One type of treatment that is sometimes overlooked to help improve health, is massage therapy. I know from personal experience, much of the pain I can feel, headaches especially, is usually alleviated with a good massage.
Massage therapy is a popular complementary and alternative medicine practice that involves manipulating the body's soft tissues to promote relaxation, reduce stress, alleviate pain, and enhance overall well-being. While there's a considerable amount of anecdotal evidence supporting its benefits, scientific research has also explored the potential health advantages of massage. Keep in mind that the evidence may vary for different types of massage and conditions. Here's a general summary of some potential health benefits of massage:
1. Stress Reduction and Relaxation:
Massage therapy has been shown to help reduce stress and promote relaxation by lowering cortisol levels, which are associated with the body's stress response. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2010 suggested that massage therapy could lead to a decrease in cortisol levels and an increase in serotonin and dopamine levels, promoting relaxation and improved mood (Field, T., 2010).
2. Pain Management:
Massage has been found to alleviate both acute and chronic pain. A review published in the journal Pain Medicine in 2016 indicated that massage therapy could effectively reduce pain intensity and improve physical function in patients with conditions such as lower back pain (Crawford, C. et al., 2016).
3. Muscle Recovery and Performance Enhancement:
Athletes often use massage therapy to aid in muscle recovery and enhance performance. A study published in the Journal of Sports Science & Medicine in 2015 suggested that post-exercise massage could help reduce muscle soreness and improve muscle function after intense physical activity (Nunes, G. S. et al., 2015).
4. Improved Circulation:
Massage can promote blood flow and enhance circulation. A study published in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in 2014 found that massage therapy improved blood flow and vasodilation in individuals with peripheral arterial disease (McBride, B., et al., 2014).
5. Anxiety and Depression Reduction:
Massage therapy may have a positive impact on anxiety and depression symptoms. A review published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice in 2017 suggested that massage could be an effective complementary treatment for reducing anxiety and depression in various populations (Shin, H. S., et al., 2017).
It's important to note that while these studies indicate potential benefits, individual responses to massage can vary, and more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind these effects and to establish clear guidelines for its use in various medical contexts. But with that said, getting a good massage is still worth the time. When is the last time you have gotten a really good massage?
References:
Field, T. (2010). Massage therapy research review. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 16(1), 3-10.
Crawford, C., Boyd, C., Paat, C. F., Price, A., Xenakis, L., Yang, E., & Zhang, W. (2016). The Impact of Massage Therapy on Function in Pain Populations—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials: Part I, Patients Experiencing Pain in the General Population. Pain Medicine, 17(7), 1353-1375.
Nunes, G. S., Bender, P. U., de Menezes, F. S., Yamashitafuji, I., Vargas, V. Z., & Wageck, B. (2015). Massage therapy decreases pain and perceived fatigue after long-distance Ironman triathlon: a randomised trial. Journal of Sports Science & Medicine, 14(1), 1.
McBride, B., Etnyre, B., & Doherty, T. J. (2014). Peripheral arterial disease affects functional and quality of life outcomes and health care utilization in people with lower-extremity osteoarthritis. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 95(5), 826-831.
Shin, H. S., Ernst, E. & Lee, J. H. (2017). Massage for treatment of anxiety and depression in persons with Parkinson's disease: a randomized controlled trial. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 29, 61-66.
