3 Unusual Benefits of Massage Therapy

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Image courtesy of pixabay.com

Image courtesy of pixabay.com

Massage is universally known to be wonderful. It goes without saying that a good massage results in a more relaxed mind and body. Most people are also aware that massage has a way of refreshing sore, tired muscles. However, there are several distinct, not-so-obvious benefits of massage therapy that you might not know about.

3 Unusual Benefits of Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is good for more than just reducing muscle tension and promoting relaxation. Massage therapy also…

1. Promotes glowing skin – There are literally thousands of skin care products on the market at this very moment that promise the restoration of healthy, youthful-looking skin. Some of these products may work, but why not give massage therapy a try? Massage therapy improves circulation, which can promote glowing skin. It doesn’t matter how great your skincare products are; if your circulation is poor, your skin will look dull. Taking a walk will also help get your blood flowing and skin glowing, so don’t neglect the outdoors this spring.

2. Strengthens your immune system – If you wanted to give your immune system a boost, what would you do? Take some vitamin C, perhaps? That would be a good idea. An equally great way to give your immune system a boost is to get a massage. Live Science’s article Massages Boost the Immune System refers to a study centered on massage therapy and its effects on the human immune system. The article states, “’People who received a 45-minute massage had an increased number of lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that play a large role in defending the body from disease,’ researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles said in a statement.” Next time you are hit with a cold, think about getting a massage to bolster your immune system and speed up your rate of recovery.

3. Eases depression and anxiety – Anyone who has ever struggled with anxiety and/or depression will tell you that mental/emotional disturbances can be harrowing. It’s unlikely that many of these individuals know the ways in which massage therapy nobly fights the evil villains called anxiety and depression. In her article Massage Away Anxiety and Depression, Prevention’s Sara Altshul wrote, “A review of more than a dozen massage studies conducted by the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine concludes that massage therapy relieves anxiety and depression by affecting the body’s biochemistry.” Altshul also reported that massage “increased serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters that help reduce depression.” While other treatments may certainly be needed to get anxiety and depression under control, you may want to consider adding massage therapy into your treatment plan. (Consult your doctor first.)

Massage Therapy and Physiotherapy: a Dream Duo

By itself, massage therapy has amazing benefits. When paired with physiotherapy, it can potentially help treat cancer, fractures, dislocations, whiplash, tendinitis, MS, Parkinson’s disease, and much more. Contact a physiotherapist today to learn how to get on the road to recovery ASAP.

Obviously, massage does so much more than just foster relaxation and relieve sore muscles. What are some unusual benefits you’ve experienced from receiving massage therapy?

Note: The contents of this blog post exist purely for educational purposes and should not be used to diagnose/treat a medical problem. Please see a licensed healthcare professional before integrating massage therapy into your lifestyle.

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