Improving mental health: Massage therapies for mental wellness

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Most people know that massage therapy is a useful way to get rid of muscle soreness and certain sport injuries. However, less people know about its mental health benefits.

During a massage, mood-enhancing chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin are stimulated because the nerve cell receptors underneath the skin are pushed. In addition, massage encourages the release of endorphins, which give the body a feeling of tranquility.

A study published in Support Care Cancer Science a couple of years ago shows how receiving massage therapy can help in the treatment of depression. The study reported that participants in the study, who are breast cancer patients, experienced reduction in depression and anxiety after receiving half an hour of massage therapies weekly for five consecutive weeks.

Moreover, Taiwanese researchers have conducted a meta-analysis of 17 studies that shows how massage therapy alleviates symptoms of depression. Science shows the link between depression and low levels of serotonin. Since massage stimulates serotonin production, it helps in treating patients with depression. Although there is no definite cure for depression, massage therapies can aid people’s coping mechanisms.

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Massage also improves the sleep quality of people suffering from insomnia. The participants in a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine reported experiencing an improved quality of sleep after a massage therapy.

Other studies suggest that receiving massage also helps in treating addictions, extreme negative feelings, and obsessions. After a great massage session, an individual should expect feeling of bliss, clarity of mind, reduced stress level, and increased energy and rational thinking.

Massage Envy Spa provides a wide variety of massage and spa services that include maximum therapeutic relief. It has over 900 clinics throughout the U.S. For more information on the benefits of massage therapy, follow this Facebook page.

Bodybuilders improve results with regular deep tissue massages

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Serious weightlifters understand the importance of deep tissue massage in their training programs. It is untrue that bodybuilding only involves strenuous activity. Medical research has shown that the recovery process in a weightlifter’s program is just as important as the exercise. There are many options for soft-tissue treatment, but massage therapy is the most favored method. These procedures are used to speed up the recovery of torn muscles and ligaments following heavy single workouts, high-intensity cycles, or competitions.

Remember that bodybuilding or any form of exercise is inherently the damaging of muscles, with the body renewing itself so that when faced with the same stimuli (e.g. the same weight or form of exertion), the person will not experience pain or fall short of the challenge. This is why many exercise programs are particular about resting in between intense workouts. The body must be allowed to heal. Deep tissue massages hasten this process. It also plays a significant role in the prevention of injury – particularly those that might arise from overuse or overload. Massages increase the health of body’s internal tissues by improving the circulation of nutrients and blood while simultaneously flushing out toxins. Deep tissue massages also help release tension and pressure buildup in the muscles, which allow the muscles to stretch lengthwise and sideways for a more natural flow of circulation.

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The frequency of massages should be dependent on how often the bodybuilder exercises, but typically should be done one every two weeks at the very least. This, of course, varies per individual and should be discussed with a personal trainer or medical professional for better and more optimized results.

Massage therapies extend to more than just recreational purposes. There are medical benefits that can be found as well. Find out more by following this Massage Envy Twitter account.