Looking at your fingertips, you might find it ridiculous if I told you that they have the remedy for the many ailments that plague. Yes, you have the power to heal right at your fingertips. Touch has an unbelievable capacity to bring healing and general well-being if used well. Dr. Laura Berman, a body educationist and therapist says that couples who touch, kiss, cuddle and massage each other more often not only exhibit lower stress levels but also exhibit stronger immune systems. Surprising benefits of massage include;
Stronger immunity.
Getting an occasional massage could help you develop a stronger immunity to diseases and infections. According to studies, a 50 minutes massage boosts the levels of white blood cells which help to secure the body from diseases. More to that, massage also helps to deplete inflammation-causing cytokines.
Stress management.
Research carried out by The Touch Research institute continues to show that massage is by far one of the most effective ways of dealing with stress. The research-and many others of its kind- show that the levels of the stress-inducing hormone cortisol reduce significantly after a massage session. Massage is also known to reduce negative aggressive behavior that comes as a result of increased stress levels. With proper stress management, it is possible to manage diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, HIV/AIDS and many other life-threatening conditions.
Better quality sleep.
We all know how much sleep is beneficial to general well-being and important for a robust life. According to the National Institute of Health, massage helps reduce fatigue and therefore you are able to fall asleep more easily. Babies fall asleep faster when massaged that when they are rocked. Massage helps in the release of hormones associated with relaxation like serotonin which eventually helps you achieve better quality sleep.
Counter anxiety and depression.
Depressed teenagers and have been observed to exhibit less anxious behaviors when subjected to 30-minute massage sessions over a period of five weeks. Massage helps its recipients to feel good about themselves and become more stable emotionally. When practiced between couples, massage sparks a feeling of emotional fulfillment and satisfaction from the other couple.
Pains and inflammations.
Massage is a good way to relieve pains on different parts of the body. Most physiotherapists incorporate various massage types in their therapy sessions to help their patients achieve normal function of joints and muscles. A Swedish massage which usually focuses on joints and muscles is a good remedy for people with joint problems.
Essential oils.
Massage is more beneficial when done using essential oils. Essential oils have therapeutic benefits that help in relaxation and healing. Massage therapists from Hong Kong say you should use the right oils for the kind of effect you want to achieve. Mint, lavender and lemon grass, for instance, is ideal for muscular relaxation and joint pains.
Considering the many benefits that accrue from massage and the benefits of touch, it is no wonder that the practice is becoming widespread today. Massage is beneficial to everyone regardless of the age, gender or economic status. Touch is fundamentally human and everyone craves touching. Massage doesn’t only help the person receiving it but also the one administering it.