Beyond Relaxation: Exploring the Emotional Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage
It’s a good thing that more and more folks are talking about the mind-body connection. However, you can take this concept further. You know, your mind and body are not two wholly discrete entities that must be actively connected. Rather, they’re more like two sides of the same coin. Your mind and body work in synch, whether we recognize it or not. But when we better understand this synergy, we can do more to bring things to a deeper level.
Speaking of “deeper,” deep tissue massage is an ideal example of the mind and body working as one. The more you know, the more you get out of the experience.
What Is Deep Tissue Massage?
A trained, certified massage therapist manipulates your body to enhance your health. They use their hands to work on muscles, ligaments, tendons, fascia, and more. As the name implies, a deep tissue massage targets the deepest body parts that can be reached. It also aims for connective tissue beyond the more obvious, big-picture choices, such as “neck” or “back.” Deep tissue massage can be painful at times, but an experienced massage therapist will check in with you to find the right intensity. So, what does all of this have to do with emotions?
Exploring the Emotional Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage
Hardly breaking news: It’s important to relax. But in a digitized world of seemingly ever-increasing demands, how can we make this happen? Deep tissue massage is an excellent way to induce a state of holistic relaxation. Educated hands working on your tight, tired body have been found to bring about some pretty amazing results. For example:
Reduced heart rate
Lower blood pressure
Fewer stress hormones in your bloodstream
Greater oxygen consumption
Improved sleep cycles
Enhanced relaxation skills
All of the above (and see more below) teach you how to rest more efficiently. When you make the most of your rest time, your body and mind work in an optimal manner. Stress is bad news for everyone. Deep tissue massage — even in small doses — is a powerful, all-natural antidote without any side effects.
More of the Emotional Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage
Anxiety and Depression Relief
Two of the most common mental health disorders can be better managed when stress levels are lowered. Deep tissue massage is known to increase the amount of feel-good hormones in your body. Chemicals like endorphins and oxytocin can induce a sense of calm, which, in turn, breaks patterns that lead to spirals of anxiety and depression.
Lessen Symptoms of Chronic Illnesses
Anyone struggling with a chronic disease is at a higher risk of living a stress-filled life. This can set off a cycle. Increased stress worsens symptoms, which increases stress, and off we go. While no one is suggesting that a massage will automatically cure a long-term illness like cancer, it’s been found that deep tissue massage can alleviate symptoms. In addition, it can reduce the side effects of any treatment you’re undergoing. This adds up to less pain and fewer symptoms — both of which lower anxiety and stress.
Pain Relief
Much like the section directly above this, pain relief may at first sound like a purely physical outcome. However, think back to any time when chronic pain had you in its grip. How relieved were you when the pain eased? You could think more clearly and optimistically. This is especially true when the physical issue at hand pertains to headaches and migraines. Deep tissue massage starts the process by easing the pain, which then contributes mightily to a more healthy state of mind.
Massage = More Happiness
To feel better — head to toe, inside and out — it’s time to learn more about deep tissue massage.