How Spa Massage Improves Mental Health and Physical Well-being
What the Science Says About Spa Massage
In today’s world, where many people spend long hours sitting at work, headaches and muscle pain are common ailments. Some try to overcome this discomfort through regular exercise, while others opt for light stretching. Another effective method for alleviating such pain is massage. Many people seek out massage therapists because, in less than two hours, the skilled touch of a therapist can easily relieve shoulder tension and calf muscle pain. However, some still wonder if massage can truly help alleviate pain. They ask, “Wouldn’t it be better to seek medical help from a hospital? Is it just a placebo effect?”
In today’s Bliss Feet Spa blog post, we will explore how scientific studies address the effectiveness of massage. We’ll examine the relationship between health and massage through academic papers and encourage you to experience the benefits firsthand by trying the massages offered at Bliss Feet Spa.
Mental Health
Improve Your Relaxation Skills
When people become relaxed, their heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen consumption, and salivary cortisol levels decrease. This helps reduce stress and anxiety, which are the two leading causes of depression.
Even a quick 10-15 minute chair massage can result in physiological and psychological changes. Regardless of how busy your schedule is, a short chair massage can easily be incorporated into your day. For even more significant benefits, consider combining massage with your favorite aroma.
More Efficient Rest
Massages aren’t only useful for immediate relaxation. They have been shown to improve sleep patterns in people of all ages, including children, teenagers, and adults suffering from insomnia, cerebral palsy, fibromyalgia, and migraines. Research indicates that those who received a 30-minute massage twice a week for five weeks experienced a significant decrease in pain, leading to fewer sleep disturbances. If professional massages aren’t financially feasible, even a light 3-minute massage from your partner before bed can make a difference.
Depression, Anxiety and Stress Management
A study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research in 2004 found that women with stage 1 and 2 breast cancer benefited from spa massage. Receiving spa massage three times a week reduced depressed mood, anxiety, and anger, and enhanced dopamine, serotonin, NK cell numbers, and lymphocytes. Another study involving young wrestlers aged 15-18 years showed that spa massage decreased levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, demonstrating its effectiveness in improving mental health and performance.
Physical Health
Effective in Muscle Relaxation
A representative study that reveals the medical mechanism of massage was conducted by McMaster University in Canada in 2012. In this study, 11 adults were asked to ride a bicycle to induce muscle pain, after which only one leg of each participant received a massage. Muscle samples were then taken from the front thigh muscles of both legs to examine cellular changes. The massaged leg showed a 30% increase in the activation of genes that aid in the creation of mitochondria (involved in cellular respiration) and a 30% decrease in genes that cause inflammation. This study demonstrated that massage alone could facilitate cell regeneration and reduce inflammation. Medical scientists have referred to this study as one that definitively identifies the physiological role of massage. By stimulating pain trigger points in the muscles, massage relaxes stiff muscles, dilates blood vessels, and increases blood flow.
Beneficial for Chronic Back Pain
A 2011 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine investigated the effectiveness of two types of massage and usual care for chronic back pain. The study involved 401 patients aged 20 to 65 with nonspecific chronic low back pain. The results showed that spa massage was effective in treating chronic back pain, with benefits lasting at least six months.
Reducing Chronic Tension Headaches
Research published in the American Journal of Public Health in 2002 indicates that spa massage significantly decreases the frequency of headaches in individuals with chronic tension headaches. Notably, headaches were reduced even within the first week of treatment. This particular massage technique, which targets the cranial and cervical muscles, proves to be an effective non-drug intervention for managing the pain associated with chronic tension headaches.
Spa massage is a powerful tool for both mental and physical well-being. From improving relaxation skills and sleep patterns to managing depression, anxiety, and stress, the benefits are far-reaching. Scientifically based studies have demonstrated its effectiveness including reducing back pain, headaches, and muscle relaxation by promoting cellular regeneration and reducing inflammation. The comprehensive advantages of spa massage highlight its value in a holistic approach to health.
At Bliss Feet Spa on Robson, we are committed to providing top-notch massage treatments tailored to your needs. Whether you’re seeking relief from pain, stress reduction, or overall wellness, our professional therapists are here to help. Experience the transformative benefits of spa massage for yourself. Book your appointment today and take the first step towards a healthier, more relaxed you.