Therapeutic massage is used to relieve pain, detoxify the body, restore flexibility and aid recovery from injury. It is a great way to ease stress and anxiety, which can also contribute to many physical ailments.

Massage increases the circulation of both blood and lymph, which stimulates the nervous system. It is beneficial in reducing the primary stress hormone cortisol and can help to regulate your circadian rhythm. Visit https://www.flowstate918.com/ to learn more.

Stress causes muscle tension which in turn drains the body of energy. Massage reduces this tension and increases the flow of blood to the brain and muscles. This helps reduce physical and mental fatigue and can even help with anxiety and depression. Regular massage decreases the production of cortisol (a stress hormone) and stimulates the release of feel good hormones that promote relaxation and well-being.

Stress can also increase pain levels both physically and mentally. Massage can reduce the build up of muscle tension that causes this pain and can also help with a range of other health problems such as gastrointestinal disorders, heart disease, auto-immune diseases, arthritis and depression.

It has been found that massage lowers the body’s level of cortisol, a stress hormone and improves the heart rate variability, which is an indicator of how the body responds to stress. Massage also encourages the body to produce more serotonin, a chemical neurotransmitter that acts as a natural antidepressant and can reduce feelings of sadness and boost self-esteem.

When a person feels stressed, they often tense the muscles in their neck and back which can cause stiffness and aching joints. Massage can help ease this pain by relaxing the muscles and allowing the joints to move more freely. Massage also reduces the levels of cytokines, chemicals that can cause inflammation and is associated with poor immune system function.

The squeezing and twitching motions of massage trigger the release of natural pain killers and feel good hormones that promote relaxation. It also interferes with pain signals that are being sent to the brain so that the feeling of pain is decreased. The endorphins that are released during a massage can also reduce the sensation of pain and even suppress a tense emotional state.

It is important to allow enough time after a massage for the body to relax and wind down. Trying to get ready for work or rush home after a treatment can have the opposite effect and may increase feelings of stress and tension. Adding therapeutic massage to your routine can help keep you feeling, looking and simply healthier far into the future.

Reduces Pain

Massage is often associated with vacation and resorts but it has been proven to reduce stress, relieve anxiety and fight depression. It is also a very effective treatment for pain, especially back pain. It has been shown to increase the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain and lower cortisol levels which in turn help the body to manage pain. The types of techniques used in a massage include compression, friction, stretching, kneading, tapping, vibration and effleurage.

In addition to helping the body manage pain, massage also improves circulation. This is partly due to the physical manipulation of soft tissue but also because of the chemicals released which cause relaxation. Increased circulation improves the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscles which can then repair and heal more effectively. It can also help to remove waste products and decrease swelling in the tissues.

Studies have found that massage can reduce the intensity of pain and the duration of the symptoms for a number of conditions such as headaches, neck pain and back pain. It can also be useful in treating sports injuries, reducing the length of recovery time after an injury and improving the overall quality of life for those living with chronic pain.

One of the key reasons why massage is so effective in reducing pain is that it interrupts the pain cycle. When a muscle is painful it sends messages along slow thin nerves to the spinal cord and then into the brain causing the feeling of pain. When a massage is given it stimulates the larger outer fast nerves and blocks the slower painful signals which can then bring relief to the area.

It has also been found that massage can boost the immune system. This is because it encourages the flow of lymph which can carry white blood cells around the body and can protect against a number of viruses including the common cold, flu and bacterial infections. It can also help to keep the colon healthy by removing excess water and toxins from the body.

Improves Circulation

While the body is generally adept at managing circulation, massage can help boost blood flow and increase the speed at which oxygen and nutrients are delivered to the muscles. This is a great benefit for anyone suffering from muscle pain. However, improved circulation is also a major factor in overall health and wellness, as it aids the body in carrying away toxins and waste products.

The pressure created by the squeezing and pulling of the muscles during a massage facilitates circulation. The squeezing action pushes out the congestion in the congested area, which allows new blood to move through and clean the area, as well as flushing away the lactic acid that has built up. It also improves the circulation of the lymph fluid that carries metabolic wastes away from the muscles and internal organs.

When you receive a massage, your blood pressure decreases and the systolic (the upper number) and diastolic (the lower number) heart rates both drop. This is because the pressure on blood vessels is released, which increases the elasticity of the vessels and the blood flow.

A massage can also improve circulation by increasing venous return, which is the rate at which the veins pump blood back to the heart. This is important because it helps to disperse metabolic wastes throughout the body and decreases the build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries.

As a result of improving circulation, the muscles are relaxed and the stiffness and tightness that causes pain is relieved. Additionally, the nutrient-rich blood can reach all areas of the body, including the brain and organs, and the muscles and joints, which help maintain flexibility and strength.

The effleurage technique is one of the most commonly used techniques to improve circulation during a massage. This involves the therapist skimming the skin with the fingers and thumbs, which creates friction against the muscles, and this increases circulation by increasing the temperature of the muscle fibres. This enables the muscles to relax and reduces tension and restriction. It also increases the elasticity of the muscles which can improve posture.

Promotes Sleep

Whether you suffer from insomnia, restless legs syndrome (RLS) or another sleep disorder, massage can have a positive impact on your ability to get a good night’s sleep. Studies show that massage boosts serotonin, which helps regulate the circadian rhythm and promote a more restful state. Plus, the reduction in pain and muscle tension can also lead to better sleep.

The reason for this is that massage stimulates the vagus nerve, which activates the body’s parasympathetic nervous system. This in turn lowers heart rate and reduces stress hormones, which can help improve sleep quality.

Additionally, the environment in which a massage is typically given – a dark and quiet room where you are stripped of the visual and audio stimulation of daily life – can help facilitate relaxation. This is even more true when a massage is a regular part of your routine.

In addition, massage increases the occurrence of deep stage sleep, which allows your body to repair and replenish at a cellular level. This is particularly important for those suffering from chronic pain, as well as those dealing with injuries and aging processes.

For many people, the pain and aches associated with their ailments can often lead to sleep disruptions. In fact, research published in the International Journal of Neuroscience showed that massage therapy could decrease pain and anxiety levels and increase melatonin, which helps the body reach a restful state.

For those suffering from sleep problems as a result of menopause, research shows that regular massage can be an effective non-pharmacological approach to improving their condition. In one study, a group of post-menopausal women with insomnia who received regular massage therapy showed significant improvements in their sleeping patterns when evaluated using polysomnography and a sleep diary.