One of the oldest healing traditions, massage therapy holds many physical and mental benefits, and is also used to treat a variety of ailments. Basically, massage is when pressure is applied to muscle tissue and joints to mobilise these areas, work out aches and pains and gain flexibility. If you suffer from headaches, migraines or other types of chronic pain, massage can help to break the pain cycle so you can begin to get better and get the most out of life. To simplify the overload of information out there, we’ve put together the top 6 benefits that massage therapy can give you.
1. Reduces stress
It has been proven that massage decreases the levels of stress hormones produced in the body, such as adrenalin, cortisol and norepinephrine. Studies also show that heightened levels of stress can, in fact, impair the immune system. So, massage not only reduces your stress but increases your health and wellbeing!
2. Improved circulation
With the gentle massage of soft tissue, blood flow is stimulated and this improves circulation. Good blood flow and circulation is also regenerative, reducing muscle tension and improving skin tone. Massage also helps to promote circulation in hard to reach places, which wouldn’t normally get the benefit otherwise.
3. Reduced anxiety and depression
One of the immediate benefits of massage therapy is a feeling of deep relaxation and calm. This occurs because massage prompts the release of endorphins, which are the brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) that produce feelings of wellbeing. As well as this, massage also provides you with a time out from the hustle and bustle of life. This simple act of logging off and breathing deeply works wonders for your mental state.
4. Increased joint mobility and flexibility
Because massage promotes circulation, your muscles and bones will be working at their best. This means you will have increased joint mobility and flexibility, which is a huge helping hand for reducing aches and pains. If you have a sore spot, there are massage techniques that aim to improve specific blood flow by working certain points on the body.
5. Quicker healing of soft tissue injuries
Massage has been proven to encourage the healing of injured soft tissue, such as muscles, tendons and ligaments. With circulation and increased joint mobility and flexibility comes many regenerative properties. All this healthy blood flow and movement will absolutely result in the quicker healing of soft tissue injuries. Using soft manipulation of the soft tissue to mobilise and maintain flexibility means that massage is effective in breaking compensatory pain postures and patterns.
With many different types of massage to choose from, what are you waiting for? Massage therapy has been proven to improve circulation, reduce muscle tension and encourage a feeling of deep relaxation. As well as this, studies have shown that massage is effective in treating a range of disorders. Keep these five tips close to your chest next time you need to schedule some time out for both your body and mind.