At first thought, you might not associate massage therapy with having any real health benefits. You might see it as nothing more than a way to relax and pamper yourself. However, massage therapy actually has a plethora of health benefits that can be extremely beneficial to your mind and body. Here are the top seven benefits of massage therapy:
Improves Circulation
One of the most immediate benefits of massage is improved circulation. When you receive a massage, your muscles are gently manipulated which causes them to loosen up and increase blood flow throughout your body. This increase in blood flow helps to improve the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to your cells which can help to reduce pain and stiffness in your muscles.
Lowers Blood Pressure
Massage has also been shown to lower blood pressure. One study showed that participants who received a 45-minute Swedish massage had significantly lower blood pressure than those who did not receive a massage. Massage can also help to lower your resting heart rate.
Reduces Stress
One of the most common reasons people get massages is to help reduce stress. Massages can help to release tension in your muscles which can lead to reduced stress and improved relaxation. Massages can also help to increase levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain which are two neurotransmitters that are known to have calming and relaxing effects.
Boosts Immunity
Massage has also been shown to boost immunity by increasing the activity of natural killer cells in the body which are important for fighting off infection and disease. One study showed that participants who received one hour-long massage per week for five weeks had significantly higher levels of natural killer cells than those who did not receive massages.
Improves Flexibility
Receiving regular massages can also help to improve flexibility by loosening tight muscles and improving the range of motion. This is especially beneficial for athletes who often have tight muscles from training or people who have sedentary jobs that require them to sit for long periods of time.
Reduces Headaches
Massage can also help to reduce headaches and migraines. This is because massage helps to release muscle tension that can often be the cause of headaches. Additionally, massage can increase circulation to the head which can help to relieve pain and pressure in the head. One study showed that participants who received massages had fewer headaches than those who did not receive massages.
Eases Pain
Finally, massage can also be helpful for easing pain in the body caused by conditions like arthritis, sciatica, and fibromyalgia. Studies have shown that massage can be just as effective as pain medication for relieving pain without any of the negative side effects associated with medication like drowsiness or stomach upset.
Conclusion
Massage therapy can be an incredibly effective way to improve overall health and well-being. It can help to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, boost immunity, improve flexibility, reduce headaches and ease the pain. For these reasons and more, massage is worth considering as a regular part of your healthcare routine.
Read More: Folk News
