Last week, scientists from Canada's McMaster University released an interesting experiment they conducted on a group of volunteers who did stationary cycling to the point of exhaustion.
The scientists randomly selected one of each volunteer's legs to be massaged, and tissue samples were taken from both legs three times for biopsy: the first was before they started cycling, the second was immediately after the 10-minute massage on one leg, and the third 2.5 hours after the end of training.
The samples were subjected to genetic analysis, which showed that at a molecular level, massage reduced the inflammation caused by hard muscle training – an effect that mimics the action of painkillers, according to the researchers.
In addition, the massage stimulated the development new mitochondria – the structures that function as energy-producing factories located inside cells.
As the researchers write in the scientific journal "Science Translational Medicine", their findings combined with those of previous studies mean that massage has a place in everyday medical practice. Already e.g. at the British nursing organization The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, massage therapy is offered to cancer patients who find it difficult to relax or sleep.
Massage has been practiced for thousands of years. Today, if a person wants to get a massage, they can choose from almost 80 different styles that exist, each of which is characterized by distinct pressures, movements and techniques.
According to a 2007 poll conducted by the American Massage Therapists Association (AMTA), nearly one in four adults get a massage at least once a year – mostly to relax and to better deal with a health problem that ails them.
As pointed out by experts from the Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, Minnesota, many studies have shown that massage can indeed benefit health, acting therapeutically. Species often used for therapeutic purposes are Swedish massage, deep tissue massage and the sports massage.
And anti-depressant
Therapeutic massage is given as a complementary treatment to traditional ones to alleviate pain, soothe stiffness, regulate blood pressure, improve sports injuries, stimulate the body's natural defense mechanisms and improve the mental mood and well-being of sufferers from cancer.
In addition, studies have shown that it can act as an anxiolytic and anti-depressant, which makes it beneficial for those suffering from anxiety disorders or depression.
Who should watch out?
The Mayo Clinic experts stress that there are certain population groups that should consult their doctor before starting therapeutic massage. These groups are:
- Those suffering from unexplained pain or other symptoms
- Those with burns or open wounds
- Cancer patients
- Those who have problems with blood clotting or have a history of blood clots
- Those with fractures, rheumatoid arthritis or severe osteoporosis
- The pregnant women.
This warning is not accidental. The clinic's scientists point out that in the wrong hands, massage can create problems, which in extreme and fortunately rare cases can lead to internal bleeding or nerve damage.
If you feel any pain or discomfort while massaging, you should tell your therapist immediately so that they can stop pushing you so hard, because most problems are caused by too much pressure.
Finally, it is necessary to keep in mind if you are allergic, because there is a chance (albeit small) that you are allergic to ethers olive used in massage.
In the Oriental Massage Therapies-Holistic Massage you will find all the information you need to choose the massage that suits your needs.
beauty@spa-about.gr
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