The stimulation of touch receptors under the skin can effectively reduce stress by lowering both blood pressure and cortisol levels. Next time you think, “I really need a massage,” it just might be the truth. Because massage therapy provides relief through a physical and emotional response, as early as childhood, we learn that just a touch can ease our pain. However, massage therapy also offers a multitude of health benefits for all ages. It helps to regulate hormones, prevents injuries, improves the lymphatic system, reduces stress, and it also eases pain.
Benefits of Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is an effective practice for soothing sore muscles and removing stress. It increases blood flow and improves circulation to the extremities. There is also evidence that massage therapy can relieve chronic pain. These conditions range from chronic lower-back pain, fibromyalgia, arthritis, migraines, and even anxiety. Here are a few benefits of a good massage:
Anxiety Relief
Massage therapy lowers stress levels and the feelings of depression and fatigue that often accompany. Chronic pain can raise the stress levels in the body, and stress increases muscle tension and pain. They go hand in hand, so massage therapy addresses both issues with a single approach.
Infant Development and Diabetes Prevention
Massage on infants encourages weight gain, which is vital for premature babies. Massages strengthen the muscle tissues as they grow. Massage therapy helps to control blood-sugar levels, particularly in children. Therefore, it is a recommended practice for adolescent diabetics.
Stronger Immune System
A strong immune system can combat a multitude of attacks. It is the body’s “bodyguard” and must be kept in tip-top condition. Massage therapy encourages the body to attack viruses and the effects of free radicals, which keeps us healthy and strong.
Cancer Symptom Relief
Extensive massage therapy reduces various issues caused by cancer cells. Therapy can reduce pain as well as anxiety associated with cancer. One study also showed it to reduce anxiety, pain, and nausea by approximately 50 percent.
Sleep Soundly
A massage is relaxing, which should not be taken lightly. A body in a state of deep relaxation can slip into a sound sleep, which is necessary to replenish itself from the daily stress it must endure. This is especially pertinent for those with sleep disorders.
Nervous System Health
Massage therapy removes tension in the body, aggravating the body’s nerves. It calms the stress and also promotes the proper function of the nervous system.
Healthy Skin
Glowing skin is desired by all, especially women. Massage therapy is shown to have positive results in skin elasticity and a youthful appearance.
Increase Circulation
Massage therapy helps the blood carry essential amounts of oxygenated blood to all areas of the body. Which is imperative for those with circulatory problems.
Massage Therapy Techniques
Massage comes in many different forms.
Swedish Massage: This stimulates circulation and includes five basic kneading strokes flowing toward the heart to manipulate soft tissue.
Deep Tissue Massage: This variation utilizes deep pressure movements to reach the sub-layer of the muscles and fascia. Deep tissue massage treats chronic muscular pain, aid in injury rehabilitation, as well as to reduce inflammation from arthritis.
Sports Massage: Athletes use sports massage therapy to warm up the body and improve the blood flow to muscles and soft tissue to prevent injuries.
Prenatal Massage: Prenatal massage is safe and effective for mother and fetus. Prenatal massages occur with the woman laying on her side. This type of massage therapy can reduce typical discomforts associated with pregnancy, such as leg and lower back pain, and is also a great time for Mom to pamper herself a little!
Soft Tissue Massage: This therapy works by carefully positioning muscles and manipulating them softly to stretch them in a specific direction. Which is why it is popular with athletes because it can help prevent muscle tears.
Reflexology: This popular type of massage therapy focus on specific pressure points in the feet, hands, and ears. Reflexology focuses on a reflex area to improve blood flow to specific parts of the body like the kidneys, intestines, and the brain.
Massage therapy aids in overall well-being and is praised for achieving mental and physical health alike. It is beneficial for all age groups, and Illuminari MedSpa offers a wide array of massage therapy options to cater to your personal needs.
We are serving clients in Agoura Hills and the surrounding areas. Contact our trained staff to create a wellness plan that includes our massage therapy services. You will wonder why you waited so long!