6 Facts About Massage Therapy

If you are considering a career in massage therapy, you have likely already considered SCU’s School of Professional Studies certificate program. The California Massage Therapy Council approves it, and graduates can sit for the state board licensing exam upon graduation. The curriculum consists of lab hours and lecture courses, with more than half of the program devoted to hands-on experience. In addition, students complete a clinical clerkship, which is required for graduation. You can also consider the Atlanta school of massage therapy.

Massage therapy is a 21st-century healing art.

A healing art dating back to the ancient world, massage incorporates a variety of advanced modalities to promote the body’s natural restorative function. The technique uses both firm and light touch to relax and release tension while increasing circulation and fostering a sense of calm. Massage therapy is often used as a supportive adjunct to traditional medical treatments. It has become increasingly popular in mainstream America due to its relaxing and calming effects.

Early written records of massage therapy date back to ancient China and Egypt. Images of pharaohs being massaged have been found in the tombs of both countries. It is also believed that massage therapy originated in China. In 2700 BCE, the Chinese incorporated this practice into traditional medicine. The Yellow Emperor’s Classic Book of Internal Medicine highlighted several methods, including massage. Later, Swedish massage practitioners developed a system of bodywork based on ancient touch.

It improves circulation

One of the main benefits of massage is improving circulation. The body needs circulation to function correctly, which can cause many problems, such as numbness, bloating, and decreased energy. Massage therapy works to improve circulation by providing relaxation and stress relief. Additionally, it stimulates blood flow. If your muscles do not get enough oxygen and nutrients, they can become unhealthy and inefficient. When this happens, massage is beneficial for your health.

Massage can also reduce the effects of an injury. Lymphatic circulation improves and pushes wastes to the glands. This removes toxins from the body. Improved blood circulation provides increased oxygen levels and essential nutrients for repairing damaged cells. Massage therapy helps alleviate pain, sore muscles, and chronic health conditions as an added benefit. Learning how to perform this type of massage will improve your overall well-being.

It reduces risk factors for chronic severe conditions.

A new study suggests that a Swedish Massage Therapy treatment can significantly decrease levels of the inflammatory mediators interleukin-1, interleukin-2, and CORT. OT or other therapies did not mediate the effect. Furthermore, the massage treatment improved the numbers of white blood cells (CD25 and CD56) and reduced the percentage of T cells, which could have important implications for treating inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Researchers have shown that massage therapy has a positive effect on the quality of life of people suffering from chronic pain. In one study, 48 low-income Anglo women were treated with eight one-hour massages each. In the subsequent follow-up period, the participants’ health scores improved significantly. This study supports the idea that massage therapy can be a lasting treatment for chronic pain and illness. It may even have a positive impact on the quality of life of the patient and their family members.

It strengthens the immune system.

Research suggests that massage strengthens the immune system and can improve cognitive function when a person is sick. Likewise, massage can decrease anxiety levels. A study conducted at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that massage reduced levels of cytokines, a stress hormone, and increased levels of good hormones like serotonin and dopamine. It also reduced the stress hormone vasopressin levels, which is thought to be responsible for aggressive behavior.

There are other benefits to receiving regular massages. Massage increases circulation and improves tissue quality, so a person’s body can move and function more efficiently. Another benefit of massage is pain relief. Pain suppresses the immune system and decreases the levels of important immune system components such as T-cells. In addition to increasing white blood cells, massage strengthens the immune system and reduces the risk of infection.

It reduces headaches

The Boulder College of Massage Therapy conducted a study to determine whether school massage therapy for reducing headaches improves overall health. The study included eight subjects diagnosed with headaches at least once per week and reported pain as an objective measure of improvement. The subjects completed a logbook daily, indicating the number and severity of headaches. The intensity of a headache was measured by drawing a mark along a visual analog scale (0-100 mm). It recorded the distance from the zero point in millimeters, and the duration was registered to the nearest quarter-hour.

Massage therapy increases blood flow, which helps reduce muscle tension and headache pain. Some massage techniques target specific muscle tension areas, including the sub-occipital and facial muscles. Reflexology, meanwhile, relies on the theory that certain zones in the soles of the feet correspond to different parts of the body. Therefore, the reflexology therapist uses their hands and feet to stimulate and manipulate specific body zones, including the head and neck, to relieve pain caused by migraines. Neuromuscular Massage focuses on sensitive points in the muscles and effectively reduces migraine pain.

It reduces stress

A study in the Journal of Psychophysiology showed that massage therapy reduced anxiety and depression in psychiatric inpatients. In addition, the research showed that massage helped decrease blood pressure, heart rate, and other vital signs. Massage therapy can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, which affect as many as 18 percent of adults. It is also important to note that massage therapy is a natural treatment for various mental disorders.

While you can feel the benefits of massage instantly, they don’t necessarily end there. Studies show that massage can help reduce stress in various situations, including acute pain, post-injury, and even relaxation.