Did you know that apart from well-known benefits that include relaxation, improved coronary and lymph circulation, pain and stress relief, increased flexibility, improved posture, stronger Immune System, and improved overall Mental Health there are some less-known benefits you can get to experience when receiving regular Massage Treatments?
1. Lower Heart Rate and Blood Pressure
After 20 minutes of massage therapy, your body starts releasing endorphins (feel-good hormones) that start relaxing blood vessels allowing them to dilate (relax) and allow better blood flow. This in turn relaxes the heart muscle that lowers the pumping intensity. Regular massage can condition your body to circulate blood more efficiently and reduce blood pressure in the long term.
2. Decreased Joint Inflammation
A research study performed by a group of medics from Duke University published in the journal PLoS One in Feb 2012 has concluded that a “60-minute once-weekly dose” of a standardised Swedish massage “was optimal for pain reduction and functionality when compared to usual care for osteoarthritis of the knee”. Massage treatment has similar effects on clients with inflammatory types of arthritis.
3. Faster Recovery between Workouts and Improved Performance
Sports Massage Therapy performed 2 to 6 hours after an intense workout can reduce muscle soreness by decreasing lactic acid build-up and have a positive effect on muscle recovery. This is thanks to increased blood flow and oxygen in your muscles. Receiving your maintenance massage treatment regularly helps you to improve your range of motion, endurance, and performance.
4. Improved Energy Levels
Even though massage therapy has been known for its relaxing effects, improved blood flow, decreased secretion of Cortisol (stress hormone) and calmer nervous system can leave you feeling more energised, uplifted, and more active.
5. Enhanced Balance and Gait
A pilot study investigating the comparative effects of Swedish massage and Exercise Therapy on patients with multiple sclerosis concluded: “Massage therapy could be more effective than exercise therapy. Moreover, the combination of massage and exercise therapy may be a little more effective than exercise therapy alone.” Published in SAGEjournals July 4, 2013. Massage therapy improves blood circulation into the limbs as well as into the brain, where your balance is coordinated from. This enhances your balance and reduces the chances of trips and falls.
6. Decreased Migraine Frequency
When massage therapists reduce the stiffness in your upper back and shoulders, this effectively decreases the frequency, intensity, and duration of your migraine headaches. It is believed that massage therapy, cold stone therapy, and aromatherapy can relieve migraine pain effectively.
7. Better Sleep
During massage therapy, your body starts to secrete serotonin and dopamine (feel-good hormones) that assist the secretion of melatonin hormone that helps us to fall asleep. People suffering from insomnia and women going through menopause can greatly benefit from massage therapy in this respect. By decreasing the secretion of cortisol (stress hormone) clients suffering from depression and anxiety experience improved mood and sleep patterns.
8. Relieved Constipation
Abdominal massage is the best cure for constipation. Massage therapy encourages not only the blood flow and oxygen supply to the cells which helps them to release toxic waste but also encourages the movement of the internal organs, especially large intestines. This relieves constipation and improves digestion. Hot Stone Massage treatments are even more effective thanks to the heat-inducing faster and deeper relaxation.
9. Lessened fibromyalgia Symptoms
Swedish massage is considered the best treatment for fibromyalgia as it promotes relaxation, stress reduction, improved sleep and therefore lesser fatigue, and an increased sense of well-being.
There are more benefits that I could list here but I would like to conclude that just as regular exercise brings the best results, we can confidently say that regular massage brings greater benefits and a sense of well-being.
