6 Surprising Benefits of Massage Therapy
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Massage Therapy
Massage therapy has been in use in both Western and Eastern cultures, but for a long time, the service was only available at high-end spas and health clubs. As the world discovered you could use massage to promote mental and physical health, the number of businesses in the massage industry grew to 369.85 thousand in 2022 from 213.41 thousand in 2019. In this post, we look at six surprising benefits of massage therapy.
Eases Muscle Pain
Massage therapy benefits people struggling with muscle pain or some other form of chronic pain. Certified massage therapists know which areas to relieve pressure, resulting in increased and better circulation. Several studies claim that massage therapy is as effective as other forms of treatment for managing persistent back pain.
Manages Depression and Anxiety
Mental health illnesses are common disorders in the US, affecting nearly one in five American adults above the age of 12; this is approximately 52.9 million people, almost a quarter of the population. Depression and anxiety are some of the more common mental health disorders that can be managed through massage therapy. Human touch is highly therapeutic and calming, which, combined with a safe and friendly setting, will help lower your anxiety and depression.
Improves Sleep
During massage therapy, your body increases the level of dopamine and serotonin, which can help you get a peaceful and restful sleep. Regardless of what is causing you to lack sleep, a quick massage instead of relying on sleeping pills which have a high risk of dependency. You can incorporate some self-massage techniques such as foot reflexology as well as head and face massage as part of your bedtime ritual.
Boosts Immune Function
Research shows that massage therapy can boost your body's immune system, removes toxins, and increases your body's blood flow. Getting a massage also increases the activity of white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting diseases and might help reduce cortisol. Due to its therapeutic capabilities, massage therapy is extensively used with conventional and complementary treatments to ensure you feel your best.
Reduces Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
Massage therapy is one of the top treatments prescribed to people who have fibromyalgia because it decreases stress hormones, relieves calf pain, and increases serotonin levels. Specialized fibromyalgia massage therapies such as Swedish massage, passive stretching, and sports massage combine stretching, kneading, pressure, and heat to loosen up the body.
Relieves Tension Headaches
If you constantly suffer from headaches or chronic migraines, massage therapy is an effective alternative that poses less risk of addiction than medical pills. Though the cause of tension headaches is not fully understood, studies show that massage therapy can help manage such conditions by relieving tension in your neck, shoulder, and head.
Conclusion
Massage therapy is widely known for its relaxing effects, but you can get much more out of the exercise. Setting aside ten minutes a day for self-massage or booking an appointment with a licensed massage therapist can go a long way in improving your general well-being and health.
Sources
- https://www.statista.com/statistics/1178896/number-of-massage-service-industry-businesses-us/
- https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness