Health Benefits of Seeing a Massage Therapist Regularly
Massage therapy is not just the act of releasing tense muscles with pressure. It also can actually provide numerous health benefits that carry through the whole body, not just an isolated part.
Massage therapy facilities offer a variety of services including the well-known Swedish Massage as well as Integrated Massages, Myofascial Releases, Table Thai Massages, Ayurvedic Aromatherapy, Reiki & Massage Combination treatments, Deep Tissue Massages, and Sports Massages.
The services offered at a massage wellness center are dependent upon the professional skills and licensures of the practitioners, but a knowledgeable massage therapist who is certified in the craft can walk you through the benefits of each service and tailor a health experience unique to your needs.
How Does Seeing a Massage Therapist Regularly Improve Well-Being?
Advocates of massage therapy stress that this wellness technique should be a part of a holistic approach to caring for one's health. While exercising, healthy eating, and mindfulness activities such as meditation are important to our overall health, adding massage therapy to your self-care routine can significantly enhance your well-being.
The Benefits of Mental Health
Not only can a massage therapist help release the physical tension in your body, but it can also reduce the mental stressors that accompany life. Here are some benefits of regular massage therapy that help mental wellness:
Reducing stress and anxiety- The natural responsibilities of life coupled with the happenings of society can easily create anxiety that leads to stress and tension in the body. Clenched fists, tight jaws, hutched shoulders, and constantly being ready to fight, freeze, or run away can be signs of this anxiousness.
Massage therapy can help reduce the abundance of cortisol, aka the stress hormone, that accumulates during tense times.
Enhancing mood- Along with reducing stress and anxiety, massage therapy can also help increase your mood by releasing those feel-good hormones we keep hearing about: serotonin and endorphins. Once these natural mood boosters are released, they can help you think more clearly from a relaxed state of mind.
Improving sleep- The relaxed state of mind that a massage session can bring can lead to a good night's sleep especially if done routinely. When you get better sleep, you reduce your stress; when you reduce your stress, you can focus longer and more clearly...and possibly cut down on trips to the coffee shop!
Physical Benefits of Massage Therapy
If you are noticing tight muscles, frequent illness, or pain due to age, health conditions, physical activity, or a sedentary lifestyle, then schedule a time to talk to your healthcare provider and a licensed massage therapist to discuss how massage therapy can help you through:
Enhancing circulation- Sometimes the circulation in our bodies becomes a bit stagnant even if it doesn't seem that way. A licensed massage therapist can help get your blood flowing properly with their understanding of human anatomy and the appropriate spots to massage to increase circulation.
A medical note: Make sure to consult with your doctor and your massage therapist regarding any blood clots or related conditions you might have. A professional massage therapist will take the time to learn your medical history and stressors.
Decreasing pain—Many customers of massage therapy opt for regular treatment to manage pain as an alternative or complement to taking pills or using more invasive means. Remember that massages can release feel-good hormones and improve circulation, which have been studied to be significant factors in pain reduction.
Boosting your immune system- Did you know that stress can dampen your immune system? Since massage therapy has been shown to lower cortisol levels, it may be a good idea to start this health regimen especially if you keep getting sick when stressed out.
Increasing range of motion- Relaxed muscles from a regular therapeutic massage are not just good for improved sleep, less pain, and happy days, they can also increase the flexibility in your limbs as they help lengthen your muscles.
This is particularly important as we get older and our mobility starts to become limited. Tight muscles can be uncomfortable and also lead to injuries, so take the time to care for them.
Holistic Healing Through Medical Massage
To take a holistic approach to your wellness alongside traditional medical treatments, try a medical massage. Also known as a "therapeutic massage", a medical massage specifically focuses on reducing pain and improving physical function.
In addition to providing the benefits listed above as well as decreasing pain associated with ailments such as chronic headaches, back pain, arthritis, and muscle injuries, medical massages can also improve lymphatic drainage.
Think of the lymphatic symptom as your body's filtration system removing wastes, excess fluids, and toxins from your blood and tissues. If this system does not work properly, these fluids and wastes accumulate causing lymphedema, skin changes, and an increased risk for infection. A medical massage stimulates your body's filtration process.
Techniques Used in Medical Massage
As with anything new, consult with your healthcare provider for safety before beginning. Medical massage has various techniques and it is important is talk to your massage therapist to find the best fit. Techniques used during medical massage can include:
Deep Tissue Massage targets underlying layers of muscle tissue by using deep slow strokes that can help break up scar tissue formed after injuries, addressing tension and chronic pain.
Trigger Point Therapy involves the application of pressure to specific trigger points responsible for pain and discomfort.
Myofascial Release (MFR) focuses on releasing restrictions in the connective tissue (i.e. the fascia) that surrounds muscles and organs. The therapist uses stretching and traction (no sliding) to "wake up" the fascia and release tightness.
Sports Massage is designed for athletes to prevent injuries, improve performance, and aid in recovery. This technique is focused on the muscles used in a particular sport.
Consider Medical Massage Therapy if you are in chronic pain from athletics or physical health conditions, had an injury or are recovering from surgery, or find a reduction in your range of motion with stretching on your own not being enough.
Make sure to find a massage therapist who is certified in the specific technique that is right for you such as a deep tissue massage therapist specially for deep tissue massage therapy. A reputable therapist will explain which technique matches your condition and why. And again, always consult with your doctor.
Other Unique Massage Types
As discussed earlier in this article, massage healing can come in various techniques and can be customized to your circumstances. In addition to MFR, Deep Tissue Release, Sports Massage, and Swedish Massages, consider these other lesser-known, yet still effective, variations:
Integrated Massage
Table Thai Massage,
Ayurvedic Aromatherapy
Reiki & Massage Combination
Integrated Massage
This includes a mix of techniques for a more personalized experience for your needs. The types of modalities utilized will depend on your massage therapist.
Table Thai Massage
Originating from the ancient Thai Massage traditionally offered fully clothed with no oil and done on a floormat, this treatment has been modified for the massage table in recent years, hence the name.
This technique has the client move passively through a sequence of Yogic/dance-like moves involving assisted stretching, rhythmic rocking, energy balancing, and static holds with deep belly breathing. It is a great practice for clients of all ages and abilities.
Ayurvedic Aromatherapy
This therapy uses a unique blend of Ayurvedic oil customized to your psychological makeup or "Ayurvedic Dosha". In ancient Indian medicine, a Dosha contains the fundamental principles that govern your mind, body, and soul. It is believed to maintain your whole well-being.
Reiki-Massage Combination
A therapy combining the classic massage with Reiki. The client can tell their massage therapist before beginning treatment how much of each modality they would like.
Reiki results vary from person to person, but common results include improved physical and mental well-being, energy balance, and spiritual healing. Reiki can also be an attractive option for pregnant women seeking relief.
Craniosacral Therapy
A non-invasive therapy that treats the craniosacral system (the brain, spinal cord, and surrounding structures) to help the body self-correct. It centers around supporting the central nervous system by using light touching to promote relaxation by releasing chronic pain and emotional stress in the CS system and soft tissues. CST also encompasses ongoing assessments and post-session reviews.
Finding Your Massage Therapist
Whichever massage practice you choose, be sure to research what your local treatment centers are offering. After this, schedule a time to talk to the massage therapists to find the appropriate fit. After your first session, continue incorporating massage therapy regularly into your self-care routine for holistic care.