Benefits of Massage

Massage is beneficial to the body in many ways. Read this article to know more about the many benefits of massage, which include how massage boosts intimacy between couples, how massage may help relieve constipation, and how it can be used to relieve physical pain.

Despard (1911) opined that massage is an alternative medicine that has been utilized for healing since the beginning of time. Various types of massage depending on the patient's demands and what they hope to achieve in terms of well-being. According to Fritz & Fritz (2020), the word massage originated from the Latin word 'Massa' and the Greek word 'Masso', which means "to touch, handle, squeeze, or knead.” Massage is the act of touching, handling, squeezing, and kneading with the hand. When you offer a massage, use your hands, elbows, forearms, feet, or an item to move the soft tissues to improve health. Read on to know more about the benefits of a massage. They include:

For Relaxation

The primary reason for the popularity of massage is for relaxation. It is thought that massage lowers cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is a hormone that regulates our mood by interacting with certain brain regions. When we are stressed, cortisol levels rise. For instance, when we are terrified, the cortisol hormone keeps everything on alert; therefore, cortisol levels rise. However, when we are no longer afraid or in danger, the cortisol levels drop. Field et al. (2005) clarified that massage relaxes the body and lowers cortisol levels.

Massage Improves Intimacy between Couples

When a couple touches each other, it shows some trust and affection. When partners massage each other, the body releases dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin hormones. Dopamine is a chemical produced in the brain when you are in a good mood. Serotonin is the chemical that moves signals from the brain to the rest of the body. It is involved in massage because serotonin is involved in sexual desire and stabilizes the mood.

Massage may help Relieve Constipation

Sometimes people feel constipated because they are stressed out. Massage may help by eliminating stress. Also, massaging the belly may help the body release excess gas that causes bloating and waste.

Managing for Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that results in widespread pain all over the body. The person living with fibromyalgia feels more pain than the people that do not have fibromyalgia. According to Ostalecki (2008), fibromyalgia has no cure, but it can be managed, and massage may be useful in the treatment plan for fibromyalgia.

For Managing Insomnia

Collins (1912) referred to insomnia as sleeplessness. The study noted that dyspepsia (indigestion), physical pain, and emotional tensions are three main causes that contribute to insomnia. Sleep deprivation harms overall human health since we need to rest. When we do not sleep, our bodies continue to force us to sleep till we get unwell with numerous diseases. According to Heyat & Siddiqui (2015), massage can help with insomnia because it addresses the underlying issues that cause it, such as stress, depression, anxiety, and indigestion. If the insomniac can sleep, the ailments caused by insomnia will progressively fade away. Massage is important for more than just resting. All of the anguish that engulfed the mind during the day and other daily activities goes away when you sleep. The pain could be either emotional or physical. As a result, the massage serves a threefold function by ensuring that you are emotionally and physically well and allowing you to sleep.

To Relieve Muscle Pain

A massage on a painful muscle can sometimes relieve the discomfort. However, it is crucial for the massage to be very delicate or performed by a professional therapist because too much pressure on the muscle may aggravate the discomfort.

To Help in Blood Circulation

If you have been held constant in one position for a long time and have probably been rendered immobile, you will need help to keep your blood circulation system intact. That's why babies need a massage. Babies cannot move from one point to the next, so the blood does not move as much. Getting the blood moving underneath the skin is important. If you have been bedridden, the massage therapist will ensure that you get massaged frequently because if you do not get the blood moving, your skin will first develop rashes which may develop into sores. Massage has the same effect on the body as exercise in that it helps keep the blood moving as it should.

To Alleviate Fatigue

You will need a massage to help you relax when you are fatigued. Fatigue is not the same as tiredness. Fatigue is more serious than tiredness since it entails much more than physical exhaustion. If you are fatigued, you will not be relieved after a long day's slumber. You may require therapy in addition to rest to alleviate all of the other causes, such as stress, depression, and anxiety, which may be the contributing factor to fatigue. Fatigue is a state of exhaustion that lasts for a long time. It is possible to be stressed or depressed while tired, which distinguishes it from being tired. When you're tired, all you need is a good sleep to feel refreshed, but when you're fatigued, you'll need more, and that's when a message will be useful.

Conclusion

Massage may be beneficial for a variety of issues, but it is critical to get professional medical advice before getting a massage to avoid aggravating the situation. You may not be able to massage every aching location because some may require medical attention. However, a mild massage is preferable to no massage when you're in pain. Massage also depends on your needs; a session for an athlete will require greater pressure than a massage for relaxation. Your age and state of health will also determine which massage is best for you.

References

Collins, J. (1912). Sleep And The Sleepless: Simple Rules For Overcoming Insomnia. Sturgis & Walton Company.

Despard, L. L. (1911). Text-Book Of Massage. Hodder & Stoughton.

Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Diego, M., Schanberg, S., & Kuhn, C. (2005). Cortisol Decreases And Serotonin And Dopamine Increase Following Massage Therapy. International Journal Of Neuroscience, 115(10), 1397-1413.

Fritz, S., & Fritz, L. (2020). Mosby's Fundamentals Of Therapeutic Massage-E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences.

Heyat, M. B. B., & Siddiqui, S. A. (2015, October). An Overview Of Dalk Therapy And Treatment Of Insomnia By Dalk Therapy. In National Seminar On Research Methodology In Ilaj-Bit-Tadbeer, Organized By State Takmeel-Ut-Tib-College & Hospital, Lucknow (Vol. 10).

Ostalecki, S. (2008). Fibromyalgia: The Complete Guide From Medical Experts And Patients. Jones & Bartlett Learning.