There are many benefits to receiving massage besides relaxation. Massage Therapy can help improve circulation by increasing movement and relaxation of tight or inflamed muscle tissue. According to Sarah Winkler’s 5 Massage Therapies That Improve Circulation, “the cardiovascular system and the lymphatic system work together to detoxify the body, and when muscles become tight, less blood flows to the area.[1] This leads to a build-up of metabolic waste and toxins. Releasing these toxins from the problem areas and allowing fresh blood to flow through will help create a healthier circulatory system. This can help reduce muscle soreness after exercise by loosening the muscle tissue to let blood flow more freely through the inflamed area.

There are also specific massage techniques to aid with Lymphatic drainage. Both the rhythm and the direction are very specific to these techniques. Sarah Davis states in her article What are the Benefits of Lymph Drainage Massage that healing after surgery can be aided with lymphatic massage because it will help regenerate tissue as well as reduce swelling and scarring in the area. Other benefits include better breast feeding, improved immune system, and relaxation.[2]

Massage increases the state of deep relaxation, our breath and heart rate slow down. When excess cortisol and adrenaline exist in the body, anxiety and tension occur. Many individuals suffering from Generalized Anxiety Disorder may have elevated levels of cortisol[3], and thus may experience increased muscle tension in certain areas of the body. Massage therapy has been shown to reduce the levels of cortisol in the body, and increase the levels of serotonin and dopamine, as well as improve the reception of these hormones.[4] This positively impacts our mood, thoughts, and overall wellbeing.

It is always important to take care of oneself first. Maintaining healthy physical and mental habits increases the wellbeing of individuals, which allows them to more easily assist in helping and giving to others. With this circular approach to giving and healing, we can experience the positive and healthy aspects as well as have the strength to survive the negative things too.

Works Cited

[1] Sarah Winkler, “5 Massage Therapies That Improve Circulation.”

[1] Sarah Davis, “What are the Benefits of Lymph Drainage Massage?”

[1] American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, “Elevated cortisol in older adults.”

[1] International Journal of Neuroscience, “Cortisol decreases and serotonin and dopamine
increase following massage therapy.”

[1] Sarah Winkler, “5 Massage Therapies That Improve Circulation.”

[2] Sarah Davis, “What are the Benefits of Lymph Drainage Massage?”

[3] American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, “Elevated cortisol in older adults.”

[4] International Journal of Neuroscience, “Cortisol decreases and serotonin and dopamine increase following massage therapy.”