Everyone knows that getting a massage is a great way to help you relax and relieve body pain. But did you know that massage therapy can also help heal injuries, relieve stress and anxiety, boost your immune system, improve focus, and even get a better night’s sleep?
There are several types of massages with different healing approaches. This post is about the Swedish massage, which is the most common type. A Swedish massage is a gentle full-body massage that is ideal for those who are new to massage, have a lot of tension or are sensitive to touch. The massage therapist will use a combination of kneading, rolling, deep circular motions, sweeping strokes, tapping and joint movement techniques.
The benefits of massage come from the moderate pressure the massage therapist applies to the skin, which results in a calming and slowing of the nervous system. Slowing the nervous system helps to decrease heart rate, lower blood pressure and increase your ability to focus.
- Heal Injuries and Relieve Pain
If you have an injury, muscle tension or joint pain, you’ll also have soft-tissue restrictions, that may limit mobility. Massages help to breakup these restrictions, often referred to as fascial adhesions, knots, trigger points and scar tissue. When joints become restricted, tension and inflammation are created in the body, which can lead to pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. In addition, the surrounding joints overcompensate and become weak causing even more damage and pain. By actively massaging out soft-tissue restrictions, you’re not only helping your current injury, but also preventing other problems down the road.
- Relieve Stress and Anxiety
The physical touch of a Swedish massage will reduce cortisol and increase oxytocin resulting in a calm and relaxing feeling. Cortisol is often called the “stress hormone” because it is released when our “fight or flight” response kicks in. Oxytocin sometimes referred to as the “tend and befriend hormone” or the “love hormone” is produced naturally during physical contact. If you suffer with anxiety, a massage can help reduce your symptoms.
- Boost the Immune System
Getting rid of toxins that accumulate in our body is important in order to be healthy. Our lymphatic system is a network of glands, tissues and organs that help the body remove toxins. When your lymphatic circulation slows, toxins will accumulate in your body. Swedish massage improves circulation, increases blood flow and stimulates the lymphatic system to flush toxins out of the body. As toxins are eliminated, your body’s ability to absorb nutrients increases, which boosts the immune system.
- Get a Better Night’s Sleep
If you have trouble sleeping a massage can help you sleep more deeply. When you get a massage, your nervous system will slow down, allowing you to reach a deeper, more restorative state of sleep. To get the best effects, try getting a weekly massage.
- Improve Focus
An elevated heart rate may make it harder to focus during work or even when reading a book before bed. A massage will calm your nervous system and slow down your heart rate which will improve your attention span and ability to focus.
Summary
A Swedish massage can be a powerful tool to help you take charge of your health and wellness. It is also a great way to pamper yourself. Until a few years ago, I never considered getting a massage because I didn’t think I would feel comfortable being touched by a stranger. One day I decided to try it to relieve a stiff neck. I was surprised to find that I really enjoyed it and felt relaxed by the massage therapist’s touch. I felt like I had a new neck and a huge reduction in my stress levels. As I continued getting regular massages, I noticed an increase in mobility in my entire body, I was getting better sleep and I improved my ability to focus while reading. Getting a massage twice a month is now an essential part of my self-care routine. If you’re not sure whether you will enjoy a massage, give it a try. I’m sure glad I did.
