Flow State Massage has long had a reputation as a luxurious indulgence, but research shows it may be a powerful health tool. When performed properly, therapeutic massage can induce the relaxation response, lowering heart rate and blood pressure while boosting energy levels and immune function.

These sessions can be a great way to detox, re-energize, and improve flexibility. However, it’s important to drink plenty of water after to help flush out the toxins.

One of the most common reasons people seek massage is to reduce high levels of stress and anxiety. This is because massage can help to decrease the feelings of stress and anxiety by lowering your heart rate and blood pressure as well as encouraging relaxation through the release of positive hormones such as endorphins, serotonin and dopamine.

In addition, massage can help to improve circulation and lymphatic drainage. This means that more of your blood will be able to travel throughout your body which will allow your muscles to relax and also allow any waste products to leave the body more efficiently. In turn, this can help to reduce muscle and tissue pain as well as increase your recovery time after a workout.

Studies have shown that a single 10-minute massage can activate your body’s built-in system for dealing with stress, known as the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). This system is responsible for calming the body when you are stressed.

Many studies have shown that a massage can significantly reduce the level of cortisol in your body, which is a negative hormone that increases stress and makes you feel anxious. It can also lower your blood pressure, relax the muscles and increase production of serotonin which helps to decrease your feelings of depression and increase a sense of overall wellbeing.

Using different aromatherapy oils can also help to stimulate the brain and enhance these effects. This is because the sense of smell has a direct connection to your limbic system which controls emotions and can help to relieve your anxiety and stress.

Stress and anxiety can lead to a number of health problems including heart disease, headaches, digestive disorders and high blood pressure. Research shows that massage can effectively help to alleviate stress and anxiety in psychiatric patients, cancer patients, children with illnesses and even healthy adults.

Many people experience stress and anxiety as a result of their physical injuries. These can include sprains, strains, bursts of pain and even long-term chronic conditions such as arthritis. Injuries can have a significant impact on our mental health, leading to issues such as anxiety, anger, depression and even Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. However, regular massages can be very effective in helping to relieve these symptoms and prevent them from getting worse over time.

Increases Circulation

Circulation is the process of transporting oxygen, nutrients and hormones throughout the body to help the cells function properly and flush away waste. When the circulation system is working well, you’ll feel energetic and healthy. But when the circulatory system is congested, it can have a serious impact on your health. Fortunately, massage can improve circulation. It can stimulate the heart, blood vessels and lymphatic system to increase your energy, decrease your stress levels and boost your immune system.

Massage increases the flow of blood by causing vasodilation, which means that the smooth muscles lining the blood vessels relax and widen to create more space for the blood to move through. This can also help lower blood pressure by decreasing the amount of fluid restriction in your blood vessels.

Another reason that massage improves circulation is that it causes the muscles to warm up, which also increases their elasticity and flexibility. This, in turn, can reduce muscle tightness. In addition, the rubbing and friction created during massage techniques like effleurage can help flush out lactic acid, which is one of the primary causes of tightness in muscles.

Studies have shown that massage improves the circulation of the lymphatic system, as well. This can help the body get rid of toxins more quickly, which can lead to reduced inflammation and a healthy, glowing appearance.

A study of the effect of massage on circulation found that deep tissue massage (tapotement) significantly increased both vascular and capillary blood flow and cardiac output. This is good news because a healthy circulation system helps reduce the buildup of waste products in muscles and joints, and can help with erectile dysfunction in men, pain in the legs and arms, digestive problems, fatigue, and even chronic diseases like diabetes or cancer.

However, it is important to note that this isn’t necessarily a clear indication that other types of massage will have similar effects on your circulation. There’s a lot of stuff that controls circulation, and it would be a stretch to say that a short massage can affect all of them.

Relieves Muscle Tension

The manipulation of the soft tissues of the body during massage can help relieve muscle tightness. Tight muscles can restrict movement and increase your chance of injury and pain during exercise or sport. There are a number of different types of massage therapy, each with a unique approach to easing your tension and increasing flexibility. These include deep tissue massage, which is suited for those with specific injuries or those who are training for a specific event; sports massage, which targets the specific muscles used in your chosen sport; and trigger point massage, which releases knots in the muscle fibres to alleviate tension and tightness.

A key feature of massage is the way it stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which controls the body’s rest and recovery response. The physical touch from the massage therapist causes your heart rate to slow down, breathing to ease and blood pressure to decrease. This increases the availability of feel-good brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, lowering your stress levels and improving your mood.

Massage can also improve muscle relaxation by promoting blood flow to the muscles. This is due to the mechanical pressure applied during the massage and chemical changes that occur in the muscle cells as a result of rubbing (biomechanical mechanisms). The increased blood supply means that more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to your muscles, which can ease soreness and reduce tightness.

Another way that massage can relieve muscle tension is through its effect on the body’s lymph system. The kneading and stroking actions of massage have been shown to improve lymphatic circulation, which can assist the body in removing waste, excess water and toxins from the muscles and joints. This can help the body to heal more quickly after exercise or injury, as well as improving general organ function and boosting your immune system.

When you get a massage, it is important to communicate with your therapist about the amount of pressure that is being applied and where the pressure should be concentrated. It’s a good idea to take a moment to center yourself before your treatment begins and to let your therapist know that you want them to lighten up or apply more pressure where it is needed.

Better Sleep

A good night’s sleep isn’t just relaxing in the moment—it’s crucial for your health. Researchers have found that people who consistently get poor quality sleep are at higher risk for a number of serious medical conditions, including heart disease, obesity, diabetes, depression and chronic stress. And while many methods exist to improve sleep, massage therapy is particularly effective.

Studies show that massage boosts serotonin, the brain’s “sleep” chemical. This hormone plays a vital role in communication through areas of the brain known as the raphe nuclei, helping to regulate your sleep-wake cycle. It also helps to lower cortisol levels, which is a stress hormone associated with weight gain, high blood pressure, fatigue and insomnia.

Massage stimulates the vagus nerve, a critical part of the parasympathetic nervous system that promotes relaxation and lowers stress hormones like cortisol. The gentle pressure and rhythmic strokes of massage help to relax the body, reducing stress and preparing it for restful sleep.

Getting a regular massage can also help reduce the symptoms of insomnia, improve sleep apnea, relieve migraines and reduce restless leg syndrome. It can also help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep throughout the night. And if you’re looking for an extra boost of relaxation before bed, try adding some essential oils to your massage, such as lavender or chamomile.

Beyond massage, a few key lifestyle elements can make a difference in your sleep patterns, including maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine and heavy meals before bed, and incorporating relaxation into your daily routines. You can also talk to your therapist about self massage techniques you or a loved one can perform at home to continue to promote better sleep habits.