The benefits of massage are not just mythical. In fact, a high-quality massage can leave a person feeling deeply relaxed, powerful, and peaceful. Massage therapy is backed by decades of scientific research, and some of the most groundbreaking studies were conducted just a few years ago. Read on to learn more about the health benefits of massage therapy. Here are the five reasons why massage therapy is so beneficial. And, of course, there are many other benefits of massage!
Before booking a massage, ensure that the therapist is qualified and reputable. Check out the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork or the American Massage Therapy Association for therapists in your area. Make sure to discuss your desired goals with your therapist, and discuss your expectations ahead of time. Once you’ve found a qualified massage therapist, schedule an appointment and begin your massage therapy! Here are some tips:
Before you get a massage, discuss with your doctor any condition you may have, especially if it’s affecting your health. While massage is generally safe, it can cause pain and may be advisable for some people, it may be inappropriate for you if you have a history of cancer. It’s also important to check whether your child’s condition will be affected by the massage. If your child has cancer, he or she should always have a doctor’s advice before beginning any massage therapy.
People who suffer from insomnia often seek massage sessions to relax and get a good night’s sleep. Massage also promotes relaxation and increases circulation, which can reduce stress and improve health overall. It can even help people with conditions such as congestive heart failure and insomnia related to menopause. Massage is good for the mind too. By improving mood, a massage will make you more alert and less likely to feel depressed. The benefits of massage are far too numerous to list!
A massage session may last anywhere from half an hour to a full day. Depending on the massage, it can last for a variety of body parts. You should schedule enough time to get ready for your massage and wind down afterwards. In addition, you should also make sure to ask the massage therapist any questions about the products used and precautions. That way, you won’t be left wondering if you’ve had a bad massage.
As mentioned, massage promotes blood circulation. Using hand-on pressure, massage moves blood through congested and damaged areas. As blood flows, it releases pressure, allowing new blood to enter the tissues. Massage also helps remove lactic acid from muscles and improves lymph fluid circulation, which carries metabolic waste products from the internal organs and muscles. This means lower blood pressure and better overall body function. You may be surprised at how many benefits you can enjoy from a massage.
Massage is not a substitute for medical treatment, so you should always tell your doctor if you’re considering trying massage. He or she can help determine which types of massage will be most beneficial to you. Your doctor may also recommend a massage therapist who specializes in medical conditions. Make sure to drink plenty of water and avoid eating or drinking immediately before the massage. Ensure you’re well-rested so you don’t feel rushed for time.
As mentioned before, massage dates back to over 4,000 years BCE in other parts of the world. Massage has become a popular form of treatment in the West since the 1800s. A Swedish doctor named Henril Ling developed a system that became the foundation for Swedish massage, which is widely known today. In fact, the United States had the nation’s first massage therapy clinic in the 19th century. While many techniques from ancient Greece are still widely practiced today, it has a long history of use in the West.
A research review published in 2017 analyzed 34 studies of infants who received massage therapy during pregnancy. Of these studies, twenty examined the effect of massage on weight gain. Most showed that preterm babies benefited from massage. The other effects were not clear, however. It’s important to remember that the small number of studies suggests that massage benefits were only seen in a limited number of premature infants. However, further research is needed to determine whether massage therapy has a beneficial effect on the health of preemies.
Active Release Technique (ART) is a popular deep tissue massage that uses the fingers to manipulate deep tissues. The therapist manipulates these muscles by following a predetermined pattern. ART is useful for people with a wide range of injuries, chronic muscle pain, and other issues. Trigger points are tiny, tightly packed areas of muscle tissue that can be very painful. Trigger-point massage can help people suffering from chronic pain by increasing blood flow to these trigger points.