Did you know that massage therapy is more relaxing than your ‘me-time’? Several studies show that there are manifold benefits of massage therapy, including physical and emotional wellbeing. Want a rejuvenating massage? Still thinking? Well, here are the top five benefits that you can expect from the therapy:
1. Improved Immunity
Massage can improve your immune function by increasing your body’s ‘killer T cells’, and enhancing their activity levels to keep viruses at bay. Based on a study by the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, the healing touch of a therapist increases your white blood cell count, which plays a significant role in fighting off diseases. HIV patients also benefit in terms of improved immunity.
2. Reduced Stress, Anxiety and Depression
Prolonged stress can tax you both physically and emotionally. Massage therapy alleviates stress, including tension headaches. As per a 2005 study by the International Journal of Neuroscience, women plagued with breast cancer did benefit from massage. Women who received the healing touch thrice a week were reported to be less angry and depressed. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry showed that patients suffering from anxiety and depression felt happier and relaxed and had minimum stress levels after a massage session.
3. Pain Management
Massage gives you respite from pain. Improve your quality of life and recover fast from an injury or illness with effective massage therapy.
4. Improved Mental Health
According to a 2013 report published in the Applied Nursing Research, back massage provided to cancer patients during chemotherapy can lessen fatigue and anxiety to a considerable extent. Even military veterans have reported reduced depression, tension, irritability and nervousness after massage, according to a research published in Military Medicine.
5. More Physical Fitness
Whether you’re a recreational athlete or a professional one, you can improve exercise performance and reduce muscle tension with massage therapy. It will also help you to lower the risks of injuries.
The healing touch of a therapist will work wonders on your body and mind. And, regular massage treatments will do that even better. We offer massage therapy as part of our physical medicine. Contact one of our centers to know more about how it can improve your health.