5 Benefits of Massage Therapy
on Wednesday, March 6, 2019
Why do people seek massage therapy?
Massage therapy is a hands-on form of treatment that has many benefits for both body and mind. It’s more than just relieving the aches and pains, although that is an important benefit to massage therapy as well. Some of the most common ways people benefit from massage therapy are the following:
Relaxation through Stress Reduction
If your body is under stress, leaving that stress untended can be bad for your health. High levels of tension over time lead to an unhealthy level of cortisol, the stress hormone. This can lead to problems such as weight gain, sleeplessness, digestive problems, and headaches. Massage therapy not only decreases cortisol in the body, but also triggers lasting feelings of relaxation, improved mood, and reduced stress levels. Regular massage sessions over a long period of time can have further benefits, such as boosted energy, reduced pain, and even improve emotion levels for some.
Lower Blood Pressure
Massage therapy can help regulate your inner systems. Studies have shown that by having a consistent massage therapy program, you can reduce both systolic (or upper number) and diastolic (or lower number) blood pressure. As mentioned above, massage therapy helps lower cortisol levels. It also works to reduce trigger sources for anxiety, hostility, tension, and depression. This all leads to lower blood pressure, which reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and other health issues.
Muscle Relaxation
Bodily pain is reduced through massage therapy by eliminating tense muscles. This in turn increases flexibility. This affects not only the targeted muscles but the body as a whole. Massage therapy is also known to release endorphins, which boost dopamine and serotonin levels in the body and assist on both a physical and emotional level. These hormones promote healing, help with pain management, calm nerves, and promote feelings of euphoria.
Improved Circulation
By improving circulation, massage therapy also helps heal damaged and stiff muscles by making sure they have the blood supply they need to heal. Better circulation can reduce stiffness and swelling in the joints as well as muscles. Massage techniques also help to move lactic acid away from the muscle tissues. As a result, this action improves the lymph fluid circulation, which carries metabolic waste products away from internal organs and muscles.
Improved Posture
Back, neck, and muscle pain are common occurrences for many Americans. Often such pain is the result of poor posture. Massage therapy can help put your body back into proper alignment. It allows the body to relax and loosen tense muscles made sore by bad posture. The body can then position itself in its organic and pain-free posture. By correcting the positions and movements developed over time that lead to pain, massage therapy helps you find the correct posture to sit or stand in.
Hood View Chiropractic brings you Health by Hand.
If you need chiropractic care, massage therapy, or any of our other services, you will find yourself in caring hands at Hood View Chiropractic. The team at Hood View Chiropractic is knowledgeable and dedicated to improving and maintaining your health. We are proud to provide professional, experienced care to the Gresham area and are eager to help you live pain and stress free. Contact us or call today at (503) 669-1966 to schedule your first appointment with a caring community.
Hood View Chiropractic. Health by hand.
