8 Surprising Benefits of a Full Body Massage

Aching and stiff back, shoulder, and neck muscles are the main reasons most people seek a body massage. But did you know Balinese body massage at Cantik Massage is used in many alternative medicine practices to address various conditions? From reducing pain and stress to fighting depression, there are plenty of benefits to having regular massages.

Read to learn the eight surprising health benefits of a full body massage.

Reduces Chronic Pain

Massage breaks up the pain cycle. Stimuli that have the potential to cause damage to tissues are what causes the sensation of pain. The brain receives pain signals via the central nervous system. Massage sends the brain completely different signals to alleviate pain.

A full body massage releases endorphins, chemicals that make you feel happy. Massage therapy reduces pain and increases mobility for those with back issues. It can also help lower blood pressure by causing dilation to blood vessels and reduce muscle tension in people with chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia and arthritis.

Improves Sleep Quality

It helps reduce stress by lowering cortisol levels and increasing the feel-good neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, improving and stabilizing mental and emotional health. This method serves a dual purpose: promoting deep relaxation and improving quality sleep.

 For example, 60  patients with adult acute leukemia and their nurses were under observation for over four weeks. Patients got assigned to the intervention group or control group. The patients in the intervention group were given slow-stroke back massages for 30 minutes every week. Both groups described their levels of discomfort, tiredness, and sleep disorder.

Patients with three weekly slow-stroke back massages reported less pain and weariness. They also noticed an improvement in sleep quality.

It Boosts the Immune System

Clinical studies have shown that regular massage improves the body’s immunological function by reducing the number of T cells and increasing the immune system’s inherent ability to kill specific types of cells.

For example, twenty HIV-positive males participated in a trial, each receiving five 45-minute massages weekly for one month. Their serotonin and the cells that form the immune system’s first line of defense against infection were higher in the participants.

Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Massage reduces stress levels by increasing serotonin by 28% and dopamine production by 21% in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that makes us feel happy, while dopamine causes us to experience a pleasure. These hormones also help balance our moods by inhibiting cortisol production. When cortisol levels reduce by 31%, you feel less anxious.

A full body massage leaves you feeling relaxed and refreshed and helps you feel less stressed at work by improving your attitude, performance, and productivity.

Increases Lymphatic Flow

The increased circulation that comes from a massage helps clear toxins from the body, which can help you feel better overall. The lymphatic system is responsible for clearing waste products from your tissues; when it’s not working correctly, it can cause swelling in the extremities or other body parts. Massage helps move lymph fluid around to eliminate toxins from your body correctly.

Refresh Your Skin

When you receive an entire-body massage, your skin will feel rejuvenated and smooth. During a full-body massage, the masseuse’s pressure and the oil applied to your body helps stimulate blood flow, which can help keep the skin hydrated and healthy.

A Healthy Heart

Massage increases the release of endorphins, a hormone that brings happiness. When you get a full-body massage, the pressure applied to your muscles increases the blood flow to those areas. This increased blood flow helps remove waste products from your muscles, improving muscle function and leading to more efficient exercise. The increased blood flow also improves nutrient delivery to the cells and helps regenerate new muscle cells.

The extra blood flow also reduces inflammation because the heart pumps blood without extra strain. It helps lower your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Improves Digestion

Abdominal massage may ease tension in the abdominal muscles. It, in turn, promotes digestive activity and eases constipation.

For example, sixty persons with constipation were involved and randomly assigned to two groups. Both groups followed their recommended regimens, but the intervention group underwent abdominal massage and laxatives. The Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rating evaluated gastrointestinal health and function thrice: at the start,  week four, and eight. Massage of the abdomen improves gastrointestinal health.

Not only can massages ease muscle tension, but they also relieve stress and anxiety. Massages reduce pain and blood pressure and even decrease your chance of getting sick! Studies have also shown that full-body massage can help mobilize lymphatic fluids, increase blood circulation, and even help your hormonal system by encouraging endorphin and oxytocin release.

---