Benefit with Massage Therapy

Massage is one of the most ancient forms of healing and one of the most effective ways to relax and rejuvenate healing. The use of this method and the history of massage goes back to many centuries before our times. This method of healing played an important role in ancient history. The first writings on massage showed up around 2000 BC. Massage therapy has been scientifically studied for many years and has shown to have many positive effects on a variety of health conditions. Ancient Roman and Greek physicians used this method for relieving pain and for healing.

The word ‘Massage’ is derived from the Greek and denotes to press or to knead. Touch is soothing and has a healing effect. In India too massage techniques are used extensively for healing. Our old scriptures and texts in Sanskrit have written very highly of the effectiveness of massages especially through Ayurveda. Ayurveda uses medicated oils and balms to create a balance in the intracellular fluid in the body called the lymph. The lymphatic massage has very many relaxation benefits and helps to maintain good health. In Ayurveda the lymph is associated with the mucous or the ‘Kaph’ system. This can be done by gentle massaging of certain pressure points with oils like coconut, mustard or almond oils which help to activate the body’s energy system.

Massage therapists use a variety of techniques to promote healing and relaxation, as well as to promote greater flexibility and range of motion. If a specific muscle group is injured or contracted, other muscles surrounding the affected area also brace in response to the injury or contraction. Massage helps to improve blood circulation, decrease pain and inflammation, helps to relax the muscles, and makes you feel better. Massage activates the nervous system, joints, bones, spine, muscles and the skin.

Many people don't know about the health benefits of massage therapy. They think of massage as an indulgence. The medical benefits of massage therapy are many and here are few of them…

1. Increases circulation--The increased blood flood caused by massage helps increase the nourishment muscles receive and carries the wastes from the muscles into the lymphatic system. If your legs ache after a long day try massaging them and notice how much quicker the aching goes away. While it doesn't exercise muscles, regular massages can help prevent the atrophy of unused muscles.
2. Increases flexibility--The kneading and pulling motion of massage can help increase flexibility in muscles. The therapist can also use methods such as Muscle Energy Technique to increase flexibility.
3. Strengthens the immune system--Encouraging the flow of lymph helps pump toxins out of your body enhancing your immune system.
4. Reduces stress and anxiety--Calming the nervous system is one of the effects of massage. This facilitates relaxation. Stress contributes in many ways to the development of diseases. Massage helps to relieve these day to day tensions and allows one to have more peace of mind.
5. Improves the health of skin--It helps the skin become more supple and regulates oil production.
6. Speeds healing--Massage helps speed healing time after surgery and reduces the appearance of scar tissue.
7. Helps all—there are many studies on the health benefits of massage therapy the most famous study is massaging premature infants. It’s found that premature infants who are massaged gained weight much faster than those that aren't. They are generally less stressed. Infants who are massaged have more organized sleep and wake patterns. They are also less fussy. Children with autism who are massaged display less stereotypical autistic behaviors. They have more regular sleep patterns and are able to stay on task more easily. Seniors or old aged people who are massaged regularly also benefit with massage therapy. They are more alert and aware of their surroundings. They are also less likely to be depressed. The benefits of massage therapy can be seen in both the young and old.

Massage therapy helps de-stress, stay healthy and boost immunity. Several studies have measured the stress hormone called cortisol in subjects' saliva before and after massage sessions, and found dramatic decreases. Cortisol, which is produced when you are stressed, kills cells important for immunity, so when massage reduces your stress levels and hence the cortisol in your body, it may help you avoid getting a cold or other illness while under stress. Massage also reduces hypertension, suggests a good deal of research. This may be because it stimulates pressure receptors that prompt action from the vagus nerve, one of the nerves that emerge from the brain. The vagus nerve regulates blood pressure, as well as other functions.

Thus one can surely say: A massage a day keeps stress at bay! Massage is one of the most effective ways to relax and rejuvenate.