When it is eaten it has large amounts of potassium zinc, magnesium and iron. Magnesium is known to be highly beneficial to muscles and is one vitamin that is regularly recommended by massage therapists to their clients. A deficiency in magnesium is thought to be one of the reasons why pre menstrual women crave chocolate.
Chocolate has also been shown to low cholesterol levels and the vitamin e and vitamin b are also thought to prevent memory loss.
The cacao bean and chocolate have also been noted to be mood enhancers, with the phenylethylamine in chocolate raising seratonin levels (those feel good chemicals in the brain.) Serotonin is known to reduce depression. These chemicals are also knows to reduce hunger and increase libido. It is also known to stimulate endorphins another feel good chemical.
Chocolate has also been discovered to have a relaxing effect on blood vessels, allowing for better blood flow because of the flavanoids. This type of antioxidant acts as a blood thinner and can also stimulate insulin production. Anti oxidants are also thought to reduce the incidence of free radicals in the blood stream, one of the main causes of ageing.
For the skin, it has long been thought that chocolate has beneficial qualities in nourishing the skin from the outside as well as from the inside. Some beauty therapists will use chocolate facials and chocolate body wraps in their treatments not only because of the luxurious nature of the smell and feel of chocolate but also because of these properties.
Chocolate massage is a rare style of massage, mostly found in Europe. Here the therapists warms chocolate and uses it during the massage, sometimes thinned with warmed massage oil. A chocolate massage is sometimes combined with a chocolate body wrap and chocolate facial for a complete package.
With a chocolate body wrap, the client is massage with a dark chocolate oil and then wrapped in foil or other material to allow the health properties of the chocolate to seep into the skin. Chocolate facials are also popular as they plump out the lines in the skin making it appear more youthful.
Chocolate massage couples all the benefits of using chocolate on the skin with other health benefits of massage, such as relaxation, increased blood flow, stimulation of the lymphatic system and digestive system. Using both together increases the effectiveness of the massage, as well as being a luxurious experience.
Ripple Massage is one of a handful of massage therapy businesses in Australia that offers chocolate massage as part of its massage menu. More details can be found at http://www.ripplemassage.com.au or by calling 0438 567 906.
Alison Shaw is a qualified massage therapist the owns Ripple Massage in Australia. Further information is available at http://www.ripplemassage.com.au or by phoning 0438 567 906.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alison_L_Shaw
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