New studies find that massage really does work to ease those sore muscles. Just 10 minutes of massage therapy can reduce inflammation, which can help you body recover. However, the health benefits of touch extend beyond simply sooting aches and pains. Of course, the stressed – out have been proponents of the anxiety-busting procedure for decades, but growing research suggests that a massage is even better for you than you think!
1. MASSAGE MANAGES ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION
For the same reasons that a massage is relaxing, it can also soothe anxiety and depression. Massage reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol, resulting in lifted spirits and often lower blood pressure. It can also boost the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, which are involved in depression.
2. EASE PAIN
8 out of 10 Americans will experience debilitating back pain, according to Time.com, but a massage can help. According to a 2011 study, massage helped people in pain feel and function better, compared to people who didn’t receive any massage treatment.
3. IMPROVE SLEEP
If you have ever dozed off on a massage table, you don’t need to be convinced that a massage can promote healthy sleep. A number of studies have examined this link, and chalk it up to massage’s affect on delta waves, the kind of brain waves connected to deep sleep, according to Health Magazine.
4. BOOST IMMUNITY
Multiple studies, although often small, have linked massage to better functioning of the immune system. In one 2010 study, researchers found massage increased a person’s disease fighting white blood cells. The stress-reducing powers of massage can also help keep you healthy.
5. BEAT PMS
At least one small study found that massage can kick pesky PMS symptoms, like bloating and mood swings to the curb.
6. RAISE ALERTNESS
Want to boost your brainpower? Adults who were given a 15 minute chair massage in a small Touch Research Institute study were more alert and completed a series of math questions faster and more accurately.
7. CURB HEADACHES
Just like muscles and back pain, headaches can also be alleviated thanks to massage. A regular rubdown can reduce a person’s number of migraines, according to WebMD, as well as limit how painful each migraine feels.
8. SAVE FACE
A little pounding in the right places can even have beauty benefits. “Massage increases blood flow, which plumps up slack skin, encourages lymphatic drainage (the settling of toxins out and away from cells so that more nutrients can travel in) and adds vitality to a dull complexion and lackluster hair.” Kimara Ahnert, a New York City skin care studio owner to Women’s Health. For this no appointment is needed, just rubbing your face and scalp for a few minutes can make a difference.
9. EASE CANCER TREATMENT
Because of many of the benefits listed, massage is particularly helpful for people living with or undergoing treatment for serious illnesses, like cancer. Various studies have shown that massage can relieve fatigue, pain, anxiety, depression and nausea in cancer patients.
If you are considering scheduling an appointment for a Massage, contact the Midwest Institute Massage Clinic today! Let our students bring out a healthier you through Massage Therapy.
Appointments Available Now!
Call : 314.739.9589 TODAY!
Available at the Earth City Campus Only
