Massage, if technically described is a form of applying pressure on the skin for the purpose of relaxation or remedy. The term encompasses pressing, rubbing, and applying pressure on the skin of various parts of the body. A massage can range from just gentle or light stroking to applying deep pressure so as to heal pain or tension in muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Spa stations, clubs, and health facilities offer massage services nowadays. But one may wonder what are the benefits of massage or deep tissue massage? Why should one hire a massage therapist to get one? Well, the following are some points that can explain the benefits of a massage to you:
- Massage reduces stress
One of the popularly known benefits of deep tissue massage or normal massage is that it can help reduce stress. A good day at the spa can help you unwind, and relax, and helps brush off some of the stress that you may be experiencing. Once a massage therapist gives you a massage, you can feel tension and stress rising and disappearing from your body and mind.
- Improves blood circulation
Another benefit of massage that a good massage therapist can help you experience is good blood circulation. When pressure is applied to your muscles and tendons, it helps to increase the blood flow throw your body. This improved blood circulation can bring about several other benefits including a reduction in fatigue and pain. Improved blood circulation is even good for the skin and hair.
- A deep tissue massage can help reduce pain
If you have been experiencing some kind of pain in any part of your body then oil massage or deep tissue massage can help reduce it. Experienced and trained massage therapists can work on your problem areas like the lower back or neck and help ease chronic pain. The professional know at which point they should focus to get the desired result.
- Improves sleep
One of the important benefits of a massage is that it helps improve sleep. A good massage session can help to relax the muscles and hence the mind. This has a direct effect on the kind of sleep one gets. When a person goes to bed relaxed and with loosened muscles, he falls asleep faster and goes into a deep and restful sleep. Thus regular massage or deep tissue massage sessions can improve sleep and promote alertness.
- Eliminates toxins from the body
When one uses oil on the body in the form of massage, this helps to stimulate the soft tissues of the body and releases toxins. These toxins are released through the blood as well as lymphatic systems and are expelled from the body. Elimination of toxins results in good overall health. Detoxification is important for everyone and those who get regular massages done and generally more detoxified than others.
- Reduces fatigue and tiredness
Another good benefit that massage can offer is that it helps reduce fatigue and tiredness. In our busy schedules and stressful lifestyles, we often forget to take a break and feel relaxed. A session of massage can work magically as it helps one feel relaxed and free from fatigue. One feels less worn out after a massage therapy or session with a massage therapist. Thus to relieve everyday stress and fatigue, you can opt for a massage once in a while.
- Reduces post-surgery and post-injury swelling
A massage from a professional massage therapist has another benefit which is that it can help to reduce post-injury and post-surgery swelling. A massage is a good way to deal with sports-related injury swelling and even swelling caused after a surgical process. Many professional massage therapists have expertise in massaging body parts to relieve them of swelling and pain.
- Relief from anxiety and depression
If you are looking for the benefits of massage then one of them can be that it helps provide relief from depression as well as anxiety. What deep tissue massage does is that it helps to release endorphins in the body. This results a person feel energized and happy. Taking massage on a regular basis can thus provide relief from depression and even anxiety.
- Enhances immunity
Among the various benefits and advantages of massage, one is that it can result in improving immunity. If taken on a regular basis and that too from a massage therapist or specialist, a massage can result in improving the overall defense mechanism of the body. A massage can lead to the stimulation of the lymph nodes and this enhances the immunity.
- Strengthens muscles in babies
In several countries, newborn babies are given regular oil massages for the purpose of strengthening their muscles. When oil is applied to the little hands and legs of babies, it helps to improve circulation and give strength. This is yet another fabulous benefit that massage can offer. It is a known fact that massaging the limbs of babies makes them strong and active.
Massages are of several types and each offers its own unique benefit. Some of the common types of massage techniques are below:
- Deep tissue massage- deep tissue massage uses slow strokes and targets the deeper layers of muscles and skin.
- Swedish massage- this is one of the most popular forms of massage available at most spas and health clubs. This is a gentle form of massage which makes use of long strokes, deep circular movements, and kneading.
- Trigger point massage-this is a type of massaging technique that lays focus on easing tight muscle fibers that get formed after overuse or injuries.
Now that you know all about massage and various forms of massage, you too must try it out and see the positive impact of a good session on yourself. Make sure you choose a trained massage therapist with experience and knowledge of different kinds of techniques.
