How a Massage Can Benefit YOU
Go looking for proof that massage will improve your health and you’ll have no trouble
finding research to back you up. From easing muscle soreness after exercise to
reducing stress, dozens of studies have linked massage with real physical and
psychological benefits.
One study cites that a 10-minute muscle massage after a workout could reduce
soreness by 30%. A separate study on massage found that levels of the stress hormone
cortisol dropped 31% following a rubdown, while levels of feel-good hormones like
dopamine and serotonin increased roughly 30%.
Pain reduction, along with depression relief, is one of the benefits that research has
most consistently linked to massage. Some studies state that massage may improve
immune system function in people with breast cancer and leukemia, along with reducing
their physical and emotional pain. Several MRI studies have shown that massage
increases blood flow in areas of the brain associated with mood and stress regulation.
Pressure receptors under the skin, when stimulated, increase vagal activity. The vagus
nerve, a major component of the human nervous system, plays a role in autonomic
functions like heart rate, breathing, and digestions. Increased activity in the vagus nerve
could have, among other benefits, a meditation-like calming effect, which would explain
the drop in cortisol and other stress-related symptoms.
Massages are much more than just relaxing. In fact, our natural instincts turn to them in
moments of need. This is the reason that we self-massage sore muscles, and it has
also led to the rapidly growing field of massage therapy. As an added bonus, there are
numerous health benefits associated with a massage. Fortunately, massages come in a
variety of lengths and styles, which means that even people with truly hectic lifestyles
can take advantage of the following benefits:
1. Massages Can Alleviate Headaches
Whether you have a tension-type headache or suffer from migraines, medical
research has proven that regular massages can help reduce or even eliminate this
painful problem.
2. Massages Soothe and Relax the Body
A Swedish or hot stone massage offers the right amount of pressure, sometimes
combined with heat, to soothe your achy muscles. If your body is tight from a tense
week at the office, either of these massage styles is a good way to relax.
3. Massages Reduce Joint Pain
Joint pain is a common issue that is experienced by everyone from pregnant women
to fibromyalgia sufferers. Receiving a regular massage will relieve this pain.
4. Massages Can Dramatically Reduce Anxiety
Approximately 40 million Americans have some form of anxiety, and this can be
borderline emotionally crippling at times. The good news is that massage can cut
your body’s level of stress hormones in half, which will alleviate the symptoms of
anxiety.
5. Minimize Back Pain with a Massage
Back pain is one of the most common medical complaints, but you don’t need to live
in pain. Studies have shown that massage reduces the need for painkillers by 36 percent!
6. Neuromuscular Massage Addresses Repetitive Movement Injuries
A staggering 86 percent of adults have a desk job, and the vast majority of them
perform repetitive tasks that can injure their hands, wrists, arms, neck, and back.
Although a typical massage will help reduce this pain, neuromuscular techniques
can actually address the root cause of the muscular problem to provide you with
optimal results.
7. Massages Promote Flexibility
Many people are not nearly as flexible as they would like to be, and this often
causes uncomfortable stiffness. Fortunately, a sports massage is tailored toward
increasing your flexibility.
8. Research Shows Massages Help Cancer Patients
Four of our every ten adults will battle with cancer at some point during their life.
Massage is now being widely used as a complementary treatment because it offers
a reduction in many of the symptoms associated with cancer, including nausea,
pain, insomnia, and fatigue
9. Re-energize with a Massage
Do you often feel drained by the end of your workday? Swedish massages will not
only relax you, but they can make you feel more energetic throughout the rest of the
day.
10. Massage Relieves Insomnia
At any given time, one-third of adults are experiencing a bout of insomnia, so it is no
surprise that people are constantly looking for ways to improve their quality of sleep.
Sleep studies have shown a very strong link between weekly massages and reduced insomnia. This is extremely important when you consider the many health
issues that are caused by a lack of sleep, including a weakened immune system and
a greater risk of depression.
11. Increase Your Quality of Life with Massages
Medical patients receiving palliative care experience a boost in their quality of life
with regular massages, and the same is true for everyone else. This is one of the
primary reasons that more than half of the 32.6 million people who get a massage at
least once a year do so for health reasons.
12. Massages Help Digestive Issues
Everyone experiences the occasional digestive issue, and an abdominal massage
can help that. Regardless of whether you have been constipated for three days or
have a chronic digestive issue, a massage is a good way to get your system working
properly.
13. Massage Combats Stress
Chronic stress increases your risk of contracting cancer, heart disease, cirrhosis of
the liver, and lung ailments. Instead of living with stress, take advantage of the
stress-busting benefits of massage therapy.
14. Boost Your Immune System with Massages
Everyone can benefit from a boosted immune system, especially people who
typically deal with several minor illnesses every year. A research group discovered
that a single 45-minute massage alters the human body’s immune response.
Therefore, getting a massage weekly or biweekly is a great way to strengthen your
immune system.
15. Massages Can Beat PMS
The pain that some women experience before and during their menstrual cycle can
be effectively combatted by a massage. Even better is the fact that studies have
shown a direct connection between massage and a reduction in water retention,
depression, and other symptoms of menstrual distress.
16. Become More Alert with a Chair Massage
Many businesses now offer chair massages to their employees and this is a
scientifically backed way to make people feel more alert. The mental boost you
receive from a simple 15-minute chair massage will make daily tasks much easier
and can reduce your odds of being in an accident.
17. Massages Improve Face, Scalp, and Hair Health
A simple face and/or scalp massage is very relaxing, and it will also boost the health
of your scalp, hair, and facial skin. Some studies have even found that face
massages can stop the skin from sagging and ward off wrinkles.
18. Massage Fixes Postural Stress
Another major problem associated with sitting all day is the development of serious
neck and shoulder pain. This is caused by postural stress, and it can also impact
your glutes and lower back. Massages address this physical stress and will relieve
your painful symptoms.
19. Massage Will Lower Your Blood Pressure
If you have issues with high blood pressure, then scheduling regular massages is
definitely a good idea. Individuals with a hectic lifestyle and high blood pressure can
benefit from as little as a 10-minute chair massage once a week.
20. Increase Your Blood Circulation with Massage
Massages help your blood circulation, and this offers a long list of benefits. For
example, if you have any health conditions that slow down your blood circulation,
massage will provide healthier skin, better organ functionality, and improved cell
growth.
To learn more about our Massage Therapists or to schedule an appointment, check
out their business pages (Destiny Pequin (hyperlink:
https://www.facebook.com/Destiny-Pequin-RMT-513635818980475/), Dan Misura
(hyperlink: https://www.facebook.com/misuramassage/), Jetta Pulido (hyperlink:
https://www.facebook.com/Jetta-Pulido-Registered-Massage-Therapist-
358407538214750/)), or call one of our Calgary locations directly!