There’s simply no denying the power of massage. Regardless of the words we use to describe it (therapeutic, rejuvenating, pampering) or the individual reasons we may seek it out; For pain management, stress relief or simply a luxurious treat, massage can be quite the powerful ally in one’s healthcare regimen.
The incredible benefits of bodywork and massage therapy can be even more powerful if provided on a regular basis. Researchers at the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami note that the more massage therapy one receives, the greater the benefits they reap.
The Effects of Stress on Your Body – WebMD
Seventy-five to ninety percent of disease is stress related. So perhaps nothing accelerates aging faster, both externally and internally than anxiety and high stress. Though eliminating these pressures altogether in today’s fast-paced world may be a bit of a pipe dream, massage therapy can without any doubt help to control stress. Translating into:
- Reduced anxiety.
- Better quality of sleep.
- Increased energy.
- Improvements in concentration.
- Increased blood flow.
- Reduction in fatigue.
Furthermore, massage therapy clients frequently report a sense of clarity and perspective after receiving a treatment. The emotional balancing that bodywork can provide is often just as valuable as the more noticeable physical benefits.
Profound Effects
In response to massage therapy, specific chemical and physiological changes course throughout the body with powerful effects. Studies by The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine show that with frequent massage:
- Arthritis sufferers report less stiffness, pain and fewer aches.
- Asthmatic children show increased pulmonary function and better peak air flow.
- Burn injury patients note reduced anxiety, pain and itching.
- High blood pressure patients show reduced anxiety, less cortisol (stress hormone) and lower diastolic blood pressure.
- Women suffering from PMS have decreased cramping and a reduction in water retention.
- Premature infants have significantly improved weight gain.
Studies continue to show the incredible benefits of massage. Ranging from the treatment of neurological disorders, chronic diseases and injuries to simply reducing the tensions and stress of a modern lifestyle. As a result, the medical community now is actively embracing massage, and bodywork is becoming a fundamental part of neonatal intensive care units as well as hospice care. Many hospitals are even incorporating in-house massage and bodywork practitioners along with spas to aid in the treatment post-surgery and chronic pain patients as part of their recovery process.
Increase the Benefits of Massage Therapy Through Frequent Visits
The real beauty of bodywork is that it’s benefits are compounded used as a frequent therapy. Simply put. The more you massage therapy you receive, the more it does for you.
Participating in this type of regularly scheduled self-care can and will play an incredible role in how healthy you are and how vibrant you’ll remain trough the passing years. Budgeting out the time and money for regular massage treatments is truly an investment in your short and long term health. Remember, just because it feels like you’re being pampered doesn’t make it is any less therapeutic. Think about massage therapy appointments a crucial part of your health and wellness plan and work with your therapist to establish schedule for treatment that best meets your schedule and goals.
Helping Yourself to Health
So what exactly are the reward to regularly receiving massage treatments? Some of them include:
- Alleviating lower back pain and improving your range of motion.
- Assisting with shorter, easier labors for expectant mothers and shortening maternity related hospital stays.
- Ease dependancy on pain medications.
- Enhancing your immune system by stimulating lymphatic flow. Your body’s own natural defense system.
- Stretches and exercises tense, sore, or atrophied muscles.
- Helps athletes from all walks of life prepare for and recover from their strenuous workouts.
- Improving the condition of the skin, your body’s largest organ.
- Increases joint flexibility.
- Lessen anxiety and depression.
- Promote tissue regeneration. Reduces stretch marks and scar tissue.
- Pumps oxygen and vital nutrients into tissues and organs by improving circulation.
- A reduction in post operative swelling and adhesions.
- Reduce cramping and spasms.
- Relaxes and softens tired, injured and overused muscles.
- Release endorphins. The amino acids that work as your body’s natural painkillers.
- Relief from migraine pain.