Generation Stress: Why Massage Therapy is on the Rise
Stress is a global, human condition, and it isn’t always bad. In fact, in tense moments – like avoiding a car accident – stress is an enormous helper. It diverts much needed adrenaline and cortisol away from the digestive system to give our senses a boost. The problem begins when we simply can’t turn the stress off.
In the modern era, stress-related issues seem to be on the rise. With the advent of smart devices and social media, we are constantly on the move and on the go. The line between home and work has begun to blur.
Uncontrolled stress can lead to a variety of disorders from headaches and stomach ache, to insomnia, anxiety, and depression.
So what is the answer?
Massage therapy has proven to be an important part of treating stress and the issues it causes. In fact, this therapy and its numerous benefits dates all the way back to ancient Egypt. Massage can affect the body in a number of ways, depending on the goal of the massage and techniques used.
Massage done by a qualified massage therapist can promote and regulate the production of neurohormones. These are produced by the nervous system and affect our behaviour and general sense of wellbeing. This, in turn, affects our brain chemistry, elevating the dopamine levels. Dopamine increases influence our fine motor skills as well as elevating our intuition, sense of joy and enthusiasm. Massage can also raise the available levels of serotonin in our bodies, quelling irritability and cravings, as well as improving chronic issues like insomnia, depression and OCD.
A 15 minute seated massage can elevate adrenaline by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system, increasing our alertness. Conversely, a longer, deeper massage can reduce adrenaline levels, creating a feeling of relaxation and promoting sleep.
Further, regular massage creates endorphins that help reduce pain and produce a sense of euphoria. One 15 minute massage can have positive effects lasting up to 48 hours.
Finally, massage reduces cortisol levels in the human body, the neurohormone produced by the adrenal glands that causes stress. It encourages cell division and, thus, facilitates tissue repair, tissue regeneration, and healing.
What other Benefits are there of Massage Therapy ?
Nearly every body system can benefit from massage. The most commonly acknowledge system is the muscular system. Massage can help our muscles relax and stretch, reducing tension and cramps. Increased blood flow through the body and improved circulation benefits our bones by providing larger quantities of blood oxygen and nutrients. This in turn reduces joint pain and stiffness.
Massage can improve our digestive and lymphatic systems by aiding in relaxation. When our body tension is alleviated, our bodies can focus on our digestive system, meaning we are better able to digest food and eliminate waste. This then boosts our immune system, making us less prone to colds and other illnesses.
Above all, massage helps our nervous system, providing relief from nervous tension, and other stress related issues. Patients undergoing regular massage therapy note a reduction in insomnia, tension headaches, migraines, and fatigue.
Clinical Studies of Massage Therapy
Further, studies have shown that massage can be incredibly beneficial to those who suffer acute or chronic illnesses. One study showed that teenagers, hospitalised for clinical depression, showed significantly improved moods after a treatment of daily, half hour massage.
A Japanese study showed that a half hour of facial massage saw a 30% increase in serotonin and dopamine levels, as well as significant lower cortisol levels. The effects of the treatments lasted up to 2-3 days, with the effect on tension headache lasting, in some cases, up to 6 months.
Massage treatment is now being used on returning servicemen suffering from PTSD. A study of 37 soldiers showed an alleviation of pain, tension, worry, anxiety, depression, and irritability, thanks to massage therapy turning off the hyper-aroused survival mechanism. Of the 37 soldiers studied, only 2 required a medical discharge and 12 were even able to return to active service.
As a build up in stress hormone can cause patients suffering from arthritis, back injuries, lupus and other auto immune diseases, fibromyalgia and cancer to worsen. Regular massage is often prescribed to help manage stress, mood, and pain.
With our lives becoming more stressful, it is not surprising that the need for massage therapists is rising. Savvy corporations are now hiring, or employ, massage therapists for their staff. A 15 minute seated massage daily – or even a few times a week – not only provides a welcome break from work but has also proven to increase workplace productivity.
Companies that employ massage therapists report an increase in morale among staff, lowered stress levels and even less sick leave taken. These attributes appear to be due to improved immune systems. This only continues to prove the necessity for massage in our daily well being and the need for qualified massage therapists.