Massage Therapy for Skin and Mental Health

by Karen Walker-Backman, blog author

If you are trying to improve your health, there are always some therapeutic forms of healing that you can explore. Massage happens to be one of the best ways that you can get total body healing, which provides health benefits across the board. Not only does it make you feel better physically, but you can also count on massage therapy to help you with things like your skin and your mind.

Massage De-Stresses the Skin

Eliminating stress is often the biggest goal of people’s self-care routines. When stress adds up, it can make your skin inflamed and you might even experience breakouts and other forms of irritation. When you get a massage, it lowers the cortisol levels in your body so that you are able to alleviate tension and distress. This provides a sense of calmness in your body, and these benefits carry over into your skin.

It Stimulates Bloodflow

When your blood flow increases, you will have the chance to experience more vibrant and healthy skin. This flow can decrease blockages that lead to acne and irritation. All of your major organs also depend on blood flow, so this massage can help you achieve total body health like few other therapeutic remedies can. Your skin will have a natural ready glow because your blood flow is increasing oxygen and making it healthier as a whole. When paired with things like a sea salt soak, you will be able to get relief from pain and discomfort that has built up in your skin over time.

Massage Acts as a Detox

Getting a therapeutic massage can also help you get rid of impurities in your skin and your body. It breaks up scar tissue and promotes your body’s natural detox response. Many people have skin issues because their pores are clogged and they have impurities in their skin.

It Helps With Pain Relief

When your skin is tense and stressed out, you are more likely to experience discomfort. People get massage therapy to help with acute and chronic pain of all types. By receiving regular massages, your skin will be relaxed and less tense, and you will appreciate the comfort levels that you feel.

There are a variety of mental health benefits that come with massage therapy. The mind and body are interconnected, so getting regular massages can actually help your brain operate at peak levels.

You Can Decrease Stress Levels

Stress that builds up over time can have an adverse effect on your mind. You might find that your brain gets cluttered and noisy, to the point that it is hard to deal with. Massage therapy can provide remarkable stress relief benefits. When it lowers the cortisol levels in your body, you will be less stressed and feel like a weight has been lifted from your shoulders.

Massage Helps You Think Clearly

If you ever find yourself struggling to focus on tasks or complete them, it might be because you have an over-active mind. Getting massage therapy can help you stick to tasks without getting distracted and letting your roaming mind get the best of you. The calmness that massage brings gives people the presence of mind to live in the moment and thrive in interpersonal and professional lives.

It Helps You Sleep Better at Night

When you are walking around with as much stress in the daytime, you won’t struggle as much to get to sleep at night. Lower cortisol levels and stress can help with your insomnia, and may allow you to get fuller sleep. If you are getting full sleep cycles every time you go to bed, your mind will be restored when you wake up in the morning. This helps you to eliminate brain fog and you will know that your brain is firing on all cylinders.

Blood Flow Is Great for the Brain

You will also benefit from massage due to the sheer increase in blood flow that it brings. This increase in blood flow is not only good for your body – it’s also great for your brain. Your mind will be better able to make neural connections, and you will have less of a struggle thinking and remembering things.

It Alleviates Depression and Anxiety

It’s also important that you stick to a massage routine because it can help you with your depression and anxiety issues. If you are a person who lives in a constant state of anxiety, massage therapy can be one of the best remedies for you.

People notice positive effects and are less likely to deal with social anxiety, seasonal depression, and other issues. You will be less stressed as a whole, and better able to cope with the mental and emotional stressors that come along with life.

Even better, massage therapy is all-natural, so you won’t have to become dependent on antidepressants or antianxiety medication. Instead, you will experience the natural healing that massage therapy brings with none of the side effects that come with medication.

Learn The Types of Massage

If you are going to truly experience the health benefits that massage brings to your skin and mind, make sure that you learn which types are available. There are lots of different massage options available that you can explore.

Some of the main types of massages that you might want to try to include:

Thai Massage. Swedish massage. Sports Massage. Shiatsu massage. Reflexology Massage

Knowing the differences between these various types of massages will help you find a massage therapist that provides it. Schedule an appointment with one of these therapists to learn as much as you can about each type.

Thai massage is great for stimulating blood flow and improving your immune system. Sports massage is excellent for improving functionality and protecting your joints. Massages are typically broken down into 30-minute to 90-minute sessions.

Learn about the credentials of your massage therapist so that you’re getting credible, quality service that will improve your health and deliver the benefits that you’re seeking.