that it will improve their frame of mind and further facilitate weight loss. Oh, and don't forget to drink lots of water too!

Good Luck In Your Efforts to GET FIT!!

Linda Hall is a Licensed Massage Practitioner whose practice, Alternative Pathways to Health, is located at the Colville Naturopathic Clinic, 234 N. Oak in Colville. For more information, call 684-1104. (This article is not intended to replace professional medical advice. If you're ill please consult your physician.)

Care to comment? Please direct your comments to editor@ncmonthly.com.

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