Ask a random person on the street what the point of a massage is, and most of them will say it’s to loosen up knotted and tensed muscles. This is absolutely correct, but there are many other health benefits that come from Massage Therapy and Bodywork. Everything from hypertension to physical functioning and circulation is improved through massage.
Lower Blood Pressure
One may wonder how and why massage therapy reduces high blood pressure. Quite often people are under the impression that high blood pressure is linked only to bad dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles. However, there are many other causes such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Massage not only melts away the tightness in one’s muscles, but it has also been proven to reduce symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression. Reduce a person’s depression, anxiety, or stress and their blood pressure will drop to normal levels.
Improve Musculoskeletal Function
The mammalian body is a marvel of nature. However, when things go haywire, there is a trickle down effect. For example, if the muscles along one’s spine are knotted up and tight, this causes the spine to become misaligned. A misaligned spine puts a tremendous amount of pressure on the central nervous system, and the central nervous system is responsible for almost every bodily function. By getting knotted muscles massaged, the spine then has the ability to realign itself, thereby restoring optimal function of the central nervous system.
Improve Blood Flow
Massage Therapy and Bodywork also improves blood flow. This is beneficial for a couple of reasons. For one, it is very good for the skin. Fresh blood brings vital nutrients and oxygen to the dermis, thereby healing acne and blemishes. Secondly, improved blood flow is beneficial to the health of one’s muscle. Overworked, underused and generally hypertonic (stiff) muscles are full of toxins and metabolic waste. Massage therapy acts as a pump for the muscles by loosening them up, clearing waste out, and bringing fresh blood in.
Massage therapy is one of the best things a person can do for their body. The benefits are numerous and will be felt after just one session. It is a safe and natural, holistic approach that is completely backed by decades of scientific research.
