Flow State Massage is a widely used complementary therapy. It is also practiced in some conventional health settings, such as hospices and units for patients with mental disorders or learning disabilities.
There is some evidence that massage reduces anxiety in patients in intensive care, psychiatric institutions and hospices. However, other claimed therapeutic benefits of massage have not been reliably tested in randomised trials.
A massage is a great way to reduce stress and relax both the mind and body. The touch of massage stimulates the release of hormones called endorphins, serotonin and dopamine which improve mood and increase a feeling of well-being. The physiological effect of massage is to increase the temperature of the soft tissue by friction increasing capillarisation and vasodilation (widening of blood cells) resulting in an increased flow of blood to the area which helps ease tension and pain. During a relaxation massage the body will usually slow down its rate of respiration and decrease heart rate which all contributes to an overall state of deep relaxation.
Many people experience the sensation of being cared for during and after a massage, which can also aid in building self confidence. This may help those suffering from poor self image caused by health problems or a physical disability. Massage has been found to enhance skin tone and promote a healthy glow as it encourages the shedding of dead skin cells and increases the growth of new ones which results in even colour and smooth texture.
Some people find that they are able to relax more easily before an event after receiving a relaxing massage. This is because the massage can help them to prepare physically and mentally by releasing feel good hormones and helping them to focus their attention on what they need to do.
Relaxing massages can also be beneficial in helping a person to recover after exercise by helping their muscles to repair and replenish, so they are ready for the next workout.
Physiologically the effects of massage can also assist in relieving pain by blocking the pain signals from the brain and assisting in the breakdown of toxins that have built up in the muscles.
Regular massage can also help to teach the body how to relax which is an important skill to have in life. This can lead to better management of stress levels and improved physical function in the long run as well as helping a person to make healthier lifestyle choices, such as diet and exercise.
Pain Relief
Pain is one of the most common reasons people seek health care, but chronic pain is often treated with medications that carry serious long-term risks. Many patients with pain are also seeking alternative ways to manage it, such as massage therapy.
Therapeutic massage manipulates soft tissue, including muscles and ligaments, and has been shown to reduce muscle tension, joint stiffness, and swelling. It can also help with a variety of health problems, including fibromyalgia, temporomandibular disorder (TMD), and low back and neck pain. In fact, research has shown that even a single massage session can improve a patient’s perceived level of pain.
There are many different types of massage, ranging from traditional Swedish and deep tissue to reflexology and shiatsu. The type of massage you choose will depend on your specific needs. For example, if you have chronic low back pain, your therapist may recommend frequent massages over shorter sessions to build up the benefits.
A study published in the Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice showed that a person with hand pain experienced decreased pain and improved grip strength after receiving four weekly massages of the hands along with self-massage at home. Another study found that a person who received a four-week regimen of hand massage experienced less pain and anxiety, and had improved sleep quality, compared to those in the control group.
Massage can ease pain in several ways, including relaxing painful muscles and tendons; relieving stress and anxiety; stimulating nerve fibers that compete with pain signals to block them at the ‘pain gate’; and altering how the brain processes information about pain. Several studies have found that massage can improve the function of immune cells that fight infection, lower blood pressure, and help regulate hormones such as cortisol and seroton.
Using an evidence mapping process, this study identified 49 systematic reviews and created a visual ‘evidence map’ to visualize the distribution of evidence on massage for various pain indications. Each review is represented by a bubble on the chart, the size of which correlates with the number of primary research studies that reported on the effect of massage for that particular pain indication.
Increased Flexibility
The increase in muscle elasticity, and decreased rigidity, that result from massage is a crucial element of flexibility enhancement. Athletes often use massage to help avoid the negative effect of static stretching (stretching before exercise that causes a temporary decrease in performance) on their short-term peak power output. Massage increases temperature through friction to the muscles causing capilliarisation and vasodilation of the blood flow, which enables muscle fibres to loosen.
Massage also reduces swelling in the soft tissues, which can restrict movement and flexibility. Inflammation is also reduced by increasing circulation to the area, removing waste products and facilitating healing. When muscles are flexible, they are less prone to injury.
Enhanced focus: When pain and stiffness are eliminated, the mind can better concentrate on tasks at hand. Boosted confidence: Achieving flexibility goals, such as touching one’s toes or executing a challenging yoga pose, can give a person a sense of achievement, boosting their self-esteem.
Flexibility can be achieved by regular massage sessions, but you can also do it at home by using foam rolling and massage balls to target specific knots. The key is consistency; it takes time and effort to achieve results, so you need to be committed and stick with it.
If you are interested in increasing your flexibility through massage, talk to a qualified professional and devise a plan to incorporate it into your regular routine. As with any new activity, start slow and listen to your body; if you feel any discomfort, communicate it with the therapist to ensure safety. Also, hydration is important, as massage can flush out toxins in the muscle tissue that need to be replenished with water to help minimise soreness post-session. This is especially true if you are working on tight, sore muscles that haven’t been stretched in some time. A little discomfort is normal, but if you feel sharp, intense pain, it’s a sign that you’re overdoing it and need to back off. The road to increased flexibility isn’t a quick one, but it is a worthwhile investment in your long-term health.
Mental Health
As anxiety disorders and depression continue to be a significant problem in our society, more and more people are seeking ways to manage their symptoms. Many are turning to alternative therapies including massage to help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. While more research is needed to understand the biological impact of massage, the existing data suggests that this type of therapy may be effective in helping with mental health conditions.
Studies have shown that massage can lower cortisol and increase serotonin. Both of these neurotransmitters are associated with reducing feelings of depression and anxiety. Additionally, massage has been shown to promote a sense of well-being by lowering the heart rate and blood pressure. In a study on individuals with depression, researchers found that patients who received regular massages had improved mood and decreased symptoms of depression.
Individuals who suffer from chronic mental illness, such as depression and anxiety, often experience a lack of energy and have difficulty sleeping. This is due in large part to their high levels of stress and the way that they react to that stress. Thankfully, massage can help to relieve some of this tension by causing the body to release endorphins, which are natural chemical compounds that produce feelings of happiness and contentment. Massage has also been proven to decrease the production of cortisol, which is a hormone that can contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression.
Massage can also help to improve sleep by reducing the number of times an individual wakes up during the night. This is because massage helps to promote relaxation and encourages a deep, restful sleep. In addition, massage can also help to relax the muscles and improve circulation, which are both essential for getting a good night’s sleep.
Although it is true that massage can be expensive, this shouldn’t be a reason for individuals not to seek out this form of treatment. In fact, many psychiatric medications are also quite expensive and it is important for individuals to do what they can to reduce their costs whenever possible. By prioritizing self-care practices, such as massage, individuals can save money on their psychiatric care and use the extra funds to see a specialist or visit other health care providers.