10 HUGE BENEFITS OF THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE

Not so long ago, getting a professional massage was considered “exclusive,” and only primarily for leisure. Massage, however has now began to morph from a luxury to a recognised form of complementary and alternative medicine and has become more affordable.

A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF MASSAGE THERAPY

Massage involves the therapeutic manipulation, rubbing, and pressing of soft tissues (muscles, ligaments, and tendons) using the fingers, hands, forearms, elbows, knees, feet, etc.

There are over 80 variations of massage therapy to choose from, each offering a wide variety of movements and techniques. The industry has developed to the point where you now have some categories of massage movements that cater to the entire body, while others are almost exclusively recognised as being suited for isolated muscle groups.

THE MANY BENEFITS OF THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE

Massage is among the most relaxing and soothing sensations one can experience. However, the benefits of a good rubdown go beyond relaxation and run deeper than you might think.

A recent study indicates that 50% of adults who saw a professional massage therapist in the past year did so for medical or health reasons. In contrast, only 28% of massage consumers sought massage for relaxation or stress reduction during the same period. So why are so many patients turning to massage therapy? Let’s review the health benefits to find out.

1. Stress Relief

For centuries, people have turned to massage as a way to de-stress and in recent studies have confirmed that massage significantly reduces physical and psychological stress.

Clinical studies show that massage therapy increases production of endorphins (natural chemicals that make you feel good), serotonin, and dopamine; while it reduces cortisol levels, heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen consumption; factors typically associated with stress.

2. Reduces Anxiety

That heightened sense of elation after a massage isn’t just in your head. In fact, several recent studies confirm that researchers can actually measure the impact that massage has on individuals experiencing emotional trauma. Likewise, massage has also been shown to bring about a corrective effect for those suffering from deep anxiety.

As a case in point, a 2004 study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research, shows that women with breast cancer who received massage therapy had decreased levels of anxiety and hostility.

3. Eases Muscle Tension

The complexities of modern life has made people more tense than ever—both psychologically and physically. As a result, back injuries, joint stiffness, and muscle tension is ever on the rise. Unfortunately, this is a trend that medical experts don’t see changing. However, one factor that could soften the impact of muscle stiffness is therapeutic massage.

For example, techniques such as Swedish massage, have a proven track record of loosening muscle groups and relaxing stiff joints.

4. Improves Overall Sleep Quality

Maintaining good health is impossible without adequate sleep.  The good news is that researchers have confirmed that massage therapy may significantly reduce the incidence of sleep insomnia. Furthermore, the effect of massage therapy on sleep isn’t limited to any one age group.

A 2006 study by researchers from the University of Warwick found that massage helped infants aged six months or less sleep better and cry less. Testing in adults proved similar results as evidenced by a University of Miami School of Medicine study.

These studies have also confirmed that massage promotes better sleep because it aids in the release of serotonin, which helps the body achieve a state of restfulness.

5. Promotes Greater Relaxation

Massage helps you rest by reducing the cortisol level and triggering several brain chemistry responses which translate into extended periods of deep relaxation.

In a study of the “effects of massage therapy on immune, hematological, and psychological state of adult subjects,” researchers found that “massage is capable of inducing psychological relaxation.”