Studies show massage decreases your heart rate and blood pressure and boosts neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine levels. It also reduces the stress hormone cortisol and promotes more restful sleep.
In a soothing setting, with calming music and dimmed lights, getting a massage can help you relax physically and mentally. Here are a few reasons you should make it a regular practice:
Improved Sleep
Stress, poor lifestyle habits, certain medical conditions, and more can cause sleep disorders. Regardless of the cause, massage therapy can improve your sleep and reduce fatigue by decreasing hyperarousal and insomnia.
One of the main reasons for lack of sleep is pain, which several things, including injury, muscle tightness, or illness can cause. Studies have shown that massage can help reduce the effects of fibromyalgia, as well as cancer-related fatigue and pain.
The autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary physiologic processes such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and digestion, has two anatomically distinct divisions: the sympathetic nerves (fight or flight) and the parasympathetic nerves (“rest and digest”). Research has found that massage decreases cortisol levels and increases serotonin, which leads to relaxation and better-quality sleep. Regular massages can even help prevent or ease many types of chronic pain, such as headaches, neck and back pain, fibromyalgia, and arthritis.
Increased Immunity
As the cold and flu season kicks into high gear, it is an excellent time to consider boosting your immune system with massage. A regular therapeutic massage from Motion Massage can help keep stress levels low, allowing the body to fight germs and illnesses.
Several studies have shown that the immune system is improved with regular massage. For example, a study with HIV-positive men who received 45-minute massages five days a week showed an increase in lymphocytes and natural killer cells; these are considered the first line of defense against disease.
A massage will also increase circulation, allowing white blood cells to get the proper nutrients and oxygen to their destination. This boost in white blood cell activity decreases the chances of illness and helps with breathing issues caused by sickness. As a result of these beneficial effects, many people notice that they can avoid diseases or recover much faster when receiving massage therapy regularly.
Reduced Stress
Massage can reduce stress and stimulate the body to release positive hormones like endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine. These neurotransmitters offer a variety of benefits, including reducing anxiety, preventing depression, and boosting your sense of well-being.
The lymphatic system is stimulated during massage, which helps remove metabolic waste. This prevents a buildup of waste, which can increase muscular fatigue and weakness. A waste buildup can also restrict movement, causing injury or hindering your return to exercise and sport. A massage is an effective way to help prevent these conditions and to speed up the healing process if you have been injured.
Studies have shown that massage reduces cortisol levels and increases serotonin levels. Although these studies were small, they did show that massage reduces stress. When the stress level is concentrated in the body, the pain can also be decreased, as pain often triggers feelings of stress. Massage can help to break the cycle of anxiety, pain, and tension.
Increased Energy
Pain and discomfort can drain your energy levels. A skilled massage therapist can help relieve the tightness and tension in your muscles, restricting movement and increasing your ability to move and stay active.
A massage session induces a relaxation response, lowering your heart rate and blood pressure while increasing the availability of serotonin in your brain. Research suggests that this can improve various conditions, including chronic pain, stress-related illnesses and disorders, and immune system function.
Massage also increases flexibility, reducing the risk of injury and enhancing performance during sports or exercise. Some people may feel a little dizzy or light-headed when their session is over (we call it massage drunk). Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated. It is also essential to eat something after your session. Your body will need the fuel to process the endorphins. It may take a day or two to feel the benefits of your massage fully.
