Touch is a vital part of being human, both for mental health and social development.
As the body’s largest organ, the skin has receptors that transmit feelings of positive and negative touch to our brains, allowing it to react accordingly. Massage therapy safely fills the void for the physical touch many of us so desperately crave.
One cannot stress enough the value of touch. In addition to merely making us feel good emotionally, physical touch has several physiological advantages for the body. For instance, when we are touched, our body produces more of the crucial hormone oxytocin. When our body lacks oxytocin, we are more likely to experience elevated blood pressure, more stress, anxiety, and sadness. Whether it takes the shape of hugs, high-fives, or intimacy, touch is a crucial part of our lives, despite the fact that we may take it for granted.
A massage is different from having a friend stroke your back. A professional therapist has training and expertise, they will have studied the human body and will know how to influence it, through massage, to produce the desired results. According to studies, massages boost the neurological system while lowering the body's levels of the stress hormones cortisol, noradrenaline, and adrenaline. A massage treatment can stimulate dopamine and serotonin, which are associated with positive emotions, emotional stability, improved motivation, and a sense of optimism and well-being.
Deane Juhan, author of ‘The Physical, Psychological, and Spiritual Powers of Bodywork’ talks about organisms that have not received nurturing touch, saying: "They grow more slowly, have less developed skeletal muscular systems, inferior coordination, depressed immunological resistance, less pronounced pituitary/adrenal activity, later puberties, and are less successful breeders and nursers. They are much more emotionally distressed. They are less lively, less curious, less active problem solvers, less willing to explore new environments, and advance more slowly in all forms of conditioned learning exercises.”
While regular touch can undoubtedly assist in preventing the symptoms of touch deprivation, getting a professional massage is the most efficient way to do it. As your body adjusts to the applied pressure, a massage therapist can alter their touch in a precise and purposeful manner. They can use particular methods to provide you with one of the most powerful and effective forms of touch, that can have positive mental and physical impacts.
What are the key benefits of massage?
🌱 Increases Oxytocin
One of the most important is hormones oxytocin. Sometimes called the “feel good” hormone, oxytocin is the hormone that connects us with those we love and helps us to relax our bodies so we can feel trust and peace in social situations. When you have a massage the same hormone is triggered, helping your whole body to relax and recover.
🌱 Stress-Reducing Transmissions
Two of the best-known neurotransmitters are dopamine and serotonin, both chemicals in your brain that help to regulate mood, relieve stress, and reduce anxiety.
Physical touch can boost immune functioning and reduce heart and blood diseases. Humans crave touch just like we crave food, water, safety, and sleep.
Why not help your body get what it needs and book a massage with Ally!
