Massage is not only known for its relaxing properties, but also its overall health benefits. It includes applying pressure by rubbing, kneading, and pressing the skin, ligaments, and muscles. A masseuse may use their hands, elbows, forearms, or even feet to massage a client. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, there are over 100 unique massage techniques that target different symptoms or areas of the body. There are several scientific benefits of massage that improve well-being both physically and mentally.
Stress Relief
One of the health benefits of massage is stress relief. Stress is detrimental to our health, as it forces our heart to work harder and brings our body to a negative state. We also have difficulty sleeping when we are stressed, and massage is a natural way to promote better sleep patterns.
Blood Circulation
Massage stimulates blood circulation, which encourages muscle recovery and healing. It also lowers blood pressure, which further facilitates healthy blood circulation.
Pain and Posture
Rubbing and kneading the muscles helps relieve pain and tightness. A relaxed body is a painless body. Massage therapy also makes you more flexible by releasing tension in tight muscles. This flexibility actually helps to improve your posture. If you have serious back problems, see a chiropractor. However, massage makes the muscles around your spine more supple, therefore allowing you have more firm control over your posture. When you have better posture, you actually breathe better and release tension. Oxygen circulation is crucial to a health body.
Anxiety
We usually feel tension in our shoulders, neck, and lower back. Most of our anxiety is stored in these areas of the body, and it is hard to focus when we are anxious. By massaging these tension areas, we can relax and feel light, thus making our minds more productive. We become more alert and are able to think clearly, freeing ourselves of trivial worries.
Find Your Own Massage Therapist
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