By Joan Hannant, Founder & CEO of The Soma Institute

Massage has a long history as a healing practice, dating back to ancient civilizations like the Greeks, Egyptians, and Chinese. They believed in its therapeutic benefits and used it to address various health issues.

Therapists employ various techniques during a massage session, including pressing and manipulating your skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments to alleviate pain. Depending on individual preferences, the intensity of a massage can vary widely.

Let's explore how massage therapists can relieve stress, alleviate pain, and help you achieve a fuller life.

 

• Stress Relief

During massage therapy sessions, people often experience deep relaxation, which promotes a calm and tranquil state. The heart rate drops while the body relaxes during a massage, relieving tension.

For instance, the heart rate naturally decreases when the body is relaxed. This reduction in stress levels contributes to an enhanced sense of calmness and overall relaxation. Moreover, massage contributes to stress reduction by triggering the release of endorphins, which have a calming effect on the peripheral nervous system.

 

• Pain Relief

Massage therapists use various techniques to ease long-lasting pain. People often opt for massage therapy to reduce pain and enhance their daily life. Massage alleviates pain by boosting blood flow, breaking the pain cycle, and releasing natural painkillers called endorphins.

It also reduces muscle tension, a common source of discomfort. Massage reduces tension by improving blood circulation and relaxing muscles, decreasing pain. Increased relaxation from massage leads to reduced pain levels.

Additionally, massage increases the body's release of endorphins, aiding in managing chronic pain. Moreover, massage helps alleviate anxiety and stress associated with persistent pain.

 

A good therapist uses a range of techniques tailored to clients' needs and will adjust based on their client's feedback during the session. It's not just about feeling good; it's a powerful way to care for one's overall health and wellness.