In Addition To Relaxing, These 5 Things Happen To The Body After Massage

Illustration of things and benefits of massage for the body (Freepik/Valuavitaly)

YOGYAKARTA – Many people do not know that massage, in addition to relaxing, is also beneficial for the physical body. According to a report by the American Massage Therapy Association, about 25 percent of men and 21 percent of women in the United States will have massages in 2021. Not many people know the reasons why massage. Indonesians understand that massage is done to relieve body aches due to fatigue. In fact, many believe massage can restore the body to be more fit.

According to Beret Loncar, a licensed massage therapist in NYC, many things that most people believe are not true. That's because most of the spas or massage clinics advertise inaccurate information. Here are the effects on the body after massage, some of which can last a long time.

1. Reduced stress levels

Massage is designed to make you relax, reported by Romper, Tuesday, August 9. In fact, a 2020 study published in Scientific Reports measured and confirmed that just 10 minutes of massage provides both psychological and physiological effects. This is because massage has been shown to activate the parasympathetic nervous system.

Illustration of the benefits of massage for the body (Freepik/ Valuavitaly)

2. Lower heart rate

Other evidence suggests that massage lowers blood pressure and heart rate. Both help in greater cardiovascular recovery. Loncar exemplifies the typical Swedish massage which generally sends a biological 'rest and digest' message. This will help regulate the nervous system of the autonomic, which is still associated with stress.

A 2021 study conducted by researchers at Harvard, found that massage was shown to accelerate muscle recovery and that there was a clear link between mechanical stimulation (massage) and immune function.

3. Pain is reduced

The essence of massage is to relax your body. However, it is more deeply proven that massage helps you relax. More specifically, pihat helps you relieve pain.

"As long as it's done right, and the massage isn't too deep, massage can be an excellent pain reliever," adds Loncar.

A study published in Pain Medicine in 2016 also concluded that massage therapy is the recommended option for pain management. For example, massage after childbirth or partum massage that offers relief from joint pain, stretches muscles, and helps balance the emotional state.

4. Builds sensory awareness

Massage involves touch, this means working on your sensory awareness. Loncar explained, there is a possibility that complex awareness processes occur during massage. It's like sensory meditation where you focus on your body and mind.

5. Knowing certain health conditions

When you receive a massage from a licensed therapist trained in pathology, the study of the causes, effects of disease, and injury, they can help you identify your health condition before you know it.

That's the thing physically and psychologically experienced when massage. But because everyone has a different medical history, the response to massage may be slightly different.