Despite its reputation as an indulgent luxury, massage is a powerful tool to promote overall health and wellness. It is generally performed in a quiet, soothing space, and may include elements of aromatherapy and relaxing music.
Massage triggers the release of endorphins, which can improve mood and decrease stress. It also increases blood flow and stimulates lymphatic drainage, allowing cells to receive fresh nutrients and get rid of waste products. Visit Website to learn more.
The light pressure of a relaxation massage stimulates the body’s “relaxation response.” This triggers the parasympathetic nervous system to return your heart rate and breathing to a normal, non-stressed state. At the same time, it increases the production of feel good chemicals like endorphins and serotonin. These neurotransmitters improve mood, decrease anxiety and stress, and reduce depression symptoms.
The soothing touch of a massage provides comfort, reassurance and safety. This paired with the sense of well-being created by the therapist creates an emotional healing environment that can alleviate anxiety. This may be why many people describe their massage experience as euphoric.
Studies show that a relaxing massage can lower your levels of cortisol, a hormone that is produced when you are stressed. It can also increase your level of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and sleep patterns.
In addition, a relaxation massage will relieve localised pain. If you are dealing with a chronic ache or a specific muscle injury, a gentle massage can encourage the releasing of the knotted tissue and improve the flow of blood to the area allowing the muscles to relax.
If you suffer from insomnia, a relaxation massage can help you get a better night’s sleep. A good night’s sleep is vital to your wellbeing, and if you are suffering from insomnia or sleeping problems then you need all the help you can get. Research has shown that a massage can improve your sleep quality and reduce anxiety, which can cause sleeplessness.
In fact, a massage is so effective in promoting relaxation that some people become so relaxed that they sleep during the treatment or even afterwards. In order to receive the full benefits of a relaxation massage it is important that you schedule it for a time when you can really relax. You don’t want to go straight from your appointment into a meeting or to a party; make sure you give yourself enough time to completely relax. By doing this you can fully enjoy the therapeutic effects of your massage and take advantage of all the benefits that come with it.
Pain Relief
Massage has been shown to be effective in reducing pain, and it is one of the most common treatments for back pain. The pain relief is believed to be a result of several factors: it relaxes tight muscles, tendons and joints; reduces anxiety; increases circulation which carries oxygen to the tissues and cells; stimulates large nerve fibers that compete with pain pathways to inhibit their transmission; and releases endorphins, which are natural hormone-like chemicals that act as painkillers.
It is also thought that massage helps with chronic pain by releasing the inflammatory chemical cytokines which are responsible for swelling and inflammation. Massage has also been found to increase the level of serotonin in the brain, which is another natural painkiller that reduces stress and depression.
Studies have shown that fibromyalgia sufferers experience less pain and more relaxation as a result of regular massage therapy. It has also been found that people undergoing cancer treatment have improved quality of life and decreased stress levels after receiving regular therapeutic massage.
While there are many different types of massage, they all have similar effects on the body. Massage triggers the body’s parasympathetic nervous system, which slows down heart rate, lowers blood pressure and mobilises glucose. This is exactly what a person needs when battling stress or dealing with chronic pain.
For this reason, it is recommended that anyone who receives a massage regularly should be evaluated by a medical professional to ensure the safe use of this form of pain management. In addition, patients with pre-existing health conditions should check with their doctor to make sure massage is appropriate for them.
In general, massage is generally well tolerated and can be beneficial for everyone. However, it is important to communicate with your therapist about the type of pressure you would like and the specific areas you would like to be addressed. With a little advance planning, you can have the best massage possible that will help to alleviate your stress, pain and discomfort!
Increased Circulation
When the body experiences increased circulation, blood is able to flow freely to every part of the body. This allows oxygen and nutrients to reach muscles that might be underused or achy, and wastes to be transported away from the muscle tissue where it would otherwise build up and cause soreness.
While the majority of massage techniques aid circulation in some capacity, one type of massage—manual lymphatic drainage—is specifically designed to stimulate the lymphatic system and improve circulation. Developed in the 1930s by Emil and Estrid Vodder, this technique involves gently stretching the skin in the direction of lymphatic flow to encourage lymph fluid drainage and detoxification.
Aside from its obvious aesthetic benefits, increased circulation has a number of other healthful effects as well. It increases the transfer of nutrients to skeletal muscles, reduces soreness after exercise, helps prevent injury and speed recovery, and even improves the immune system.
The pressure on the soft tissues of the body during massage causes an increase in the diameter of blood vessels, or vasodilation. This occurs because the pressure on the soft tissues is much greater than the blood pressure in the vessels themselves. The squeezing and pulling actions of massage also flush out the lactic acid from muscle tissues that can inhibit blood flow, improving circulation and helping relieve aches and pains.
Another way that massage helps with circulation is by increasing the number of capillaries in the muscles. This is known as increased capillarisation, and it makes it easier for oxygen and nutrients to travel from the blood to the muscle.
A study compared a group of people who received a 90-minute massage to a control group that did not receive massage. The results were significant: the massaged group showed improved vascular function as measured by brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD), which is an accurate, noninvasive measure of vascular health. The FMD of the massaged group was significantly higher at 90 minutes, 24 hours, and 72 hours following the treatment. The difference between the groups remained significant after a year. Researchers are still studying the long-term benefits of this improvement in vascular function.
Better Sleep
A good night’s sleep is a vital component to a healthy lifestyle. It promotes growth and development, strengthens the immune system and improves mental clarity and memory. Aside from the obvious benefits of a restful night, proper sleep also decreases stress levels and aids in weight loss, digestion and emotional stability. If you suffer from a sleep disorder, massage can be used to reduce symptoms and enhance the overall experience of sleep.
There are many different types of massage, each with their own unique set of benefits. However, there are a few general benefits that are present in all types of massage. Massage stimulates the body to produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that signals the brain to prepare for sleep. This natural substance helps control the circadian rhythm and can reduce insomnia and depression. Additionally, massage can help to relax the body and mind which allows you to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
If you’re suffering from insomnia, a regular massage can significantly improve your quality of life and allow you to get the restful night’s sleep you deserve. In addition to a massage, try to adopt some healthy habits such as relaxing in the hours leading up to bedtime and avoiding screens at least two hours before sleep, if possible.
The most important thing to remember is to communicate with your therapist and let them know if anything is uncomfortable, painful or distracting. Your therapist will be able to give you suggestions for relaxation, such as breathing exercises, calming music or a cooler room temperature. Additionally, you can try to practice some relaxation techniques at home before your massage such as meditation or progressive muscle relaxation. It’s important to keep in mind that your sleep schedule may take some time to adjust after you start going to regular massages. For this reason, it’s best to maintain consistent massage appointments and work with your therapist for the long term. With the right attitude and healthy habits, you’ll be sleeping better in no time. Good luck!