Reducing pain, discomfort, or inflammation can be welcome relief through various types of body massage techniques. A body massage can play a vital role with inflammation-reduction, cell repair, and the release of toxins.
Deep-tissue massage, for example, focuses on the deeper layers of your muscles. In the process, serotonin is released which helps to alleviate pain and provide a sense of calm. Serotonin is produced by our brains and contributes to feelings of serenity.
Deep-tissue massage will generate an increase in the flow of blood which combats inflammation. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that deep-tissue body massage is extremely effective at relieving chronic pain.
This form of massage aids in the breakdown of compounds released by our muscles. Lactic and uric acid build up around muscles, causing fatigue, pain, soreness, and lack of mobility. Deep tissue massage releases these compounds in the bloodstream, to be excreted.
Sports massage therapies that utilize kneading procedures stimulate an increase in blood circulation. As a result, lactic acid is flushed out of tired or strained muscles far faster than one’s body can do, on its own.
Due to increased blood and lymph flow throughout the body, a sports massage can help prevent muscle fatigue. It is the circulation of blood and lymph that serves as the primary mechanism that supports toxin release. Additionally, endorphins are released through massage which act as the body’s natural pain reliever.
Trigger-point massage is known for its intensity and effectiveness with loosening tight areas, known as ‘knots’ or nodules, that develop due to stress, dehydration, over stimulation and more. With trigger point massage, muscular knots are immediately released due to the loosening of the knotted fibers.
Knotted tissue holds excess lactic acids, deposits of protein, and other toxins. The physical manipulation aids in the dissolving and eliminating of toxic buildup in the tissues and releases those dissolved toxins into the bloodstream to be, ultimately, flushed out of the body.
Massage Therapy Benefits – Supported by Science
Toxins must be expelled from your body to prevent toxicity. If they are not, they can wreak havoc on your health, on multiple levels.
According to Science Translational Medicine, specific types of massage lessen the production of compounds called cytokines which are notorious contributors towards inflammation. In addition to the reduction of cytokines, massage therapies stimulate mitochondria which are powerful components inside cells that transform glucose into much-needed energy. That energy is a requisite for proper cell function and repair.
Dr. Tarnopolsky, a researcher and a professor of pediatrics and medicine at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, studied the effectiveness of massage techniques on muscle groups, via biopsies, performed on athletes who volunteered to be part of Dr. Tarnopolsky’s research in a controlled medical setting.
“Massage works differently than anti-inflammatory drugs which reduce inflammation and pain but may retard healing. Proper massage techniques can suppress inflammation and actually enhance cell recovery.”
Dr. Tarnopolsky
Ms. Tiffany Field, director of the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami Medical School, echoes Dr. Tarnopolsky’s findings and states that massage techniques can reduce proinflammatory cytokines which can be instrumental towards causing muscular pain.
The primary contributor that supports toxin release is the circulation of blood and lymph. Through massage therapies – most notably, Swedish and lymphatic massage – the movement of the lymphatic and circulatory system become optimally stimulated to aid in the removal of toxins.
Herb-Infused Apricot and Olive Oils
Massage therapies used at home can incorporate a variety of different types of oils to target specific issues – from helping wounds heal more quickly to being part of a before-bed routine to enhancing one’s quality of sleep – and it’s what is in the oils that makes the difference!
At Artemis Therapeutics, the herbs infused in our apricot and olive oils are 1) premium quality 2) sustainably sourced 3) US grown and 4) organic. Our herb-infused apricot and olive oils offer a variety of physical and energetic properties.
Pressed from the oil-rich kernels of apricots, apricot oil:
- Deeply nourishes and beautifies the skin – rich in vitamins and minerals with vitamin A being especially noted for its ability to plump the skin – slows/reverses wrinkles
- Heals sores more effectively
- Helps heal acne by fighting inflammation and preventing sebum build-up in the glands
- Is packed with antioxidants which boost tightening of the skin and help prevent cellular mutation which can lead to skin cancer
- Relieves inflammation of the respiratory tract, via the use of aromatic diffusers
- Carries the medicine of the herbs.
Harvested by grinding olives and extracted through various methods, olive oil:
- Heals, nourishes, and beautifies the skin
- Is loaded with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals – helps calm inflammation
- Relaxes muscles – relieves soreness/aches/spasms and strained joints
- Locks in skin’s moisture
- Increases blood circulation
- Carries the medicine of the herbs
Massage Therapies – The Mayo Clinic Gives a ‘Thumbs Up’
After it’s all said and done, it is fascinating when one stops to consider the myriad of health conditions that benefit from massage techniques and massage oils that address fatigue, muscle pain, sinus infections, digestive issues, skin conditions, and more.
Massage therapies offer a holistic approach to optimized health. The Mayo Clinic states, “Massage can be a powerful tool to help you take charge of your health and well-being. Along with standard medical treatment, massage is included to address a wide range of medical conditions – from reducing stress and pain, to improving circulation and digestive issues, to lowering blood pressure, and improving immune function”.
