Top 5 Benefits Of Body Massage

Treats Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a musculoskeletal condition characterized by generalized muscle pain, joint pain and muscle fatigue. When the symptoms occur in combination with anxiety or depression and decreased pain tolerance, it is termed as fibromyalgia syndrome. A therapeutic massage for fibromyalgia requires the manipulation of the soft muscles and releasing the muscle spasms, muscle knots and tender points. The strokes in the massage gently work on the stretching, softening, lengthening and realigning the connective tissue to ease the muscle movements and alleviate the pain.

The massage techniques used for the treatment of fibromyalgia include Swedish massage, Trigger point therapy, Hot-stone massage, Passive stretching and Myofascial release therapy.

Reduces Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety and Stress

Body massage helps in reduction of psychological symptoms like depression, stress and anxiety. When body is stressed, it releases hormones called cortisol that can cause elevation in blood pressure and suppress the immune system. Various research papers have proven that body massage lowers the cortisol levels by 50 percent. Further, massage strokes also help in the release of hormones such as dopamine and serotonin that help in reducing depression and anxiety.

Massage techniques commonly used to treat anxiety and depression include Ayurvedic massage, Deep tissue massage, Balinese massage and Foot Reflexology.

Improves Blood Flow

The manipulation of the soft tissues and the chemicals and hormones relaxed during massage also improve the blood flow in the body. The pressure applied to the soft tissues and the muscles in the body helps push the blood further and improve the flow reducing the workload of the heart. A massage stroke is always given in the direction of the heart, making it easier for the blood to flow to the heart and then to the lungs for getting oxygenated.

Leg massage is known to varicose veins, while deep tissue massage helps in reducing the cellular debris and toxins in the body, increasing the blood's capacity to carry more oxygen to the tissues. Swedish massage and lymphatic drainage massage are effective in improving the blood flow in the body.

Lowers Blood Pressure

Long-term studies have revealed that some types of massage help relieve stress and consequently lower blood pressure levels. Massage therapy is most effective when used along with other treatments for lowering blood pressure. Regular sessions of full body massage help in reducing anxiety, depression and even hostility. Massage also decreases the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.

Deep tissue massages and massage techniques that apply significant pressure on the muscles do not seem to work on lowering blood pressure. Rather, Ayurvedic massage, Reflexology and Thai-massage seem to work on lowering blood pressure levels.

Young Looking Skin

Face massage is a natural way to keep your face away from wrinkles. A deep massage helps in the production of collagen and increases the elasticity of the skin, consequently reducing sagging and wrinkles. The improved blood circulation due to the massage and stimulation of the muscles helps in optimizing the blood supply. This in turn helps in healing acne, pimples and other blemishes. The relaxing massage and the collagen formed improve the tone, texture and appearance of the skin. The moisturizer used for massage helps in keeping the skin hydrated, giving it an overall shiny and vibrant appearance.

Massage techniques to give an young looking skin usually adopt slow and gentle stroking techniques rather than the deep or kneading ones.