Benefits of Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is a wonderful tool for self-care and one of the best things you can do for your well-being.

In today’s hectic world the calming effects of massage therapy help to treat mental and physical ailments such as stress, pain, anxiety and depression in a holistic way.

Here are its top 10 benefits of massage-therapy:

1. Pain Relief

One of the most important reasons people get massages is to relieve pain. Whether it is chronic pain from an illness or from excessive exercising, massage therapy is the key to relieving pain in a holistic, noninvasive way. Regular massage therapy sessions relieve muscle cramps and spasms, stiffness and body aches and reduce or prevent them altogether.

2. Stress Relief

Daily life can be stressful. Work or family life can overload our nervous system and elevate our stress hormone levels. By raising dopamine levels, massage therapy will calm the system down and put us in a state of deep relaxation. This can be a complete reset to the system.

3. Increases Circulation
Through the pressure applied during a massage therapy session, blood flow increases, and the lymphatic systems is stimulated. This creates pain relief while also improving circulation. The circulatory system then pumps oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and organs to improve blood flow and remove waste.

4. Boosts the immune system

Our immune system is designed to fend off colds and fight infections. Sometimes, poor nutrition, lack of sleep, and stress can weaken our body’s natural ability to fight infections. Massage therapy is a wonderful way to increase immune function and protect oneself and keep healthy. Certain massage techniques will improve the flow of lymph, a bodily fluid that fights infection and disease, as well as remove excess lymph through manual drainage.

5. Improves Posture and Flexibility

Massage therapy can greatly increase flexibility and improve posture by loosening and relaxing muscles. This will also increase range of motion, improve posture and greatly relieve pain.

6. Lowers Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a serios condition. Massage therapy reduces stress and anxiety which then lowers stress hormones and helps to keep blood pressure down. This leads to a more relaxed and stress-free way of living.

7. Relaxes Muscles and Mind

Daily life can be very stressful. Massage therapy activates the para-sympathetic nervous system which controls the ability to feel good, therefore helping the body to relax. As muscles are relaxed tensions melt away leading to a calming state for the body and the mind.

8. Rehabilitates Injuries
 Massage therapy can be a wonderful adjunct to any rehab program. Massage therapy increases circulation, relaxes muscles, increases flexibility and posture while also reducing recovery time. This can help to ease stress that is intensified by painful injuries.

9. Flushes Bodily Toxins
Regular massages therapy can flush out lactic acid build-up in the muscles, promote sinus drainage, loosen mucus in the lungs and break up scar tissue. Through this process of clearing out toxins and inflammation, massage can improve energy levels and stamina.

10. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
Massage therapy can support the body process of regulating blood sugar levels. This is because massage releases endorphins, which are hormones that can help to regulate blood sugar levels. Additionally, massage therapy has been shown to reduce cortisol, which can also help to improve blood sugar levels.