The Psychological Benefits of Massage

 

People get massages for a number of reasons – they feel good after it, it helps them to relax, to ease pains caused by injury or lifestyle and so on. What many who love their massages do not realize is the psychological benefits that they derive from it. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), a major benefit of massage is its ability to provide mental relaxation and stress relief. There is a direct connection between the body and the mind. That is why when we are under mental stress, our bodies lack energy and strength. And when we are physically worn out, our ability to concentrate and focus is reduced. A professional massage therapist knows how to use massage to benefit both the mind and body.

Anxiety Improvement

Fear, worry and the anticipation of distressing situations all cause the body to become stressed. Adrenalin production increases and blood pressure rises. Research done by NCCAM shows that massage can help reduce stress by lowering the blood pressure and heartrate and controlling the production of adrenalin. Over time, continuous massage therapy can help fight off the original causes of the anxiety and restore balance to the metabolism.

Mood Improvement

Endorphins and serotonin are natural hormones that, when released into the body, work to elevate the mood and create a positive attitude. Massage stimulates the production of these hormones. It can also help in the production of pain blocking hormones and so reduce the chronic pain caused by some medical conditions. Studies done by the University of Maryland Medical Center reports that massage can relieve the feelings of depression that people with chronic illness often feel.

Increased Relaxation

The feeling of relaxation and calmness that comes from a good massage lasts long. This allows the mind to function freely, without the need to react to stresses of the body. In this state, creativity and a positive thought process are enhanced, leading to a more productive attitude to life and enhanced psychological wellbeing.

Increased Energy

The feeling of increased physical energy that comes with a massage reflects on improved levels of concentration and mental acuity that the mind is able to achieve. That is why a number of organizations are promoting the use of massage in workplace – to help productivity and output.

Ensure You Get the Right Massage

There are various different types of massage that are available. They all have their good points but Thai massage is the firm favorite among those who want the maximum physical and psychological benefits from one.  If you have had a Thai massage before, there is no need to say more. And if you have not, you need to try it. The way you feel after it will tell you all you need to know about why it is so good. Remember that amateur massages will never be able to offer the kind of wellbeing that comes from a professional massage. For that, you should go to a spa that offers massages from Certified Massage Therapists.

Massage Therapy Is Not Just a Luxury, Anymore

One of the main reasons why people go for massage is for the feeling of relaxation, reduction of tension and peace that comes from it. While these are all good, there is more value to a massage. It is defined as “systematic therapeutic stroking or kneading of the body.” In other words, massage is a therapy. And therapy means “healing.” There are various types of massage to choose from but the growing popularity of Thai massage and its scientific approach to health and well-being means it is one to actively consider when choosing a massage that will bring the most benefits.

Thai Massage for Health

A good massage does cost money. But what you are spending on is not a luxury but a way to stay healthy and alleviating the symptoms of various muscular conditions. Massage is the application of controlled pressure on the muscles, tissues and joints of the body. This is done with the use of fingers, hands, elbows and even feet, depending on the type of massage being done. At times, special instruments maybe used to apply the pressure. The key to a good massage is an understanding of the specific health issues that a person is suffering from so that those areas of the body may be given focused attention. The other is, knowing what type of pressure to apply, how much to be applied and for how long. The danger with amateur massage, no matter how well-meaning, is that the knowledge required to maximize the benefits is missing. Not only will this lead to the less than optimum benefits, it could also cause injury or make an existing condition worse.

Among the many benefits of professional massage are:

• Pain reduction
• Improved blood circulation
• Reduction in inflammation
• Releasing of restricted muscles to correct posture problems
• Improved mobility of the joints
• Release of toxins from muscles tissue
• Reduction of tension in the muscles
• Stress relief
• Increased energy
• Faster recovery from sports and other injuries
• Improved suppleness of scar tissue leading to more freedom of movement
• And more

Professional Massage Is Best

It’s nice to get a foot, back or shoulder rub from a friend or partner. It helps to take away the tensions that accumulate during the day. But that is all it is – a way of feeling better for a short time and reducing minor aches and pains. To get the full benefits of massage, you need to have it done by a certified massage therapist as a proper spa. Making Thai massage a part of your life is not a luxury, it is a way of attaining a level of wellness that will improve the quality of life. A good professional massage is not as expensive as you may think. And the money you are spending is not just for yourself. The better you feel, the more you can contribute to the lives of those who are important to you.

Thai Massage vs Swedish Massage

Adult or child, everyone loves a massage. What is important is getting the type of massage that provides the results you are looking for. There are two popular massage therapy options – Swedish massage and Thai massage.  Knowing the difference between them will enable you to make the right and most benefiting choice between the two.

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is based on the Western understanding of physiology and anatomy. The aim is to promote relaxation and, in specific instances, healing of the body. It uses six main techniques - stroking, gliding, kneading, rubbing, pounding and shaking. These are applied in various combinations, depending on the results that are aimed for. Oils and lotions are used to soothe the skin and increase the effectiveness of the massage. Because of this, the client is normally required to be undressed and wear only a towel. The client lies on a special massage table while the masseuse works on the body. The client lies either on the stomach or back and little change of position is required.  It is an established system of massage and, when done by a professional, can produce good results.

Thai Massage

Thai massage is based on the Eastern understanding of anatomy. While many of the techniques used are similar to those of Swedish massage, the Thai system also uses acupressure points in the body to stretch and loosen up muscles and relieve joint tension. A technique of blocking blood flow to specific parts of the body for a few seconds is also used. When the pressure is released, the flow of blood enhances the effect of the massage. During a Thai massage the client may change his or her position multiple times. This is done to allow the massage to focus on specific areas and thus increase its effectiveness and improve the flexibility of the body. Since oils and lotions are not essential to the Thai massage, the client may, if so desired, remain fully, or at least partially clothed. A special massage table can be used, but it is not essential. The massage can be given on a mat or even while sitting in a chair. Thai massage is often referred to a “lazy yoga” because the client is placed in yoga like positions (the benefits of yoga are part of the massage) without the need to make any direct physical effort.

Which One Is For You?

Both systems have their advantages. Swedish massage is aimed primarily at relieving muscular and joint tension in the body. Thai massage incorporates this but goes further in that its aim is also to promote inner peace and tranquility. The eastern philosophy places great importance on the strong connection between the mind and body and the Thai system works to relax the mind by relaxing the body. Research proves that a calm peaceful mental state helps in relaxing the body and in treating physical problems and making the recovery faster. Before beginning a massage a Thai massage therapist will usually start with a prayer that enables the masseuse to focus clearly on the needs of the client and maximize the relaxation and healing that the massage produces.

If you have not had a Thai massage from a certified massage therapist, you are missing out on an experience that can help you feel rejuvenated, both physically and mentally.

Children Benefit From Massages

Touch is the first sense to develop in human beings. A newborn is able to see, hear and smell his/her surroundings but unable to interpret what the inputs are. Touch, however is different. A mother’s touch is, from the first moment it happens, a soothing and calming experience which starts the bonding process and enables the love to grow. As a child matures, touch remains a constant imperative in physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Child massage is a common practice in many Eastern and African cultures. It is used to soothe, relax and heal the children and by doing so, promote their overall health and growth.

Children Suffer From Stress

Stress is happened on an adult also is the big problem hidden on children too. Starting school or going to a new class, moving to a new home, managing difficult subjects, coping with family problems (even if not fully understood) and peer pressure are just some of the stressful situations which children are faced with. While these may seem to be relatively minor issues to an adult, for children, who are not yet equipped to deal with them, they are major problems. The relaxation that comes from a massage helps them to cope with the stress and take a more positive attitude to the challenges they face.

Relaxation and Physical Development

Stress has a serious impact on the physical wellbeing of children. Many studies have shown that if stress levels remain consistently high, it causes a number of hormones to be released. One of them, Cortisol, has the effect of destroying the metabolism’s immune cells that fight disease and tumors. Over time, this can affect the overall functioning of the immune system and leave a child more prone to sickness and general ill health. This is another area where massage plays an important role by controlling stress. Additionally, massage can help a child recover faster from the sports and play-related injuries that are an integral part of growing up. 

Improved Performance and Behavior

Research shows that after a 15 minute massage, children perform better on tests and show increased levels of manual dexterity. They also sleep better and are less likely to be overactive and badly behaved. Teenagers, going through the pain and confusion of adolescence and the problems caused by hormonal changes can benefit greatly from the relaxation that massage offers.

Children Are Special

Because a child’s body is growing and developing, it is easy to over stimulate it through massage. If this happens, it can do more harm than good. Regular massages from a licensed massage therapist will ensure that the massage is done the right way, for the right amount of time, to give the child the maximum benefits from the treatment. Massage is not just a panacea to help in relieving pain and injury problems. It is a way to stimulating the child’s body to allow for the correct growth, development and proper blood circulation. Many children experience “Growing Pains” in their legs. One of the best and suggested treatments for “Growing Pains” is massaging the legs of the child experiencing such pain. Nuad Thai massage provided by a licensed massage therapist, will provide the much needed relief that your child needs.