Massages are often viewed as a rare treat or something to be done on vacation or special occasions. The Mayo Clinic states they can actually be part of a person's wellness routine because they have so many physical benefits. A good massage therapist can treat pain and muscle problems, and there are also emotional benefits. A massage can be a very effective stress management technique because it combats the problem in multiple ways.
Immune Support
Stress can interfere with healthy functioning of a person's immune system. The Mayo Clinic cites immune system support as one of massage's benefits. The exact mechanism through which this occurs is not known, but Michael Ruff, a Georgetown University Medical School immunologist, believes it reduces cortisol and other harmful stress hormones that impair immunity.
Relaxation
Stressed-out people often have difficulty relaxing. They do not take time out of the day to devote to calming activities. Massage forces a person to take at least 15 to 30 minutes of self-indulgent time. It is usually more, since a massage can last up to 90 minutes, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Lower Blood Pressure
Ongoing stress can raise a person's blood pressure, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that massage can counteract this effect and might be an effective complementary treatment for hypertension.
Nurturing
A massage is a nurturing experience, with the therapist using his hands to manipulate the body in pleasurable ways. This comfortable one-on-one attention provides a good environment for a stressed person to calm down and simply enjoy the experience. She doesn't have to make any choices beyond deciding what type of massage to get and doesn't have to participate actively in any way, since all of the responsibility is on the massage therapist.
Depression Prevention
Significant ongoing stress can put a person at a higher risk for developing depression. Anecdotal reports state that massage can help prevent depression, according to the Mayo Clinic. It promotes relaxation and a sense of well-being, both of which make a person more resistant to depressive symptoms.
Pain Reduction
Chronic muscle pain can contribute to stress. Massage therapy has been shown to reduce certain types of pain, the Mayo Clinic advises. This relief can reduce the sufferer's stress level. It also helps relax muscles that have tensed up as a direct result of anxiety and stress.
Member Comments