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When was your last massage? For many, it’s been awhile. Once thought of as a indulgence, the medical community now recognizes the benefits of massage therapy. You may know it reduces stress and relieves pain. But did you know massage therapy also releases feel-good endorphins?
Endorphins are naturally occurring chemicals in the body that promote relaxation. Endorphins also lower your blood pressure and improve oxygen flow. As you may know, better oxygen flow reduces inflammation and helps flush away toxins.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, “Massage therapy is used to help manage a health condition or enhance wellness. It involves manipulating the soft tissues of the body. Massage has been practiced in most cultures, both Eastern and Western, throughout human history, and was one of the earliest tools that people used to try to relieve pain.”
Medical professionals of all types recommend massage therapy. Studies show it’s helpful for everything from tension headaches to chronic pain like fibromyalgia. It’s even helpful for diabetics.
Here at Mcquaite Chiropractic, we recommend massage therapy as a complementary therapy to your chiropractic treatments. The reason why is because while a chiropractic adjustment realigns your spine; massage relaxes your muscles. They’re each good on their own. But together, they’re like peanut butter and jelly. They both reduce inflammation, reduce pain, and improve your flexibility. It’s a good holistic approach to your body’s overall wellness.
Other Benefits of Massage Therapy
Anxiety Reduction
Lying still for an hour (or even half hour) forces you to slow down. This is good for your mental state. Plus, safe human touch fulfills a deep human need for human contact. Studies have shown that people feel less stressed and happier after massage.
Pain Reduction
Massage therapy improves blood circulation and reduces inflammation. You instinctively rub sore muscles for relief, a massage therapist does it better. Plus, this natural pain relief means you may skip pain medication including opioids.
Helps Control Blood Sugar in Diabetics
It can help control blood sugar by helping your body better absorb insulin. It also helps reduce toxins.
Improved Digestive System
Better circulation helps the blood carry oxygen and nutrients throughout your body and flush out toxins. This stimulates your lymph nodes, your digestive system, and even your immune system.
As you can see, there are many benefits of massage therapy. There are also many different types of massage. Some of them include deep tissue, Swedish, myofascial, and sports. If you’re wondering which is the best massage for you, it depends on why you’re getting the massage and your personal preference. Your chiropractor can make recommendations for you.
When you combine massage therapy with chiropractic care, you’ll feel better in between treatments. If you live in or near Doylestown, Pa. and you’d like to experience natural pain relief with chiropractic and massage therapy, stop in or call for your free consultation.
