The Many Health Benefits of Massage Therapy
Massage therapy offers a number of health benefits. It can promote the physical, mental and emotional well-being of a person especially when done on a regular basis. Many people consider it as a great alternative for medicines that may have unwanted side effects. No matter what type of massage it may be, the health benefits one can get are all the same. There are even those people who are attracted to newer forms of massage therapy such as massage outdoors which pretty explains itself on what it really is.
There are many other benefits to health that massage therapy and all these are considered by people as reasons on why they prefer it over other healing techniques.
First of all, massage therapy promotes better blood circulation. Massage can stimulate the tissues in the body, improving blood flow to the different parts of the body. With good blood circulation, oxygen and other essential nutrients are distributed to the cells and the waste materials are flushed out of the body in a more effective manner. The supply of nutrients to the parts of the body will then contribute to optimal health.
Massage is also known an effective technique in reducing the levels of stress of a person. Simple massaging can free one’s mind from any negative emotions to a higher extend. Because it relaxes tight muscles, it is effective as well in dealing with tension associated headaches. Massage has also been known as an effective pain reliever. In fact, it is also used along with other therapies such as hydrotherapy, physical therapy and many others.
In other instances, massage therapy is regarded as an effective measure for pain management for those patients who are suffering from arthritis, sciatica and muscle spasms. Pain in the lower back can also be reduced by this kind of therapy. This is possible because it helps release endorphins or the body’s natural pain killers.
It has also been found that massage can improve the immunity of a person. Massage helps stimulate the flow of lymph, the natural defense system of the body. It is also believed to increase the WBC count of a person and is capable of producing the stimulating and sedative effects on the central nervous system.
Simple massage can relax or stimulate the nervous system. The effect generated on the central nervous system will directly depend on the type of massage, the duration and the current status of the nervous system. This works well in calming down patients who have aggressive behavior.
Massage therapy also helps in improving the range of motion of the joint that can make the body become more flexible. It has the ability to stretch the connective tissues supporting the muscles which will then enhance the flexibility of the body. If transverse massage strokes are used, muscle fibers are prevented from adhering to a greater level and will ensure the full range of flexibility and motion of the muscle.
All of these benefits help promote better health so you should regularly get a massage to enjoy the health advantages it can give.
