Massage therapy has been around for thousands of years.
Not only do many traditional cultures practice massage as a medicine, but there’s also a lot of science behind the powerful effects of massage.
Watch this week’s 2 minute tip to find out all of the secret benefits of massage!
https://youtu.be/ExChuAUGqsk
So what is massage therapy?
Massage is a simple and effective way to improve physical and mental health. Massage therapists typically use their hands or assisting devices to knead, stroke, rub, or tap muscles and other soft tissues to release tension and improve blood flow to the area. Modern massage therapists use a combination of massage techniques to treat their clients.
Many people love getting regular massages and find it incredibly helpful for their pain or health. So why does massage feel so good and what benefits does it have?
It reduces mental stress
Regular massage can reduce physical tension that we carry as a result of stress!
When we are stressed we produce a stress hormone called cortisol which can contribute to weight gain, sleeplessness, digestive problems and headaches. Massage therapy has been shown to reduce cortisol levels by releasing endorphins and allow the body to enter recovery mode.
Taking a half hour or an hour to shut your mind off can be incredibly beneficial for your mental well-being. Take that time for yourself to help you unwind!
It boosts your immune system
High levels of stress and cortisol have been shown to make individuals vulnerable to illness and injury. When the body relaxes and muscle tension is reduced during massage the immune system can function better! A study in 2010 found that massage can boost patients’ white blood cell count which plays a large role in defending the body from disease.
It eases muscle pain
Sore muscles from exercising or everyday life can be relieved by massage therapy! The hands on pressure during a massage increases blood circulation to sore and stiff muscles which promotes healing.
Like Dr. Rob said it can also help reduce inflammation and swelling to an area by promoting circulation to that area to take the extra fluid in swollen joints away.
It improves bonding
Physical touch is such an important part of human bonding and it’s often forgotten how important human touch can be. We are social creatures and it has been shown in multiple studies that people who are lonely or who have little physical human contact are at higher risks for things like cardiovascular disease, anxiety, and depression.
For new parents bonding isn’t always easy, the stress of caring for a newborn, sleep issues, feeding issues, or a difficult pregnancy can all contribute to a difficulty bonding.
One thing new parents can do to help encourage bonding with their newborn can be baby massage! The physical touch and eye contact used in baby massage can build trust, love, and attachment between parents and their baby. It also has the added benefits of improving sleep and stress for the baby!
Baby massage is also a great way for fathers to bond with their child on a deeper level than normal day-to-day father responsibilities!
Interested in a 30 minute learning session? Book in with Mack to learn how you can use massage to bond with your kids, grand-kids, or partner!
Some other benefits of massage are:
- Reduced Low Back Pain
- Reduced Pain Post-Surgery
- Lower Blood Pressure
- Reduced Headache Frequency!
- And much more!
Book an appointment today with one of our 3 amazing massage therapists to see how massage can help you!
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