HERE'S WHY THE TIME-HONOURED PRACTICE OF MASSAGE IS SO BENEFICIAL

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

 

Experts say you need a massage. Here’s why this time-honored practice is so beneficial

BY ALLISON PALMER

AUGUST 13, 2024 4:11 PM

 

Massages may seem like a special way to spoil yourself once in a while. And while they are certainly luxurious, massage therapy is actually a time-honored practice that can offer you an array of physical and mental health benefits.

 

From reducing stress to improving sleep quality, massage can help transform your wellness routine. We asked experts to share their insights into the versatile benefits of massage, to hopefully inspire you to start exploring how it can help you feel your best everyday.

 

MASSAGE AWAY ANXIETY AND STRESS

 

Dr. Tom Ingegno, who specializes in acupuncture and Chinese medicine, highlights the significant impact of massage, noting that massage therapy can substantially reduce anxiety and improve quality of life across all demographics.

 

This effect is largely due to massage’s ability to activate the parasympathetic nervous system to put it in “rest and digest” mode. During this state, the body normalizes neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are the cornerstones of mood stabilization and stress reduction.

 

Adding to this, Dr. Haley Parker, an acupuncturist and herbalist and Director of Clinical Operations at VUIM Clinic, points out that regular massage therapy can significantly lower cortisol levels. Cortisol is the body’s primary stress hormone, so this reduction not only promotes a sense of calm but also leads to an overall improvement in mental clarity and emotional stability.

 

The tactile sensation of massage encourages a deeper connection between the mind and body. Your overall emotional well-being will gain as much from a massage as your muscles.

 

POST-MASSAGE SLEEP CAN’T BE BEAT

 

Sleep difficulties are another common struggle that can be supported with regular massage. Ingegno referenced a 2016 study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science, which suggests that massage can improve sleep quality, particularly in postmenopausal women. In addition to better sleep, massage also helps alleviate joint pain and persistent fatigue, which are challenges for many people as they get older.

 

Parker supports the validity of this benefit, emphasizing that massage therapy can regulate sleep patterns by increasing feelings of relaxation and reducing insomnia. Sleep has an enormous impact on mental and physical health, making massage an essential tool for those battling with poor sleep quality.

 

ALL-NATURAL PAIN RELIEF

 

When it comes to how you physically feel in your body, massage therapy shines as a natural remedy for pain. Parker elaborates on this, telling us that regular massage can improve conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia and lower back pain by promoting blood flow and reducing muscle tension. This pain relief is achieved without the need for medication, making massage an ideal option for anyone seeking natural therapies.

 

Plus, Ingegno notes that massage therapy’s ability to lower cortisol while increasing serotonin and dopamine levels is closely linked to its pain-relieving effects. This connection underscores the dual benefits of massage for both physical pain and mental health.

 

COMBINE WITH ACUPUNCTURE FOR HOLISTIC HEALTH

 

For an even more holistic approach to health, Parker recommends combining massage therapy with acupuncture. “The acupuncture unlocks the body, and the massage stretches it all out,” she explains. This pairing not only aids in pain management but also improves circulation and energy flow.

 

Acupuncture, a cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine, targets specific points on the body to balance energy and is centered around healing. When combined with massage, these techniques address both the physical and energetic aspects of health, providing more effective and longer-lasting relief from pain and stress.

 

THE ROLE OF MASSAGE IN TRAUMA RECOVERY

 

Rachel Totten, an EMDR counselor, discussed the importance of massage in trauma recovery and emotional well-being. For clients who have experienced trauma, she told us there is often a disconnect between the mind and body. This disconnection can be a barrier when processing traumatic memories, as the body and mind are not in sync.

 

Totten recommends incorporating bodywork, such as massage, alongside therapy to help clients build positive memory networks around safe and healthy touch.

 

This approach gives clients control over how they want to experience touch with their massage therapist.

 

Totten also notes that massages can help clients experience true relaxation, which is often challenging for those living with trauma. By developing a trusting relationship with their massage therapist, clients can experience safe, healing and positive touch, helping to rewire the neurophysiology of the body and integrate the memory network with positive experiences.

 

ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF MASSAGE OUTSIDE THE SPA

 

While a spa day is a great way to treat yourself, you don’t always need to travel far or spend hundreds of dollars to access the benefits of massage therapy.

 

In fact, you can incorporate massage into your daily routine right from the comfort of home.

 

In order to personalize your massage journey, you might consider working with an individual massage therapist who can tailor sessions to your specific needs. You can even find therapists who offer house calls, bringing the experience directly to you. Do some research and schedule consultations to find the best fit for your needs.

 

If you’re dealing with a specific injury or chronic pain, a physical therapist can integrate massage into your treatment plan. This approach is particularly effective for addressing issues like arthritis, back pain or recovery from surgery.

 

Self-massage is a useful skill to add to your wellness repertoire. With a bit of practice, you can learn effective techniques to relieve tension and improve circulation in your body everyday. Self-massage is especially beneficial for targeting common problem areas like the neck, shoulders, and feet.

 

There are a lots of tools designed to help you — foam rollers are excellent for releasing muscle tightness and massage guns can provide deep tissue relief.

 

Other tools like massage balls or even simple wooden rollers can be used to pinpoint specific areas, offering quick relief from tension and pain.

 

Massage therapy offers a wealth of physical and mental health benefits — it’s easy to see how this time-honored practice can be a powerful tool on your wellness journey. Whether you’re looking to relieve stress, improve sleep, or simply enjoy the therapeutic touch, regular massage can be a key component of your healthy lifestyle regardless.

 

*This article contains general health information and is intended for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider if you have medical questions and before making any decisions or changes related to your health.