There are few things more closely associated with relaxation than a massage, but how many of us know the actual benefits of getting one? And how many of us regularly have one? The benefits can be found largely due to the pressure applied to the body, which results in a calming effect due to the slowing of the nervous system. Positive effects from this incredible health aid have been documented from massages as little as 20 minutes long! These can range from massages for a specific or targeted purpose (such as a sports massage) to more general Swedish massages (which are the most common). We also offer a lava shell massage that has the added benefit of heat. Either way, it’s really important for us to know all of the fantastic benefits that a massage has to offer us!
Massage therapy
Massage is considered of the oldest traditions for healing in the world. A plethora of ancient peoples – including Chinese, Egyptians, Indians, and Ancient Greeks – were profoundly convinced of the therapeutic properties inherent in massage and used it to treat a range of ailments.
Massage therapy (including the use of myotherapy) is the practise of manipulating or kneading an individual’s soft-tissue and muscles in an effort to improve their health or wellbeing. It is considered a variation of manual therapy that can include moving, holding or applying pressure to certain tendons, muscles, fascia, and ligaments.
The actual term ‘massage therapy’ is consistently used to describe a variety of different techniques that can vary in the various manners in which pressure, intensity or touch can be applied.
Benefits to massage
One of the most immediate benefits to massage is the feeling of deep calm and relaxation that a user will inevitably experience. This will occur because massage can prompt the release of certain endorphins – the chemicals in the brain, called neurotransmitters, that produce amazing feelings of personal wellbeing.
The levels of someone’s stress hormones, including adrenaline, norepinephrine, and cortisol, are also drastically reduced. Studies have indicted that high levels of certain stress hormones will cause impairment of the immune system.
Some of the physical benefits we have noted from myotherapy and massage include:
- Improvement in circulation
- Reduction in muscular tension
- Stimulated lymphatic system
- Reduced stress hormones
- Sense of relaxation
- An increase in joint flexibility and mobility
- Improvement in skin tone
- Improvement in recovery of soft tissue-related injury
- Increase in mental alertness
- Reduction in anxiety and depression
Injury relief
If you are inflicted with joint pain or injury, you will probably have soft-tissue restrictions, causing trigger points of specific pain or knots. A massage therapist will work towards getting rid of these soft-tissue restrictions and subsequently increasing circulation in the body.
Restrictions can over time lead to issues such as ligament problems or joint decay, so by conducting an active massage on these areas, you not only help prevent your current injury, but also injuries that might occur later on. The important thing here is therefore to get an experienced massage therapist to treat your injury; here at Therapy by Sam Baggott, we already have that for you! Make sure you visit our website to find out more about anything beauty or health.
Sam Baggott is a fully qualified beauty therapist and Dermalogica skincare professional with many years of experience, who has been working with both men and women for many years in her salon in Gloucester. Offering a range of services and treatments, you’re sure to find something for you here at Therapy by Sam Baggott. If you would like a consultation and suggested treatments, then take a look at our website at https://therapybysambaggott.co.uk or give us a call on 01452 539 751.