Beneficial Massage for Weight Loss

Posted: September 12th, 2012

Massage has been used in a medical context for thousands of years. Today, scientific research has found massage to be very beneficial in treating many conditions, such as chronic pain, cancer side effects, spine and joint problems, pregnancy and even allergies. However, it is only now being realized that massage can be helpful when you're trying to lose weight. Here are some of the ways that massage can help.

Stress Reduction

Stress is one of the biggest obesity triggers of modern times. When your levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, stay elevated for prolonged periods, it takes a toll. Metabolism slows down, muscle mass is depleted through catabolism and high blood sugar causes your body to store fat. Energy levels also suffer, and appetite may increase due to unstable blood sugar. In this way, stress can defeat even the most strictly-followed diet plan.

Improves Circulation

Many overweight people, especially those who are extremely obese or suffer from diabetes, have problems with blood circulation. This doesn't just increase the risk of losing limbs or developing blood clots. It also causes toxins to build up in your tissues where they can disrupt your metabolic processes. Weight loss massage increases the flow of blood throughout the body, removing these wastes and helping you to get trim.

Soothes the Digestive System

If you're struggling with your weight, a poorly-functioning digestive system may be to blame. If blood circulation in the abdominal region is lacking, the organs involved in digestion may not be capable of efficiently or effectively transporting and breaking down food. This often causes poor nutrient absorption, causing deficiencies that can manifest as an urge to overeat. When you're not getting the nutrition you need, your brain and body keep telling you to eat more. Abdominal massage restores health blood flow to the digestive tract, helping patients to lose weight more easily.