(Newswire.net — September 14, 2023) — Massage, in its simplest terms, refers to the manipulation of the soft tissue of the body. Massage is not something new. In fact, the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Indians, and Chinese considered it a way of treating various ailments.
Massage comes with various health benefits, including improved circulation, improved skin tone, reduced anxiety and depression, a reduction of stress hormones, and increased joint mobility. Here are four essential reasons why massage helps you relax. Ready? Let’s dive in!
1. Massage Improves Sleep Quality
Getting a massage after a long, stressful day at the workplace is essential. It supports a deep, soothing slumber – vital for individuals who cannot comfortably sleep because of certain health complications. For those finding it difficult to sleep (having insomnia), massage can help decelerate the nervous system, minimize the pain transmitter, and allow for quality sleep.
If you think that massage only works for adults, you are wrong! Research by the University of Warwick shows that infants who get a massage cry less and sleep more when given a massage.
2. It Soothes Anxiety and Depression
Getting a massage can help decrease cortisol levels. You know the effects of high cortisol levels – negatively impact the brain’s level of function, resulting in the onset of anxiety.
Furthermore, massage has been shown to increase serotonin and dopamine levels. Low dopamine levels have been associated with an inability to feel pleasure and demotivation. These two are the common symptoms of depression. Finally, massage has been shown to boost low blood pressure. A sign of depression, anxiety, and fatigue.
3. Manages Pain
When the suffers an injury, the muscles normally contract to avoid further damage. The moment there’s a contraction in the muscles, tension builds up, restricting movement. If the restriction is prolonged, pain and stress can build up.
However, with massage, friction is created between the fingers and skin, increasing blood flow. Increased blood flow makes the muscle temperatures rise. As temperature rises, the muscles loosen and relax, causing tension to reduce.
A rise in muscle temperature also minimizes tissue inelasticity, allowing for stretching and increased range of movement. Pain is alleviated when muscle tension and tightness are reduced.
4. Massage Combats Fatigue
Massage has been proven to improve sleep quality, increase circulation, and reduce pain, stress, and anxiety – all energize an individual and feel less tired.
Massage accelerates the flow of oxytocin, a muscle-relaxing hormone that brings about calmness, reducing fatigue. Research conducted on breast cancer patients receiving Swedish massage weekly reported reduced fatigue levels.
Other than the reasons mentioned above, others include an improved immune system, reduced headache, counteracts the effects of prolonged sitting, improved flexibility, maintaining good posture, boosted focus, benefits the digestive system, increased range of motion, and reduced heart rate and blood pressure.
Massage plays a critical role in the overall well-being of an individual. Therefore, it should not be seen as something luxurious but as something that benefits the body. When you need a healing and relaxing experience, reach the nearest therapeutic center.