The Benefits Of Massage Therapy
The benefits of massage therapy, including both physical and mental health benefits, are numerous and invaluable. Read on to explore the many positive effects of massage and physical connection.
What is Massage Therapy?
Massage is when you rub, knead, press, or manipulate a person’s soft tissue, including their skin, muscles, joints, ligaments, or tendons.
Massage therapy is part of integrative medicine. It is used for pain and stress relief, and it helps to relieve a variety of ailments, from physical pain to mental angst.
The Physical Benefits of Massage
Some of the physical benefits of massage therapy are immediate. As you rub a person’s skin, you encourage blood circulation and help reduce joint inflammation. Over time, the recipient can feel less pain and less stress, which could lead to an increase in their flexibility, a decrease in stiffness, and a great night’s sleep.
Specific Physical Health Benefits of Massage
- Better circulation
- Better sleep
- Better flexibility
- Stronger immune system
- Less pain
- Less inflammation
- Less stiffness
- Lower blood pressure
- Lower heart rate
Massage is part of integrated medicine that not only reduces stress and increases relaxation, but it also improves circulation and increases energy and alertness. While massage can reduce pain, muscle soreness, and tension, it can also lower your heart rate and blood pressure and improve your immune function!
The Mental Benefits of Massage Therapy
Another reason why you would choose massage therapy is for the mental and emotional benefits. While the knots may be kneaded out of your tissues, massage therapy can also help to unravel and release your mental burdens.
Specific Mental Benefits of Massage Therapy
- Reduces stress
- Improves your mood
- Reduces depression
- Increases self-awareness
- Helps you relax
- Increases energy
- Improves overall feeling of wellness
Calm Your Mind
One of the greatest benefits of massage therapy is that it causes the release of good chemicals in your brain and gets rid of bad ones. Massage therapy helps to reduce cortisol, which is a stress hormone.
Chemicals released thanks to massage:
- Endorphins (for stress and pain relief)
- Oxytocin (the love hormone)
- Dopamine (a motivational hormone)
- Serotonin (a mood-enhancer)
These chemicals make our mood happier and lighter. We experience reduced stress and greater relaxation.
The Benefits of Massage Therapy as a Medical Treatment
Massage therapy should be seen as an accompaniment and complement to medical treatment—not a replacement. However, according to the American Massage Therapy Association, nearly 5 million people in the United States alone could benefit from massage therapy instead of using opiates for pain relief. This could also reduce the number of opiate addictions by at least 100,000 people every year.
Over 50 million Americans currently experience chronic pain. By embracing the benefits of massage therapy, this number could be reduced. Massage can be used for pain management if you suffer from lower back pain, fibromyalgia, arthritis, or surgery wounds.
The Connection Between Mind and Body
Theoretically, both the mental and physical effects resulting from massage therapy are health benefits. Your mind and body work together! When you have a positive outlook on life, your health tends to improve. Likewise, when your physical health improves, your mental and emotional well-being improves as well.
Exploring the benefits of massage therapy will take you on a path of unburdening the mind and rejuvenating the body. It’s nice to be pampered, but massage therapy is much more valuable than it’s made to look on TV. Massage therapy can help you rediscover the synergy of a peaceful mind and a healthy body.
Why Choose Massage Therapy?
So, why choose massage therapy? Massage therapy is part of a holistic approach to your health and well-being.
Massage therapy can be customized to your specific needs. A spa day may sound exciting, but be sure to express your specific pain points and health concerns to your massage therapist so they can tailor your treatment. A generic massage won’t always get to the root of your pain or tension.
Types of Massages and Who Can Benefit from Them
Massage therapy is a holistic type of therapy, but it doesn’t come in a singular form. Here are some types of massage therapy that are aimed at very specific outcomes.
Sports Massage
A highly targeted muscle massage.
Athletes commonly use massage therapy to help them relax before or after an important game. They use it to improve their performance, reduce muscle aches and pains, and focus.
Deep Tissue Massage
A firm massage that reaches deeper tissues.
Chronic pain sufferers may enjoy the relief and benefits of deep tissue massage therapy. A good massage will reduce the amount of pain that is being endured. While massage therapy probably shouldn’t replace any existing treatments, it can help to support pain management efforts.
Swedish Massage
A gentle massage for relaxation and stress relief.
Office workers who sit hunched over a computer all day may especially enjoy the health benefits of a Swedish massage. From tension in your neck and shoulders to that mid-afternoon slump, massage therapy can help reduce the physical tension and boost your energy and focus to help you get through the day.
Reflexology
Applied to the ears, hands, and feet to target correlating organs.
Reflexology is a preferred type of massage for foot pain or general discomfort. It helps improve circulation, thereby alleviating tension. Those with digestive issues may consider reflexology to alleviate their pain.
Aromatherapy
A massage that uses essential oils for stress relief, relaxation, and general well-being.
If you suffer from stress and anxiety, have a sleep disorder, or have respiratory problems, aromatherapy may be a solution. There are great benefits of massage therapy combined with essential oils, so this helps create a calm environment where you can relax and let go of your stress.
Connected Touch
A type of non-sensual massage for pain management, stress relief, and physical and emotional connection.
PeeKay’s Connected Touch online video course teaches simple techniques for self-love, non-conditional touch, and connection with your partner. Learn more about the Connected Touch course and enroll today!
Enjoy the Benefits of Massage Therapy
Massage is a powerful and holistic tool for improving physical and mental well-being.
We’ve explored the health benefits of massage, why massage therapy feels so good, and how it can help transform your life.
If you’d like to discuss the benefits of Connected Touch with Patricia, click the button below.