Deep tissue massage has many benefits, and it has been shown to help with various health issues. One benefit is that it can be a stress-relieving treatment.
Deep tissue massage Fredericksburg, VA, can reduce stress by flushing out the cortisol in the body and replacing it with positive hormones like endorphins, oxytocin, and serotonin.
Increased Endorphins
During the massage process, your body produces endorphins. These feel-good hormones reduce feelings of anxiety, stress, and pain.
Endorphins are also responsible for easing symptoms of depression. They help you to be more productive and enjoy the activities that you want to do.
In addition, your body releases endorphins when it experiences a physical injury. This allows you to recover more quickly.
During a deep tissue massage, your muscles, fascia, and tendons are stretched. They are also kneaded to release tension. This helps to relieve chronic pain and stiffness.
Reduced Cortisol Levels
Stress can be a normal part of life, but too much can negatively affect your health. It can cause excessive muscle tension, digestive problems, fatigue, low libido, headaches, and chronic pain.
Stress is controlled by a hormone called cortisol produced in the adrenal gland. This gland is located on top of the kidneys and stimulates the hypothalamus, a part of the brain.
Too much cortisol can lead to negative effects on the body, such as increased anxiety and depression, suppression of the immune system, and bone loss. A massage can flush out cortisol from the blood flow and replace it with positive hormones, such as endorphins and serotonin, which promote relaxation.
Increased Oxytocin Levels
Deep tissue massage can be very painful, so you must listen to your body and let the therapist know when they are reaching too much pressure. Otherwise, the muscles will guard against it, and you won’t get the full benefits of the session.
Stress levels heavily affect your blood pressure, leading to heart disease and other health problems in the long run. Studies have shown that regular massage can lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings.
Oxytocin, a hormone that creates feelings of love, connection, and trust, is often increased during deep tissue massage for stress relief. This is because the calming effects of massage reduce cortisol, a hormone that causes anxiety and makes us anxious and nervous.
Increased Serotonin Levels
During a massage, the body releases endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin (the brain’s positive neurotransmitters). These hormones relieve anxiety, increase motivation, prevent depression, and give a sense of well-being.
Research has also shown that deep-tissue massage reduces blood pressure and improves heart rate and lung function. In addition, it breaks up scar tissue.
The increased blood flow stimulates the release of more endorphins into the bloodstream, providing a quick and calming effect.
Studies have also shown that a deep tissue massage can decrease the time it takes to fall asleep, increasing the quality and quantity of sleep. Moreover, it can help you feel refreshed and ready to face the day.
Better Sleep
A good night’s sleep is crucial for your health. Studies have shown that people who regularly struggle to get enough sleep are more likely to suffer from various health conditions, including heart disease and high blood pressure.
A massage can help you achieve a more restful, more productive sleep. It lowers your cortisol levels, which helps you feel better, and releases serotonin and melatonin, hormones that help you sleep more soundly.
Deep tissue massage focuses on the deeper layers of soft tissues to release tension and increase movement. However, this type of massage can be uncomfortable initially because it uses firmer pressure and slower strokes to target the muscle.
