If you have ever been treated to a massage, you know that it can be summed up in one word: relaxing. Massage is a powerful natural therapy that does wonders for your well-being. After a massage session, you feel as if you’re walking on a cloud as your whole body enters a blissful state of deep relaxation.
It turns out, there are more benefits of massage therapy than just relaxation. In fact, not only can massage make you feel calmer, but it can also reduce chronic pain, boost immunity, and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Here are 8 scientifically-proven ways that massage benefits the mind and body, and why you should consider booking a massage today!
What is massage therapy?
Massage therapy is a healing modality that focuses on the manual manipulation of body muscles and tissues. A range of massage techniques may be used depending on your specific concerns.
While anyone can perform a massage, you will feel more at ease when you choose a therapist who has completed a course in massage therapy and has the relevant credentials to perform different massage modalities.
Types of massage to heal mind and body
The benefits of massage are as varied as the types of massage you can receive. Alongside the traditional relaxation massage (also known as Swedish massage), there are a number of massage types that can be used to heighten the benefits you receive. These include:
- Deep tissue massage
- Remedial massage
- Trigger point therapy
- Chinese massage
- Aromatherapy massage
- Hot stone massage
- Lymphatic massage
- Shiatsu
- Reflexology
- Sports massage
Choosing which massage to get will depend on your health problem or what you want to achieve (for example, pain reduction, decreased tension or greater relaxation). When you arrive at your massage appointment, your massage therapist will decide on the best massage type for you based on your needs and preferences.
8 health benefits of massage therapy
Certainly, there’s more to massage than simply relaxation (though, this is one of the top benefits of massage therapy!). Here are some surprising health benefits of massage therapy that you may not have already known about:
1. Massage improves immunity
Have a cold? Want to escape being a victim of the flu season? Book a massage! Research has shown that regular massage therapy helps improve the immune system by increasing white blood cell activity which boosts the body’s ability to reduce cortisol and fight disease.
2. Massage fixes your posture
Yes! Massage therapy can fix that dreaded ‘text neck’ and postural problems by getting the body back into alignment. Massage allows the body’s muscles and tendons to relax and loosen. Typically, bad posture is caused by tight, tense or sore muscles. Once these tendons are softened and released, the joints become more flexible, you gain greater mobility and you get better posture.
3. Massage alleviates depression
Stress and anxiety in the mind can cause stress in the body. When you’re feeling anxious, depressed or chronically stressed, you are putting your body in a tensed-up state causing the muscles to tighten and contract which leads to everything from physical pain to digestive upset.
One of the biggest benefits of massage therapy is that it calms the nervous system, lowering the stress hormones that contribute to that “fight or flight” response. During a massage, the ‘feel good’ hormones like serotonin and dopamine are released, helping alleviate depression and maintain an overall balanced mood.
4. Massage lowers blood pressure
Heart disease and hypertension pose a great health risk to people. One major contributing factor is high blood pressure. Massage therapy can be used to help reduce blood pressure levels, keeping your heart healthy.
One study found that massage therapy helped to control blood pressure in women who were pre-hypertensive, reducing blood pressure for as long as 72 hours after their massage.
5. Massage reduces pain
From fibromyalgia to low back pain and past sporting injuries, massage therapy can decrease symptoms of chronic pain and make these conditions more manageable. Massage helps to relieve pain by increasing blood circulation, interrupting the pain cycle and releasing endorphins to give you an overall sense of well-being. If tight and tense muscles are causing your pain symptoms, massage helps to release these muscles so that they remain in a relaxed state.
6. Massage provides emotional support
Along with alleviating mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, massage therapy can help people cope with emotional events including cancer treatment. Many scientific studies have shown that massage can help cancer patients manage symptoms such as stress, anxiety, pain and isolation. Since massage involves physical touch, it can create a connection for patients, helping them to feel comforted and at ease.
7. Massage soothes PMDD
Premenstrual syndrome can create a range of negative symptoms including body aches, cramps, anxiety, stress, anger, bloating, low mood and exhaustion. For those suffering the more extreme end of premenstrual pain, known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), they may find relief each month by getting a massage – particularly aromatherapy massage or massage that incorporates heat or acupressure.
8. Massage eases insomnia
If you suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome or are dealing with recurring insomnia, massage therapy may help to improve the quality of your sleep and have you feeling more energised throughout the day. Massage helps to combat insomnia by increasing serotonin production – a hormone that helps the body enter into a deep sleep.
Healing body, mind and soul
Massage therapy has been used for centuries as an alternative form of medicine for the body. In fact, the history of massage therapy dates back to around 3000 BCE in India, where Hindus harnessed Ayurvedic techniques to heal injuries, reduce pain, and prevent and cure illnesses. Nowadays, massage therapy has increasingly become more accepted in Western medicine to treat ailments and heal illness in both the physical body and the mind. Many communities now offer or encourage massage therapy as a way to connect with one’s soul or strengthen one’s beliefs and tend to self. The simple act of showing self-care through receiving a massage can do wonders for the soul, which can emerge in the body and mind for well-being and heightened health overall.
Whether you are dealing with physical pain or mental unrest, harnessing the benefits of massage can do wonders for your body, mind and soul. You don’t need a doctor’s note or referral to receive a massage. Simply find your nearest massage practice and be sure to choose one that comes highly recommended and is fully registered and licensed.