From the moment you enter the room to when the session’s over, massage therapy takes you to a place of absolute tranquillity.
While many people recognise it for its physical benefits, massage therapy has numerous benefits for your emotional wellbeing.
Many people have regular sessions, which enable them to relax and escape the stresses of daily life. Now it’s your turn to discover this natural - yet highly effective - form of relaxation.
What is massage therapy?
Simply put, massage therapy is where a therapist manipulates and kneads the muscles to remove tension. However, with so many massages available, it can also be a spiritual experience designed to reduce stress and relax the mind.
Many people have regular massage sessions and don’t necessarily have injuries. The soothing and relaxing nature can promote emotional wellbeing.
Massage therapy is an ancient tradition. In fact, the first evidence of civilisations practising massages goes back to 3,000 BC in India.
The Egyptians also created reflexology, which is still a popular treatment today.
Why is it important for stress relief and mental health?
In today's society, it’s clear to see why stress is such a common thing. Even out of the office, our emails still ping, and the phone rings, leaving many people trying to find that elusive work/life balance.
According to the Mental Health Foundation, around 74% of people surveyed say they felt stressed in the space of a year, and a whopping 32% felt suicidal. Stress is a genuine thing, and if not treated, it can lead to mental health issues.
Massage is a valid way to reduce anxiety and relax the brain.
How massages reduce stress
The symptoms of severe stress include:
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- A racing mind
- Heart palpitations
- Irritability
- Feeling hopeless
In times of stress, the body has to work harder, which can also impact heart health and increase your risk of cardiovascular disease.
Let’s take a look at why massages are renowned for their ability to reduce stress.
The relaxation response
Massages can promote calm by encouraging the body to rest and the mind to relax. By performing simple kneading movements, your therapist can target high-stress areas of the body, reducing muscle tension.
Also, massage is scientifically proven to increase the amount of serotonin and dopamine hormones, enabling you to relax and reduce stress (PubMed).
Reduced blood pressure
When you’re stressed, it triggers the sympathetic nervous system, increasing your blood pressure. People with high blood pressure levels are more at risk of strokes and heart attacks, which is one of the reasons why stress is so dangerous.
Massage therapy can stimulate your senses and relieve tension in the body. Having a relaxing or aromatherapy massage will reduce your blood pressure, which could be instrumental in enhancing your physical health.
Boosts melatonin
According to research from the Sleep Foundation, stress can directly impact your sleep, as the melatonin levels are reduced. However, the relaxing benefits of massages and their ability to trigger specific pressure points in the body can boost melatonin production.
With reduced cortisol and increased melatonin, you can finally get that good night’s sleep and wake up feeling refreshed.
Less tension
Stress can also lead to the muscles tightening, which makes it even harder to switch off and relax. More importantly, tension can also result in pain, creating a vicious cycle where it seems like you’ll never get some relief.
Massages loosen the muscles and warm them up, enhancing your mobility and decreasing the stress you feel in your body.
Massages and mental health
The term mental health refers to a range of psychological and psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and anything else that falls under the umbrella.
While medication is usually a core treatment method, many specialists recommend reducing stress and focusing on self-care for holistic treatments.
Massage therapy offers numerous benefits for mental health, including clarity of mind and an improved ability to focus.
Massage is holistic
Mental health is a complicated condition that often causes an entire spectrum of side effects.
Yes, medication and talking therapies are central to your recovery, but your massage therapist can also help you relax and escape from the emotional issues caused by mental health conditions.
Regular sessions can become part of your routine and provide physical comfort and mental relief.
Mindfulness
Dealing with mental health issues can often feel like an uphill struggle, making it challenging to switch your mind off and focus on promoting wellbeing. However, massage therapy is all about enabling yourself to relax.
The technique is usually performed in an ambient setting, where you don’t have to talk or think; just relax and enjoy the experience. In many ways, massages can help you practise mindfulness and focus on the moment instead of dealing with racing thoughts.
Which massages are best for stress relief?
With so many forms of massage therapy available, it’s essential to consider which one will work best for your mental health. Here are the most popular techniques for stress relief:
- Swedish Massage: Did you know a 45-minute session can reduce cortisol levels and help you destress? Research published by NCBI highlights how beneficial Swedish massage is.
- Aromatherapy Massage: Using essential oils, your massage therapist will help your mind and body relax in a setting that’s all about comfort.
- Therapeutic Massages: These massages are renowned for treating various pressure points and enhancing your neurological functioning.
- Hot Stone Massages: Using hot stones placed on your body, your massage therapist will warm the muscles while providing a massage that melts away stress.
Remember, if you have mental health issues, you can specify if you’d rather have a male or female therapist when you book with I Love Massage. Our unique service gives you complete control over your massage booking and absolute flexibility.
Every therapist who advertises with us must be fully qualified, and sessions are available throughout London. Book today and get ready to feel more alert and relaxed than ever before.