We all know a massage can be a great therapeutic tool to de-stress and treat yourself. But massage therapy actually has a wide-range of health benefits that go beyond just relaxation. Let's shed some light on the science behind how massage works in your favor.

 

1. Lowers blood pressure

Massage therapy can lower blood pressure after a single session. Consistent massages have even been linked (1) to long-term lowered blood pressure in pre-hypertensive and hypertensive patients.

 

2. Reduces inflammation

Research has shown (2) that massage can dampen the expression of inflammatory cytokines in muscle cells and promote mitochondria production - the energy-producing units in your cells. Therefore, pain moderation through massage may involve the same mechanisms as those targeted by conventional anti-inflammatory pain medications like Ibuprofen.

 

3. Boosts immunity

Massage naturally stimulates (3) your white blood cells - the defense mechanisms of your immune system - responsible for fighting and killing off invading viruses and bacteria.

 

4. Decreases chronic pain

Massage has been shown to decrease pain significantly (4) for patients with fibromyalgia, low back pain, head pain, and neck pain, as well as improve mental health with those suffering from pain.

Although pain is subjective and individually felt, studies have shown that massage is effective in this area over standard medical care in that it had more carry over of relief and more lasting results.

 

5. Alleviates stress

Stress is all too common in our society, and chances are you have experienced one or more of these symptoms at some point in your life. With stress being implicated in multiple diseases its essential to take active steps to reduce the amount of stress in our daily lives. One 60 minute massage (5) can lower cortisol, your body's stress hormone, by 30% and increase serotonin, your happy neurotransmitter, by 28%.

 

6. Improves digestion

The more that we learn about health, the more we understand the importance of a healthy gut on our overall health. In the first 30 minutes of a massage, (6) we are exchanging the sympathetic (fight or flight) response with the parasympathetic (rest and digest) response. Abdominal massage is yet another way to directly improve digestion and even help regulate bowel movements.

 

7. Increases flexibility + range of motion

Massage can significantly (7) increase long-term flexibility and range of motion in complex joins like your shoulder as well as simpler joints like the knee. Whether you are recovering from an injury or surgery, or wish to remain younger and moving more effectively, studies have shown that longevity and quality of life is directly linked to maintaining our movement as we age.

 

8. Improves sleep

Sleep gives your body a chance to repair itself from the wear and tear of everyday life. However, many of us don't get an adequate amount of sleep or the sleep we do get is poor quality.

Studies have shown that massage improves (8) sleep quality in all ages but also in individuals with psychiatric disorders, fibromyalgia, cancer, heart disease, and chronic pain. Living in “sleep debt” is the cause of underperformance at work, obesity, substance abuse, and higher risk of long-term illness.

 

9. Boosts confidence

For many of us, life circumstances or stressful relationships can leave us feeling less than great about ourselves. During massage, the neurotransmitter oxytocin is released (9) which is associated with bonding and the feeling of belonging and self-worth.

 

10. Enhances cognitive function

Forgetting where you put your keys or feeling like you can't concentrate can happen to any of us, but is nevertheless extremely frustrating. Massage has been shown to significantly improve (10) both short and long term memory after one session and can even be preventive against dementia. Additionally, more and more employers are utilizing massage in the work place to not only reward their employees, but increase their productivity.

 

We often look at massage as a luxury or something to splurge on when the pain becomes unbearable. But massage therapy can ultimately be an essential part of our overall wellness routines as a preventative measure. What it may cost you per massage now, could end up saving you a lot of money in the long-run when compared to the healthcare costs associated with various illness, like medication. So while there is an immediate affect on the body after massage, there's an even greater good that comes from receiving regular bodywork.

 

Ready to see how massage can benefit your health? Book your next appointment here.

 

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