There are several advantages to getting a massage. They have been shown to promote immunity, lift mood, and lessen exercise-related aches and suffering. Some of them are even effective against migraines.
Efficacy in Reducing Pain and Its Severity
Body massage has been found to be an effective means of relieving pain and decreasing pain severity. The stress-pain cycle can be broken by the use of massage therapy for those with chronic pain. Lymphatic drainage is another way in which massage aids the body's natural ability to fend off exhaustion and illness.
When it comes to relieving pain, massage has the backing of the American Massage Therapy Association. Massage has additional benefits beyond pain relief, including stress reduction and muscular tension release.
The increased blood flow brought on by a massage session can also aid the body in its battle against illness and promote peak performance. The stress hormone cortisol can also be lowered by doing this. Chronic pain is often linked to inflammation, but massage can help alleviate it, too.
When it comes to sudden pain, the American Massage Therapy Association does not recommend massage. Massage treatment is supported by low-quality research. In some cases, though, massage can replace the need of pharmaceutical painkillers.
Elevates Spirits
The simple act of massaging your body may lift your spirits. It may come as a surprise to find that massage can lower stress, raise dopamine, and improve serotonin levels. This is because endorphins (a hormone released during moments of relaxation) are partially responsible for the beneficial effects of massages in reducing stress.
The increased blood flow during a massage reduces muscular tension, improves range of motion, and calms the smooth muscles that surround blood vessels. Tense and aching muscles are also eased by this. This is especially helpful after a nerve-wracking experience like a first day on the job or a job interview.
The stress hormone cortisol responds to massage, according to research. Anxiety and depression have been related to elevated cortisol levels. Keeping your cortisol levels down is associated with being awake and being in a good mood.
Efficacy on Migraine Headaches
Body massage is a wonderful method of reducing pain and tension associated with migraines. Massage increases blood flow, calms the mind, and eases muscle tension. It may also aid in bringing about a sense of calm and equilibrium.
The greatest massage for you will be the one that addresses your specific demands. Light hand or foot massages have been shown to increase blood flow and decrease discomfort. Tense muscles might also benefit from a warm bath. Putting an ice pack on your head might help reduce the discomfort.
An attack's severity may also be mitigated with massage. According to research conducted at the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine, migraine sufferers who participated in regular massage treatment saw a reduction in the frequency and severity of their episodes.
Migraine discomfort can be alleviated with the use of a gentle hand or foot massage. A heating pad or hot water bottle may also help.
Strengthens Defenses
Massaging one's body has been shown to have beneficial effects on one's immune system. It's a great way to relax, increase blood flow, and ease aching muscles. In addition, it has been shown to reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines by the white blood cells that fight against infections. Enhanced mobility and healthier tissues result from this boost in circulation.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California, found that massage-like treatment had an immunomodulatory impact, meaning that it boosted the body's immune system. Treatment of immunodeficiency, autoimmune illness, and cancer may benefit from it. Lymphoid organs' inhibitory noradrenergic tone may likewise be lowered by this.
Twenty HIV-positive males were given massages five times a week for 45 minutes for a month. Before, during, and after each session, blood was drawn from intravenous catheters implanted in the males.
Alleviates Muscle Pain After Exercise
Including a massage in your post-workout recovery routine can help you feel better and recover faster. It also helps reduce delayed-onset muscular soreness, which is a common side effect of working out.
Exercise causes microtears in muscle fibers, which leads to muscular discomfort. When these rips are mended, they aid in the strengthening of muscle cells. Muscles create lactic acid during exercise, which leads to DOMS.
It is possible that massage treatments might help alleviate muscular discomfort and accelerate healing after exercise. Massage can be given either by hand or using a special instrument designed for the purpose.
The increased blood flow to the muscular tissues after a massage aids in muscle recovery. The injured muscles also benefit from the nutrients carried by the blood.
Massage can help lessen inflammation, the body's normal response to injury or infection. Too much inflammation, however, may be harmful to cells and nerves and exacerbate pain.
