Going to your favorite masseuse after a long day at work can feel like a blessing. You can just lay there, and he will take care of every part of your body. The comfortable atmosphere with lowlights and slow music in the background can rescue your week. However, it is not only about ‘feeling good’. Chinese people practiced massage therapy long before our era. 2700 B.C. it was considered a form of alternative medicine. Indeed, it can offer numerous health benefits. Regular sessions can help ensure mental and physical wellness. Let’s take a closer look at its magic.
Beats insomnia
According to MidNite, the latest study showed that about 60 million Americans have different types of sleep disorders. The inability to sleep leads to weight gain, lack of concentration, and tiredness. More than that, it can put you at risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart attack. According to Davetaylortraining.co.uk, massage can relieve insomnia. The natural remedy can boost serotonin hormone also known as ‘happy hormone’. It can help beat anxiety. Furthermore, serotonin is a precursor to the natural chemical that causes sleepiness. If your insomnia is caused by pain, a session in the evening can also relieve the symptoms.
Improves mental health
Being touched is a fundamental model of human interaction. According to research published in the International Journal of Neuroscience, women diagnosed with breast cancer reported being less angry and less depressed after regular sessions. The Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry also published a study proving that patients who had anxiety disorder had reduced stress levels after massage therapy.
Lowers high blood pressure
According to the research, about 70 million Americans have high blood pressure. It is not only the risk factor for heart disease; it can also lead to damage of kidney, arteries, and brain. It has been scientifically proven that massage can help manage high blood pressure. The science behind it and blood pressure is simple. The therapy calms the sympathetic nervous system, lowers diastolic and systolic blood pressure. The study published in the International Journal of neuroscience also suggests that Swedish massage combined with aromatherapy has a stronger effect.
Boosts the immune system
The immune system is considered one of the most complex systems. It protects our bodies from viruses, germs and unwanted intruders. As stated in the report of the Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, massage therapy can boost your immune system. It works in the way that it promotes increased lymphatic circulation, improves the spread of white cells and eliminates pathogens. This process can improve your infection-fighting capabilities. Important to mention that the single session helps reduce levels of ‘stress’ hormone called cortisol and makes it easier for immune cells to do their job.
Helps manage diabetes
Diabetes is another common condition when the human’s body struggles to control the blood sugar level. The rise of diabetes is dramatic nowadays. The latest research shows that almost 10% of people in the United States had diagnosed diabetes. Untreated diabetes can lead to blindness, nerve damage, kidney failure, and glaucoma. People who suffer from this condition can use massage therapy as a part of regular medical treatment. A therapist can use different forms of this practice to increase insulin absorption in the body. It can improve blood circulation and help lower blood sugar levels. Also, it can provide nutrients and more oxygen to the body cells.
Decreases muscle tension
Tight muscles can be caused by poor posture, injury, and overuse. It limits movement and is usually accompanied by discomfort, pain, and cramping. It can be treated with stretching and home remedies. However, massage therapy remains the best way to relieve tight muscles. During the session, muscles and surrounding tissues become more liquid. It increases friction and blood circulation. It is also recommended in the case of trauma in the muscle. Deeper pressure helps smooth out the issues.
Relieves arthritis pain
At this point, more than 30 million people in the United States have arthritis. This condition causes pain, inflammation, and stiffness. Regular sessions can help relieve the pain and improve the range of motion. According to a new study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, massage can be part of the treatment for knee osteoarthritis. In the case of arthritis, even self-massage can lead to improvement. However, doctors encourage patients with this condition to go to a licensed therapist to prevent harm.
