The Health Benefits of Massage
A good massage has come to be an indispensable part of one’s healthcare regimen today, be it a therapy for stress relief, pain management or a luxury. Considering that most diseases are stress-related, a massage is a great way to manage stress, lessen anxiety and pressure and reverse aging.
Today, the concept of massage is emerging as an integral part of holistic treatment for chronic diseases, neurological disorders, injuries as well as general well-being by reducing tension and stress.
The right massage:
- Reduces low-back pain and improves range of motion.
- Improves immunity by stimulating lymph flow, the body’s natural defense mechanism.
- Release endorphins, amino acids that act as a natural painkiller for the body.
- Helps to exercise and stretch weak, tight or atrophied muscles.
- Improves skin and increases joint flexibility.
- Eases depression and anxiety.
- Promotes tissue regeneration, reduces scar tissue and stretchmarks.
- Improves circulation by pumping oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs.
- Helps post-surgery conditions by reducing swelling.
- Reduces spasms and cramping, bloating, mood swings, headaches and weight gain during PMS.
- Reduces frequency of migraines and intensity of pain.
- Relaxes injured, tired and overused muscles after workouts and sports training.
- Improves digestion.
- Helps in shorter and easier labor in expectant mothers.
Cure for chronic conditions
Research has shown that the right massage:
- Offers relief to arthritic patients who report less stiffness and pain
- Reduces back and neck pain resulting from long computer use
- Reduces high anxiety and stress
- Reduces diastolic blood pressure in those with high blood pressure.
Massages help you stay young
The right massage can keep you looking younger. By improving circulation and joint flexibility, regular massage keeps you agile and active. It also enhances lymphatic drainage that removes toxins from cells and perks up your complexion, adding power to slack skin.
Pain relief and massage
Those afflicted with arthritis, degenerative joints, muscle problems such as fibromyalgia and disc problems find relief after a few sessions of the right massage therapy techniques.
Massage helps deal with the side effects of cancer
Massage therapy has helped cancer patients who reported reduced pain, better sleep, decreased fatigue, lesser depression and stress.
A note of caution
If you have bleeding disorders or take blood-thinning medicines, have burns or healing wounds, have fractures or severe osteoporosis, it is best to avoid massage. If you have cancer, chronic pain or are pregnant seek your doctor’s advice before undergoing massage therapy.
Remember, whatever message therapy technique you opt for must leave you feeling calm and relaxed once it’s over. And there should be no lingering pain.
