Health Benefits of Massage

Most people think of massage as a way to relax and de-stress. And while that is certainly one of the benefits of massage, there are many others that are just as important. Massage has been shown to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, ease pain, improve sleep quality, and promote better overall health. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the key health benefits of massage therapy.

Some of the top health benefits of massage therapy are:

  • Stress relief
  • Boost mental health
  • Improve sleep
  • Manage pain
  • Improve circulation
  • Boost immunity
  • Lower blood pressure
  • – Sports recovery
Stress Relief

When it comes to stress relief, massage is one of the most effective tools available. Massage has been shown to lower heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels. Serotonin and dopamine are also released during massage, which can further reduce stress levels.

A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that cortisol (stress hormone) decreases and the production of serotonin and dopamine (feel-good hormones) increases following massage therapy.

Another study by the Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, showed weekly 15-min chair massages reduced stress-related symptoms in nurses.

Boost Mental Health

Massage therapy has been shown to boost mental health in a number of ways. First, it reduces stress levels, which can improve overall mood. Massage therapy has also been shown to reduce anxiety and depression, and to improve sleep quality. All of these factors can contribute to better mental health.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that massage therapy alleviated depressive symptoms in patients.

Improve Sleep

One of the most well-known benefits of massage therapy is its ability to improve sleep quality. Massage has been shown to reduce stress levels, anxiety, and depression, all of which can interfere with sleep. Massage therapy can also help to improve circulation and relaxation, both of which are important for a good night’s sleep.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology showed that massage therapy has been able to help in some patients with fibromyalgia get better sleep. The study showed massage therapy patients reported an increase in sleep hours after they received 30-minute treatments twice weekly for 5 weeks.

Manage Pain

Massage therapy is an effective tool for managing pain. Massage has been shown to reduce inflammation, ease pain, and improve circulation. All of these factors can contribute to reducing pain levels.

A study published in the Journal Pain Medicine found that massage therapy was an effective tool for managing chronic pain. The study looked at two groups of people with chronic pain, one of which received massage therapy and the other of which did not. The results showed that the group that received massage therapy had a significant reduction in pain levels, as well as improved sleep quality and mental health.

Improve Circulation and Blood Pressure

One of the key benefits of massage therapy is its ability to improve circulation. Massage has been shown to reduce inflammation, ease pain, and improve circulation. This improved circulation can help to reduce the risk of health problems such as heart disease and stroke. It can also help to speed up the healing process after an injury.

A study published in the Complementary Alternative Medicine, showed that patients that received Swedish Massage Therapy for one hour weekly significantly reduced blood pressure, heart rate, and VCAM-1. They found that massage also reduces resting HR in hypertensive women.

Boost Immunity

One of the key benefits of massage therapy is its ability to boost immunity. Massage has been shown to increase the activity of white blood cells, which can help to fight off infection.

A study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research found breast cancer patients have improved immune and neuroendocrine functions following massage therapy. The study looked at a small group of women who received massages 3 times per week for 5 weeks. At the end of the study, it showed women with stage 1 and 2 breast cancer may benefit from three times weekly massage therapy.

Lower Blood Pressure

Massage has long been known for its ability to reduce stress and promote relaxation. But what many people don’t realize is that massage can also help to lower blood pressure and heart rate, which in turn increases circulation.

One study published in the Int Journal of Preventive Medicine found that massage therapy was a safe, effective, applicable and cost-effective intervention in controlling BP of the pre-hypertension women.

 

Sports Recovery

Massage therapy is an effective tool for sports recovery. Massage has been shown to reduce inflammation, ease pain, and improve circulation. All of these factors can contribute to reducing muscle soreness and speeding up the healing process.

According to Frontiers in Physiology.org, their systematic review suggests that massage therapy after strenuous exercise could be effective for alleviating DOMS and improving muscle performance.

 

Overall, massage therapy has many benefits for physical and mental health. It can help to reduce stress, improve circulation, boost immunity, lower blood pressure, and speed up the recovery process. If you are looking for a way to improve your health, consider adding massage therapy to your routine.

A massage chair can help you massage at home whenever you need it. Massage chairs have been shown to reduce inflammation, ease pain, and improve circulation. All of these factors can contribute to reducing pain levels and improving your overall health.