We all know how relaxing and rejuvenating a massage can be, but it can offer so much more than just a treat once a year on your birthday.
While there are different types of massages available, some of the common benefits of a massage are listed below.
1. A massage can help improve circulation and reduce muscle tension or stiffness.
Improved circulation is a common advantage of massage. Within the body, there are primarily two different forms of circulation: lymphatic and venous. Conditions including edoema, tightness, tension, and pain can get worse when circulation is weak. Friction between the skin and the fingers during a massage stimulates an improvement in circulation.
Our massage therapists stimulate circulation through massage to aid in accelerating recovery, reducing discomfort, and reducing swelling.
2. Massages can be really effective at pain relief, and can also reduce soreness and inflammation.
Various nerves in your body are in charge of causing movement, permitting sensation, preserving equilibrium, keeping your heart pumping, reporting discomfort, and other bodily functions.
One of the numerous ways that massage can benefit your body is by blocking or overpowering the nociceptors, or pain-reporting nerves, in wounded tissue. Numerous other nerves, which can be stimulated to deliver a stronger or quicker signal to the brain to momentarily distract it from the pain, share the neurological pathway that these nociceptors use to reach the brain.
Along with its neurological benefits, massage releases endorphins, which have analgesic properties naturally.
3. Unsurprisingly, a massage can be great for good quality sleep, which further assists in healing and recovery, allowing us to be rejuvenated and replenished.
Despite the fact that most clients find massage to be incredibly relaxing, many might not be aware of its comprehensive advantages.
By boosting the brain's production of the neurotransmitter serotonin, massage helps fight insomnia. Serotonin is thought to be the primary chemical used by the part of the brain that helps the body fall asleep deeply. Melatonin, the hormone that instructs the brain to "slow down" and get ready for sleep, is likewise produced by the brain from serotonin.
4. Massages are also great for enhancing our flexibility and can help us recover faster in-between workouts, making the workout more effective.
Massage can reduce discomfort and muscle spasms.
Following an exercise, getting a massage can help to lessen muscle ache and weakness as well as the chance of swelling and inflammation.
An immediate massage will increase the likelihood of healing by 20% to 40%.
The DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) that follow an activity or event can be effectively treated with massage. By releasing tension and restoring blood flow to the muscles immediately following a workout, massage aids in the reduction of DOMS. Post-workout recovery massage can be used to maximise athletic performance. The soft tissues are encouraged by massage to lengthen and become more elastic, allowing them to stretch, move, and function to the fullest.
By enabling the muscles and joints to move with their full effort without getting hurt or strained, keeping the body flexible improves performance.
5. By enhancing our circulation, massages could also boost our immune system.
Astonishing new research from the University of Roehampton in London has shown that a regular massage can not only lower anxiety but can also strengthen your immune system and aid in the battle against disease and infection by raising your white blood cell count. Our immune systems depend on white blood cells to function properly, so when the number is low, our bodies may have a difficult time healing and repairing organs and tissue. Our bodies can fight infections and diseases much more quickly when our white blood count is healthy or elevated.
6. Apart from promoting relaxation, a massage can also improve mood and reduce stress and anxiety.
Your body makes more cortisol, a stress hormone, while you are under stress. Although cortisol is essential for living, it can be harmful to your health if it is produced in large quantities. Cortisol levels can be lowered and stress can be decreased with massage. Endorphins are chemicals that are released during a massage. Endorphins reduce pain while also elevating mood and general happiness. Dopamine and other feel-good neurotransmitters are also triggered in addition to endorphin release, and they continue to promote wellbeing even after the massage is finished.
Your mood may be improved by massage. Serotonin, the hormone that makes you feel good, can be elevated by massage. Happiness and wellbeing are linked to serotonin. If you let stress and worry get out of hand, it might lower your mood. Massages are wonderful methods to relax and unwind! Research has demonstrated the health benefits of massage, which can be quantified by checking blood cortisol levels.
Here at Ally Massage therapy we like to give you choice. You can either choose to book in with Ally in the treatment room or a therapist can come to your home and deliver your treatment. All our treatments are bespoke and designed to suit your specific needs. We also have reflexology and pregnancy massage available as well as facials and beauty treatments. Our most popular combination treatment is a 60 minute full body massage followed by a rejuvenating 30 minute facial. This is the ultimate self care treat!
If you enjoyed this blog please check out our other blog on the importance of physical touch