Massage therapy has been used for thousands of years to reduce stress and promote natural health. While many people may carry the misconception that a massage is used just for pleasure, the reality is that massage therapy can be used to fight stress, anxiety, depression, as well as promote blood circulation within the body and the prevention of injuries.
Massages incorporate a lot more than just touching and rubbing. By targeting specific muscles and joints, massages help to loosen areas that may be tight as a result of stress. This promotes relaxation, which can then spread to other areas of the body. For example, headaches are often caused by tension in the head, neck, shoulders and back. By massaging these areas, the muscles begin to relax and blood flow is increased, leading to a reduction in headache pain, as well as pain and tension throughout the entire body.
In addition, injuries, particularly those found in sports, can be helped or prevented by massages. As the body uses energy, muscle breaks down. This muscle then gets built back up, but in between, it can become hypertonic, meaning it is constantly tight. These hypertonic muscles can then lead to injury when used, as they will not contain the flexibility needed to continue working properly. Hypertonic muscles can be torn and stretched, and may lead to irreversible, permanent damage. Massaging hypertonic muscles leads to relaxation and increased blood flow, lessening the chance for future injury.
Massage therapy can also be used to target specific body systems, such as the lymphatic. By massaging points on the body where lymph nodes reside, drainage is promoted, leading to the removal of edemas. Massages can also be used to promote healthy breathing. Sinus massages can assist those that suffer from chronic sinus blockage or inflammation by allowing mucus to drain properly. Some massage therapists also offer pregnancy massages, which are thought to reduce a pregnant woman’s stress levels and assist in the development of their unborn child.
Of course, in addition to massages, there are a number of other natural stress reduction solutions available. Many people use natural stress reduction supplements and sleep aids to avoid the high cost of prescription medications and to avoid the possibility of addiction that some prescriptions carry. As well, many natural stress aids don’t contain the sometimes dangerous side effects of prescription medications, allowing those that use natural stress aids to have peace of mind.
