7 Benefits Of Massage Therapy You Need To Know About

Sure, a massage is known to help you to relax, but did you know there are many more health benefits of regular massage therapy? 

Massage used to only be available at day spas or health retreats, and was considered a ‘luxury’ that most people couldn’t afford - especially on a regular basis! Nowadays, massage therapy is recognised as an alternative holistic treatment and is often recommended for people of all ages with a range of health conditions. 

If you’ve never tried massage, read on about its many health benefits and why you should consider regular massage therapy as part of your health & wellness regime. 

It can improve mental health

Just a single massage can have a positive effect on your psychological health. There are massage types that make you feel more zen, such as aromatherapy massage, helping you to relax with the help of calming and soothing scents. Beyond relaxation, massage therapy reduces stress hormones in the body which can relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety. When our bodies are tense and in pain, cortisol levels rise which contributes to feelings of stress, anxiety and depression. Massage helps to reduce pain and tension, allowing the body and mind to enter a relaxed state, making way for the increased production of the body’s natural happy hormones. 

Chronic pain relief

People who experience chronic pain such as fibromyalgia can benefit from regular massage therapy. Using massage as a complementary treatment for chronic pain conditions can improve pain management and improve overall quality of life. The act of massage increases blood flow, allowing nutrients to flow to tight, tense muscles and joints. Clients often feel a reduction in their pain symptoms and notice greater range of motion and flexibility, helping them to move better. For this reason, massage therapy is highly recommended for people with arthritis. 

Constipation relief

If you’re dealing with constipation or digestive issues, a gentle stomach massage can help alleviate symptoms and get things moving. In one study, it was found that massage therapy helped people dealing with post-surgery constipation. It can also be useful for those who surfer chronic gut problems such as IBS. Additionally, massage therapy stimulates the lymphatic system, helping the body remove waste and toxins. 

It boosts immunity

Studies have shown that massage therapy can improve immunity. In fact, massage has been found to boost patient’s white blood cell count which plays a role in defending the body from illness. Massage therapy is also known to increase the amount of lymphocytes in the body; these cells help the immune system fight off harmful substances in the body. Because massage aids in boosting the immune system, it may also help in protecting the body against coronavirus as well as the common cold and flu. 

It relieves headaches

Headaches are a common affliction, especially for those working desk jobs or who sit in the same position for long periods of time. A tension headache can feel like a tight band around the head, and is often associated with ‘text neck’. A massage type known as remedial massage can be applied to the neck, shoulders and back to help to reduce muscle tension that contributes to chronic tension headaches. This mode of trigger point therapy applies sustained pressure to tight muscles or knots to release tension and improve headache symptoms. 

It can help you sleep better

If you suffer from insomnia then regular massage therapy can help you to improve sleep quality. A growing body of research has indicated that massage therapy is useful in treating insomnia and other chronic conditions that contribute to sleeping disorders. Massage increases the amount of serotonin in the body, a hormone that helps the body get ready for sleep. It can also increase delta brain waves (which occur during the deepest realm of sleep). Even clients who don’t have a sleep disorder find that they have a better night’s sleep following a massage. 

It can assist in rehabilitation from stroke

Research supports the effectiveness of massage therapy when it comes to helping patients recovering from a stroke. It is believed that post-stroke massage therapy can increase sensorimotor function, improve fine motor skills and decrease physiological stress. Stroke may also cause swelling and inflammation in the body, which can be reduced through gentle massage by a qualified massage therapist. 

Massage therapy can help treat many conditions. There are many types of massage beyond relaxation/Swedish massage that can treat different health conditions from chronic pain to post-injury rehabilitation. It’s important to seek a qualified and licensed massage therapist who can tailor the massage to suit your particular health conditions or needs. A skilled therapist has a toolbox of techniques that can accommodate all people. So whether you’re looking for a feel-good boost or an alternative for pain management, consider massage therapy.