Body relaxation aspects

Relieve muscle tension: massage can stretch tense muscle fibers by applying appropriate pressure and kneading movements to the muscles. For example, people who work at desk for long hours tend to have stiff neck and shoulder muscles, and massage can relax these muscles. Like in professional massage parlors, massage therapists will use pushing, holding, pressing and moistening techniques to manipulate muscle groups such as the trapezius muscle to promote blood circulation in the muscles and take away metabolic wastes such as lactic acid that accumulate in the muscles, thus reducing soreness and stiffness.
    Improve body flexibility: Massage can move the joints and increase the range of motion of the joints. Taking post-yoga full-body massage as an example, it can help yoga practitioners further relax their muscles and ligaments, allowing the body to recover better after stretching and twisting movements, and prepare the body for the next workout, making it more flexible.

In terms of promoting blood circulation

Enhance blood flow: When massaging, external forces act on the body tissues, which will encourage blood vessels to dilate. The effect is especially pronounced when some specific acupoints and meridians are massaged. For example, massaging the Yongquan points on the soles of the feet improves blood circulation in the feet and throughout the body. This is like installing a “booster” for the body’s circulatory system, allowing blood to flow more smoothly through the blood vessels and delivering oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body.
    Reduce body edema: Good blood circulation helps the body to expel excess water. For some people who have leg edema due to frequent sitting or standing for a long time, massaging the leg muscles, such as from the ankles towards the knees, can help lymphatic fluid return and reduce edema.

In terms of stress reduction

Promote the body’s secretion of relaxing substances: massage can stimulate the body to secrete endorphins. Endorphins are a kind of natural “happy hormone”, which can make people produce a sense of pleasure and relaxation. In the process of enjoying a massage, with the massage therapist’s techniques on the body to perform, the body will gradually enter a comfortable state, the secretion of endorphins will also increase, so that people feel the pressure to be released.
    Relieve mental fatigue: In a state of high mental tension, the brain will be in a state of fatigue. Massaging parts such as the head and neck can relax the scalp muscles and improve the blood supply to the brain. For example, movements such as acupressure temples in head massage can relieve the tension in the brain, make people feel refreshed and reduce mental fatigue.

Rehabilitation aids

Helping injured muscles recover: For some mild muscle strains or sprains, proper massage can promote local blood circulation and accelerate the repair of damaged tissues during the recovery phase after injury. The massage therapist will use gentle techniques to massage around the injured area to avoid aggravating the injury, and at the same time direct the flow of nutrients to the injured area to promote the healing of muscles and tendons.
    Improve Chronic Pain Symptoms: Massage can be used as an adjunctive treatment for people suffering from conditions such as chronic low back pain. With regular massage, you can relieve pain and improve the functioning of your body. For example, massaging muscles such as the erector spinae in the lower back can reduce chronic low back pain caused by muscle strain.

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