Stress doesn’t announce itself. It hides beneath daily routines, woven into the pressure of work, relationships, and responsibilities. Even the most composed individuals can carry a weight no one else sees. And while some stress may seem small, it builds up slowly and begins to take a toll, mentally, emotionally, and physically. That’s why finding ways to destress has become more important than ever.
One of the best ways to relieve stress levels is with a full-body massage. Have you ever searched for “full body massage near me”? Many people are searching not only for you, but have you ever thought about what the science behind massage therapy is to relieve stress?
Continue reading to explore the science behind massage to relieve stress and cortisol levels (one of the stress hormones) and why it is crucial for your overall health.
What is Cortisol and How Does it Matter?
The main stress hormone, cortisol, is generated by the kidneys’ two adrenal glands. The role of cortisol is not only to defend against stressful events, but it also regulates metabolism, manages your body’s nutrients, regulates blood pressure, controls sleep, and increases blood sugar [1].
Low cortisol can be effective for health, but high levels can develop issues like anxiety, depression, weight gain, high blood pressure, low immunity, and insomnia.
Effect of a Full Body Massage on the Nervous System?
Sympathetic (fight-or-flight) and parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) nervous systems are the two types. The sympathetic nervous system gets activated when your stress level increases, and it can lead to cortisol production, high heart rate, and muscle tension [2].
A full-body massage works on soft tissues and transfers the sympathetic nervous system into the parasympathetic. Massage therapy releases serotonin and dopamine, which reduce stress levels and elevate your mood.
Real Science, Real Benefits
Massage therapy has a lot of effects on the stress level and the nervous system. Let’s have a look at the scientific benefits of massage.
1. Lower Cortisol Levels
Cortisol levels that spike contribute to high blood pressure, increased heart rate, and depression. Massage therapy reduces cortisol by 30% and returns it to a balanced state, avoiding prolonged stress.
2. Enhance Sleep Quality
Stress plays a great role in poor-quality sleep. Reduced stress hormones, improved relaxation, and improved sleep patterns are all benefits of full-body massage therapy [3]. People having regular massages can easily fall and stay asleep.
3. Elevate Mood
The “feel-good” chemicals that are released can improve your mood and induce relaxation. Massage therapy releases these chemicals, which make you feel good even after a massage session.
4. Reduce Anxiety and Depression
As a high level of cortisol leads to anxiety and depression, massage can act as an anchor. Massage regulates your body and calms your mind to reduce depression and anxiety [4].
Why Search for a “Full Body Massage Near Me”?
Just like many people, you may also be searching for “full body massage near me.” Full body massages not only reduce stress levels but also improve overall well-being. If you are stressed due to work, personal issues, or daily life pressure, finding a local therapist is your go-to step to get peace.
Convenience and Accessibility
You can get many nearby options for massage therapists around you by just typing full body massage near me into a search engine. Visiting a local therapist can save you time and energy, and you can get it every other day, even on busy days.
Personalized Services
Many massage therapists are now providing personalized plans depending on your health requirements. Get packages that can target your hormonal issues, stress recovery, and release muscle tension to improve your health and mood.
Professional Expertise
Massage experts have better knowledge about the stress anatomy. If you get the message from professionals, they will target the pressure points associated with cortisol levels and stress. A professional therapist not only relieves your stress levels but also helps you relax.
Types of Massages That Help Reduce Cortisol
Every type of massage can make you relaxed and relieve your stress and cortisol level, but some are specifically effective.
- Deep tissue massage specifically works deeply on muscles that relieve tension and chronic stress, and improve circulation.
- The happiness hormone serotonin is released, cortisol levels are lowered, and muscle tension is relieved during a sports massage.
If you are looking for “full body massage near me,” you must identify which is most effective for your stress levels.
Frequency Matters
If you get a one-time massage to reduce your cortisol level and think it is enough, then you are wrong. Massage therapy requires weekly or biweekly treatments to get better results [5]. Regular massage therapy lowers your stress levels and enhances your mood and overall mental and physical health.
Other Lifestyle Tips to Complement Massage
Combine your massage therapy with other stress-reducing activities to lower the feeling of anxiety and get more beneficial results. You can do:
- Meditation
- Physical Activities
- Improve your sleep
- Social Support and Connection
- Healthy Diet
You can make yourself healthy and develop a system to fight against stress by implementing these tips along with massage therapies.
Conclusion
It makes sense that in this fast-paced, digital world, stress has become a part of everyone. When you suffer from chronic stress, you must take a step to reduce it and enhance your well-being. A full-body massage can help, but the scientific benefits and reasons behind it can help you make improved decisions for your health..
If you are depressed and feeling anxious, don’t ever push yourself through it; just type “full body massage near me “ to get your stress relieved within your area to save energy and time. Massage not only works for specific reasons but also enhances your overall well-being and sends calm signals to your mind to improve your mood.
At Enhancing Massage, you can get different types of massage therapy from skilled and professional therapists tailored to your needs. Just send a message to get your massage therapy session booked.
FAQs
- How can I get relief from stress through a full-body massage?
Getting a full-body massage can help your nervous system reduce your cortisol levels and release dopamine and serotonin to relieve stress.
- For stress relief, how frequently should we get massage therapy?
One session can be beneficial, but if you want to not suffer from the stress, you should take weekly or biweekly sessions with a specialist.
- What are the advantages of selecting a local full-body massage provider?
As you choose a local therapist, you can save time and energy along with a relaxing environment and have 60-90 minutes of massage for your shoulders, back, neck, legs, arms, and more.
- What negative consequences could a routine massage session cause?
Regular massage therapy is completely beneficial, and many people take regular massage sessions. If you have any health issues with skin or blood clotting, you can consult your doctor first.
- What should I do before taking massage sessions?
You should take a light meal before the session and stay hydrated. Consult your therapist for more care tips.
References
[1] https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-cortisol
[4] https://compassionatehart.com/full-body-massage-benefits-2/
[5] https://therakneads.com/blog/2023/5/2/how-often-you-should-get-a-massage
