Massage stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, decreasing cortisol levels increasing serotonin, boosting mood, and improving sleep. It also increases circulation, improves the body’s lymphatic system to clear waste products, and promotes flexibility.

Massage may help reduce pain, especially chronic back and neck problems. However, results vary from person to person. Visit https://www.flowstate918.com/ for more information.

The benefits of massage may include improved mood, flexibility, and energy. It can also ease pain and tenderness, reduce stiffness, decrease the frequency of migraine headaches, decrease low back pain, and boost immune function. It can aid the movement of lymph fluid, which is one of the body’s waste clearing systems. It can also help relieve depression in people with chronic illness, and improve sleep patterns. It can be used to treat conditions such as fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis and sprains and strains. It can also help alleviate generalized anxiety disorder, reduce symptoms of menstrual cramps and uterine fibroids, and ease the discomfort of edema (swelling caused by excess watery fluid in cells or tissues) and varicosities.

Massage stimulates the circulatory system, helping blood move more efficiently through the arteries and veins. It can also benefit the lymphatic system, which has no pump and relies on muscle movement to move lymph fluid. In addition to improving the movement of blood and lymph fluid, massage can increase the oxygen saturation in the blood, which helps to protect against cellular damage from free radicals.

Researchers are still investigating how and why massage produces its many physiological effects. But it’s thought that the physical pressure applied during a massage triggers a relaxation response in your nervous system, which can help lower your heart rate, slow your breathing, and change the electrical activity of your brain (electroencephalogram or EEG).

Massage may also boost levels of serotonin, a chemical in the body that influences emotions and thoughts. And, according to a study published in 2019 in “Focus,” it can even alleviate stress-related sleep problems in patients with heart disease. But more research is needed to determine if this is the case for everyone.

Techniques

Massage involves pressing, rubbing and manipulating the skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments. It can range from light stroking to deep pressure and is increasingly being used along with conventional medicine in a variety of medical settings.

Effleurage (from French for “to touch lightly”) is a massage technique that involves gentle gliding strokes of the hands on the body. The therapists’ fingers, palms, knuckles and forearms are used to manipulate the soft tissues of the body. It is generally performed at the beginning of a session and can help relax the client. It also helps prepare the muscles for more intense massage techniques by encouraging blood circulation.

Another common massage technique is petrissage. From the French word for “to knead,” this massage involves the therapist using alternate forms of pressure to compress and release soft tissues. Movements such as wringing, skin rolling and pick-up-and-squeeze are all petrissage movements. These are generally used in the middle and end of a massage to ease the client’s tension, help prepare them for the more intensive petrissage movements and to increase blood flow throughout the body.

Tapotement is a stimulating massage technique that is done by tapping on the person’s skin with your fingers or palms. The rhythmic taps are usually applied to the whole body, starting at the person’s feet and gradually moving up their body.

Trigger point massage is a type of deep tissue massage that works to relieve the knots and tightness in the muscle. These knots are caused by overexertion, injuries and poor posture. This type of massage is often used by athletes in order to aid recovery and enhance performance. These kinds of knots and tension build up over time and can be a source of pain in other areas of the body.

Preparation

Whether you have been getting massages regularly for years or are making the decision to try it for the first time, there is a lot of preparation needed to be able to relax into the experience. Many people are nervous about the idea of someone touching them in such an intimate way, but it is important to realize that a masseuse is trained to make you feel comfortable and safe. They couldn’t care less about that extra ten pounds of belly fat or those knobby knees you’re self-conscious about, and their main goal is to provide an enjoyable and healing experience for you.

Keeping a glass of water near you during the massage can help keep you hydrated and calm throughout the session. Some people prefer to add a slice of lemon or cucumber for a little flavor and to aid in digestion after the massage. Staying hydrated is also important because it may take your body a while to absorb the benefits of the massage.

It is recommended to arrive at your massage appointment early. This will give you a chance to relax before your treatment starts and avoid being in a rushed state during the process.

Then, you’ll be able to start the process of undressing slowly and enjoy the massage with more peace of mind. Generally, you’ll be asked to remove only as much clothing as you feel comfortable with, and the massage therapist will drape any parts of your body that aren’t being worked on with a sheet for privacy. Make sure to wear loose-fitting clothing so that you can move easily without feeling restricted in your movements. Also, it’s a good idea to wear clothes that you can easily get back on after the massage.

During the session

During your massage you will undress to your level of comfort under a sheet and the therapist will uncover only the area being worked on. If you are uncomfortable with any part of this process it is important to communicate and the therapist can change the technique or draping.

Once you are comfortable you will lie on the table and relax into the experience. It is common to feel drowsy or sleepy during massage as your brain releases relaxing hormones, however it is best to stay awake. The increased blood flow to the muscles causes vasodilation which allows the therapist to manipulate the muscle tissue effectively and decreases the heart rate. This is beneficial if you have any medical conditions that require a low heart rate such as hypertension or cardiac disease.

Your therapist will discuss with you what areas of the body need to be massaged and if there is any sensitive or painful areas that you would like to avoid. The therapist will work around these areas and the client may remain fully clothed except for shoes and socks. During your session the therapist will use lotions, oils or powders to reduce friction on the skin. If you have any allergies to these products you should let the therapist know in advance.

After the massage you should drink plenty of water to help your muscles flush out waste and toxins that have been released during the treatment. You should also try to find some time for yourself to rest and relax after your session and remember that massage is an investment in self care and compassion for your own body. Keep this energy flowing throughout the day by taking some time out for yourself to do things that you enjoy and make you feel good!

Post-session

The therapeutic effects of massage are cumulative, and one session is often not enough to undo chronic knots. Regular maintenance sessions, combined with exercise and stretching, relaxation techniques, and work on posture and movement help to keep the body balanced and healthy.

Drinking plenty of water is encouraged after a massage, as hydration allows tissues to heal more quickly and aides in preventing post-treatment soreness by flushing away the toxins released during treatment. It is also recommended to spend time walking barefoot on the earth when possible, as this helps to ground energy and balance the electromagnetic field.

Avoid strenuous activity, sudden jolting movements, and extreme temperatures after treatment, as these can cause the body to go into shock and inhibit healing. Instead, walk for 10-15 minutes or enjoy a warm bath to encourage the body’s natural recovery process.