With greater awareness and easier access to information, people are becoming more conscious of the long-term effects of different medical treatments. Now, non-drug therapies dominate pharmaceutical medications for their sustainability and harmless results.
Among the many options, massage therapy is an emerging alternative treatment offering therapeutic properties for issues like insomnia, arthritis, depression, etc. How does putting pressure on soft tissues in a specific manner offer relief? This article explores the scientifically backed benefits of massage therapy in detail.
Top 5 Health Benefits of Massage
Massage techniques have been part of Chinese medicine for centuries, and are now widely adopted as a healing remedy with modern application methods. Based on research, massage can provide the following benefits:
1. Pain-Relief
According to the American College of Physicians, massage is helpful for people looking for a non-drug treatment option for acute back pain. Techniques like deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, and hot stone massage combined with high-quality body oils are widely practiced therapies to reduce back muscle tension.
Not just back, massage is effective for shoulder or neck muscles by stimulating blood circulation and enhancing mobility. Patients, who received a one-hour massage session got relief from their chronic shoulder and neck pain issues. However, whether this treatment option can give long-term relief is still a question.
2. Stronger Immunity
According to a study, regular massage for one month improves immune functioning by increasing natural killer (NK) cell numbers. These cells fight against other cancerous or infected cells within the body, reducing the chances of different infections.
Along with the direct link between massage and the immune system, gentle throbbing or circular massage motion effectively reduces stress, a significant factor behind suppressed immunity. With a relaxed mindset, we have fewer chances of catching an infection with an active immune response.
3. Emotional Well-being
People with depression or anxiety issues can also benefit from light or pressure massage therapies for their calming effect. According to research, massage increases the level of happy hormones like dopamine and serotonin while reducing the stress hormone called cortisol. That is why regular massage for stress relief helps towards emotional well-being and mental stability, and serves as an antidepressant.
4. Physical Fitness
Massage improves blood circulation, and all body parts get enough nutrition for quick healing. That is why athletes and fitness trainers consider massage therapies for muscle soreness or spasms. Along with muscle recovery, joint flexibility improves by applying pressure on the targeted muscles for relaxation.
Medical health providers often suggest massage for patients with arthritis or osteoporosis. These conditions do not have proper treatment, only supportive therapies like massage to reduce discomfort. With regular massage, people can perform daily activities with improved joint flexibility.
5. Sleep Aid
Massage is a natural sleep aid because it has a calming effect on the nervous system. People with insomnia and leg restlessness syndrome can get quick relief with self-massage using devices like massage guns, foot spas, massage balls, etc.
These devices are readily available in the market, and you must choose based on your body condition. However, to improve their effectiveness, combine a massager with an essential oilfor fast results.
Bottom Line
Complementary treatments, such as pain relief through massage, reshape traditional healthcare practices. Different massage therapies offer relief for patients with their therapeutic properties, as mentioned above. Anyone can practice self-massage using massagers available in the market or may seek professional help.
Remember that not every massage technique suits you and may worsen your symptoms. You must choose an appropriate method based on your body condition while following the standard procedure. In case of confusion or lack of experience, just hire a professional massage therapist to experience the healing effects of this contemporary method.
