Massage therapy is one of the most popular therapeutic techniques nowadays. It is used to ensure the betterment of our health. Some of you may have the wrong concept that massage is only for relaxation or temporary physical comfort. On the contrary, massage holds a profound base of physical and mental health benefits. Since ancient times, people have used various massage techniques to relieve pain and muscle tension.
Professional health practitioners also suggest that patients with body injuries to massage. Today, people are studying the health benefits of massage. They are discovering new information every day. We will describe the evidence-based benefits of different kinds of massages in our discussion. Let’s not waste any time and delve into our main topic.
Health Benefits of Massage at a Glance
Massage therapy has been a part of both Eastern and Western cultures since ancient times. The potential of massage therapy is endless. It helps in relieving pain and injury. Also, it promotes long-term health benefits. Let’s glance at massage therapy’s physical and mental health benefits.
| Physical Health Benefits | Mental Health Benefits |
| Releasing muscle tension including lower back, neck, and shoulder pain | Helps in dealing with stress-related insomnia |
| Combating soft tissue strains or injuries | Managing mental stress, depression and anxiety |
| Dealing with sports injuries | Relaxing effect |
| Managing diseases like Fibromyalgia | Increasing overall happiness |
| Reducing digestive problems | Increasing productivity |
| Dealing with Osteoarthritis of the knee | Reducing fatigue |
An in-depth discussion about the health benefits of massage
Massage therapy is worldwide popular for its evidence-based health benefits. It is a therapy for soft body tissues. Researchers have discovered numerous health benefits of massage. We will now explore the limitless potential of massage therapy on the human body.
Improving Mental Health
Massage therapy is so popular worldwide for its relaxation effect on the mood. Specifically, it is compatible with reducing anxiety and depression. The relaxing effect is the main reason behind promoting better mental health conditions. Also, it is highly recommended for mental stress-induced insomnia patients. Due to the effect of relaxation, people enjoy massages so much.
It calms down the nerves and increases the feeling of comfort. Nerve endings become stimulated with a gradual pressure change of massage. The tense muscles also get relaxed when specific body points are massaged. A full body massage helps people cope with the everyday stress of their lives.
Researchers found that a 10-minute massage reduces the stress levels and increases relaxation. It is estimated to work by triggering the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). The PNS calms down the body after any stressful experience. Full body massage can increase happiness on the spiritual and psychological levels.
Massage Therapy in Releasing Muscle Tension
Massage therapy is highly effective in easing back pain and relieving Stress. So, how does it work? Massage is a complementary health practice. Massage is a healing art. It involves soft tissue manipulation. Varying degrees of pressure are applied to the body in massage. Along this process, massage increases the body’s blood flow and oxygen flow rate. Manual pressure ensures better blood circulation and may soothe aches and pains. This way, a full body massage can effectively relieve self-care and pain.
Massage increases overall blood circulation in specific body areas. This process releases tension and muscle spasms. It can also loosen the tight and stiff muscles and thus promote flexibility of the body. By releasing muscle tension, massage promotes better physical health.
Massage Therapy in Relieving Joint and Muscle Pain
Massage therapy is not only a way of releasing stress but also physical pain. It helps people deal with chronic joint and muscle pain. The gradual and systematic way of applying pressure on soft tissues of the body through massage soothes the muscle and joint pain. It has evidence of relieving pain from various disease conditions. Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Carpal tunnel syndrome, and Chronic low back pain are some of them.
Massage also promotes less inflammation, and as a result, it helps in the body’s healing process. Massage can work as a supplement in dealing with muscle injuries along with other medical care. You should not replace the whole medical treatment with just a massage. Massage will help you reduce pain, but sometimes, this relief might be temporary.
It is proven that regular whole-body massage sessions have many benefits in knee osteoarthritis. It contributes to less joint pain, stiffness and better physical function.
Also, massage helps relieve post-workout aches and pains. Massage has pain-relieving properties that help reduce delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Massage promotes muscle flexibility after a workout.
Promoting Collagen Production
Collagen is one of the most crucial building blocks of our body. With increasing age, the rate of collagen production in the body decreases. So, it is important to increase collagen production in our body to have an anti-aging effect. Body massage does this work for us. Researchers have found that massage promotes collagen production in our body. It is deeply involved with our overall health and well-being.
Specific Benefits of Massage Based on Their Types
Benefits of Hot Stone Massage
The hot stone massage is a popular relaxing massage therapy. It is basically about using heated stones on the body during the massage treatment. Smooth, flat, and hot stones are placed on particular points of the body, including the spine, palms, feet, abdomen, and legs, while giving the massage. This hot stone massage technique has multiple health benefits. It includes:
- Hot stones expand the blood vessels and increase overall blood flow. The heated stones help in better blood circulation.
- Better blood circulation results in the elimination of toxins from the body.
- Helps in healing muscle injury faster. Also, it is effective in diseases like arthritis and Fibromyalgia.
- Hot stones increase mobility around the body’s joints and ensure better flexibility.
- It relieves muscle spasms.
- Hot stone massage therapy helps reduce mental Stress with an extra relaxing effect.
- It is helpful for patients with depression and anxiety.
- It helps in achieving a better immune system. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles found a significant positive effect of body massage. After a 45-minute massage, the number of lymphocytes increases in the body. These lymphocytes are principal components of our immune system.
- It is also highly effective in treating achy muscles.
- It has a deep detoxifying effect.
Benefits of Hand Massage
- Helps in releasing Endorphins, which is a natural painkiller of the body.
- Helpful for people with hand pain.
- Promotes flexibility of the hand muscle.
- Reduces the feelings of Stress and anxiety.
- Effective in reducing swelling of the hand.
Benefits of Head Massage
- Effective in reducing scalp tension
- Impactful in promoting hair length and natural hair growth
- Works in increasing oxygen levels in the blood
- Helps in releasing muscle tension
- Helps in promoting a better nervous system.
Benefits of Swedish Massage
- It promotes the feel-good hormones serotonin, oxytocin, and dopamine.
- It also reduces the stress hormone cortisol made by the adrenal glands.
- Highly effective for Stress and anxiety.
- Also effective for relaxation purposes.
- Reduces mental Stress.
Benefits of Thai Massage
Thai massage, also known as Thai yoga, does not occur on a massage table like usual. It takes place fully clothed on a padded floor. This type of massage holds multiple health benefits. For example-
- Relieves muscle tension
- Boosts flexibility
- Improves flexibility
- Lowers physical pain
- Reduces Stress and anxiety
Benefits of Medical Massage Therapy
Medical massage therapy is especially effective in certain diagnosed medical conditions. For example-
- Reduces back pain and neck pain
- Minimizes chronic headache problem
- Helpful in conditions like Fibromyalgia
- Effective in limiting swelling by stimulating the lymphatic system.
- Reduce fluid buildup in the body.
Benefits of Foot Massage Therapy
Foot massage therapy primarily helps in reducing foot-related problems. Along with this, it has other health benefits. For example-
- Helps in getting sound sleep.
- Reduces fatigue.
- Reduces mental Stress and depression.
- Releases pain associated with foot area.
- Increases blood circulation of the foot
Final Words
Massage has been an ancient practice of releasing body stress and muscle tension. This therapy is an effective method of relaxing your body. Massage gives physical pleasure and comfort. Also, it has many physical and mental benefits. Hopefully, you have gained valuable insight into our topic today. We have discussed the surprising benefits of massage and provided relevant evidence. In brief, the benefits of massage are endless. You can get massage therapy to relieve Stress and muscle pain, heal the body, and more. You need to find the best technique that works for you.
FAQs
Do massages have real health benefits?
Yes, massages have real health benefits. Some of them are stress reduction, improved circulation, and relief from muscle tension.
What are the benefits of body massage?
There are many benefits of body massage. For example, relaxation, pain relief, enhanced flexibility, and improved mood.
How often should you get a massage?
The frequency of massages depends on individual needs. However, many people find benefit in a monthly session for maintenance.
What are the 7 benefits of massage?
Let’s explore the most effective seven benefits of massage now. Massage’s primary benefits are stress reduction, pain relief, improved circulation, and boosted immunity. You can also get enhanced flexibility, better sleep, and a refreshing mood through massage.
What are the scientific benefits of massage?
There are scientifically proven benefits to massage. These are stress reduction, lowered cortisol, increased serotonin, improved circulation, and enhanced immunity.
Is it good to massage every day?
While occasional massages can have health benefits, daily massages may not be necessary for everyone. It’s essential to consider individual needs, health conditions, and preferences. You need to consult a healthcare professional or a licensed massage therapist.
