5 Health Benefits of Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is a gentle yet effective form of physical touch that has many health benefits. Once considered a luxury for the rich, or even a code word for illegal activities, it is now seen as an essential part of any health and wellness program. Whether you are an athlete or just trying to stay healthy, massage is the perfect way to get back into balance.

1. MASSAGE LOWERS STRESS

When your body is stressed, it produces unhealthy levels of cortisol, which can lead to weight gain, insomnia, and digestion problems. Regular massage decreases cortisol and increases serotonin and dopamine, which promote feelings of calm and wellbeing. This helps your mood remain stable and is an excellent alternative to taking prescription antidepressants and anxiety medications.

2. MASSAGE INCREASES BLOOD CIRCULATION

Tight muscles limit the flow of blood through your body, which can lead to fatigue and a sluggish metabolism. During a massage, your muscles relax and the flow of blood is restored. The resulting increase in circulation brings fresh oxygen and nutrients to your cells, helps remove waste products, and boosts energy levels.

The improved circulation also benefits your skin. It can help reduce dryness and wrinkling, improve skin texture, and speed up the healing of any injuries.

3. MASSAGE IMPROVES MOVEMENT

Muscles are like a system of ropes and pulleys across your skeleton. When they are in balance, they move fluidly and without any pain. However, if one of these ‘ropes’ becomes overly tight or too weak, it can cause painful injury. Massage keeps all your muscles in their healthy, balanced state, which helps prevents injury and keeps you moving with ease.

4. MASSAGE RELIEVES JOINT PAIN

A recent study found that massage reduced joint pain and stiffness in people with chronic back pain, fibromyalgia, arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. The study’s authors suggest that this could be because massage stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps calm your body after stressful situations and releases feel-good hormones, such as oxytocin and dopamine.

5. MASSAGE IMPROVES SLEEP QUALITY

Insomnia, stress, and fatigue are common complaints of individuals with fibromyalgia, breast cancer, or other chronic conditions. Research has shown that massage can improve sleep patterns by lowering heart rate and breathing, relaxing the muscles, decreasing tension, and increasing the production of melatonin and other chemicals that aid in relaxation. In addition, massage can improve general sleep quality by reducing the frequency of nightmares and disturbing thoughts, easing anxiety and depression, and improving mood.

6. MASSAGE HEALS INJURIES

If you are an athlete, then you know that the first step to healing after a workout is to follow RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation). Massage can help reduce swelling, decrease the formation of adhesions, and increase flexibility after exercise, which will allow you to return to your sport much sooner.

Massage can be beneficial to most health concerns, from reducing the risk of cancer to alleviating the discomfort of migraines and arthritis. However, you should always speak to a family chiropractor in Atlanta before starting any new treatment.