Author: Nora E., (MSc.) Biology and Nutrient Couch
Reviewed by: Dr. Jeoff Drobot

Massage is the application of pressure, tension, motion, or vibration to body tissues in order to improve physical function and promote relaxation. Massage therapy is a natural way to relieve pain, reduce stress, and promote overall wellness.

While lymphatic therapy is known to be the ultimate level for muscle relaxation, treating swellings, and improving cardiovascular health and immunity, there are many different types of massage, each with a set of special benefits for everyone.

Levels Of Massages

Massage therapy can be divided into three levels ascending in intensity; simple, professional, and mechanical.

  • Level 1: Simple Massage

    It is also called self-massaging, a simple process of using your hands to massage parts of your body at a gentle level. The most common type of simple massaging is face and head massage, a method used by those who have anxiety about getting professional face massaging. 

  • Level 2: Manual Massage
    On that level, you find many massage services commonly offered by massage studios and massage therapies in your city. The following types you can choose from depending on your physical needs:

    Swedish massage:
    One of the most popular and well-known types of massages. It involves long, flowing strokes to relax the muscles and promote circulation.

    Deep tissue massage:
    In this type of massage, therapists use slower and more forceful strokes to reach deep layers of muscle tissue and release tension in the connective tissues.

    Sports massage:
    It is designed to help athletes recover from injuries and improve their performance.

    Thai massage:
    It uses gentle pressure and stretching to relieve stress and improve flexibility.

  • Level 3: Mechanical Massage

On an advanced level, some professional biomedical health centers offer massage treatment with the help of technological devices and mechanical equipment. The most popular treatment is the Lymphatic Drainage Therapy using FLOWpresso® systems. 

The FLOWpresso uses an invasive method involving compression, far-infrared heat, and deep pressure. It somehow combines both manual and mechanical massage approaches. The system applies a cyclical compression bodysuit, which has about 22 air compression chambers that inflate and deflate sequentially with the help of a specialist. If you want to learn more, Here’s what you need to know about FLOWpresso lymphatic therapy.

Top Benefits Of Massage Therapy

  • Reduces pain.
    Massage can help to reduce pain by relaxing the muscles and relieving tension. It can also increase blood flow and reduce inflammation.

  • Relieves muscle tension.
    Massage can help to relieve muscle tension by working on the muscles and connective tissues. This can help to improve the range of motion and decrease stiffness.

  • Improves mental health.
    Massage can help to improve mental health by reducing stress and promoting relaxation. It can also boost mood and increase feelings of well-being.

  • Boosts immunity.
    Massage can help to boost immunity by increasing blood flow and reducing stress. It can also improve mental health, which can indirectly impact immunity.

  • Better blood circulation.
    Massage can help to improve circulation by working on the muscles and connective tissues. This can help to increase blood flow and reduce inflammation.

  • Controlling stress levels.
    Massage can help to reduce stress by promoting relaxation. It can also boost mood and increase feelings of well-being.

  • Enhance mood.
    Massage can help to boost mood by promoting relaxation and reducing stress. It can also improve mental health and increase feelings of well-being.

Massage, in general, is a safe treatment for people looking to improve their health and well-being. It can also benefit people dealing with pain, tension, or stress. Most massage types may also be helpful for people with conditions such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, and fibromyalgia.

Additional Physical Health Benefits Of Massage Therapy

  • Reducing or eliminating pain

  • Improving joint mobility

  • Decreasing stiffness and muscle tension

  • Stimulating blood circulation and lymphatic flow

  • Reducing mental and physical fatigue and stress

  • Boosting immunity by stimulating the body’s natural defenses

  • Helping to detoxify the body by promoting the elimination of toxins and waste products

  • Improving skin tone and texture

  • Enhancing well-being and relaxation.

How Long Should A Massage Last?

Most massages last between 60 and 90 minutes. A shorter massage, such as a 30- or 45-minute Swedish massage, will focus on your major muscle groups. A more extended massage, such as a 90-minute deep tissue massage, will work on deeper muscle and connective tissue layers.

What Should You Do After Your Massage?

After your treatment, you should feel refreshed and relaxed. If you have discomfort or soreness after your massage, it should be gone entirely within a day or two. You might think that you’ve just finished a workout. Your massage therapist will likely give you post-massage care instructions. Be sure to follow their directives.

To maximize the benefits of massage therapy, experts recommend following these steps after getting your massage session.

  • Drink 1-2 liters of water to help flush out toxins that were released from your muscles during the massage.

  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol drinks for the rest of the day.

  • Give yourself time to relax from physical activities after the massage.

How Often Should You Get A Message?

It’s generally recommended that you get a massage at least once a week, especially if you’re under a lot of stress. However, a more frequent massage may be helpful if you’re looking for relaxation and rejuvenation.

While massages are generally considered to be safe, pregnant women need to consult their doctors on having massage therapies. Also, people with the following conditions should check with their doctor before getting one.

  • Cancer patients or patients undergoing cancer treatment

  • Patients with blood clots and broken bones

  • People with open wounds, rashes, or infections

If you have any other health concerns, mention them to your massage therapist before your massage.

Contact us to learn more!

1 Step 1
keyboard_arrow_leftPrevious
Nextkeyboard_arrow_right
FormCraft - WordPress form builder