When Tulsa Massage is performed correctly, it creates a relaxation response. In this state, heart rate and blood pressure decrease and the body produces serotonin, which positively affects mood and emotions.

Masters of massage learn to communicate with their clients and help them understand the techniques being used and how they can benefit them. This open dialogue is key to nurturing therapeutic relationships with their clients.

Stress is not only an unpleasant feeling but can also be detrimental to our health. During times of stress the body releases hormones that can cause high blood pressure and increase pain. Stress may also inhibit the immune system and cause problems with digestion. Massage is a great way to reduce both physical and mental stress. It can help to relieve both acute and chronic stress, especially when combined with other methods of relaxation such as yoga and meditation.

Studies show that even a short massage can activate the body’s built-in system for dealing with stress, and improve the quality of life. The act of receiving a massage lowers the heart rate and blood pressure, relaxes muscles and encourages the production of endorphins, serotonin and dopamine which are all natural chemicals that promote feelings of happiness and well-being. This helps to relieve stress and anxiety and decrease symptoms of depression and loneliness.

During a massage, the kneading and compression movements of the massage therapist work to relax the tense muscle fibers. This is helpful because when these muscles are tense, they will trigger the “fight or flight” response in the brain, leading to increased anxiety and stress. By lowering cortisol levels and encouraging the release of these positive neurotransmitters, massage can significantly decrease stress and anxiety in the body.

As a bonus, massage can also help to alleviate chronic constipation by improving circulation and stimulating the digestive system. According to Medical News Today, a 2020 study found that daily massages of the colon helped patients suffering from chronic constipation. The researchers discovered that the massages reduced the amount of time spent in the restroom and decreased the symptoms of constipation such as abdominal cramping, diarrhea and bloating.

The most important benefit of massage is its ability to calm the nervous system and induce a relaxation response. It is important to remember that the nervous system controls all functions of your body, including your immune system and digestion. A prolonged state of stress can cause these systems to become weakened, leading to serious illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension and a weakened immune system. The good news is that massage can restore normal function to the nervous and immune system, which in turn can lead to a more healthy lifestyle.

Relaxes muscles

Massage helps to relax muscles, tendons and ligaments. It works by increasing blood supply, which allows the muscle tissue to receive nutrients and breaks down waste products. This process, called osmosis, is important to the muscle health and function, as it keeps it supple and strong.

It also reduces muscle spasms and cramping. It is common for people to instinctively rub a painful area, such as the knee or elbow, and this may be a form of massage. The manipulation of soft tissues stimulates the nerves to block pain signals from the brain. This can lead to a reduction in pain, but the results can vary from person to person as everyone has different responses to touch.

Massage also improves circulation, which helps the body rid itself of toxins and other waste material. In addition, it encourages the production of new cells, which replace damaged ones and help the muscles to move more freely.

Improves Balance and Posture

When the muscle fibers are relaxed, they can align themselves correctly to give the body a more balanced and healthy posture. This can help prevent back pain or other issues, and make it easier to maintain a healthy weight as the muscles become less tight and tense.

Relieves Menstrual Cramps

Regular massages can ease and prevent menstrual cramps, by relaxing the uterus and balancing the peristaltic action of the bowels. When a person’s peristaltic action moves too quickly, it can cause irritable bowel syndrome which includes symptoms such as diarrhoea. Massage can help calm the bowels by encouraging blood flow into them, and breaking down any adhesions or knots that are present.

Boosts Immunity

Massage increases white blood cell production, which can help the body fight off viruses and infections. It can also help reduce the symptoms of the common cold by helping to eliminate toxins from the system.

Massage can also relieve constipation, by stimulating the bowels to release more waste material through its sphincter muscles. This can be especially beneficial for those who suffer from chronic constipation, and can even be used to aid in preventing or treating constipation during pregnancy.

Relieves headaches

Massage has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of both tension and migraine headaches. Typically, a massage is prescribed when a client suffers from chronic stress or tension headaches due to bad posture, poor sleep or emotional issues. When paired with a holistic treatment plan, including exercise and healthy eating habits, massage can significantly alleviate both types of headaches.

A study from 2002 found that the pain in a group of subjects suffering from chronic tension headaches decreased after receiving regular massages over six months. This is because massage increases circulation and the flow of oxygen, which can decrease pain. It also causes the brain to release endorphins, natural chemicals that can help lower blood pressure.

Tension headaches are a deep, persistent ache felt centralized in the head and neck. Caused by muscle tightness and imbalances, stress, poor posture, diet and certain medications, these can lead to a range of symptoms from nausea to light sensitivity. Massage can relax tense muscles and teach them to move properly, decreasing the tension that is causing them to feel so tight.

For migraines, massage decreases pain by relieving trigger points and helping the brain deliver oxygen to the area. Trigger points are hypersensitive areas of the body that can send pain and pressure sensations to other parts of the body, a condition known as referred pain. Massage is effective in releasing these tender spots, especially if your therapist uses techniques such as neuromuscular therapy (NMT), or trigger point release.

In addition, a 2016 study of 64 people suffering from chronic migraines found that massage reduced the number of migraines per month and that combining traditional massage with lymphatic drainage was most effective. Lymphatic drainage involves using a massage technique called compression, where a massage therapist uses their hands to compress the soft tissue of the neck and shoulders, helping to ease the tension that is often the root of migraines.

If you’re going to get a massage to treat your headaches, make sure to book it when you can really relax and enjoy the experience. Don’t schedule an important meeting or children’s birthday parties right after your massage, and give yourself plenty of time to wind down afterward.

Relieves pain

Massage is a common treatment for sports injuries and chronic pain. Research suggests it can relieve pain by increasing blood flow, loosening tight muscles and easing tension in the surrounding tissues. It also stimulates the release of feel-good chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, which decrease the perception of pain.

This increase in circulation improves the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscle cells, speeding up the time it takes for sore muscles to heal. It also aids in removing waste products and excess water from the cells. This is important, as it helps to prevent the build-up of toxins and can also reduce inflammation in the tissue.

The physical manipulation of soft tissues during a massage also increases tissue temperature through friction, which can help to relieve muscle tension and stiffness. This increase in temperature also stimulates the production of positive hormones, which can further decrease pain and stress.

It is thought that massage may help to control pain by interfering with the pathways that relay messages of potential tissue damage to the brain. This interruption occurs due to the stimulation of competing nerve fibers, which act as a gatekeeper that inhibits transmission of painful signals. This theory is supported by the fact that when we bump our elbow or knee, our first instinct is to rub it. This is because our skin contains nerves that send soothing messages to the brain, which reduce the perception of pain.

Another possible mechanism by which massage relieves pain is by reducing the levels of a neurotransmitter called ‘substance P’ in the body. ‘Substance P’ is a natural substance that transmits important messages around the nervous system and is involved in sensory and, most importantly, nociceptive pathways – pain pathways. It has been found that people who receive regular massages have lower levels of this chemical, suggesting it could be a key factor in the effectiveness of this therapy for pain management.

While there is some evidence that massage can be a useful tool in the treatment of a wide range of conditions, more studies are needed to confirm this. This is particularly true when it comes to the use of massage in people with chronic pain. Despite this, it is still a treatment worth considering and incorporating into your holistic healthcare routine as it can offer a number of powerful benefits that can make a real difference to your quality of life.