Another benefit of massage is the capability of the massage to relax and soothe tight and tensed muscles. This helps relieve tension and stress that commonly occur in daily life. The sliding and stretching movements of fingers and hands during massage increases blood flow to the nerves. This activity stimulates the release of hormones and chemical that help to relax muscles and control the nervous system.

Massage therapists can use the same principles to reduce stress, just as they do for stretching and soothing tense muscles. Feelings of fatigue and anxiety can be reduced by deep breathing exercises performed during a massage session. Massage stimulates the release endorphins, which are naturally mood enhancers and painkillers. These hormones can also serve as natural mood boosters that lift your spirits.

Massage therapy can be used by massage therapists to increase endorphin levels. Endorphins are chemicals that give happiness and emotional relief. Endorphins are created during exercise and play sports. The massage therapist stimulates endorphins in massage therapy to lower the levels of stress hormones. The high levels of stress hormone have been linked to several negative health outcomes including: lower immunity, faster healing time after injuries, depression, and irritation.

Cortisol is a hormone that regulates the biological and behavioral responses to stress as well as other external factors. Cortisol is a hormone that can cause high blood pressure, an increase in heart rate, anxiety, and tension. This cortisol reaction can cause depression, and possibly obesity, if prolonged. A recent study suggested that massage therapy has the potential to decrease the release of cortisol and therefore reduce the risk of depression. Studies have also proven that regular massage can reduce cortisol levels up to 48%..

Massage therapy has another health benefit that is improving circulation. Poor circulation can lead to adverse health outcomes like poor memory loss, brain circulation, low immunity, high blood pressure and heart disease. Blood vessels in the legs and arms receive more blood and oxygen when stretched in a massage session as opposed to when performing a manual lymph drainage. This allows the lymphatic system to function more efficiently and could eliminate waste products , such as cholesterol from the circulation system. Deep tissue massage can also increase blood clotting as well as remove arterial plaque, which is closely linked to the development of atherosclerosis. Massage can help reduce stress, tension, and anxiety by improving the body’s ability for better function.

Physiologicallyspeaking, the benefits of massage can go beyond physical health. Massage can relax muscles due to friction between muscles. This leads to increased circulation and movement lymph fluids throughout the body, and also enhanced the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to cells. Massage stimulates the release endorphins in the brain that naturally enhance mood. Massage has been proven to boost fitness, alertness, and reduce fatigue after prolonged time of no activity. It has also been demonstrated that massage can aid in weight loss by its physical effects.

Finally, massage therapy has been proven to be a successful treatment for psychological issues such as anxiety and depression. Stress and anxiety are often associated with physical pain. Therefore it is possible to reduce physical pain and help reduce mental and emotional stress. Anyone suffering from chronic pain or have severe anxiety should consider massage therapy as a part of their daily routine. These three areas provide unique opportunities for individuals to experience the relaxation benefits of massage therapy at home.