Massage: A Prescription for Good Health
The Healing Touch
Though it may seem like a luxury, the wellness benefits of massage are many, and very much worth the time set aside for this bit of self-care. Literally, every man, woman and child can experience the health benefits of massage therapy.
Massage is a general description for rubbing, pressing, and manipulating skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. There are several massage styles and techniques. The most popular are Swedish massage, deep massage, sports massage, and trigger point massage.
As a complementary treatment to traditional medical treatments, massage has been shown to be effective for reducing stress, pain, and muscle tension. Studies have shown that massage, consistently performed, can decrease both diastolic and systolic blood pressure, as well as improve circulation, In fact, it’s been said that massage can be as effective as an exercise work out, since the muscles are stimulated by the pressure applied.
The Mayo Clinic reports that massage can be helpful for those with anxiety, digestive disorders, fibromyalgia, insomnia associated with stress, myofacial pain syndrome, headaches, sports injuries, soft tissue injuries or strains, and even temporomandibular joint pain (commonly known as TMJ).
But, is it safe for children and teens? Yes!
Kids who are overachievers, athletes, or musicians, for example, can definitely benefit from massage. Children can be dealing with the same stresses as adults. They can be experiencing loss, struggling socially, suffering from anxiety or depression, or a body image or eating disorder. Massage therapy is proven to increase dopamine and decrease cortisol, which can help regulate stress and anxiety levels to help achieve a proper hormonal balance.
Additionally, massage can improve sleep quality, increase energy levels, and improve concentration, all of which can be helpful for teens, as well as adults. In some venues, a person under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult in order to participate in massage therapy, and children can achieve benefits from shorter sessions in some cases.
Greater health can be achieved by utilizing massage therapy, as massaging the soft tissues of the body helps release toxins via the blood and lymphatic systems. Stimulation of the lymph nodes can increase the natural defense system of the body and enhance immunity. Lymphatic drainage can be achieved with a particular style of massage using a light touch to stimulate the lymph system.
Legend has it that Bob Hope — comedian, actor, author, and more — started each day with a massage. While that would be a perfect plan, most of us cannot fit a morning massage into our schedules.
But how often should you enjoy a massage?
For overall wellness, and general stress relief, once or twice per month will allow people with overall adequate health to enjoy all of the benefits if massage, and allow each treatment to build upon the last.
Those with chronic conditions, such as migraines, back and neck pain, arthritis, and the like, would benefit from twice weekly treatments, decreasing the frequency as symptoms improve. Athletes heavily engaged in sports should aim for a few times per week during intense training, and once or twice per month when not in training.
As you age, massage can actually help improve your balance, increase your range of motion, and improve cardiovascular health. The benefits of massage cannot be overstated, as you will simply feel fantastic afterward. You will enjoy and experience the feeling of being cared for, and the simple act of the touch of another creates another dimension of pleasure derived from the art of massage.
Take an hour, or more, and let the world stop spinning so fast for you and your loved ones. Make massage a part of your life and know that this is a step toward good health to be enjoyed completely, and without an ounce of guilt.