Why do people go for massages? It would seem that the answer is simple: they are driven by the desire to achieve an aesthetic (figure correction) or therapeutic (for example, in the treatment of intervertebral hernia) effect. But, as it turned out, in recent years, a third reason has come to the fore. The ability to relax and forget about problems for a while. Today we will analyse in the article what kind of health problems massage will solve.
Massage boosts happiness hormones
In the language of science, stress is a set of adaptive responses of the body to the impact of out-of-order factors. Nature invented physiological stress to provide us with superpowers, namely the release of adrenaline in a stressful situation. Coping with chronic stress is difficult even if you go on vacation to hot countries. Therefore, in combination with any rest, it is recommended to regularly go for a massage. Even if you are on vacation in the distant and hot UAE, you can always have the opportunity to go for a deep tissue massage Abu Dhabi.
According to studies, massage reduces the level of adrenaline and norepinephrine (the same stress hormones) and increases the level of happiness hormones (dopamine and serotonin) by 30%. Serotonin helps to maintain a balanced state, and the increase in dopamine levels makes us more productive and focused. In addition, some studies prove the positive effect of massage on the level of endorphins. With a deep study of tissues – by about 16%. These neurotransmitters help you feel relaxed or euphoric.
What is the effect of massage on the nervous system?
Both the peripheral and central nervous systems are affected by massage. The nervous system is the first to react to mechanical irritability when rubbing the skin. Many nerve-end organs that are sensitive to pressure, touch, and different temperature stimuli simultaneously send a continuous stream of impulses to the central nervous system. Massage causes impulses to emerge in the skin, muscles, and joints, which excite the cerebral cortex’s motor cells and increase the activity of the associated regions.
The beneficial effects of massaging the neuromuscular system vary depending on the technique used (massage therapist pressure, length of time, etc.), and they manifest an increase in the frequency of muscle contraction and relaxation as well as in skin-muscular sensitivity. Massage increases blood flow. It then causes the blood flow to the nerve centres and peripheral nerve forms to improve.
According to the results of experimental investigations, constant massaging of injured tissues helps the wounded nerve heal more quickly. The effects of massage include axon development acceleration, a reduction in the creation of scar tissue, and absorption of decay byproducts. Moreover, massage treatments aid in improving neuron excitability, reducing pain sensitivity, and conducting nerve impulses along the nerve. An example of this is those from a medical massage therapy school.
Positive effect on the emotional state
A small child is surrounded by care, attention, and affection. However, as they grow older, such manifestations of emotions become less and less. The body gradually begins to “miss” the missed tactile sensations. A society in which a vivid expression of feelings is not accepted also contributes its share to the formation of psycho-emotional stress.
Gradually, unprocessed emotions accumulate, which negatively affects the body. The hormones formed in this or that situation, not finding a way out, attack the internal organs. As a result, chronic diseases appear. The cardiovascular system, as well as muscles and joints, are most quickly affected. Then the nervous, digestive, and some other systems respond with a number of psychosomatic diseases. The most effective and very pleasant way to avoid such problems is to relieve emotional and muscular tension with the help of therapeutic massage.
Massage – the way to self-confidence
Self-confidence and self-esteem can be developed, and one way to achieve this goal is through massage! Many people know that massage is good for the body, but there is much less information about its benefits for the human psyche.
Regular facial massage gives it a healthy, youthful appearance, smoothes wrinkles, and helps get rid of post-acne. Skin and health problems often negatively affect self-esteem. By solving the problem with the skin, you will solve the internal problems. In addition, regular massage helps to reduce weight, normalize blood pressure and overcome bad habits. All this can make a significant contribution to the formation of a positive image of oneself and the strengthening of self-confidence.
Massage for posttraumatic stress disorder
This severe mental condition develops due to a powerful negative impact on the psyche of a person, for example, when he finds himself in a frightening, shocking or life-threatening situation. PTSD develops in people who have survived wars, and natural disasters, are victims of attacks, and violence, or who have been in terrible accidents. Of course, all these examples can cause a very deep and severe disorder in a person, but sometimes less serious circumstances are enough – PTSD in various forms can develop if a person cannot find the strength to cope with an event that is difficult for him, no matter how it was not.
Posttraumatic stress disorder has an extremely negative impact on a person’s quality of life. Fortunately, Western doctors have done a lot of research on PTSD and found that massage is one of the most effective means of dealing with it. During the session, the massage therapist works out the client’s tense muscles, trigger points, ligaments, and tendons. This will help to cope with the physical causes of the pain experienced by a person with PTSD. The most important effect of massage for the treatment of PTSD is the general relaxation of the whole body, which ultimately helps to restore normal sequences of sleep phases, make it deeper and healthier, get rid of nightmares, and pain, and, most importantly, start thinking positively.
Adam Mulligan, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
