Massage involves manual manipulation of the muscles and soft tissues of the body. It is widely used for relaxation and to treat pain. It may also improve mood and increase sleep quality.
Massage in premature infants has been shown to improve outcomes such as weight gain and maternal attachment. However, very few trials have examined the effectiveness of individual massage techniques. Visit flowstate918.com/ to learn more.
Stress is the body’s natural reaction to life’s events and situations that overwhelm a person. While it’s nearly impossible to remove all sources of stress, there are many ways to manage the effects and alleviate the discomfort. Massage is one of those effective strategies and, according to scientific studies, even just a 10-minute session can trigger the body’s natural release of happiness-inducing hormones that significantly reduces stress levels.
The physiological changes that occur during a massage are not limited to the reduction of muscle tension, but also include a decrease in both mental and emotional stress as well as decreased blood pressure and heart rate. These changes are the result of the stimulation and activity of the parasympathetic nervous system by the application of pressure during massage. During the massage, the heart rate slows and the blood pressure decreases to promote relaxation and an increase in oxygen flow throughout the body.
In addition, the massage stimulates the lymphatic system resulting in the removal of metabolic waste products that build up in muscles, which can cause pain, swelling and inhibit movement. The build-up of these wastes causes muscular fatigue, weakness and prevents injuries from healing properly which increases stress.
During a massage, the positive hormones endorphins, serotonin and dopamine are released by stimulating the autonomic nervous system. These neurotransmitters are responsible for relieving anxiety, preventing depression and promoting a sense of wellbeing and satisfaction with oneself. In many cases, these hormones will decrease the symptoms of emotional distress, such as feeling lonely and low self-esteem.
Cortisol is another chemical that is produced when the body experiences stress. While it helps in a fight-or-flight situation, chronically high cortisol levels can lead to weight gain, indigestion and decreased immune function. Cortisol is significantly decreased by a single massage, which decreases the amount of glucose in the bloodstream and improves the brain’s use of glucose as energy, thus decreasing the overall level of stress.
Stress is an integral part of modern life. While it is important to take measures to reduce stress and anxiety, it’s equally important to practice a healthy lifestyle that includes regular massage therapy. Massage is one of the best ways to relieve stress and should be included in any person’s health and wellness routine.
Reduces Anxiety
If you suffer from chronic stress or anxiety, massage is a great way to relieve some of that tension and feel a sense of relief. Studies show that massage reduces the levels of cortisol, a hormone produced in response to stress that increases your heart rate and blood pressure. It also elevates neurotransmitters that lower your level of anxiety. This may be due to the fact that massage stimulates the body’s natural “relaxation” response by activating parasympathetic nervous system activity, which counteracts your fight-or-flight stress responses.
Aside from alleviating muscle tension and decreasing stress hormones, massage also activates the release of serotonin, a chemical that can improve your mood and promote feelings of well-being. In addition, some massage techniques such as cupping therapy, which utilizes cups to create suction on the skin, can help alleviate muscle tension and reduce anxiety.
Moreover, massage also triggers the release of endorphins, which are a natural painkiller that can help relieve physical pain. Many patients with chronic pain report that a regular massage can help manage their symptoms and alleviate the accompanying stress and anxiety.
Imagine your body as a bustling city, with a complex network of roads (blood vessels) transporting vital resources (oxygen and nutrients) to all the districts (organs and tissues). Massage acts like an expert traffic regulator by smoothing circulation and ensuring optimal distribution of oxygen throughout your body.
In EEG and neuroimaging studies, massage has been shown to modulate the sensory and motor areas of the brain associated with touch. This is likely attributed to the stimulation of mechanoreceptors, the nerves that send sensory information about pain and pressure to your brain.
Aside from the physical relief of pain, the calming effects of massage can help alleviate emotional distress caused by a number of factors including work and family issues, poor sleep patterns, and the physical discomforts of an illness or injury. For these reasons, it’s important to integrate massage into your overall wellness regimen and schedule regular sessions with a licensed and certified practitioner. For best results, try to schedule your massages every other week for consistent, long-term benefits.
Increases Immune System
Researchers have found that massage can increase the production of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that helps fight viruses and bacteria. According to a study published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, massage can also help boost immune function by lowering levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that suppresses immunity. Massage can also improve lymphatic circulation, which enhances the body’s ability to rid itself of toxins and foreign substances.
Circulation, Immune Strength, and Healing
Massage increases blood flow to the muscles and joints through friction and heated treatments, delivering essential nutrients to the areas that need them most. This enhanced blood flow also carries disease-fighting white blood cells to the site of an infection or injury, speeding up recovery. Aside from cellular and immune system benefits, massage has been shown to promote feelings of general wellbeing. This may be due in part to the physical and emotional intimacy involved in the act of touch. Some patients with conditions like severe osteoporosis or terminal illnesses find that the act of receiving massage can help them to maintain a positive self-image, even when their health is compromised.
While research into the specific immune-boosting effects of massage is ongoing, many experts believe that the benefits are due to a combination of factors. Stress reduction, lowered cortisol levels, and improved blood flow to the immune system are all thought to play a role in improving immune function.
Studies have also found that massage can increase the body’s natural killer cells, which are essential to preventing cancer and other infections. One study of HIV+ gay men showed that those who received a weekly Swedish massage experienced significant improvements in their cytotoxic capacity, which is the ability of white blood cells to kill infectious organisms.
Regular massage can be a powerful addition to your wellness routine during the winter months, particularly when combined with other healthy habits. For instance, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can support immune function. Drinking enough water can aid in hydration, which is vital for all bodily functions. Regular exercise, proper sleep, and effective stress management can all help to bolster your immune system during the colder weather.
Increases Sleep
Sleep issues are a common problem among adults, especially as they get older. Insufficient sleep not only causes fatigue and sluggishness, but it can also contribute to a variety of physical and mental health conditions. Fortunately, massage therapy has been shown to improve sleep by reducing stress and encouraging the body’s natural calming mechanisms.
The tactile stimulation that occurs during a massage session triggers pressure receptors in the skin, sending a message to the brain to calm the nervous system and reduce tension. It also increases serotonin, a neurotransmitter that serves as a precursor to the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin. This hormonal balance is essential for a healthy sleep pattern, and the increase in serotonin helps people to fall asleep and stay asleep longer.
Studies have shown that massage can improve the quality of sleep for both young and elderly adults. For younger individuals, massage can help to alleviate problems with insomnia and encourage a better night’s rest overall. Insomnia and other sleeping problems can be caused by a number of factors, including anxiety, physical ailments, and shifts in circadian rhythms. For these reasons, it is important for young people to have a consistent bedtime routine that includes massage.
Similarly, massage can benefit elderly individuals by addressing the underlying causes of their sleeping problems. Research has shown that massage decreases cortisol, a stress hormone, and increases the production of melatonin, helping to regulate sleep cycles. In addition, massage stimulates the vagus nerve, a major parasympathetic nervous system nerve, which leads to decreased stress and an overall sense of well-being.
Insomnia is a common symptom of menopause, and many women find relief from this condition through massage. A study found that massage can help to improve sleep patterns in postmenopausal women, with reduced REM latency and increased sleep stage 3 and 4.
While getting a good night’s rest is essential for all ages, it becomes even more critical as we age. The reduction in stress and improvement of the endocrine system by regular massage sessions can lead to improved sleep, helping us feel more rested throughout the day. This is why it is important to incorporate massage into your life at a regular interval, whether as part of a relaxation or wellness program.
