Because the area is so broad, you must be clear about what type of massage you’re looking for. “It’s not a cookie-cutter. We don’t have the same qualifications,” Angela Barker, a massage therapist who is board-certified in the therapeutic use of bodywork and massage, informs SELF. “So do your homework and make a few phone calls, look at their websites and then make sure to ask them questions.”
Here are 10 benefits to massage.
If you like massages in spa-like environments this is a great incentive to continue receiving massages as long as it’s safe to do so in the future. But if you’re wondering whether or not massages have other benefits for people with health issues–or if the rubdowns you love so much are actually doing anything, it may be that they’re beneficial, based on the situation.
But let’s not get caught up in. While there’s evidence to prove the benefits of 출장홈타이, it’s not possible to book a massage in lieu of seeking medical attention. And, while trying yourself to massage your head to relieve the occasional headache, or massage your abdomen to alleviate an abdominal pain may be possible, it’s better to talk with a professional if you’re looking to alleviate the pain that is caused by a medical condition (even in the case of chatting with a therapist about massage tips for yourself). In addition, you must talk to your primary doctor before booking a massage for an ailment that’s specific to you or a specialist that you visit for the problem that you’re concerned about. However, there is research to support the fact that massage therapy may help in the following areas:
1. Relaxation and stress relief
The primary benefit of massage therapy is its ability to reduce stress, Deery explains. More research is needed to find out how much massage therapy reduces cortisol and other stress hormones, but anecdotal evidence suggests that massages may help reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.
2. Intimacy between couples
Physical touch can do more than simply feel good. As SELF has previously reported on, a variety of studies suggest that physical touch can lower blood pressure and increase hormones like oxytocin, which can make us feel better. A small study in 2020 published in the Journal of Health Psychology found that massages that couples give each other are beneficial to the giver and the receiver. So, even if not seeking a medical massage, if you have someone you’re looking to share your space with and wish to connect and bond, it’s a good idea to pull out some oil for massages and use it on them (or to the reverse).
3. Constipation relief
If you’re dealing with constipation or other digestive issues the stomach massage could aid in relieving some of your discomfort. A 2016 study published in Gastroenterology Nursing found that abdominal massages helped people dealing with post-surgery constipation move their bowels and feel a bit better.
4. Fibromyalgia pain management
Fibromyalgia sufferers have chronic pain and memory, sleep and mood disorders. Massage therapy isn’t the only cure for the condition it is, however, it is a treatment option. Mayo Clinic says that it is a treatment that can be used in conjunction with other treatments (along with counseling, medications, and the physical therapy). Take note, however, that, in some instances massage therapy could make your pain worse according to what it’s what the Mayo Clinic explains. It’s best to chat with your primary care doctor about the benefits that massage therapy could bring for fibromyalgia, and make sure you discuss your condition to your massage practitioner prior.
5. Relief from tension headaches
A tension or concentration headache, may appear as if there’s a tight band that is wrapped around your head, the Mayo Clinic explains. The reason behind this phenomenon isn’t well recognized, but there’s evidence to suggest that massages can offer relief for this kind of headache, as the Mayo Clinic says. It is specifically designed to ease tension in your neck, neck, and shoulders (which can help reduce pain).
6. It is a sign of insomnia (related with stress)
As we’ve already mentioned that massages have a positive impact on stresslevels, and reducing stress levels can encourage the body to sleep (though there are other sleep hygiene habits–like getting your bedtime routine in order and limiting time spent on screens prior to the bedtime routine, which you might want to consider too).
7. Myofascial control of pain syndrome
Myofascial-related pain syndrome can be described as a permanent painful condition in which pressure on your muscles can trigger discomfort (sometimes at places that don’t seem related), the Mayo Clinic explains. While there’s no cure it, some people do find benefit from having a physical therapist or massage therapist perform massages on the areas they’re suffering from pain in order to ease muscle tension, according to the Mayo Clinic explains.
8. Muscle soreness and strain
If your muscles are tender and affected by inflammation, a massage may assist in bringing blood flow into the area (and help to speed up recovery) according to a study of meta-analysis from 2015 published in the journal Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine.
9. Temporary joint and joint pain relief
Arthritis is a condition that causes swelling and pain in your joints according to the Mayo Clinic says. While your massage therapist massages and massages your muscles, blood flow to joints, which could bring some relief for a short period as the Mayo Clinic explains. Make sure you mention that you have arthritis before your massage therapy session to ensure that your therapist can walk you through how you might be able to work together.
10. Circulation during pregnancy
A massage during pregnancy can help improve circulation, according the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Make sure to check with your doctor prior an appointment. Also, be sure to inform the massage therapist that you’re expecting (even in the absence of any signs).