Benefits of Massage
Most people would agree that having a massage is relaxing and helps get rid of muscle tension, knots and stress. The amazing benefits of massage go a lot further than this. which some people wouldn’t be aware of.
The health, wellbeing and healing benefits of massage are widely documented and it is known that massage is a wonderful way to unwind, both physically and mentally. Let’s take a closer look at the wonderful benefits of massage.
Most people would agree that having a massage is relaxing and helps get rid of muscle tension, knots and stress. The amazing benefits of massage go a lot further than this. which some people wouldn’t be aware of. The health, wellbeing and healing benefits of massage are widely documented and it is known that massage is a wonderful way to unwind, both physically and mentally. Let’s take a closer look at the wonderful benefits of massage.
Stress Reduction
Life is stressful for most of us at one time or another. Massage provides a deep feeling of relaxation and calm almost immediately. Human touch causes our brains to release endorphins (the feel good chemical) and at the same time, the stress hormones that might be raging around the body such as adrenalin, cortisol and norepinephrine, start to decrease. Our skin has a lot of nerve endings in it so our bodies are very sensitive to touch. A lot of us carry tension around in our muscles. Massage relaxes tense and tight muscles by soothing touch and working the high levels of tension out of the muscle. Massage is a very ancient tradition – Ancient Greeks, Chinese, Egyptians and Indians all knew about the wonders and healing powers of massage. Aromatherapy can also be added into massages – essential oils are added to massage oil to have a therapeutic effect. Different scents offer different healing effects so an experienced massuse should be consulted to gain maximum benefits.
Healing muscle and tissue injuries
Massage increases blood circulation in the body, so injured soft tissue and muscle can greatly benefit from extra blood flow to the area. Massage can help increase flexibility, which is useful for when an injury becomes “stiff”, causing even more pain. Remedial massage is the type of massage that is used to treat sporting injuries and helps to heal ligaments, tendons and muscle. Remedial massage helps to reduce inflammation at injury sites which can ease sore muscles and aid in recovery. Chronic back and neck pain sufferers report success from regular massage.
Benefits for pregnancy, birth and baby
Having a massage in pregnancy isn’t usually recommended until after the first trimester. After this time, it can be greatly relaxing and beneficial for the mother to be to indulge in pregnancy massage, especially if there’s a lot of fluid retention in the feet and ankles which is very common, but very uncomfortable. As the pregnancy progresses, back, leg and neck pain can be big problems due to the mother’s centre of gravity shifting to support the expanding bump and weight of the baby. Massage to relieve this pain is of great benefit to expecting mothers. Massage can also be used during labour. The birthing partner should be taught the techniques that might be useful for the woman in labour well before the due date, to give both woman and partner time to practice and work out what feels good and what doesn’t. Lower back pain is often experienced by labouring women so firm massage in that area can provide pain relief. Massage is also good for relaxation during labour, which helps the mother to remain calm. Baby massage is a lovely way for mothers and fathers to bond with their baby and provides amazing benefits for the baby too. Many studies have shown that premature infants who receive massages gain weight a lot more quickly than infants who aren’t massaged. Creating a relaxing bedtime routine that includes a bath followed by a massage, then a feed can set up great sleeping routines for babies and can also help reduce painful colic and constipation.
Treatment of disorders
Massage can also be used to treat a variety of disorders including chronic pain, arthritis, joint pain, insomnia, high blood pressure, anxiety and depression, soft tissue injuries, PMS, constipation and back or neck pain. Massage helps boost your body’s immunity, which helps to fight off diseases and bugs and generally keep you in good health.