Massage Yakima is a common method of soothing aching muscles and relieving stress. However, many don’t realize it has some major health benefits.
Scientists say massage stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which focuses on routine and day-to-day tasks that lead to rest and relaxation. This helps decrease feelings of anxiety and can help with insomnia triggered by conditions such as menopause or congestive heart failure.
While the physical benefits of massage are numerous, stress relief is one of its greatest impacts. Studies have shown that massage decreases levels of cortisol and increases oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone.” Excessive stress can lead to chronic health problems including anxiety, depression, heart disease, sleep disorders, weight gain, and loss of libido. Massage has been shown to decrease stress in both children and adults, as well as reduce the symptoms of many other health conditions.
Research has shown that people who have a regular massage experience a reduction in both the frequency and the severity of their headaches. In addition, massage is a great way to improve your sleep habits. This is due to the fact that it relieves muscle tension, which can cause sleep disturbances. It also has a calming effect on the mind, which makes it easier to fall asleep at night.
You can further increase your relaxation and the effectiveness of your massage by using soothing music and safely lighting candles. This will help create the perfect ambiance for your session, which will help you to detach from all of your concerns and just relax. During your massage, it is important to communicate with your therapist if you are uncomfortable or experiencing any pain. This will allow them to adjust their techniques or address any concerns you may have.
Massage is a natural stress buster, and can be used in conjunction with other treatments to treat specific health concerns. Oftentimes, psychological issues like stress and anxiety can be improved with massage therapy as it helps patients feel cared for and supported by their providers. Consequently, patients are more open to discussing these issues and are less likely to have negative reactions like panic attacks or hyperventilation.
Massage is a great way to reduce your stress levels, and the effects can last for days. It is essential that you try to incorporate massage into your weekly routine, as it can significantly help in managing stress and promoting overall wellness. This includes incorporating it in your workout routine, as massage can help strengthen muscles that can prevent injuries in the future.
It Relieves Pain
If you’ve ever had a bad back or neck ache, or even just a sore foot, you may have instinctively grabbed and massaged the area in order to relieve the pain. This is because it feels good and also helps to break down the cycle of pain.
Massage stimulates the autonomic nervous system and increases blood flow which both encourage an increase in feel good hormones. These include endorphins, serotonin and dopamine which help to reduce the effects of stress, depression and anxiety whilst increasing feelings of relaxation, happiness and motivation.
It’s believed that massage works by reducing nerve compression that often causes pain. In addition to this, it is also thought that massage is able to close the ‘gate’ through which pain signals are sent to the brain. This theory explains how massage can be effective for many different kinds of pain, and is why many people find relief from pain caused by muscle cramps, spasms and strains.
In addition to this, the increased blood flow that occurs as a result of a massage helps to remove toxins from the body, which can be helpful for people with chronic pain conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia. It can also aid in reducing inflammation, which is another common cause of pain.
The feeling of well being that comes with massage is thought to be partly a result of the decrease in cortisol levels and the increase in oxytocin, known as the “love hormone.” Oxytocin has been shown to help those dealing with issues like autism, social anxiety, schizophrenia, and post traumatic stress disorder. This is because it makes patients more open to counseling and communication.
Massage has also been found to boost immune function, which is beneficial for those who have a chronic pain condition such as arthritis or fibromyalgia. This is because it can help to reduce the inflammatory response and promote a healthier immune system. For this reason, massage can be a great alternative to prescription painkillers, which are often associated with high risk of abuse and addiction as well as numerous side effects.
It Promotes Relaxation
Many of us feel a sense of relaxation and calm after getting a massage. This is due to the release of the hormones endorphins and oxytocin that reduce stress and pain and make you feel good. These chemicals also help to promote the healing process and reduce inflammation. They can even boost the immune system.
Massage stimulates the flow of blood, which increases oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, helping your body to fight disease and stay healthy. In addition, massage increases the lymphatic system, which helps your body eliminate toxins and wastes. This is why massage can be beneficial to people with chronic illness.
The physical and emotional benefits of massage can have long-lasting effects. For example, studies have shown that massage can improve sleep quality, especially for those suffering from insomnia. It can also alleviate joint pain and chronic fatigue, which are common issues for postmenopausal women. In addition, massage can relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression. In some cases, mental health professionals recommend massage therapy as an adjunct to other forms of treatment for depression and anxiety.
Anxiety and depression are often caused by a disconnect between the mind and the body. Many people experience this feeling of disconnection when dealing with traumatic events. A massage can bridge this gap and help to heal the body from the inside out. It can also increase the effectiveness of EMDR therapy, which is used to treat trauma and other mental health issues.
While the physical benefits of massage are significant, it is important to remember that massage can be uncomfortable at times, particularly in areas with muscle tightness or injury. It is therefore important to communicate with your therapist about your comfort level and what techniques are best for you.
It is also important to give yourself some time to relax after a massage. While it may be tempting to jump back into your work schedule or play sports right away, this will actually counteract the positive effects of the massage. Try to take a little time for yourself after your massage and enjoy a nice hot shower, relaxing bath or even just lying down on the sofa or bed.
It Increases Endorphins
Massage is known to increase the body’s natural production of endorphins, which are the brain chemicals that produce feelings of euphoria and well-being. These feel-good hormones inhibit pain signals from the brain and block out negative emotions, such as stress and sadness. Exercise, laughter, and certain foods can also trigger the release of these feel-good hormones.
During massage, your therapist’s touch activates pressure receptors in the skin and soft tissues. When these receptors receive the signals from the therapist they prompt the body to release endorphins, which help reduce pain and promote feelings of euphoria. This is why many people report a feeling of euphoria following a great workout or after spending time with a loved one.
In addition to the aforementioned effects, massage increases blood flow and lymphatic circulation to the areas of the body that are being worked on. This improves the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles while eliminating waste products and toxins. This also helps reduce muscle soreness by facilitating the occurrence of muscle cell repair.
Another way massage improves muscle recovery is by stimulating the growth of mitochondria within the muscles. This is important because mitochondria are responsible for the cellular energy produced by the cells of your muscles. Mitochondria can be depleted by high levels of stress, aging, and illness, and can lead to decreased energy and chronic fatigue. Massage helps to stimulate the growth of mitochondria, which can make a big difference in your overall energy level.
Massage has also been shown to decrease cortisol, which is a stress hormone. High levels of cortisol can negatively affect the body, causing a host of problems, such as lack of sleep, unnecessary inflammation, and low immunity. Massage has been proven to reduce cortisol, which can then enhance your immune system and provide a host of health benefits.
