Massage is used by many as a tool for relaxing and distressing. Others use massage to help with injury or pain. Massage can help with both of these goals and help improve your overall health. Massage can help the body in many ways which can help reduce the symptoms from many illnesses and conditions including sciatica, carpal tunnel, headaches, muscle strain, arthritis, depression, anxiety and so much more!!
Photo: Massage Magazine
Here are some ways that therapeutic massage can help make you healthier:
1. Reduces stress
2. Improves circulation
3. Relieves tight muscles and joints
4. Increases flexibility and range of motion
5. Boosts energy and vitality
6. Lessens pain
7. Assists in muscle recovery
8. Fixes insomnia
9. Reduces fatigue
10. Enhances athletic performance
Photo: Massage Mag
During and after a massage therapy session there are many physiological changes in your body. This includes the relaxation response and mechanical responses.
- The relaxation response is the response of the nervous system to the massage and touch. In massage, touch can be considered by the body an invitation to relax. Couple this with pain relief it produces a response that can slow breathing and blood pressure, relax muscles, and increase serotonin which can help the brain think and have more positive emotions.
- Mechanical responses occur after an increase in circulation and relaxing of the soft issue which can influence the nerves. Improved circulation can help with oxygen getting to the cells and more effectively remove waste from the body.
With regular massage therapy you will not only be able to relax but have reduced pain and a better state of mind. Try adding massage therapy to your health routine and see the benefits it can bring to your body and health.
Thanks for helping me learn more about massage therapy. You mentioned that this could help fix insomnia. If that’s the case, I’m interested to learn if it’s a one-time fix method or if continually getting a massage is the best way to counteract insomnia.
Wow, that is quite the list of ailments for massages to treat; I’ve been having a lot of insomnia myself. My sister and I are considering getting massages together when she comes down for Thanksgiving here in November, but maybe I’ll scope out some places before she gets here to find a regular massage therapist I can see. Getting rid of my insomnia would be amazing, and the increase in serotonin would no doubt help with that as well as helping me clear my head.