Therapeutic Tulsa Massage involves the manipulation of soft tissues to reduce pain, improve circulation and increase flexibility. It is one of the most commonly used methods for controlling pain and stress.
Researchers speculate that massage interrupts the “pain loop” by stimulating large-diameter nerve fibers which relay inhibitory messages to the brain, thereby decreasing pain and stress levels.
Stress can be one of the most damaging factors in our health. If left unchecked it can lead to high blood pressure, weakened immune system and even mental health disorders like anxiety or depression. The good news is that massage can trigger the body’s natural “happy hormones,” releasing endorphins, serotonin and dopamine, all known to reduce stress. The kneading and stretching techniques used during a massage help to release tension in the muscles, which can ease the mind as well as the physical body.
The main effect of massage on stress is to switch off the sympathetic nervous system, which causes our ‘fight or flight’ reaction to stressful situations and instead activates the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for day-to-day bodily functions that lead to relaxation and rest. When this is switched on, it can slow down your heart rate, lower your blood pressure and decrease levels of cortisol, the primary stress hormone. This can also improve sleep, which is important to your overall health.
Studies have shown that just 10 minutes of massage or relaxation can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system. This is why it’s so beneficial to get regular massages, both to prevent stress and to alleviate existing symptoms.
A massage can also help to calm the peristaltic action of the digestive tract, which can often be over-stimulated when we are stressed. Over-stimulating this can cause irritable bowel syndrome, so a massage that includes massage of the stomach and digestive tract can be very beneficial to your overall health. In addition, a therapeutic massage can help to soothe and discourage the over-production of toxins in the body, which can also be a contributing factor to stress and fatigue.
Relieves Anxiety
People who get regular massages often report that it relieves anxiety and helps them relax. This makes sense because the primary uses of massage are to promote relaxation and treat painful muscular conditions, which can both help alleviate stress. Additionally, some research shows that massage can reduce the symptoms of anxiety, such as sleep disorders and pain.
Anxiety is characterized by feelings of fear and restlessness that may interfere with daily activities. The body’s normal reaction to anxiety is a heightened heart rate and increased blood pressure, but these reactions can become problematic when they occur frequently or are chronic. Massage can reduce the effects of anxiety by promoting the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural mood enhancers and pain killers. It also decreases cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone.
Many studies indicate that massage can reduce the symptoms of anxiety, and it is a popular complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapy. However, the effectiveness of therapeutic massage has never been rigorously evaluated for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
The soothing touch and calming fragrances used during a massage can be inherently relaxing, helping to calm the nervous system. This reduction in tension and anxiety is attributed to the physiological effects of massage, which include the release of endorphins, serotonin and dopamine, as well as decreased levels of cortisol.
The sedative effect of some massage techniques can be particularly helpful for patients with anxiety because the touch induces a feeling of safety and security, easing the mind’s worry and fears. It can also be combined with other calming therapies, such as meditation and yoga, to create a comprehensive stress management program. This type of holistic approach to health can help individuals find long-lasting relief from the symptoms of anxiety and stress.
Relieves Pain
Massage stimulates the autonomic nervous system and increases blood flow both of which cause an increase in feel good hormones called endorphins, serotonin and dopamine. These feel good hormones act to break down the cycle of stress, anxiety and pain and replace them with feelings of euphoria, happiness and enthusiasm.
In a number of studies, including the latest meta-analysis, massage has been shown to reduce pain intensity and improve quality of life in people with chronic back pain. The analysis found that massage significantly reduced the use of prescription pain medications and other healthcare services in the month after treatment, and had a positive impact on anxiety and mood.
When the body is in pain, the fight-or-flight response sets in which causes muscles to tighten around the area reducing movement and restricting blood circulation. This cycle of pain and restriction can continue to lead to deconditioning through reduced activity levels, increased stress, and a vicious circle of pain, anxiety and depression. Massage interrupts this cycle and releases the tension in the muscles thereby alleviating the pain and relieving stress and anxiety.
A number of theories exist as to how massage relieves pain. The gate control theory suggests that pain messages have to pass through a number of ‘gates’ within the nervous system before they can reach the brain. When these ‘gates’ close, other sensations take precedence over the pain signals which blocks the pain and stops it from reaching the brain. This also allows the body to re-establish normal movement patterns and improves range of motion. This is why a lot of athletes have regular massages to help prevent injury and speed up recovery time after workouts.
Increases Circulation
Poor circulation has a lot of negative effects on our bodies. It can cause muscle pain, weaken our immune system and even contribute to blood clots. Fortunately, there are many ways to improve circulation, and massage is one of them. Massage increases circulation through the physical manipulation of soft tissue and chemical release during the relaxation response. It also helps the body get rid of waste through excretion.
Our circulatory system consists of two parts: the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems. As nutrient-rich blood travels through capillaries, it carries with it waste from adjacent tissue cells. Fluid taken from the blood, called lymph, transports these wastes to the lymph nodes for filtering and then back into the cardiovascular system. Massage helps to stimulate the lymphatic system, increasing venous return, which in turn improves blood flow and boosts both circulation and immune function.
The squeezing and pulling action of massage techniques also improves circulation by improving the ability of the lymphatic system to drain metabolic waste from muscles. Massage also stimulates the circulatory system to deliver oxygen-rich blood to the muscles, which promotes cellular repair and growth.
Whether or not you suffer from poor circulation, it’s worth having regular massages to help keep your muscles, heart, skin, lungs and digestive system in tip-top shape. Just remember not to do too much right after your massage – it’s best to give yourself some time to relax and recover. But, do try and make time for a massage, especially if you’re feeling stressed, as it has some serious health benefits. And don’t forget to eat well, drink plenty of water and exercise regularly! These habits will further boost your health.
Increases Sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep is critical to your health. Lack of sleep can cause serious problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and depression. Massage has been found to improve sleep by reducing stress, muscle tension and anxiety. It can also help relieve pain and reduce the symptoms of sleep disorders, such as insomnia and restless leg syndrome.
Massage stimulates the body’s natural production of endorphins, which act as the brain’s natural painkillers and mood elevators. It is also known to lower cortisol levels, which can lead to fatigue, and increase serotonin and dopamine, which can relax the body and mind. Research shows that massage increases melatonin, which is the hormone that regulates the sleep and wake cycle.
In a study, women with perimenopausal insomnia who received regular massages showed improvement in their sleep patterns when measured with polysomnography. They also reported less fatigue and more life satisfaction.
When receiving a massage for sleep, it is important to make sure the technique is appropriate for your needs. You may want to avoid techniques that include intense pressure or work on areas of the body that are injured or sore. It is also important to plan your massage at a time that allows you to fully enjoy it. Avoid scheduling an important meeting or children’s playdate immediately following a massage. Instead, treat it as a wind-down activity that will allow your body to absorb its benefits.
To get the most out of your massage for sleep, incorporate it into a routine that includes other relaxation activities, such as deep breathing exercises or meditation. Adding these techniques to your massage will help you get the restful sleep you need to feel healthy and happy.
