Massage is a type of bodywork that manipulates soft tissue for relaxation, pain relief and improved circulation.
Research has demonstrated the therapeutic effects of massage, including stress reduction, pain relief and improved sleep patterns. Furthermore, receiving a massage may aid in weight gain for premature babies.
Relaxation
Relaxation massage induces a physiological relaxation response in the body. This can help slow your heart rate and breathing, lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones and stimulate serotonin production – an endorphin chemical linked to feelings of well-being and joy.
Massage has proven to be particularly helpful for relieving anxiety. Massage works by decreasing cortisol levels in the body, one of the primary causes of anxiety.
Cortisol, a hormone that elevates feelings of stress and tension, can be increased through massage therapy. A massage also releases endorphins, serotonin and dopamine – our bodies’ natural feel good chemicals – into the system to counteract cortisol’s negative effects.
Massage has also been known to promote circulation, which can benefit various conditions and illnesses. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated that massage increases focus and mental clarity which in turn helps reduce stress levels, enhance productivity, boost immune function and lower the likelihood of developing certain health issues.
Pain Relief
If you’re seeking ways to relieve pain through massage or just feel better overall, regular massage treatments can offer numerous advantages.
Increased blood flow and lymphatic drainage help your body function optimally, decreasing inflammation and eliminating toxins that could exacerbate pain symptoms.
Massage not only stimulates endorphins, serotonin and dopamine in your fingertips but it can also release endorphins, serotonin and dopamine – known as ‘feel good’ hormones that circulate around the body.
Tight muscles can put pressure on nerves, leading to numbness, tingling and pain. Massage helps ease tension within your muscles and enhance range of movement.
Stress Reduction
Stress is an inevitable part of life, but too much stress can have serious repercussions for your wellbeing. It may cause physical symptoms like headaches, stomach troubles, fatigue and difficulty sleeping – or even lead to depression or anxiety.
Massage can help combat the negative effects of stress on both body and mind. This is because massage improves circulation, oxygenates cells, and lowers cortisol levels in your bloodstream.
Additionally, it releases feel good hormones into the peripheral nervous system which calm and relax the body. Furthermore, these hormones stimulate production of endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine which help reduce stress-related hormone secretion.
Muscle tension, anxiety and knots can be reduced, leading to greater flexibility and movement. Furthermore, it helps flush out cortisol – the stress hormone responsible for pain and inflammation throughout the body – which causes muscle tension.
Better Sleep
Massage has long been used as a remedy for sleep issues, including insomnia. Studies have demonstrated that it reduces stress and elevates serotonin levels, encouraging relaxation. Furthermore, massaging encourages the body to produce melatonin which encourages deep brain waves during snooze mode.
Therapists recommend a type of massage that includes long, gentle strokes and kneading to help relax the body. This is commonly Swedish massage, though other modalities may also be utilized.
Another type of massage is acupressure, which involves pressing on specific pressure points on the body in order to facilitate Qi (vital energy).
Studies have demonstrated that acupressure can improve sleep for postmenopausal women, cancer patients and people with Narcolepsy. Some trials even demonstrated positive results for individuals suffering from chronic pain.