Massage has become synonymous with luxury vacations and fancy hotels, but it can help you stay healthy and balanced even when you are not on holiday. Here are a few reasons why you should consider making it part of your wellness routine:
Massage triggers the release of endorphins that inhibit pain signals from reaching the brain. Regular sessions can also enhance immune function by increasing the production of Killer T cells that destroy viruses and bacteria. Visit their Website for more details.
Relaxation
Massage is known to stimulate the release of hormones and increase the temperature of soft tissues, causing an overall relaxation of the body. These hormones help to decrease the level of stress hormones in the blood, which leads to an increased sense of well being. Massage can also help to reduce pain by decreasing tension in the muscles and helping the joints to move in their full range of motion. It is therefore important to schedule a treatment before an event to help relax the muscles, which will then lead to greater muscle coordination and improved performance.
A relaxing massage can be beneficial for people with many different conditions. It can help relieve the effects of chronic pain, muscle spasms, back and neck problems, insomnia, a variety of emotional disorders, high blood pressure, and other health conditions. It can also help boost the immune system, improve circulation and flexibility, reduce stress, fatigue and depression and give a feeling of overall well being.
If you are suffering from an illness, it is recommended to seek advice from your GP before booking a massage. However, if you are not ill and simply want to enjoy the physical and emotional benefits of massage then it is safe for most people.
When receiving a massage for relaxation, the therapist will use a light touch to the skin and gently manipulate the muscles. During the massage the nervous system is activated and the body releases feel good chemicals such as endorphins, serotonin and dopamine which can all enhance mood and feelings of well being. These hormones can also act as a natural pain killer and mask the sensation of pain.
The massage also stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system which is responsible for regulating the body back to a state of rest after experiencing emotions such as anxiety or stress. This is why it is so important to take time out for yourself on a regular basis, and prioritise self-care. Massage is a great way to actively achieve this and it can have a profound impact on the mind, body and soul.
Pain Relief
A massage can help to reduce pain. Pain occurs when receptors within the skin detect something is wrong and send a signal to nerves which creates a feeling of pain. Within a massage friction created between the skin and fingers increases blood flow to the treatment area. Increased blood flow brings oxygen and nutrients to the muscle tissues which reduces inflammation and increases healing. A massage can also disturb the pain signals sent to the brain increasing comfort levels.
In addition to pain relief, a massage can increase range of movement by decreasing restricted movement. Restricted movement can cause muscles to tighten and a reduction in tissue elasticity resulting in a decrease of the ability for a muscle to reach its full length. A massage increases movement through a process called tissue heating which loosens the muscles and tendons to promote relaxation and increase flexibility.
Massage can also increase circulation which carries waste products away from the muscles. Waste products build up in muscles causing weakness and fatigue. The removal of waste products through massage increases muscle strength and a reduction in the severity of chronic pain.
A massage stimulates the autonomic nervous system and increases blood flow which are both responsible for the release of feel good hormones. Feel good hormones include endorphins, serotonin and dopamine. These hormones help to relieve stress, depression and anxiety by reducing these negative emotions and replacing them with feelings of relaxation, happiness and motivation.
Many people who have a regular massage experience an improved quality of life. Surveys have shown that a massage can help to alleviate problems such as headaches, lower back pain and general muscle tension.
A massage may also improve immune function by removing toxins from the body and increasing white blood cell count which is important in defending against viruses. Moreover, a study has shown that if an individual is experiencing constipation, an abdominal massage can help to resolve the issue by increasing the flow of bowel movements. A massage may also reduce menstrual cramps and enhance recovery from sports injuries by increasing joint mobility and muscle flexibility.
Stress Reduction
Stress is a natural part of life, but excessive and chronic stress can cause both physical and mental health problems. Therapeutic massage relieves both the emotional and physical build up of stress and anxiety.
Massage stimulates the body’s lymphatic system and increases blood flow to the muscles. This helps to remove wastes and bring in fresh nutrients. Increased circulation also helps to reduce muscle and tissue pain by bringing more oxygen to the area and helping to flush away metabolic wastes.
It has been found that massage can decrease cortisol, the hormone that is produced in response to stress. Chronic stress causes the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis to become activated and produce cortisol in excess of normal levels. Studies that have been conducted on saliva, urine and blood plasma sampling have shown that massage lowers the levels of cortisol in these samples.
Research has also indicated that massage can reduce triglycerides in the blood, which can help to prevent heart disease. It has also been found that people who receive massage regularly have lower levels of inflammatory markers in the blood. Massage can also increase the production of serotonin in the brain, a chemical that promotes well-being.
A massage stimulates the nerves and sensory receptors, sending calming messages to the autonomic nervous system. This balancing effect can slow down the heart rate, lower the blood pressure and reduce the level of epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine in the body.
Stress can increase our body’s production of cytokines, which are molecules that trigger inflammation and can lead to inflammation and swelling in the joints and muscles. Studies have shown that massage can decrease the production of cytokines and decrease epinephrine and norepinephrine, which can result in a reduction of the stress response.
A massage can also stimulate the release of endorphins, which is a natural feel good chemical that can boost our mood and inhibit pain sensations. However, the release of endorphins during a massage can vary from person to person. The type of massage, the pressure used and the techniques employed can all have an impact on how much endorphins are released during a massage.
Better Sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep is essential to overall health, but it can be elusive for many. If you are struggling with insomnia or sleep disturbances, massage therapy may be able to help. Massage stimulates the body’s relaxation response, which can ease anxiety and tension and help you sleep better. It can also improve the quality of your sleep, by reducing pain and promoting muscle relaxation.
Studies have shown that massage reduces cortisol levels and increases serotonin and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters that can boost feelings of well-being and promote relaxation. These hormones can aid in the production of melatonin, which helps regulate the circadian rhythm, a sleep/wake cycle that affects your mood, energy, and cognitive functions.
In addition to lowering cortisol and increasing serotonin, massage decreases stress, which can contribute to poor sleep. When you have a massage, your heart rate slows and blood pressure decreases, which can make you feel more relaxed. You’ll probably fall asleep faster and have a better quality of sleep.
Massage can be used to treat a wide range of sleep disorders, including insomnia and chronic pain syndrome. A study involving patients with fibromyalgia showed that regular massage decreased the frequency of pain episodes, improved mood and increased the length and depth of sleep.
The most common causes of sleep issues are muscle tension and pain. A massage can alleviate these problems by targeting specific areas of the body and releasing tight knots. You can ask your massage therapist to use gentle techniques such as Swedish, deep tissue and myofascial release.
You can also incorporate self-massage into your sleep routine between massage sessions to help maintain relaxation and promote a restful slumber. For the best results, it is recommended that you get a massage at least once a week. You can also combine massage with other relaxing activities, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises. With a consistent routine, you can sleep well and wake up feeling refreshed and energized.