Massage therapy is an excellent means of dealing with general everyday stress as well as super-specific health problems. It rejuvenates and re-energizes the body in ways we can’t even imagine.
Science proves that it stimulates the release of pain-relieving and mood-elevating hormones like endorphins and enkephalins. It increases the production levels of oxytocin and reduces the activation of pain receptors. Plus, it improves blood circulation and reduces the production of cortisol and other stress-causing hormones.
If these increments and reductions in the production of body chemicals make little sense to you, it’s okay. In this post, we’ll clarify what they really mean by listing down the direct massage benefits that you can enjoy.
Before we dive into the physical benefits of massages, we recommend browsing through the medical massage offered by Immerse. It will help you develop an understanding of the different types. Consequently, you’ll be able to make the most of the benefits listed below.
#1. Treats Chronic Back Pain
Low back pain is amongst the most prevalent musculoskeletal issues amongst adults. Be it young adults or the elderly. When individuals engage in unusual physical activity or encounter immense stress, they complain about back pain.
To address this issue therapeutically, several studies have been conducted. These include Massage for low back pain (2008) and Systematic Review of Low Back Pain Massage (2009). Both of these studies concluded that massage reduces back pain by increasing blood flow in muscles and blocking pain receptors.
#2. Reduces Migraine and Headache Frequency
Headaches are usually a result of improper functioning of the blood vessels and surrounding nerves in the brain. Massage reduces the frequency of headaches by improvising the circulation of blood in the brain vessels. It also treats headaches the same way.
Since migraine occurs by improper functioning of vessels and nerves too, massage can help relieve migraine as well. Whether you’re having a migraine or you want to prevent it, massage is an effective means of addressing the situation.
#3. Improves Sleep
Quality sleep improves our overall performance and helps us make the best of our potential. However, owing to our busy schedules, we’re often deprived of sleep. And the over-busy schedules have led to insomnia for several individuals.
Medical massages can help prevent this even with a busy schedule. Just dedicate 15-30 minutes each day to receiving massage therapies. As your brain receives improved blood flow and the body experiences greater production of happy hormones you’ll likely sleep deep even if it’s for a short time.
#4. Relieves Joint Stiffness
Medical massages are also known to relieve joint stiffness. It’s a go-to option for arthritis and rheumatoid patients who suffer chronic pain in joints and inflammation. They’re unable to function normally. But medical massages help to reduce inflammation and joint pain by enhancing blood flow. Increased blood flow provides greater nourishment to the synovial membranes, which keeps our joints lubricated and working well.
#5. Lowers Risk of Depression
Generally, the body kneading movements involved in massages have calming properties. These movements aim to relax the patient. Plus, massage therapists also create a soothing environment. But medical massages go a step further and involve kneading movements with essential oils that are applied topically. Or the therapists ensure the inhalation of essential oils using diffusers and aromatherapy candles.
Doing so reduces the production of cortisol, adrenaline, and other stress-causing hormones. If you routinely receive massage therapies, the chances of depression reduce. You’ll generally have a calm and happier take on life.
#6. Helps with Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Myofascial Pain Syndrome refers to chronic pain in muscles. It occurs when muscle fibers are stuck in a knot, and blood flow stops. As a result, waste material builds up in these muscles, and the brain tells you not to use these muscles. Medical massages help by improving blood circulation and preventing the situation altogether.
Final Thoughts
All in all, medical massages are the healthiest way to tackle every day and prevailing health problems. Instead of spending thousands of bucks on doctors and medicines, you can spend a few on massages and improve the quality of your life permanently (in the long run!).
