Massage is one of the most enjoyable and beneficial cosmetic procedures that you can treat yourself to if you decide to spend a day at the spa.
Imagine – this is one of the oldest practices of this kind; The earliest evidence of massage is on Egyptian mural dating back more than 2000 BC. Since then, massage has conquered the whole world and developed as various practices in different countries and continents, but wherever you go, you will hear only positive reviews about it.
Massage and luxury massage chairs relax, relieve stress and help restore muscles – you probably heard that. But are there other benefits to massage that you may not have heard of? We decided to take a look at some of the lesser-known benefits of this wonderful procedure.
1. Helps Circulation In The Lymphatic System
There is a special type of massage known as lymphatic drainage, which stimulates the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is associated with several functions of our body, and it must work flawlessly. At the same time, unlike our circulatory system, lymph does not have its blood circulation and depends on the general movement of our body to displace the fluid inside it (lymph).
This includes things like muscle movements (such as sports), dry cleansing or lymphatic massage. The benefits of stimulating the lymphatic system are numerous – improving metabolism, improving the elimination of toxins from the body, improving immunity, and so on. In some countries, procedures involving lymphatic drainage massage are also prescribed as part of cancer therapy.
This delicate massage, however, can also be used for stress, low energy, illness, and sports injuries – alone or in combination with Swedish massage. During the session, the masseur uses special massage tables, exerts a little pressure and goes to the lymph nodes located on the body. Combinations with shiatsu or Swedish massage help relax the body. A masseur can focus on a specific area or perform a whole-body procedure for optimal effect.
2. Counteracts A Sedentary Lifestyle
You may have heard the phrase “Sitting is the new smoking” in recent years. As far as this is true, it remains to be understood, but the indisputable fact remains that people working in the office experience a number of problems after several years spent in a sitting position for 8-9 hours.
The most common is muscle sensations in the neck, shoulder, inflammation of muscle tissue, as well as problems with the back and lower back. Massage and properly selected massage pillows can greatly help in alleviating the above difficulties. There is reason to believe that this is also beneficial for problems such as an increase in veins (also a frequent consequence of sitting too long).
As a bonus, it will help you overcome part of the stress that invariably builds up in the office and makes you feel fresher and more productive. It is no coincidence that recently in large companies it has become customary to have an office masseur at their disposal – they know what benefits they can count on even with a 15-minute massage.
3. Relieves Symptoms Of Depression And Anxiety Disorder
According to a study published in the medical journal International Journal of Neuroscience (No. 115/4 2005), women with breast cancer who were prescribed massage therapy in addition to traditional treatment showed a significant reduction in symptoms of depression. Studies show an average decrease of cortisol (stress hormone) of 31% and an increase in neurotransmitters of dopamine and serotonin (also known as happiness hormones) by an average of 28% in the observed subjects.
It is clear that human biochemistry changes with similar indicators and classic and specially created massages can successfully influence problems such as panic disorder and depression. But even if you do not suffer from such problems, why not take the opportunity to feel happier in ordinary life?
