Do Massages Have Real Health Benefits?

Massages offer numerous benefits, from relieving stress and aches to relieving muscle pain and aiding certain health conditions. There's no reason not to give them a try - there's just so much potential!

Studies have suggested that massage has numerous health benefits; however, there remains some controversy as to whether they actually work.

Relieves Muscle Soreness

After a 10-minute muscle massage after working out, research has demonstrated that stretching can reduce muscle soreness by 30% - great news for fitness buffs who often experience delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).

Exercise-induced soreness is a common phenomenon that occurs as your muscles repair from microtears, leading to stronger bonds between them. Typically, DOMS will subside after some rest and may go away completely after several days of rest.

Researchers have observed that massage increases the production of mitochondria, or powerhouses within your cells that create energy at a cellular level. This is especially true if you're exercising for prolonged periods, such as with endurance training.

This boost of energy allows you to draw more oxygen from the blood and repair muscle tissue more quickly. Furthermore, erotic massage in Marylebone helps reduce lactic acid build-up - often the first sign of soreness - which could explain why massage seems to be so beneficial for both muscle recovery and growth! This discovery offers great hope that massage might have a role to play in both!

Reduces Stress

Stress is an unavoidable part of life; it helps us respond to situations and stay safe. But too much stress can have detrimental effects on our health.

Massage helps to reduce stress by slowing the heart rate and increasing blood flow. It also raises the temperature of muscles and soft tissues in the body.

This can increase the production of positive hormones such as endorphins, serotonin and dopamine in your body. These neurotransmitters help to alleviate stress, anxiety and depression.

Research has demonstrated that melatonin helps promote good sleep by relaxing the mind and decreasing hormones responsible for insomnia. Studies have also shown that it decreases cortisol, the stress hormone responsible for initiating the "fight or flight" response.

Improves Sleep

Massages can improve sleep by resetting your circadian rhythm. After receiving a massage, serotonin and melatonin are released by the body which helps to create an altered sleeping pattern.

The release of these hormones promotes sleep by inducing a sense of relaxation and serenity in the mind. Furthermore, they reduce feelings of stress or anxiety which can be precursors to insomnia.

If you struggle with insomnia, restless legs syndrome or need to adjust your sleep schedule, massage therapy could be the solution. The right type of massage can increase sleep duration and quality.

If you don't have time to visit a massage therapist, try doing some self-massage at home before bed. Start by massaging your upper back, then down towards the lower back with palms pressing gently downward. Continue this along arms and legs as well.

Reduces Blood Pressure

Massage may not be a cure-all for high blood pressure, but it can certainly help. Plus, getting a massage is an excellent way to unwind and reduce stress levels.

High blood pressure is a dangerous health condition that can lead to heart disease, kidney problems and stroke. Therefore, it's essential to get checked regularly and maintain good control of your pulse.

Exercise regularly, eat a nutritious diet, abstain from smoking and maintain an ideal weight. In addition to medications, many people find that regular massage programs can help lower blood pressure and cortisol stress hormone levels.

Research has demonstrated that classic massages can lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure, decrease salivary cortisol stress hormone levels, as well as reduce sources of depression, anxiety and hostility. Research has particularly indicated that back massages are highly effective at reducing high blood pressure.