Did you know the practice of massage therapy has been around for thousands of years?
Originating in Eastern healing practices with roots in India and later China, it has become a symbol of relaxation in our Western world.
Although in the ancient world, massage was used for much more than simply relaxation. Keep reading to learn five massage therapy benefits you probably didn’t know.
1) Reduce Tension Headaches
Massage therapy is very common for pain relief. Often people who suffer back pain and tension in their neck and shoulders turn to massage therapy as a way of relief.
This is no different for tension headaches. Stress, posture, or sleeping positions all cause tension headaches. This creates the muscles in your neck and shoulders to become locked and tight, affecting the blood flow to your head.
Tantric massage in London helps increase blood flow and loosen muscle tensions, providing relief from painful headaches and migraines.
Chiropractors can also work on tense neck muscles, and the best chiropractor would perform a combination of massage and neck adjustments.
2) Increase Immune Function
Although more research needs to be done it is found that repeated sessions of massage therapy increase immunity.
Because massage therapy increases blood flow, it increases the activity of ‘killer T cells’ which fight off infection.
Of course, massage should not be a replacement for drugs or supplements that promote immunity to infections, it is nearly an aid in your body’s natural process.
3) Release Blocked Energy
In ancient Chinese and Indian medicine, massage was used to release blocked energy in the body. In Chinese medicine, this is referred to as ‘Chi’ and, in Indian medicine, ‘Prana’ or life force.
These cultures believe when energy is stuck or blocked, problems in our body arise because of it. Massage helps release this energy, restoring our body’s natural flow.
4) Boost Mental Wellness
Those who receive massage therapy report a high level of relaxation or happiness afterward. Research has found that massage can improve mood, reduce anxiety and improve energy.
The relaxing feeling associated with massages is because massage promotes the release of dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. All these hormones are associated with happiness and a decrease in stress hormones.
5) Lymphatic Drainage
A lymphatic drainage massage is a particular type of massage that is designed to promote the circulation of lymph fluids. Lymph fluid helps drain the toxins from your body, such as bacteria and viruses.
The lymphatic system is essential to the well-being of our body, and a lymphatic massage can help your body rid itself of toxins. This type of massage often uses gentle touch and long strokes.
Massage Therapy Benefits – Which Ones Speak to You?
Next time you are on vacation or feeling stressed out from work, consider these massage therapy benefits and book your next massage.
It not only feels great to have your tense muscles worked on but, you are also helping your body perform its natural functions.
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