Getting a full-body massage is an experience like no other. Beyond just relaxing, it's a refreshing and stimulating process that focuses on all elements of your wellbeing: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. And because each person's needs are unique, massage therapists adapt the style according to your preference (such as firm pressure or lighter strokes). They may incorporate any number of additional modalities.
A full body massage incorporates kneading, stroking, and friction to work your muscles and calm your nervous system. It can also incorporate sound therapy, aromatherapy, and other techniques to promote your wellbeing. Hence, massage
Studies have shown that massage has many psychological and physiological benefits. Some perks of entire body massage therapy include:
During a massage, your nervous system releases hormones called endorphins, which contribute to feelings of relaxation and well-being. Most people relax, feeling content and sleepy after getting a massage or having their pressure points stimulated.
The human body contains about 650 muscles. When you get a massage, many of these muscles are compressed and stretched by the therapist's hands, elbows, or tools. This relaxes and normalizes the soft tissue, reducing scar tissue, decreasing fluid retention, and relieving pain.
A licensed massage therapist uses various strokes and techniques that lengthen or compress muscles at different speeds. This helps improve blood flow to the area, which leads to significant health benefits for your body.
Improved circulation is associated with decreased soreness after exercise and improved immune system function. An increase in blood flow also helps release oxygen and nutrients to areas of your body, while removing carbon dioxide and other toxins.
You tend to feel more rested and energized after a massage. There are several different theories as to why this happens:
The lymph system in your body helps fight off infection by transporting antimicrobial enzymes throughout your body. Lymphatic vessels can be found right under the skin's surface, which means that when you receive a deep-tissue massage, this system also gets stimulated and begins clearing away bacteria. It can result in better immune function and less sickness overall.
When someone massages you, it is relaxing for two reasons.
The first is because they are causing various muscles which have contracted over time to relax.
The second reason is they must be caressing or rubbing sections of your skin which causes an immediate reaction called vasodilation. This is when minute blood vessels under your skin dilate, putting you in a state of relaxation.
Most of the problems people experience in their lives are caused by stress, and many times it's because they don't have enough time to relax or participate in stress-relieving activities. Another benefit during a massage is your heart rate and blood pressure decrease to lower stress levels in the body. It has been proven to lower cortisol which is a crucial indicator of stress.
Lowering this hormone not only benefits your mental health but also reduces high blood pressure and slows down aging due to reduced free radicals forming from an overproduction of cortisol. This ultimately reduces your risk of many diseases such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease.
Muscle soreness, aching in the joints, and pain throughout the body is reduced due to the increase in circulation in the muscles. Relaxing your muscles helps reduce spasm, which also reduces pain. Blood vessels relax when receiving proper blood flow from a massage, allowing for better distribution of nutrients and oxygen throughout the body.
Also, many studies have proven that body massages help reduce chronic pain by releasing a protein called serotonin. This protein, in turn, creates a feeling of pleasure that distracts you from any existing pain that will eventually cause your muscles to relax, making it easier for them to heal faster.
Massage increases blood flow significantly to every part of your body. It can help muscles recover after working hard, allowing them to build and repair more quickly.
This is because there is an increase in oxygen distribution to the muscle tissues. The nutrients needed for muscle growth are also better distributed, enabling you to see increased muscle mass.
Have you ever noticed your heart racing after a sudden scare or stressful period of your day? This is caused by the same chemical reaction that helps reduce stress. In this case, though, it releases another variety of stress hormones called cortisol which speeds up your heart rate and makes you feel anxious.
During the massage, your muscles are relaxed, and your blood flow increases, leading to a decreased heart rate. In addition, when your heart rate decreases, you can expect lower cortisol levels in the body, which leads to less stress.
High blood pressure is a common problem among people who lead sedentary lifestyles resulting in obesity, diabetes, and heart complications. It may lead to death if untreated, immediately posing a high risk to one's life.
A full body massage helps lower blood pressure naturally by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system. It reduces stress hormone levels making the body function more efficiently without releasing too much cortisol or adrenaline which can cause blood vessels to tighten, thus increasing blood pressure.
The lymphatic system is part of the circulatory system that aids in protecting your body against infections by removing bacteria, viruses, and toxins. It also prevents cell damage by destroying old cells to be replaced with new ones.
A full body massage can help stimulate the lymphatic system, enhancing its ability to perform these functions more effectively.
A drainage effect occurs when massage therapy drains your lymphatic system. It removes waste products built up in your body to be eliminated naturally through sweat glands, feces, and urine.
It will lead to lower blood pressure, reduced bloating, and reduced puffiness of tissue throughout the body since these can cause swelling if not removed. Massage also stimulates the production of white blood cells, making it a natural immune system booster.
Headaches and migraines can affect people of all ages, so it is best to take precautionary measures before these conditions worsen. A headache is common when you are tired, but migraines are usually triggered by stress or hormonal changes in the body.
While headaches are often associated with sinus congestion that causes pain across your forehead, jaws, or back of your head, resulting in a severe migraine attack, they cause severe throbbing in only one side of the head, momentarily interrupting your day-to-day activities.
Massage therapists claim that their clients sometimes enjoy long-term relief from headaches and migraines. They help relax muscles around the neck area where most tension occurs during migraine episodes. Massage clients may experience less frequent episodes after being treated for the condition.
Massage done on the upper back has improved sleep quality and duration by reducing stress and tension and increasing serotonin levels (which regulates mood, appetite, memory, & sleep patterns).
When you sit for extended periods, especially at work, your muscles tend to tighten up. It results in poor posture- a common occurrence among people who suffer from back pain and neck pain, which can affect mobility and restrict activity.
A whole-body massage will help stretch out stiff muscles, thus improving blood circulation. Hence, allowing fresh oxygenated blood to reach the nerve endings helps your spine relax, easing muscle tension.
This way, it becomes easier to maintain good posture because your muscles are no longer so tense or weak that they fail in supporting your skeletal structure.
Many people are experiencing stress, depression, and anxiety–a feeling of being uneasy or worried about something that has yet to happen. Mental health conditions are more common than you think, especially among adults who have gone through life's ups and downs.
Massage is known as a natural cure for various mental issues because it stimulates the release of serotonin. It is the chemical responsible for relieving stress, causing euphoria or happiness, which leads to better emotional and psychological health.
It also releases endorphins that trigger positive emotions making one feel relaxed, alleviating tension and anxiety, thus preventing mental fatigue that often causes emotional instability.
With all the benefits that massage therapy offers, it can be hard to figure out why more people are not visiting their local wellness centers for a bit of relaxation. No question getting a massage will have positive effects on your mind, body, and quality of life.
Massage Therapists at Palm Wellness, Tampa, specialize in different forms of massage therapy. Our highly trained professionals will help you find relief from pain, stress, and any discomfort your body feels by creating the perfect treatment for you.
Our therapists and chiropractors will work out all of your knots while relieving tension and pain through techniques like deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, etc. You can also get your blood flowing through various techniques like Swedish massage, Asian massage, Prenatal massage, and aromatherapy massage.
Whether it's sports massage or any other modality that you're looking for, we have a therapist that can give you just what you need to feel great again in Tampa, FL. Get in touch today via email or call now at (813) 443-5370 for further assistance.