Great Expectations
Posted: January 8th, 2016
Do you consider massage a mere form of pampering? If so, prepare for an insightful surprise! This type of bodywork is scientifically-based. Health insurance companies are increasingly giving their nod of approval. Many hospitals offer it as standard therapy.
Massage is a natural remedy that promotes healthy living. Here are the benefits of this professional service and what you can expect from sessions.
1. Allay anxiety.
When your mind perceives danger, it cranks up the stress hormone cortisol. If elevated cortisol is sustained, jitters, panic, and paranoia mount. However, the relaxation conferred by bodywork offsets these effects. Your heart rate, blood pressure, and blood glucose are lowered. Breathing is easier. Tissue manipulation increases serotonin, a calming brain chemical.
2. Ditch depression.
High cortisol also causes the doldrums. Tissue mobilization revs the production of dopamine, a brain chemical that stabilizes mood. It increases stimulation of the left frontal lobe, the brain region that registers joy. Elevated serotonin will lift your spirits. A relaxed, focused state also promotes a positive attitude.
3. Boost brain power.
Applying pressure to muscles releases chemical messengers that lengthen attention span. A 15-minute treatment can increase alertness for hours. You'll be able to solve problems quicker and make fewer errors.
4. Knock out colds.
Massage therapy (MT) beats bugs by increasing your body's natural killer cells. Cortisol destroys these cells, but MT restores their production. Armies of white blood cells march to the front lines of infection. In this way, MT annihilates viruses, colds, and cancers.
5. Bid pain good-bye.
Bodywork relieves the aches associated with arthritis, back injury, and fibromyalgia. Oncology patients feel less tenderness after sessions. It decreases arthritic stiffness and breaks up restrictive scar tissue. MT after a workout softens soreness by improving blood flow. It relieves sciatica and carpal tunnel syndrome by alleviating nerve compression. It mitigates migraine by soothing away spasms. Tissue mobilization calms post-surgical pain. Healing is expedited by transporting more oxygen and nutrients to injured areas.
6. Ease PMS and childbearing.
Treatment reins in symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, such as water retention and depression. MT during labor relaxes muscles, eases pain, and diffuses stress. Some physicians believe it shortens labor and hospital stays.
7. Beautify skin.
Gentle stimulation makes your face glow. MT plumps up slack skin, banishes swelling, and brightens a dull complexion. Oils used during treatment hydrate cells. Increased blood flow feeds your skin with nourishing oxygen and nutrients. Exfoliation of dead cells reveals natural radiance.
8. Facilitate sleep.
When muscles are relaxed and stress is relieved, you slip into dreamland with great ease. Deep tissue work helps you spend more time in the restorative stages of slumber. MT produces delta brain waves associated with shut-eye. Increased serotonin facilitates rest. Improved sleep habits remedy deprivation and related disorders. MT calms restless legs. It benefits sufferers of apnea, the temporary cessation of breathing during sleep. It shines the light on narcolepsy, deferring daytime sleepiness.
8 Ways to Feel Great
Massage therapy promotes healthy living in eight ways. It will help you:
1. Allay anxiety.
2. Ditch depression.
3. Boost brain power.
4. Knock out colds.
5. Bid pain good-bye.
6. Ease PMS and childbearing.
7. Beautify skin.
8. Tweak sleep habits.
Let massage revitalize your body, mind, and spirit!
