For a long time, massage has been regarded as a luxury activity. However, with time, it has grown to become a popular treatment option. It involves the manipulation of the body’s skin and muscles. There are different types of massage, each focusing on a particular method and area of the body. There are several benefits that can be gained from massage therapy as seen below.
Provides Relaxation
Body relaxation is probably the most known benefit of massage therapy. When the body is exposed to a lot of stress, it tends to become tense. This is usually as a result of the production of excess levels of cortisol. This is what is referred to as the stress hormone, which in unhealthy amounts can affect your body. Through massage therapy, these high levels of cortisol are seen to reduce. This in turn leads to a reduction in stress levels which triggers feelings of relaxation.
It Reduces Postural Stress
When we expose our bodies to prolonged periods of staying in the same positions, repetitive movements or bad posture, we tend to put stress on them. This is what is referred to as postural stress. Maintaining a good posture all the time can be difficult, especially in our work environments which require one be to be sited at a desk for long periods. Hence, you will find that a majority of people suffer from postural stress.
Most of the time, this stress shows up in the neck and the shoulders. In more serious cases, pain and weakness can also show up in the lower back and gluteal. Thanks to massage therapy, the imbalance brought about by postural stress can be dealt with. This way, you can maintain good postural health even with a desk job.
It Helps With Muscle Pain
Soreness and achiness in the muscles is referred to as muscle pain. Ranging from mild to severe, there are several reasons as to why one may be experiencing some muscle pains. For one, it can be due to an underlying disease. Muscle pains can also be a result of tension, overuse and injuries such as a sprain or a strain. Dealing with sore muscles can affect ease of movement. It is therefore important that you find a suitable treatment.
One of the best ways to get rid of muscle pain is through massage therapy. This is because it tends to improve the body’s circulation to the injured areas. . As a result, it relieves muscle stiffness and soreness.
It Helps Strengthen the Body’s Immunity
With regular massage therapy, you will also get to benefit from a stronger immunity. The healthier you are, the better your immunity system is. Hence, by improving your health in other ways, massage therapy consequently helps to make your immunity better. For instance, by reducing the levels of stress in your body, it makes it less vulnerable to getting ill. Massage therapy also promotes good sleep which also plays an important role in your overall health. Also, massage therapy has been found to increase the body’s ability to defend itself against infection by boosting one’s white blood cell count.