A good massage can relax tense muscles, tendons and ligaments. It also enhances circulation, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to tissues and removing waste products.

Therapeutic massage decreases the stress hormone cortisol and improves sleep patterns. It also stimulates the production of killer cells that help fight infection. And it may improve self-esteem in patients with physical disabilities or terminal illness. Visit https://www.flowstate918.com/ to learn more.

Stress is a normal part of life, but chronic stress can have serious health consequences. Fortunately, massage can help relieve both the physical and emotional symptoms of stress. Aside from easing tension in the muscles, massage has been shown to lower heart rate and blood pressure and increase serotonin levels—the feel-good hormone that helps you relax.

Studies show that massage reduces cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone, and that it increases oxytocin, a natural hormone that eases tension and depression. It can also boost the immune system and help the body produce melatonin, a sleep-regulating hormone. Basically, it’s like an hourlong hug for your entire body.

Massage stimulates the autonomic nervous system, encouraging the release of positive hormones such as endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine. This is why you may notice an immediate improvement in your mood following a massage. It’s also why regular massage can help you manage stress better over time, as it teaches your body to relax and reset.

The relaxation response is a state that occurs when your heart and breathing slow down, your blood pressure decreases, production of stress hormones decreases, and your muscles and joints relax. The benefits of this state can last for a long time, and it’s often the difference between feeling relaxed and being anxious and stressed.

Getting regular massages is a great way to promote the relaxation response, but you can also get a good massage at home with the right tools. Start with using a high-quality massage oil or lotion. Choose one that is organic, non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic to prevent skin irritation. And don’t forget to drink lots of water!

If you’re prone to tension headaches, make sure to apply pressure on the neck and forehead. A face massage can be especially effective for relieving stress, as it reduces clogged sinuses and boosts circulation, helping the brain and eyes to relax. Rub your hands together until they’re warm, then apply them to the areas of the face that are holding tension. Use light, circular motions for maximum effect. You can also try using a topical CBD product to further enhance your experience.

Reduces Pain

Massage reduces pain by increasing relaxation and decreasing the production of stress hormones which in turn decreases the perception of pain. One study found that after receiving a full body massage, patients reported lower levels of cortisol and perceived less need for pain medications.

Massage is thought to improve circulation by physically manipulating the soft tissue and stimulating chemical changes in the skin and muscles. Increased blood flow delivers oxygen and nutrients to the muscle cells which can help heal any damaged tissues. The increased blood flow can also assist in removing waste products and excess fluids, both of which can decrease swelling and stiffness.

Inflammation can cause pain and it is believed that massage decreases inflammation by stimulating the immune system and increasing the flow of lymph, a clear fluid that helps to remove waste products and extra fluids from the tissues.

During massage, friction between the skin and fingers causes the temperature of the superficial layers of muscle to rise which helps to relax the muscle by increasing its elasticity and flexibility. The increased muscle temperature also helps to release any muscular knots (a bundle of muscle fibres that restrict movement and can cause pain) which increases relaxation and decreases pain.

Muscle tightness and tension can restrict movement, increase pain and limit the range of motion of a joint. Tense muscles can be caused by a variety of reasons including stress, comorbid health conditions, deconditioning due to reduced functioning and more. Massage can help to release the tense muscles, reducing pain and allowing for improved function.

Many people who have undergone surgery suffer from negative post-surgery effects such as scarring, pain and a build-up of metabolic wastes and excess fluids (lymphedema). Massage is believed to stimulate the nerve fibres that close the ‘pain gates’ in the central nervous system, preventing the painful messages reaching the brain. In addition to this, massage has been shown to promote the relaxation response which can decrease a build-up of metabolic wastes in the tissues and help with the reduction of swelling. The relaxation response also encourages the release of ‘feel good hormones’ such as serotonin which in turn decreases stress and enhances relaxation.

Enhances Circulation

Blood flow is essential to transporting oxygen, nutrients, and immune cells throughout the body and removing waste products. Poor circulation can lead to muscle fatigue, soreness, swelling, and even cardiovascular issues. Incorporating massage into a healthy lifestyle can enhance circulatory health and support the body’s natural healing processes.

The circulatory system is the network of blood vessels (arteries, veins, and capillaries) that transports oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to the rest of the body. Once the blood delivers its nutrients and removes waste, it returns to the heart via the veins to complete the cycle. When the circulation is healthy, it delivers fresh oxygen to every cell and tissue while removing waste and metabolic byproducts.

Massage enhances circulation by relaxing tense muscles and reducing inflammation, which can restrict blood flow. It also stimulates the release of chemicals that promote vasodilation, or widening of the blood vessels, which increases the amount of blood flowing to the area being massaged. This, in turn, improves oxygen delivery to tissues and accelerates the body’s healing process.

In addition, massage improves lymphatic circulation, which is vital to the body’s immune system. The lymphatic system carries away toxins, metabolic waste, and excess fluids from the tissues, including muscles, and then back to the circulatory system to be expelled from the body. Regular massage can help drain the lymphatic system and reduce edema, or swelling, in the legs.

A healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol can all contribute to better circulation. Aim for a healthy weight, avoid stress, and manage chronic conditions to improve your overall circulation and wellness. And, of course, schedule regular massages with a licensed and experienced therapist to experience the full benefits of this ancient therapeutic art!

Helps with Sleep

Getting enough sleep is critical for health, and massage can help people get the rest they need. In fact, studies show that massage reduces the amount of time it takes to fall asleep, improves the quality of sleep and increases total sleep duration. This is especially true for those with chronic sleep problems such as insomnia, but also for those who experience occasional sleep issues like a bad night’s sleep or recurring headaches.

Massage activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation and restful sleep. It also decreases cortisol levels, which is a stress hormone that can interfere with sleep, and boosts the production of serotonin, which is a natural melatonin-producing chemical that helps regulate sleep cycles. Adding aromatherapy through the use of soothing essential oils (such as lavender) can further enhance the relaxing effects of massage and help you get a better night’s sleep.

Many people report that they sleep better after a massage, even if they don’t have pre-existing sleep problems. The reason may have to do with the calming effect of touch, as well as the release of a variety of feel-good neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin that promote calmness and relaxation.

The benefits of massage extend to all ages, including infants and children. Some studies suggest that a regular massage regimen can help prevent behavioural disorders such as nightmares and bed-wetting, which can occur as a result of lack of adequate sleep.

A good massage can also be helpful in overcoming conditions such as restless legs syndrome (RLS), fibromyalgia, or psychiatric disorders like depression. In addition to treating the underlying condition, massage can also help manage symptoms such as pain and fatigue, which often contribute to sleep disruptions in these patients.

If you’re looking to add massage to your sleep routine, try incorporating it into your schedule on a weekly basis. For those with chronic sleep problems, bi-weekly or monthly massages can be beneficial. If you’re looking for a natural, non-pharmacological solution to improve your sleep, talk to your doctor about including massage therapy in your treatment plan.