Historically, massage therapy has played a significant role in the medical practices of early cultures and civilizations. The earliest proof of massage therapy was found in China and Egypt. Massage therapy is the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body. It involves applying pressure to and rubbing the skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The purpose of massage therapy is to rejuvenate tired and sore muscles. It also helps in improving the blood circulation and movement of lymph. So, how can one use massage therapy to de-stress?
How is massage therapy helpful?
Athletes and sports personalities are involved in rigorous physical activities. This exertion may negatively affect their muscles and slowly deteriorate their capabilities. Here is where massage therapy comes in as it helps in relaxing their muscles and makes them ready. In spite of that, its benefits are not just isolated to athletes and sports personalities. Massage therapy has proven to be helpful for the following too,
- Anxiety
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Headaches
- Insomnia related to stress
- Soft tissue strains or injuries
- Temporomandibular joint pain
- Digestive disorders
Therapy for everyone
Massage therapy may range from light stroking to applying deep pressure. It may vary based on your purpose of massage. A few common types of massages include:
- Swedish massage:
This is a comparatively gentler form of massage. It involves long strokes, kneading the surface of the skin using deep, circular movements, vibration, and tapping to help relax and energize an individual.
- Deep massage:
This massage includes a slower technique. Also, more-forceful strokes are implied to target the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. It is commonly used to help with muscle damage from injuries.
- Sports massage:
This is similar to Swedish massage. However, it is more of a niche for people involved in sports activities to help prevent and treat injuries.
- Trigger point massage:
Ideally, this massage focuses on areas of tight muscle fibers. These muscle fibers usually harden after an injury, and massage therapy is one way to relieve this stress.
Ways in which massage therapy can help you de-stress
- Relaxation: When we are stressed, our body releases a stress hormone named cortisol. Cortisol is responsible for weight gain, sleeplessness, digestive problems, and headaches. However, massage therapy has proven to decrease the levels of cortisol in the body hence having a relaxing effect on the individual.
- Stress-relieving: As mentioned earlier, massage reduces the amount of cortisol in the body, which also positively affect the recipients stress levels. If massage therapy is continued for prolonged periods, they may result in improved emotional levels, reduction in physical pain, and a boost in energy levels.
- Lowers blood pressure: It has been seen that continuous massage therapy reduces both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. This helps prevent and lowers the chances of suffering from cardiac arrest, a stroke, or kidney failure.
- Muscle relaxation: Massage therapy eases muscles, improves flexibility, and provides physical relaxation to the body. It also releases serotonin and dopamine, hormones which help the body in many physical and emotional ways.
Precautions to take before opting for massage therapy
Massage therapy is one of the safest and most effective ways to relax your body. Although there are no serious risks or side effects of massage therapy, a few precautions must be taken in order to enjoy your massage experience fully.
- Always opt for a licensed professional as your massage therapist
- Make sure you are not ailing from any internal body disorders, which may result in causing more harm than good to your body.
- Pick the type of massage wisely. Each massage has different effects, and you should pick one that will bring you maximum benefits.
Massage therapies can come to your aid, especially when nothing else goes your way. It is a tried and tested method of de-stressing humans when nothing else works. Opt for the best massage therapies to ensure that you are in a happy and energetic mood most of the times.