Flow State Massage is a way to manipulate the body’s soft tissues. It is commonly used to relieve pain, but also promotes relaxation and flexibility.

It’s been shown to decrease cortisol and lower heart rate and blood pressure. It also stimulates the brain circuitry responsible for controlling sympathetic and parasympathetic activity.

Everybody can benefit from a therapeutic massage. It helps to break down scar tissue, reduce toxins and improve the flow of oxygenated blood throughout the body.

Many people choose massage because it relieves pain, but it can also boost general health and wellbeing by improving relaxation. The main physiological effect is to trigger the body’s relaxation response – the light pressure of massage stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system which regulates the body back to a relaxed state after emotions such as stress or anxiety.

This helps to reduce tension, pain and increase flexibility. It also improves blood flow bringing fresh oxygen and nutrients to the muscles helping to break down knots and reduce swelling from injuries or overuse.

Emotionally it increases feel good hormones – endorphins, serotonin and dopamine which decrease stress levels and increase the body’s ability to cope with pain and injury. The reduction in cortisol which can cause a fight or flight reaction also contributes to reducing stress levels.

The increased circulation and tissue elasticity that massage causes also promotes healthier cells which can help with a range of issues including arthritis, back pain and other chronic conditions. It also helps to break down the build up of toxins in the joints and tissues.

Getting regular massages throughout pregnancy can help alleviate the problems caused by the body’s changing hormonal systems. This can ease the discomfort of swollen ankles and feet, prevent muscle tightness and improve posture which tends to become poor with pregnancy. It can also assist with easing premenstrual pain and periods and calm an irritable digestive tract. For example, the kneading movements of massage can inhibit over stimulation of the peristaltic action in the bowel which causes bloating and diarrhoea.

Another benefit of relaxation massage is easing respiratory difficulties such as chest congestion. This is because the stimulating moves used in some types of massage such as cupping, hacking and beating (vigorous tapotement) will loosen phlegm allowing for more efficient breathing and improving lung capacity. This is particularly beneficial in those with asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory conditions. It can also improve focus and mental clarity by balancing the nervous system, connecting mind and body, decreasing stress, reducing cortisol levels and encouraging mindfulness.

Pain relief

Massage involves the rubbing or kneading of the body’s soft tissues, with the hands, fingers, elbows, knees, forearms, or feet. It is most often used to relieve stress, pain and muscle tightness. It can also be used for medical treatment, and to aid in recovery from injury or surgery. Studies show that therapeutic massage can be beneficial for a wide range of conditions, including back pain, fibromyalgia, and cancer-related discomfort.

The most common reason people get massages is to treat back and neck pain. These conditions can be caused by trauma, poor posture, or overwork. Research shows that regular massages can help reduce the pain and improve mobility in these areas. It can also improve blood circulation, which helps prevent inflammation and stiffness. Massage may also relieve anxiety and depression, which can be a major cause of pain in people with these conditions.

In a recent study, scientists reviewed the results of over 30 high quality randomized controlled trials. They found that massage significantly reduced pain intensity and severity, activity level, stress, anxiety, and health-related quality of life, when compared to sham or no treatment. In addition, massage was associated with improved sleep and a reduction in fatigue.

Another benefit of massage is the release of endorphins, natural chemicals that alleviate pain and reduce depression. These substances are produced by the brain and act as a natural painkiller, reducing the need for medications such as NSAIDs or opioids, which can have serious long term side effects.

Studies also suggest that massage can help with other medical conditions, such as headaches and low back pain. It is important to tell your doctor about any complementary and integrative health approaches that you are using, including massage therapy. This will ensure that your treatments are coordinated and safe. In addition, it can help your doctor understand your unique needs and goals for care. This will enable them to make the best recommendations for you. It will also allow them to share your information with other members of your healthcare team.

Boosts immune system

Aside from reducing stress, therapeutic massage boosts the immune system by improving blood circulation and stimulating lymph flow. Proper circulation of the lymphatic system is crucial for immune function because it carries disease-fighting white blood cells throughout the body. Moreover, massage enhances the immune system by reducing the build-up of metabolic wastes and toxins.

It also helps in lowering cortisol levels. Cortisol is a stress hormone that has a negative effect on the immune system. Massage therapy, on the other hand, reduces pain, which has a positive impact on the immunity.

In a recent study, researchers found that people who received 45 minutes of Swedish massage experienced increased counts of lymphocytes (white blood cells that play a role in fighting infections). The results were similar when the participants had the same massage session repeated two days later. Similarly, there was a positive change in the counts of CD56+ cells, which are another indicator of immune health.

The reason why massage boosts the immune system is because it stimulates the lymphatic system and increases the white blood cell count. Furthermore, the effleurage (long strokes) and petrissage (short, kneading motions) techniques used in Swedish massage encourage lymph flow. The lymphatic system is critical for a healthy immune response because it transports disease-fighting white blood cells to infection sites and removes bacteria from tissues.

Moreover, the inflammatory effects of chronic muscle tension and stress are also reduced by therapeutic massage. This is because the muscles become loose and flexible, which allows for proper circulation. The inflammatory response is also decreased by massage because it encourages the release of cytokines, which are chemicals that help in regulating the immune system.

If you are not feeling well during the flu season, then you should consider incorporating massage into your wellness routine. You can even learn simple self-massage techniques and do it at home. The immune-boosting benefits of massage are immense and should not be overlooked. So, keep a regular massage schedule and enjoy its many benefits. For more information on the various massage services we offer, please contact us today.

Prevents depression

Stressful situations, even positive ones such as getting married or starting a new job can generate high levels of anxiety and depression. Massage stimulates the production of the body’s natural endorphins which are involved in mood regulation, stress reduction and relaxation. The resulting increase in the levels of serotonin and dopamine causes an immediate decrease in stress hormones and enables the individual to feel calm and relaxed.

In addition to lowering the levels of cortisol, therapeutic massage also raises the level of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that reduces depression symptoms and acts as an antidepressant. It can also boost your immune system, help you sleep better and improve your mood. You can get a massage from a licensed professional or learn how to give yourself a self-massage at home.

Studies of the biological effects of massage are ongoing, but current evidence suggests that the therapy could be helpful in a number of psychiatric disorders. It is known that a full-body massage increases levels of oxytocin, a chemical that decreases hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal activity and enhances parasympathetic tone. This effect may be linked to a decrease in the level of cytokines, which are inflammatory proteins that can trigger depression.

The body’s fight-or-flight response can be triggered by a number of factors, including a lack of exercise, chronic pain, gastrointestinal issues and poor nutrition. In some cases, these conditions can lead to depression and anxiety, which can worsen if left untreated. Research suggests that regular massage can prevent the onset of these mental health issues by reducing stress and improving sleep patterns.