Massages are more than just a slice of indulgence, they’re proven health and mood treatments. Use this guide to find out what part of your body massage can help!
People with chronic neck pain reported a 55% improvement with a simple neck massage once a week for 10 weeks., according to a 2009 study in the Clinical Journal of Pain. They even scored 39% better on the Neck Disability Index. (it assesses the pain’s impact)
A 2010 meta-analysis in the journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that Swedish and other types of massage may ease depression. Massages reduce the Cortisol levels (stress hormone levels), heart rate, blood pressure and boosts mood and relaxation by triggering the release of oxytocin and serotonin
“Musculotendinous” massages target the muscle-tendon junctions and a 30-second round can improve hip-flexor range of motion, according to a 2010 study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning. Why not try it? Find where muscle meets tendon just behind and above your knee, and rub the spot in small circles with your thumb.
In a 2010 study from Sweden, one 80-minute hand-and-foot massage significantly lowered people’s cortisol levels, insulin levels and heart rates – all of which help lower stress. You don’t need a full-body rubdown to feel good.
Back problems can be complex but one solution is simple; Common massage techniques can help you relax and trigger an endorphin release, which raises your threshold for pain. that might help people with all sorts of lower back pain, says a 2009 meta-analysis in the Journal Spine.
After a person with normal blood pressure had a deep-tissue massage for 45 to 60 minutes, their BPs fell, according to a study in the Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine. Specifically, BP fell by an average of 10.4 millimeters of mercury (mm/Hg) systolic, and 5.3 mm/Hg diastolic.
Would you like an abdominal massage with that laxative? Yes, you would: A 2009 Swedish study found that people who received a massage along with traditional constipation treatment felt significantly better than those who just stuck with laxatives.