Benefits of having a massage chair

 

We all know that a nice massage, whether it be Chinese, Thai, Swedish or other types, is very relaxing. But let’s dig a little deeper and find out how this is true, and why massage is beneficial for both the body and mind.

 

For example:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Digestive problems

• Headaches

• Muscle tension and pain

• Heart disease, heart attack, high blood pressure and stroke

• Sleep problems

• Weight gain

 

These health issues can then lead on to more serious problems such as diabetes. The good news is that the relaxation response brought about by massage can help reduce the amount of cortisol in our blood, which also contributes to a lessening of the symptoms listed above, thus having many positive knock-on effects for mind and body. For example, massage can improve blood circulation and blood pressure, both factors that everyone knows can lead to strokes. Losing weight can make us more confident and social, and memory and concentration improvement can help with work and study.

But that’s not all. Massage not only helps to reduce cortisol levels but to increasethe neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. Low serotonin and dopamine levels, according to Healthline, can lead to symptoms similar to those listed above resulting from persistent over-supply of cortisol. Positive effects of the boost in serotonin and dopamine you get from massage include：

• Helping you sleep well by regulating circadian rhythms

• Helping regulate appetite

• Promoting learning and memory

• Promoting positive feelings and prosocial behaviour

 

Another important aspect of massage is increased muscle tone. The kneading, rubbing and pressing experienced in various kinds of massage can help strengthen and build up muscle fibre. Recent research has linked degeneration in muscle tone and mass to loss of brain cells and, further, to cognitive decline, for example in dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Not only is there a possible connection between loss of muscle and cognitive function, but it is recognised that in older people, good muscle strength can help prevent slips and falls, something we are all afraid of when we think of cherished family members transitioning into their golden years. Again, this is not all — massage therapy can improve nerve function and nerve damage, relieving symptoms such as tingling sensations in the body, numbness, and other generalised problems resulting from nerve damage.

 

Further, in New Zealand, high-impact sports and activities such as rugby, skiing, snowboarding, and hard gym workouts are very popular, with the concomitant injuries considered “part of the game”. These activities often lead to muscle soreness, and massage is one of the best therapies for these resulting muscle problems, providing relief from pain and speeding up recovery.

 

Last but not least, a little discussed aspect of massage therapy is the potential for improving the functionality of the lymphatic system. According to the Clevland Clinic, the lymphatic system serves to: 

 

• Regulate fluid levels in your body

• Absorb fats from the digestive system

• Protect your body against foreign intruders

 

The last of these is perhaps the most important, since the lymphatic system is an integral component of our immune system. It manufactures and disperses white blood cells and other important cells that find and destroy foreign bodies entering our system, including bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. Massage may help increase flow and vitality in this essential system.

 

 

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