While the latter is really a question for medical researchers, the existing evidence indicates that, for a range of health conditions, it does. Some studies on preterm infants have even shown massage can promote vagus activity and markers of growth. Whether you can afford regular massages, or if you only have 5 minutes a day for some foam rolling, both should do you some good, Field says.
Contact us at letters time. By Markham Heid. Get our Health Newsletter. Sign up to receive the latest health and science news, plus answers to wellness questions and expert tips. Please enter a valid email address. Try using essential oils at home by drizzling your favorite into a bath or adding it to your unscented body lotion. As the oil combines with the hot water or the heat of your skin, its scent intensifies.
And your mind gets a bit of a clean sweep as well. Researchers have found that just a minute rubdown can help you to think more clearly and improve your alertness. Your Awareness Shifts As you settle onto the massage table, remaining still, you can focus on the rhythm of your own breath, quieting your mind and letting your thoughts pass by. Enhances immunity. Regular massage can increase the immune system's cytotoxic capacity, which fights disease.
It can also decrease the number of T-cells, which improves immune functioning overall. Relieves tension-related headaches. Improves heart health. Consistent massage therapy has been shown to decrease blood pressure, which can reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Massage therapy pushes venous blood to the heart, reducing the strain on the heart. Heals injuries. Deep massage : Incorporates slower, more-powerful rubbing to penetrate to deeper muscle and connective tissue layers. This method is commonly used for athletes recovering from injury. Other supporting evidence shows massage lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
Lowers inflammation : The gene expression level study shows how this works after exercise. This might mean people who experience muscle inflammation for other reasons might benefit from massage too. Helps low back and arthritis pain : Everybody knows massage reduces muscle pain but did you know the benefits can last up to six months? Also, a Yale University study discovered that massage could help reduce knee arthritis pain. Reduces chronic pain : One study showed that massage helped chronic pain sufferers where other therapies had failed to improve symptoms.
Improves relaxation : Another reason why massage helps relaxation is related to sleep. According to research, deep sleep delta waves are increased during a massage. Fights infection : A Cedars-Sinai Medical Center showed that massage affects white blood cell counts, cortisol levels and cytokine levels, all of which help boost immune system function. Prevents migraines : Massage therapy can lead to fewer distress symptoms, less pain, more headache-free days and fewer sleep problems.
Some of this might be due to an increase in serotonin levels. Reduces blood pressure : In one study, adults who had been diagnosed as hypertensive received 10 minute massage sessions over five weeks.
During the study, participant blood pressure decreased. Helps pregnancy : A research study reported that for pregnant women, massage helped improve mood and sleep while decreasing back pain. Can Massage Make You Superhuman? Can Massage Be Harmful?
In the rare event of more serious adverse effects, massage can lead to: New musculoskeletal or organ injuries Worsening of existing injuries and chronic pain problems Delayed medical care for some illnesses Nerve damage Again, harm due to massage is very rare, but there have also been reports of neck damage after a massage session.
Other Rare Massage-related Injuries Stretching injuries : Stretch is sometimes used by massage therapists. Although mostly safe, it can lead to muscle strain or tear. Fractures : Although extremely rare, broken bones are not unheard of with deep tissue or vigorous massage.
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