Massage is a popular treatment used for relaxation and physical healing. In spas and alternative medicine clinics alike, you’ll find many different types of massage available, including the renowned and relaxing Swedish massage and hot stone massage, which uses heated stones on specific parts of the body. The benefits of massage are varied and plentiful, from alleviating tension in the body to relaxing an anxious mind. This treatment, particularly when received regularly, can be highly impactful at helping both your body and mind de-stress.
Relieves tension in the body.
Bodies hold immense amounts of tension. If you are stressed in other parts of your life, it might also be impacting your physical well-being. Similarly, if you struggle with a health condition that causes you physical pain, such as scoliosis or arthritis, this might be resulting in mental stress. Massage can be a powerful remedy to alleviate physical discomfort and bring you great relief in many areas of your life.
The type of massage you choose is essential, as different types of massage have different effects. To target deep tissue muscular pain and knots in your body, a stronger massage is recommended, such as deep-tissue massage, which helps alleviate tension in the body. The massage therapist will apply pressure and slow strokes to specific body areas to reach deep layers of muscle and connective tissue. By helping to release this tension, deep-tissue massage can relieve sore shoulders, back pain and loosen stiff muscles, leading to increased mobility and flexibility. Sports massage is another effective type of massage therapy for physical healing, specifically if you have suffered an injury. Massage therapy increases blood flow, which shortens the recovery time, and will help you regain muscle strength.
Relaxes the mind.
Something extraordinarily calming about the environment of a spa instantly draws you into a more relaxed state. The healing touch of a massage therapist helps you to unwind and destress. Swedish massage is a trendy choice for a relaxing type of massage. Massage therapists use gentle massage techniques such as long, gliding strokes in the direction of the blood returning to the heart to encourage total relaxation of the mind and body. Leave your worries behind and let your stress float away at the end of each session.
Improves sleep patterns.
Massage therapy can help improve your sleep patterns. If you struggle with insomnia or disrupted sleep due to stress, massage may be one of your best options. This therapy relaxes both the mind and body, which in turn makes it easier to let go of your worries and sink into a deep sleep after a long day. There are even specific pressure points on your body that are associated with improved sleep. Even if you’re not receiving treatment from a therapist, you can still self-massage at home, placing pressure on specific trigger points associated with combatting insomnia, such as the highest point above your ankle and your outer wrist.
Boosts your mood.
You probably notice that you’re in a perfect mood after a massage. There is something undeniably enticing about the relaxed atmosphere, from the calm music to the soft scents of incense and essential oils. There is a more tangible reason for this as well. Studies show that massage can increase serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin levels in the body, which help elevate your mood.
Massage therapy is also thought to help reduce cortisol, which is the hormone that causes stress. Aside from the more obvious benefits of physically healing the body, releasing stress, and the relaxation found in taking time for yourself, massage is quite literally linked to reducing stress in your body. Don’t hesitate to splurge on your favorite type of massage next time; your mind and body will be all the better for it.
