5 Health Conditions that Can Benefit from Massage Therapy |
Posted: July 5, 2022 |
When we think of massage therapy, luxurious spas, fancy tools, and over-rated pampering services come to mind. However, massages have now become more than a luxury retreat. Massage techniques are now being used for treating various health conditions. What is Massage Therapy?Massage is the practice of rubbing, pressing, and manipulating the tendons, muscles, and ligaments. Depending on the type of massage therapy you opt for, massage techniques vary from gentle stroking and kneading to applying deep pressure. Massage helps in relieving muscle pain and soreness and improves blood flow. Massage is more than a spa day to pamper yourself; it's now used as a standard treatment option with conventional treatment for many medical conditions. Benefits of Massage TherapyHere we have discussed a few conditions that can be improved by massage therapies. 1. Improves Heart HealthJust like other muscles, massage therapy helps the heart muscles relax. According to the Institute of Integrative Healthcare, getting regular massage therapy along with following a healthy lifestyle such as a healthy diet, exercising, and no smoking will promote heart health and lower the risks of heart diseases. Various techniques followed in massage therapy, such as kneading, stroking, and pressing, improve blood circulation. These motions also send messages to the nervous system through the skin receptors to calm down and relax the fight-or-flight response. According to a study in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, an hour-long deep tissue massage session can immediately decrease an adult's blood pressure.
2. Manages PainMassages decrease muscle stress and knots which then reduces pain. The leading cause of muscle pain is built-up tension, or in severe cases, when the overworked muscles stay contracted even during rest. As massage therapy relieves muscle tension, the pain also gets better. Therapeutic massages are used for many conditions, including:
Harvard Health Publishing mentioned that massages block pain signals to and from the brain. A study published in 2004 reviewed that people with chronic pain get the same therapeutic effects from massages as conventional medical care. 3. Relieve StressIn today's fast-paced world, where you are always over-worked and overstressed and have almost no work-life balance, you are bound to feel stressed and burned out. In such a case, relaxing massage therapy can be your savior. Getting an hour-long massage therapy can reduce the level of the stress hormone cortisol by 30% and increase the level of the mood-enhancing hormone serotonin by 28% If it's difficult for you to take out an hour from your busy schedule, a 10 to 15 minutes short massage can do wonders too. A study published in 2020 reported that the participants feel less stressed only after a 10-minute massage session.
4. Scalp Massages to Grow HairDue to bad posture and stress, we have a lot of tension behind our ears, across the hairline, and in the neck. These areas are often disregarded. Scalp massages can help you feel relaxed and lighten your mood. Scalp massage also stimulates hair follicles by stretching them. This stimulation leads to hair growth and thicker and shinier hair. 5. Improves Mental healthMassage therapy is not only beneficial for your physical health but also promotes mental health. Massages relieve tension, anxiety, and worry. The American Massage Therapy Association has made this official statement that there is scientific evidence that can link massages to be effective in reducing symptoms of depression. According to a review conducted in 2017, massage can alter brain activity in the anterior cortex, amygdala, and hypothalamus. These are the parts of the brain associated with regulating stress and fear. After a massage, the brain showed signs of relaxation and decreased anxiety, heart rate, and depression. If you want to get massage therapy to help with any of your health issues, book an appointment with Eden Massage.
Eden Massage is one of the best massage places in Fayetteville, NC, and practices Traditional Chinese Medicine. They have licensed therapists who are qualified in Asian massage techniques and focus on the emotional, mental, and physical well-being of their clients. They excel in many massage techniques, including Shiatsu, couples, and deep tissue massage in Fayetteville, NC. Contact them if you have any queries. About the AuthorThe author is an experienced massage therapist who specializes in Shiatsu massage therapy. She is dedicated to improving the quality of life of her patients.
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