The benefits of a massage go beyond relaxing your body. Massage has the power to lift your mood. Those who are under a lot of stress often feel depressed and anxious. They have trouble sleeping and focusing. They might even be unusually irritable. When stress takes its toll on your body, spa packages napa ca area because you can do wonders to help relieve it. Listed below are some reasons why a massage is beneficial for people under stress.
Reduces cortisol
Body massage, regardless of its type, can reduce cortisol levels. Cortisol, or stress hormone, is released when a person experiences intense stressful situations. When cortisol levels are high, a person experiences increased fear, pain, and anxiety. A sixty-minute body massage can reduce cortisol levels by 30%, while increasing serotonin, the body’s natural hormone to cope with stress and pain. Practicing self-massage and gentle yoga can also achieve similar effects.
Body massage also triggers the release of endorphins and serotonin. Both of these hormones reduce stress and boost a person’s mood. Additionally, massage reduces the production of cortisol, the “stress hormone.” High cortisol can lead to health problems like heart disease and depression. Regular body massages can help maintain healthy cortisol levels and promote happiness.
Lowers blood pressure
Studies have shown that regular massage therapy can reduce stress and protect the body from high blood pressure. Other stress-management techniques, such as yoga and meditation, have also been shown to reduce blood pressure. Regardless of whether you want to try a body massage to lower your blood pressure, consult your health care provider first. Self-treating can have serious consequences
According to a recent study, regular body massage significantly decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure in men and women suffering from hypertension. In fact, massage-like stroking of the abdominal area significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure in both males and females. The research also found that the effects lasted at least three days.
Lowers heart rate
A recent study by Maria Meier and her team of neuropsychology students found that a body massage can reduce the heart rate. This was achieved by increasing heart rate variability (HRV), which measures the variation between heartbeats. The researchers found that the participants who received a massage had increased HRV afterward, regardless of the type of massage they received. Whether a massage was done on the hands or the entire body is another matter, but the results are consistent.
Despite the apparent benefits of a massage, there are some risks involved as well. Among these is the possibility of developing high blood pressure or heart disease. Regular massage can help alleviate these risks. A massage can also help keep muscles from cramping. It can also improve the function of organs and promote skin health. It’s important to include massage as part of your overall health regimen. A body massage can lower heart rate and blood pressure, as well as other vital signs of stress.
Helps with injury recovery
A body massage has many benefits, including aiding injury recovery. A massage breaks down scar tissue, which the body creates to protect itself. In normal tissue, collagen fibres are parallel, allowing for smooth contraction and good flexibility. However, after an injury, the body produces excess collagen, which is a barrier to protect itself, but reduces flexibility and structural organisation. When these fibres become too tense, the tissue loses its flexibility and pain can occur.
In addition to injury recovery, massage also improves psychological health. Massage helps athletes perform at their peak level by enhancing mental clarity and lowering stress levels. A relaxed athlete is a more effective competitor than one with a tense mind. A body massage improves circulation and lymph fluid flow, speeds up the recovery process of injured muscles, and reduces spasms and cramps. While many massage therapies have been linked to psychological benefits, some are more important than others.
Helps with sleep
A body massage relieves stress by releasing a compound known as serotonin, which aids in relaxation. When our bodies are tense, we produce a hormone called cortisol, which is harmful to our health and can cause weight gain, digestive problems, and headaches. Massage therapy reduces cortisol levels and releases serotonin, which helps us fall asleep and improve our mood.
Massage also increases serotonin levels, which helps regulate our body’s sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin is produced when we fall asleep and decreases when we wake up. It’s unclear how a massage increases serotonin levels, but it helps people with insomnia get a better night’s sleep. Although it’s hard to implement, studies have shown that it can help people suffering from sleep disorders.