Massage has been used for medical purposes since ancient times, but even today, it is said this procedure can only be a pleasant pastime and not a means to get rid of pain. What is the magical power of stroking, rubbing, and kneading? How can they bring us back the joy of life?
What is massage therapy?
Massage is a set of mechanical and reflex action techniques on soft tissues and organs. It is performed with a therapeutic purpose, making it possible to prevent or reduce pain, spasms, tension, and stress. Besides, the procedure can favorably affect the immune system and improve general well-being and mood. The masseuse can carry out the process directly with his hands or use devices creating a vibration on the body and providing a deeper kneading. Here you can learn more about massage techniques and their benefits, as well as the massagers for self-massage.
How Massage Relieves Pain
Massage is often part of a set of measures for treating many diseases. It allows for activation of the body’s natural forces and is an effective method of relieving pain and stress, which usually go hand in hand. When you’re on a massage table, various responses in your body occur. Let’s consider the most crucial of them:
1. Stress relief
The nervous system responds to a pleasant touch and calms down. In this state, the heart rate decreases, blood pressure drops, we begin to breathe more slowly, our muscles relax, and fewer stress hormones are produced. Instead, the level of serotonin, responsible for a positive mood, might rise. And who is ready to argue with the hypothesis that a body without stress is a healthy body?
2. Improvement of blood and lymph circulation
The soft tissues need oxygen and nutrients, and this mechanical response provides faster nourishment to them. Fed cells work better. In particular, they can more effectively release toxins and absorb excess fluid, which decreases swelling.
3. Relaxation of painful muscles
A tight, spasmed muscle might compress nerves and interfere them from functioning properly, causing pain. Proper massage might relax muscle tissue, reduce painful contractions and nerve compression, and relieve pain. In addition, massage can provoke the production of endorphins, which work as an analgesic.
4. Effect on internal organs
Everything in our body is interconnected. Internal organs have sheared neurological pain pathways and might mirror the pain of other body parts. For example, relieving tension in the lower back muscles through massage can cause a reduction in menstrual cramps.
5. Closing the gate of pain
Among the many types of nerves in our body are nociceptors. They transmit information about damaged tissues and pain to the brain, sharing neurological pathways with others. A massage therapist might stimulate nearby nerve fibers so that their signals reach the brain faster than pain messages from nociceptors.
Massage Is a Gift for Your Body
Massage can be both a procedure for relaxation and a savior that helps you feel better. Don’t put up with the pain! As soon as you feel the first symptoms, we recommend you immediately visit the doctor. A massage session is a great way to spend a pleasant time, rest, relax, and give your body a valuable gift.
