Massage is one of the oldest healing arts and has been used by different civilizations for centuries. That is why – a good massage brings a pleasant emotion as well as feeling a sense of relief and that way being refreshed. But in addition to the sensation of happiness, massage has a number of positive effects on the human body and mind.
Why Massage Works
Massage is done by applying pressure on the different soft tissues in the body such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This manipulation can:
Improve circulation: Massage also helps improve blood flow in the body, bringing oxygen and nutrients to muscles to nourish them, as well as removing metabolic waste products. This can help increase your energy level and even aid in healing.
Reduce muscle tension: Massage assists in breaking down tight muscles thus enhancing flexibility as well as mobility of the muscles. This is particularly true for people who spend their working hours in front of a computer desk or perform monotonous tasks. Less muscle tension can also make for better posture and less pain.
Promote relaxation: This increases the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system which is often referred to as the body’s ‘rest and digest’ system. This results in reduced levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, and the subject feels relaxed. This relief can be taken to other aspects of your life, including leading to improved sleep and moods.
Types of Massages and Their Unique Benefits
There is a vast array of massage techniques with distinct aims and effects on the body and the mind. Here’s a deeper dive into some of the most common
Swedish Massage: This type of massage is very common and the primary goal of the massage is to relieve stress and tension. Slow, gliding movements are applied to stretch and press the muscles in order to increase blood circulation and relieve the tension. Swedish massage is recommended for first-timers or for individuals who want a relaxing kind of massage.
Deep Tissue Massage: The main difference between this technique and Swedish massage is that it works deeper layers of muscles. It is particularly beneficial for chronic muscle tension and pain resulting from injuries and muscle overuse. Deep tissue massage can therefore help in improving posture as well as flexibility among the human body. However, because of this, it is a good practice to engage your therapist about your tolerance level truthfully.
Sports Massage: This massage is for athletes and is used to boost performance as well as speed up the recovery process. Special stretching, compression, and trigger point therapies are applied in cases of muscle discomfort, injury prevention, and an increase in flexibility. Sports massage can also be used to increase performance by reducing muscle fatigue and increasing circulation.
Trigger Point Massage: This massage targets specific muscles and areas known as trigger points, which are areas of muscle tissue that cause pain in other parts of the body. Pressure applied to these points relieves tension and consequently relieves pain. Trigger point massage may benefit patients with headaches, neck, and back pain.
Aromatherapy Massage: One of the techniques used in this type of massage involves the use of oils that have healing properties. Some of the essential oils used are inhaled or massaged on the skin when doing the massage. Benefits of aromatherapy massage include its ability to help a person relax, to change a person’s mood, or to alleviate their pain.
Prenatal Massage: This massage is specifically carried out on pregnant women only. It targets general pregnancy complaints such as backache, leg cramps and nausea among others. The prenatal massages can also assist in enhancing sleep, and minimizing stress.
Massage for Specific Conditions
Massage is suitable for anyone regardless of age and physical ability. Here are some specific conditions where massage can be particularly helpful
Anxiety and depression: Massage can increase positive affect and decrease physiological levels of stress hormones, which could enhance mood.
Headaches: Massage may be effective in the management of tension-type and migraine headaches by decreasing muscle contraction around the neck and head areas.
Muscle pain and tension: Massage can help to relieve muscle tension, decrease discomfort, and improve range of motion.
Arthritis: It also has therapeutic effects such as easing pain and inflammation in joints, and increasing joint mobility.
Insomnia: The technique used in massages also helps to elicit the relaxation response hence enhancing sleep quality.
Sports injuries: Massage can also assist in reducing inflammation, enhancing the healing process and minimizing the risk of injury.
Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia patients can benefit from massage as it lowers the pain intensity, and fatigue levels, and enhances sleep quality.
Digestive disorders: Digestive issues such as constipation can be solved with the help of massage since it acts on the relevant system.
Finding the Perfect Massage Experience
When it comes to massages then you should consider speaking to a professional massage therapist. They can review your medical history, ask you what you expect from the massage, and suggest the appropriate massage. You can also enquire about the particular professional experience of the therapist and his or her areas of specialization.
Remember, communication is key. Do not be shy to inform the therapist of any areas of concern or unease you may have.
It’s important to decide which type of massage is best for you and which therapist can bring the most benefits during and after the session. Therefore, forget about the stress, release the tension that has built up in your muscles, and pamper yourself with this beauty of touch.
