Therapeutic massage involves manipulating the soft tissue of the body (such as muscles, ligaments and tendons). Practitioners and patients claim that massage reduces anxiety, heals injuries, and boosts overall wellness.
One theory is that massage interrupts the brain’s pain loop by stimulating nerves with larger diameter fibers. It also helps the body produce serotonin, which promotes relaxation and decreases stress levels.
Massage is the application of soft tissue manipulation to relax muscles, tendons and ligaments. It is one of the best treatments for decreasing stress and promoting relaxation throughout the entire body. It decreases heart rate, increases temperature and releases endorphins that can cause the brain to trigger a “feel good” response.
Increased relaxation can help to ease pain, reduce muscle tightness and improve posture. It can also alleviate insomnia by helping the body to fall asleep and stay asleep at night. In addition, massage can help to increase a person’s range of motion. If a person’s muscles are tight or stiff it can inhibit their mobility and this can lead to further problems. Regular massage can prevent this from happening by releasing feel good hormones that help the muscles and tissues to relax.
When a person feels relaxed it can also help to reduce their anxiety levels. This is because the negative hormone cortisol which is released from the adrenal gland located on the kidneys can actually increase the feeling of stress and can cause a person to feel anxious. However, during a massage the friction caused from the touch of the muscles can encourage the release of positive hormones such as serotonin and dopamine which can replace the cortisol and decrease feelings of stress and anxiety.
During massage the effleurage techniques (stroking, gliding and kneading) help to increase the temperature of the muscles which increases their elasticity and flexibility. This helps to decrease the effects of injury and overuse and can also improve a person’s posture. It is important for pregnant women to get regular massages as it can help to prevent their back from becoming curved which can increase pain and discomfort.
In addition, during a massage the kneading and wringing of the muscles stimulates blood circulation which can help to remove waste products from the muscle tissue. This process can also help to reduce lactic acid build up which can lead to soreness and cramping. This can improve a person’s athletic performance as it will help their muscles to recover faster.
Pain Relief
Massage can help to relieve pain by increasing the release of endorphins which are the body’s natural painkillers. It can also improve the circulation and flexibility of the muscles and joints which can reduce aches and pains. It can also help to decrease the level of cortisol in the body which is a stress hormone. Regular massage can help to alleviate many types of pain including back and neck pain, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis and sciatic nerve pain.
Massage therapy has been used for thousands of years to treat a wide variety of ailments and conditions. It can improve the functioning of the immune system, enhance blood circulation and lymph flow, decrease muscle and tissue toxins, and reduce stress and tension in the body. It can also help to increase energy, alertness and improve quality of life.
The rubbing and kneading motions of massage increase skin and tissue warmth which encourages blood flow. This improved blood circulation removes waste products, carries oxygen and nutrients to tissues, and carries away waste from the internal organs. This allows the body to function properly and more efficiently.
Studies have shown that massage can relieve musculoskeletal pain, especially low back and neck pain, by decreasing both the intensity of the pain and the frequency of the pain. It can also help to reduce anxiety and depression. It can also relieve fibromyalgia and sciatic nerve pain by improving the flow of fluids in those areas, which can lessen inflammation and swelling and stimulate the regrowth of damaged tissues.
A massage can also improve the functioning of the kidneys, lungs and heart by removing waste products and improving the flow of blood to those organs. It can also help to lower blood pressure and heart rate as well as reduce the levels of cortisol in the body.
It is important to note that the outcome of a massage can be different for each person. This is because a client’s lifestyle and their willingness to change it may be the single biggest influence on how successful the treatment will be. Hampleton explains that one of his clients who was experiencing degenerative disc disease experienced great relief from her symptoms after just six months of regular massage sessions.
Immune System Boost
Stress is a known immune system suppressor, and a regular massage helps to alleviate stress. The calming effects of massage help to reduce cortisol levels and improve immunity by boosting white blood cell count, improving the body’s ability to fight infections. Massage also decreases pain, which has a direct impact on immunity by inhibiting the release of substance P, which is associated with tension and depression.
Another way in which massage boosts immunity is by reducing inflammation, enhancing circulation and stimulating the lymphatic system. Inflammation is a natural part of the body’s response to injury or disease, but chronic inflammation can weaken the immune system and increase your vulnerability to infection.
The effleurage (long strokes) and petrissage (short, kneading motions) of Swedish massage help to promote healthy circulation, which allows the body to more easily process metabolic waste and remove bacteria from the tissues. The lymphatic system is crucial to immunity, as it transports white blood cells throughout the body to combat pathogens and other harmful substances. Lymphatic drainage massage is a special type of therapy that can help to stimulate the lymphatic system, further enhancing immune function.
During massage, the nerves in the skin that connect to glands where T Cells are stored are stimulated, resulting in the release of these immune system cells into the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, T Cells can target an invading virus or germ and destroy it.
The use of essential oils in massage can further support immune function. Certain oils have antiviral, antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, which can help to destroy viruses and bacteria that could make you sick.
While many people think of massage as a luxury or a pampering treat, it is actually an effective tool for strengthening the immune system and helping to prevent illness this winter. Massage can be used to bolster the immune system in conjunction with other wellness practices, such as a nutritious diet and sufficient sleep. If you have a chronic health condition, it is best to talk with your doctor before receiving massage, as some conditions, such as severe osteoporosis or deep vein thrombosis, may be exacerbated by massage.
Reduces Anxiety
Anxiety is a common problem that can affect anyone. In fact, it is estimated that about 18% of the population suffers from feelings of anxiety, but many do not seek treatment because they think that their symptoms are not severe enough. Massage can help to relieve anxiety because it stimulates the release of feel good hormones into the body which calm the peripheral nervous system. This is the part of the nervous system that relays messages from the brain to the extremities. This helps to reduce stress and the feeling of being overwhelmed.
Another way that massage decreases stress is by lowering cortisol levels. Cortisol is the body’s primary stress hormone, and people who have chronically high cortisol levels are often found to have a high degree of anxiety and depression. Research has shown that the use of massage therapy can significantly decrease the amount of cortisol in the blood and it can also increase serotonin, a hormone neurotransmitter that reduces feelings of depression and promotes overall well being.
One study showed that after a 60-minute full-body massage, cortisol was reduced by 30% and serotonin increased by 50%. This is important because the more serotonin your body has, the less prone you will be to depression, anxiety and pain.
In addition, a regular massage will also improve the circulation of your blood which can help with feelings of anxiety and depression by giving you more energy and a better night’s sleep. A better night’s sleep will also aid in reducing the levels of toxins in your body which can be a major cause of anxiety and depression.
Although several studies support the use of massage as an effective therapy for anxiety, therapeutic massage has not been rigorously evaluated in clinical trials for patients who have diagnosed generalized anxiety disorder. However, it is still recommended that you seek out massage therapy as a way to manage your anxiety. The benefits of massage are numerous and can have a profound impact on your life. In addition to relieving anxiety and depression, massage can reduce pain, boost the immune system and decrease feelings of fatigue and sadness.