In the last few years, people have begun to consider massage therapy beneficial for a healthy lifestyle. In the past. many have considered massage as an indulgence or pampering activity. And while this conception is true, there are many more benefits to getting a regular massage. Here are some of the many things we love that massage therapy can help you with. If you are suffering from an injury, chronic pain or any other type of issues, consider adding massage therapy to your health care.
- Massage can benefit chronic pain sufferers
If you are living with daily pain, massage can help reduce the severity in a healthier approach than taking drugs for pain relief. Whether back pain, neck pain, headaches, or another area is hurting you, massage can help loosen tight muscles and trigger points which can help reduce pain. Your chronic condition could also be causing other symptoms including fatigue and stress which massage can also help with.
2. Massage can help with stress reduction
We all get stressed, whether from work, health problems, relationship issues or busy schedules it is a common feeling for many of us. Stress can contribute to many other health problems including back pain, headaches, high blood pressure, fatigue, stomach pain and much more. Massage is proven to decrease the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Fixing the imbalance of the stress hormone can provide a renewed body and mind.
- Massage can help with injury recovery
For people with injuries, massage can help you heal quicker. For those with muscle strains or sprains, tendonitis, whiplash, etc. massage can help reduce pain and swelling. It can also help with scar tissue and muscle spasms.
- Massage can decrease insomnia
An astonishing 30% of Americans suffer from insomnia (trouble falling asleep or staying asleep)*. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter is essential for sleep. It also has a role in your mood, behavior, body temperature, appetite, and coordination. In short, it is crucial for our health. Massage can directly influence our body’s production of serotonin.
- Massage can reduce muscle soreness
After a hard exercise, sore muscles can be a pain in the neck. But, in today’s world many of us are exercising to exhaustion. Getting a massage after a hard workout can help by decreasing inflammation. Many painkillers also do this, but massage has further benefits. Massage activates genes that create mitochondria. Mitochondria are structures that are the energy factories inside cells. Fitter muscles have more mitochondria, therefore massage can help with both muscle recovery AND muscle growth.**
- Massage can boost immunity
For anyone experiencing a weak immune system, massage can help provide positive results. Massage can provide an increase in the killer cells (the first line of defense for your immune system). It also stimulates the lymphatic system which can improve circulation and overall wellness. Getting rid of bacteria and viruses more effectively can help increase our ability to fight off the daily germs we encounter.
- Massage can boost energy
If you are suffering from fatigue (from pregnancy, insomnia, injury, pain, stress, anxiety…) massage can lift your spirits and renew your mind. If you are lacking the energy to get your daily tasks done at work or home, massage will help. If you suddenly have fatigue or exhaustion discuss this with your doctor to rule out any serious illnesses. If your tiredness is caused by stress, anxiety, lack of sleep, depression, then massage can help reduce stress hormone levels and help you relax.
- Massage can increase circulation
Massage can improve circulation for people with restricted blood flow, high blood pressure, varicose veins, organ damage, heart and kidney problems.*** Massage will help boost blood flow. Regardless if you are active or sedentary in terms of physical activity level, massage will help improve blood flow.
*Integrative Healthcare
**WebMd
***Underground Health Reporter
