One of the oldest and simplest forms of health care, massages have been around for over 5000 years, originating independently in locations as diverse as India, Egypt, China, and Greece. In today’s world, the merits of this ancient practice have held up surprisingly well to the scrutiny of modern science, and studies have indicated that a number of significant medical benefits can be derived from massage therapy. These include:
1. Relieve Pain.
By relaxing muscle tissue, increasing blood circulation, and triggering a positive psychological response to human touch, massages can help sooth pain and lessen your perception of pain.
2. Reduce Anxiety and Stress.
That aforementioned psychological response can be very important for people who are suffering from mental health concerns such as anxiety or stress. Also, because mind and body are very much connected, all the physical benefits of massages tend to contribute to your emotional well being as well.
3. Aid Digestion.
As your body works to digest food, it is aided by an involuntary contraction of the intestines known as peristalsis. Unfortunately, many factors can hinder this process — ranging from medications to nutritional deficiencies to irritable bowel syndrome. The results can be uncomfortable and even embarrassing: gas, bloating, indigestion, and discomfort are all common symptoms. A massage can help stimulate peristalsis by stimulating motion of the intestine and increasing blood flow to the region, thus reducing your risk of experiencing these problems.
4. Treating Symptoms of Fibromyalgia and Arthritis.
Though commonly confused with each other, fibromyalgia and arthritis are distinct conditions with differing symptoms, effects, and treatments. However, they do have a few things in common: they can both cause debilitating joint pain, trouble sleeping, and mood disorders, for example. And, on a more hopeful note, both can have their symptoms alleviated by the pain-relieving and mood-elevating effects of massage.
5. Fighting Insomnia.
The benefits of sleep are numerous — from improving memory and focus to boosting the immune system to helping us heal, sleep is quite simply a necessity. Unfortunately, millions of Americans aren’t getting enough of it, If you count yourself in that group, then you may wish to consider massage therapy as an all-natural means of improving your condition. By relieving pain, reducing stress, and triggering a release of serotonin into the bloodstream, massages can be quite effective at helping you grab a few Zs.
6. Decreasing Occurrence of Chronic Headaches and Migraines.
By easing muscle tension, reducing muscle contractions and spasms, and lessening pain and tightness in the neck and shoulders, regular massages offer substantial relief from pounding headaches and day-ruining migraines.
7. Lowering Blood Pressure.
This treatment option should be discussed with your doctor. Even though there is substantial evidence showing that the relaxing, stress-relieving impact of a massage can help lower blood pressure, there is one important contraindication that must be taken into account by a medical professional. Some people with hypertension are prone to ruptured blood vessels, and the increased pressure associated with massages can heighten this risk. Ask your doctor if massages could be an option for you.
To learn more about how a medical massage could help treat your chronic pain or other troublesome health issues, visit Last Stop 4 Pain online today!
