With all the stress that people face today, massage therapy may be a powerful tool to aid in improving their health and well-being.
Even in ancient times, massage therapy was practiced in many cultures, such as the Chinese, Ancient Greeks, Egyptians, and Indians, to help relieve pain. Many believed in its healing powers and capability to treat certain diseases and injuries.
What is Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy is intended to manipulate the muscles and connective tissues utilizing different techniques to improve functions, promote relaxation and well-being, and aid in the healing process. It has different kinds with various functions, but all of which are therapeutic in nature because it involves the biggest organ of the body: the skin. What makes them distinct from each other are their goals and techniques like moving, holding, and applying pressure to the joints, ligaments, tendons, and fascia.
Fortunately, massage is widely offered nowadays, even in gyms and airports. If you’ve been regularly visiting a massage center, you probably tried a lot of its types. For first-timers, here are the most popular they provide:
- Swedish massage therapy
- Aromatherapy massage
- Hot stone massage
- Deep tissue massage
- Shiatsu massage
- Thai massage
- Pregnancy massage
- Reflexology
- Sports Massage
Best Benefits of Massage
1. Relaxation and Manages Anxiety and Depression
Among the immediate benefits of massage are relaxation and calm since it promotes the release of brain chemicals called endorphins, which are responsible for producing feelings of well-being. Furthermore, the levels of stress hormones such as cortisol, adrenaline, and norepinephrine are reduced. As a result, you’re feeling happier, less stressed, and with reduced blood pressure. Swedish massage is usually the most recommended type of massage for relaxation. It involves muscle kneading and rolling, long, sweeping strokes, and friction.
2. Relieves and Eases Pain
At one point in your life, you’ve probably experienced back pain. Next time you feel it, consider visiting a wellness spa. Massage will reduce stiffness and pain in your back and improve your range of motion. In fact, it has similar effects with other effective treatments like drugs, acupuncture, yoga, and other exercises.
If you are on the hunt for spas in San Rafael, California, or looking for professional Marin indoor massage services, try Bodywise Massage. They offer a wide range of services, including Deep Tissue, Swedish, Reflexology, Lomi Lomi, Acupressure, Table Thai, Lymphatic Drainage, Sports Therapy, and a lot more. It is also where you can try an exciting outdoor massage experience in a stunning and tranquil wellness garden filled with playful birds, different native and exotic plants, and falling water. Another is an indoor open-air massage where you will be receiving your massage in an “open” room with no ceiling and door for improved ventilation.
3. Improves Sleep
If you have insomnia, massage is a drug-free, smart, and healthy option to overcome it. Serotonin plays a significant role in mood, body behavior, body temperature, and sleep. According to a study, those who regularly receive massage experienced a rise in serotonin levels and decreased long-term pain. Although additional study is needed, the existing evidence is enough to recommend regular massage to the sleep-deprived.
4. Boosts Mental Clarity
In another study, 26 adults were asked to sit and relax in a massage chair for 15 minutes, twice for 5 weeks. At the end of this 5-week period, they demonstrated improved speed and accuracy on math computations because of reduced frontal alpha and beta power, suggesting mental alertness.
5. Boosts Immunity
Research has shown that routinely receiving a massage is excellent for your immune system as it helps flush toxins, increasing blood flow through the body. It also maximizes the activity of white blood cells that help our body fight diseases and possibly help in the reduction of cortisol. Cortisol is the main stress hormone, which also increases sugar in the bloodstream.
6. Beats PMS
If you are one of those many women who suffer from premenstrual syndrome every month, you can try massage therapy since it can help alleviate PMS symptoms, such as bloating, irritability, cramping, and mood swings.
7. Prolongs Youthful Glow
Whether it’s dry or oily, skin issues result from various factors. Massage therapy can help improve your skin’s health by increasing circulation. Also, it helps release tension and relaxes the muscles, reducing the appearance and development of wrinkles. Most importantly, it stimulates cell regeneration through increased blood circulation and waste excretion, leaving your skin feeling smoother and looking younger!
Visit Bodywise Massage’s website to book a relaxing outdoor massage with Bodywise‘s expert practitioners.
Despite these benefits, remember that massage isn’t a replacement or substitute for medical care. Be sure to inform your physician first before undergoing any type of massage, and follow your regular treatment plans if you’re pregnant or have medical conditions such as:
- Life-threatening illness
- Suspected fractures or broken bones
- Cuts, skin rashes, or infections
