Most feel that massage is just an indulgence. However, research suggests that, beyond its relaxing effects, massage can decrease pain, improve sleep, strengthen concentration, reduce tension headaches and migraines, lower blood pressure, and lift mood.
Massage can help to soothe anxiety and depression.
Massage helps to relax the nervous system soothing anxiety and depression. Massage has been shown to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol, resulting in improved mood, decreased anxiety and often lower blood pressure. It can also boost the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, which are involved in depression.
Massage can help to decrease pain.
Eight out of ten people experience some type of back pain. According to a 2011 study, massage helped decrease pain and improved performance compared to people who didn’t receive any massage treatment. The benefits of massage ended up being as strong as medications, acupuncture, exercise and yoga. Beyond back pain, massage can decrease pain and stiffness in arthritis and improve range of motion.
Massage can help to promote healthy sleep.
Several studies have examined this link and find that massage increases delta waves. Delta waves are connected to the deepest levels of sleep. Disrupted delta waves are linked to fibromyalgia, depression and anxiety.
Massage can help to boost brain power.
Adults in a study who were given a 15-minute chair massage twice a week for 5 weeks were more alert and completed a series of math questions faster and more accurately. The massage group also found reduction in job stress.
Massage can help in reducing migraines and tension headaches.
Weekly massage can reduce both the number of migraines and the intensity of the migraine. Subjects were given a 30 minutes massage twice a week for five weeks. A 2009 study found that a 30-minute massage decreased tension headache and decreased the stress and anger arising from the headache.
Therapeutic massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on treating specific medical conditions. It is performed by a licensed and trained massage therapist who has specialized in medical massage techniques. These types of massages aim to:
Relieve pain and muscle tension. This can include pain from injuries, chronic conditions, or muscle spasms.
Improve range of motion. By addressing muscle knots and adhesions, medical massages can help increase flexibility and range of motion.
Promote healing. Massage can stimulate blood flow and lymphatic drainage, which can aid in the healing process.
Reduce stress and anxiety. Medical massages can also provide relaxation and stress relief.
