Understanding the Health Benefits of Massage Therapy

For many, a massage is considered a self-indulgent luxury to be enjoyed only occasionally. But while booking a massage can make a perfect treat (for yourself or a loved one), the health benefits of massage therapy are often overlooked. Moreover, we often forget that massages can be enjoyed in the comfort of our own homes!

In this article, we’re taking a closer look at the health benefits of massage therapy, from improved circulation to reduced stress. We’ll explore why this ancient therapeutic practice should be considered an attainable indulgence for all, and why you should consider investing in massage products for your home.

What is Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy is a form of integrative therapy which involves manipulating the soft tissues of the body. It can be performed on almost all parts of the body, including the back, shoulders and neck, arms and legs, and even the head.

Massage practice dates back thousands of years. The ancient Hindu texts, the Vedas, document Indian head massage techniques (3000 BC) while the ancient Chinese Nei-jing medical texts (481 BC) include 30 chapters referencing massage. The famous ancient Greek physician, Hippocrates (500 BC), is also said to have studied the benefits of massage therapy.

Several different massage techniques may be employed depending on the circumstances. These include deep tissue massage, lymphatic massage, Swedish massage, and many more.

What are the Benefits of Massage Therapy?

As mentioned earlier, massage therapy has a wide range of health benefits that can be helpful for all. So, let’s take a closer look at some of the key benefits of massage.

Improves Circulation

Healthy circulation ensures blood flows efficiently through the body, delivering the oxygen and nutrients needed for organs and muscles to function properly. Poor circulation can be linked to a number of conditions, including diabetes and peripheral arterial disease; however, it is also commonly linked to factors such as smoking, lack of exercise and ageing.

In some instances, massage therapy can help to improve circulation. It is thought that massage can help to move blood through congested areas of the body, hence helping to deliver oxygen-rich blood to certain muscles. Of course, this shouldn’t be considered an alternative to a healthy lifestyle.

Reduces Muscle Tension and Pain

Massage helps to stretch the muscles, increasing their elasticity by producing mechanical pressure. Mechanical massage can help relieve tight or tense muscles by increasing muscle compliance. As a result, individuals often report improved joint motion, as well as reduced muscle stiffness.

Massage can also help to reduce muscle soreness following exercise and strenuous activity and improve healing from muscle injury. Tight muscles can put pressure on the surrounding nerves, causing numbness, tingling, and pain. By relieving this tension, massage can help to reduce pain in the affected area.

Reduces Stress

Massage isn’t all about managing physical ailments. In fact, massage therapy also has a number of mental benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety. This may not be surprising as many of us see getting a massage as an effective solution to help reduce stress. But how does it work?

Well, according to a recent review of scientific literature, massage can help to reduce heart rate and cortisol production - a hormone associated with stress. It was found that just a single treatment could trigger these responses. Other studies have noted that massage therapy may be significantly effective at reducing rates of occupational stress.

CBD for Massage Therapy

Cannabidiol - a hemp compound better known as ‘CBD’ - has become a popular health and wellness ingredient in recent years. This incredible cannabinoid has been found to possess a wide range of therapeutic properties - some of which could boost the benefits of massage therapy.

People from all walks of life are enjoying the benefits of CBD in various forms, including in the form of CBD oils, edibles, and even CBD skincare! But what exactly are these benefits?

The most common reason for CBD use among consumers in the UK is to manage stress and anxiety. Studies indicate that CBD can interact with receptors in our bodies to trigger the release of stress relief hormones.

Furthermore, anecdotal reports from consumers suggest that CBD could help to relieve pain in joints and muscles, including after exercise. While more scientific evidence is required to fully understand these potential mechanisms, these effects could help to further enhance the benefits of massage therapy.

At-Home Massage Therapy

The thing about massage therapy is that it can be accessible to all. While you might assume that getting a massage is an expensive occasional indulgence, it doesn’t have to be that way! There is a wide range of massage products available in shops and online that can help you explore the benefits of massage therapy from the comfort of your own home!
Take our CBD Massage Oils, for example. Infused with carefully selected natural ingredients and boosted with organic hemp-derived CBD extract, our French Lavender and Eucalyptus & Peppermint massage oils are the perfect option if you’re looking to explore the worlds of massage therapy and CBD!