Brush aside any thoughts that massage is only a feel-good way to indulge or pamper yourself. Though a thorough, well-performed massage will often produce feelings of caring, comfort and connection, massage therapy is actually a powerful tool that enables you take charge of your health and well-being.
Massage is a form of physical therapy involving hands-on techniques with many health benefits to the human body, a few of which include, increasing circulation, reducing anxiety, improving sleep, and promoting healthier immune systems.
Increases Circulation
The long-term benefits of massage therapy are not to be underestimated. Improved circulation is the foundation of our general health. Massage promotes circulation via the use of physical hands-on pressure, which creates new pathways for blood to flow into tissue that were previously congested or damaged. Furthermore, the squeezing, twisting, and pulling techniques remove lactic acid from muscle tissues, facilitating improved lymph fluid circulation, carrying metabolic waste products away from internal organs and muscles. This in turn results in lower blood pressure and improved overall body function. Regular massage therapy, on a consistent basis, can bring stiff and tense muscles the rich blood supply they need to promote healing.
Reduces Anxiety, Stress, and Tension
Not only can massage therapy help with stress relief, but regular massage sessions over a prolonged period of time can boost energy levels, reduce pain, and stimulate individuals on physical as well as emotional levels. As massage targets the source of the body's pain, eliminating tense muscles and increasing flexibility, the improved circulation increases nutrients and oxygen to the damaged tissues. In turn, this releases endorphins (pain-eliminating hormones), which boost the dopamine and serotonin levels in the body. These hormones promote healing, pain management, feelings of euphoria, and calms traumatized nerves.
Improves Sleep
Adequate sleep is necessary for a body's healthy functioning, and quality sleep is vital to health and wellness. Sleep is a whole-body process that responds to changes in body chemistry coordinated with the circadian system. The circadian system produces serotonin, a necessary ingredient for the production of the sleep-inducing substance, melatonin. Effective massage can increase serotonin levels in the body, facilitating a more restful, deep sleep!
Promotes Healthier Immune Systems
Individuals who experience high levels of stress are more vulnerable to illness and injury. Stress, combined with sleep disturbances and poor nutrition, can negatively impact the body’s immune system and its ability to naturally protect itself against infections, pathogens, and bacteria. Studies have indicated that regular massage sessions not only help reduce stress, but can also boost the immune system’s cytotoxic capacity (in other words, it limits the development of hurtful cells) and enhances the body’s ability to deliver nourishment to vital organs.
Regular massage sessions provide a multitude of benefits to the human body and can be a powerful tool to help you take charge of your health and well-being. Whether you have a specific health condition or you are looking for an additional method to manage negative stress, massage therapy could be your solution. Want to know more? Schedule your consultation with one of our licensed massage therapists at MAC Day Spa & Hair Studio today, 770-514-2020!