6 – Relieves Pain
We all have heard massage reduces pain, but how? Pain can be caused by ischemia (lack of blood and oxygen in the muscle), trigger points (hyper-sensitive areas that can refer pain to other areas of the body), nerve entrapment or compression, postural distortion, insufficient nutrition for cellular metabolism, and stress. Massage addresses these conditions by increasing blood flow, removing waste products, warming and softening the tissues, and reducing stress. Neuromuscular Therapy specifically treats trigger points. Massage also works in reducing pain by interrupting the pain cycle of the nervous system and releasing enkephalin, serotonin, endorphin and dynorphin. The seratonin and enkephalin released by the body inhibit the pain receptors of the nervous system and brain helping block the pain messages. The endorphins have an analgesic effect.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center reported that a single massage produced measurable changes in the immune system and endocrine system of healthy adults. The researchers recruited 53 physically healthy volunteers who had no mental disorders and divided them into two groups: 29 of the volunteers received 45 minutes of Swedish massage while 24 received 45 minutes of light touch massage. Prior to massage, all the participants were fitted with intravenous catheters so that blood samples could be taken at intervals before and after massage. Results showed significant changes in lymphocytes, white blood cells that are key players in immune system responses and a decrease in inflammatory cytokines, which are immune system mediators. "This research indicates that massage doesn’t only feel good, it also may be good for you," said study researcher Dr. Mark Rapaport, chairman of the department of psychiatry and behavioral neurosciences, at Cedars-Sinai;"People often seek out massage as part of a healthy lifestyle but there hasn't been much physiological proof of the body’s heightened immune response following massage until now." Massage naturally increases the activity level of the body's natural killer cells and decreases the number of T-cells, which improves the body's immune functioning overall leading to a healthier life.
No comments:
Post a Comment