Massage Therapy: Experience its Health Benefits

By Kevin Jones 3 years ago

With all the stress people face today, massage therapy can be a powerful tool to help improve their health and well-being.

Even in early times, massage therapy was practiced in many cultures, including Chinese, Ancient Greeks, Egyptians, and Indians, to help relieve pain. Many believed in its healing powers and ability to cure specific diseases and heal injuries.

What is Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy is intended to control the muscles and connective tissues using different techniques to enhance functions, promote comfort and well-being, and aid in the recovery procedure. It has different kinds with numerous functions, but all of which are therapeutic in nature because it involves the biggest organ of the human body: the skin. What makes them different from each other are their goals and techniques like moving, holding, and applying pressure to the tendons, ligaments, tendons, and fascia.

Fortunately, massage is widely offered today, even in gyms and airports. If you’ve been regularly visiting a massage center, you probably tried a lot of its types. For first-timers, here are some of the trending massages they offer:

  • Swedish massage therapy
  • Aromatherapy massage
  • Hot stone massage
  • Deep tissue massage
  • Shiatsu massage
  • Thai massage
  • Pregnancy massage
  • Reflexology
  • Sports Massage

Best Benefits of massage

1. Relaxation and Manages Anxiety and Depression

Among the immediate benefits of massage are relaxation and calm since it encourages the release of brain chemicals called endorphins, which are responsible for producing feelings of well-being. Also, the levels of stress hormones like cortisol, adrenaline, and norepinephrine are reduced. Thus, you feel happier, less stressed with reduced blood pressure. Swedish massage is usually the most recommended type for relaxation. It involves muscle kneading and rolling, long, sweeping strokes, and friction.

2. Relieves and Eases Pain

At one point in your life, you’ve probably already experienced back pain. Next time you feel it, try visiting a wellness spa. Massage will decrease pain and stiffness on your back and increase your range of motion. In fact, it has similar results to other effective remedies like drugs, acupuncture, yoga, and other exercises.

If you’re on the lookout for San Rafael outdoor massage, you might want to check out Bodywise Massage. They offer a wide selection of services, such as Deep Tissue, Swedish, Reflexology, Lomi Lomi, Acupressure, Table Thai, Lymphatic Drainage, Sports Therapy, and a lot more. It is where you can try an exciting outdoor massage experience in a stunning and tranquil well-being garden filled with playful birds, various native and exotic plants, and falling water. Another is open-air therapy, where you will be receiving your massage in an “open-air” room with no door and ceiling for improved ventilation.

3. Improves Sleep

If you’re one of those who are sleep-deprived, massage can be a drug-free, smart, and healthy option to overcome it. Serotonin plays an important role in mood, body behavior, body temperature, and sleep. A study shows that individuals who receive regular massage experienced increased serotonin levels and a drop in long-term pain. Although additional research is needed, the existing evidence is enough to recommend regular massage to sleepless individuals.

4. Boosts Mental Clarity

In another study, 26 adults were asked to sit and relax in a massage chair for 15 minutes, twice for 5 weeks. On the first and last days of this study, the subjects performed math computations. At the end of this 5-week period, they demonstrated increased speed and accuracy on math computations due to decreased frontal alpha and beta power, suggesting mental alertness.

5. Boosts Immunity

Research has shown that having a regular massage is excellent for your immune system as it helps flush out toxins, increasing blood circulation throughout the body. It also maximizes the activity of white blood cells that help our body fight diseases and possibly help in the reduction of cortisol. Cortisol is the primary stress hormone, which also increases sugar in the bloodstream.

6. Beats PMS

For women who suffer from premenstrual syndrome every month, massage therapy can be a healthy way to alleviate PMS symptoms, such as irritability, bloating, cramping, and mood swings.

7. Prolongs Youthful Glow

Whether it’s dry or oily, skin issues result from several reasons. Massage therapy can help improve your skin’s health by maximizing circulation. It also helps release tension and relaxes the muscles, minimizing the appearance and development of wrinkles. Most of all, it stimulates cell regeneration through increased blood flow and waste excretion, leaving your skin feeling smoother and looking younger!

Despite these benefits, remember that massage isn’t a replacement or substitute for medical care. Make sure you inform your doctor first before undergoing any massage and follow your regular treatment plans if you are pregnant or have medical conditions like:

  • Life-threatening illness
  • Suspected fractures or broken bones
  • Cuts, skin rashes, or infections