Keep a life full of stress, anxiety, and muscle pain from stealing your joy and comfort. Familiarize yourself with the benefits of massage and how it can improve your quality of life.
yourfootpalace.com gathered information about the benefits of getting regular massages and what types of massage you can choose from.
Benefits of Massage to the Body
Routines at work and home can leave us stressed out, cramped up, and depressed. The following are some of the benefits of regular massages and how they can improve your quality of life:
Stress and Anxiety Relief – During and after a massage, endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin are released. Those dealing with stress and anxiety can benefit from regular massage, as these “feel good” chemicals are related to a reduction in anxiety disorder and stress.
- Endorphins are polypeptides produced by the pituitary gland and central nervous system. They primarily assist in dealing with stress and reduce sensations of pain.
- Dopamine is a neurotransmitter produced by the body. Sometimes called a “chemical messenger,” dopamine is used by the nervous system to relay messages between nerve cells. Dopamine plays a role in our ability to think, plan, and feel pleasure. When endorphin activity occurs, dopamine production is increased.
- Serotonin is a neurotransmitter (some consider it to be a hormone) produced in the brain and intestines that help regulate one’s mood and social behavior.
Regular massage can also help you better regulate your sleep. Being well-rested is an essential factor in reducing the symptoms of stress and anxiety.
Increased Circulation – Muscles and organs require oxygen for proper healing and functioning. Blood flow stimulation is one of the most significant benefits of massage as it increases oxygen and nutrients to the blood.
By increasing one’s circulation, sore muscles can be healed, back pain can be relieved, and overall health and well-being improved.
Relax Muscles and Prevent Muscle Strain – Since massage increases the production of endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, it also naturally reduces muscle tension. The increased circulation and oxygen saturation promote muscle tissue integrity and healing.
Massage also prevents muscle strain by improving elasticity and flexibility of connective tissues linking muscles to joints. When people suffer less pain, less pharmaceuticals are needed for pain management. Thus, fewer side-effects occur.
Improved Posture – Understand that good posture refers to three natural curves present in a healthy spine, one at the neck, a second at the mid-back, and a third at the lower back. Correct posture maintains these curves without increasing them. Regular massage can:
- Allow the body to align itself naturally by relaxing muscles and making tissues more flexible.
- Help reverse habitual bad posture from activities like lifting and sitting.
- Reduce muscle fatigue and tension, relieving joint compression, resulting in less degeneration or arthritic changes.
That pain in your back or neck may be caused by your posture, and there are various massage techniques that can be beneficial for you.
Types of Massage
Before getting regular massages, visit your primary care physician to discuss any health issues that can be exacerbated by repetitive massage activities. You can also discuss the different types of massage that may be right for you. Some of those types are:
Swedish Massage – Often referred to as a classic massage. It is designed to relax the body by rubbing oiled muscles in long, gentle, gliding strokes in the direction of blood returning to the heart. However, the benefits of Swedish massage can go beyond relaxation by helping increase the level of oxygen in the blood and improving both circulation and flexibility.
Deep Tissue Massage – This massage therapy is similar to Swedish massage. With a deep tissue massage, slow, firm pressure is applied to release muscle tension. The primary focus of deep tissue massage is on the deep layers of muscle tissue, tendons, and fascia (the protective layer within the body surrounding muscles, bones, and joints).
Reflexology – Also known as zone therapy, reflexology is the application of pressure to mapped out areas on the feet and/or hands. Reflexology is generally soothing and relaxing and helps to alleviate stress. The philosophy behind reflexology is that mapped out areas of the feet and hands correspond to and stimulate organs and systems of the body.
Shiatsu Massage – Also known as acupressure, Shiatsu (meaning finger pressure) is a technique that involves manual pressure to points on the body to relieve tension and pain. This massage uses thumbs, fingers, elbows, and knees to concentrate pressure at specific energy pathways in the body called meridians.
In any of the types of massage, the intention is ultimately to help people relax, destress, and sleep as it aids the body in releasing “feel good” chemicals. Regular monthly massages can all but guarantee a better disposition and better sleep.
Massage Therapy Benefits
In this article, you discovered many of the benefits of regular massages and the different types you have to choose from.
By getting regular massages, you can reduce stress, increase flexibility, sleep better, improve your posture, and better your outlook on life and responsibilities.
Neglecting your need to destress and find relief for your muscle pain can result in hypertension, severe muscle cramps, and exacerbate any underlying health issues.
Sources:
mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/massage/art-20045743
msccollege.edu/blogs/massage-therapy/guide-swedish-massage/
fremont.edu/deep-tissue-massage/
takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/reflexology/how-does-reflexology-work
maogenes.usc.edu/what-is-serotonin-and-why-is-it-important/
ele.uri.edu/courses/bme181/F07/Ryan_2.pdf
hms.harvard.edu/news/zeroing-dopamine
amcollege.edu/blog/shiatsu
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