4 Ways Massage Therapy Helps With Mental Stimulation

Many believe massage therapies have more physical benefits but less to do with the brain.

In fact, massage therapy restores both the mind and body to help them function together. Therefore, they are often inseparable.

Massage therapy can positively impact mental stimulation by reducing stress, improving circulation to the brain and sleep quality, enhancing mood, and treating physical stressors.

Continue reading to find out how massage therapy works for mental stimulation.

1. Stress Reduction: A Gateway to Mental Clarity

Regular massaging has a soothing effect on the body and mind, which helps relieve underlying stress.

Depending on the need, the massage treatment can be gentle, such as strokes, kneading, and tapping to intense, like deep-tissue work.

These can help loosen up the stressors in the body, drain lymphatic fluid, and target tensions, which often build up inside the body.

Moreover, it induces a process that releases endorphins and helps adjust the brain waves.

Here are a few common massages to try for stress management.

• Swedish massage
• Deep-tissue massage
• Aromatherapy
• Shirodhara (Oil dripping technique)
• Hot stone massage
• Shiatsu
• Reflexology
• Craniosacral therapy

2. Improved Sleep Quality: A Well-Rested Mind Thrives

Massage therapy can help improve sleep quality to ensure your body and mind get enough rest.

An improved sleep quality prevents lethargy during the day and improves mental stimulation.

It is achieved through various mechanisms: relaxation, stress reduction, and pain relief.

However, you must continue undertaking massage therapy regularly, bi-weekly, or weekly to see a positive result.

Some common therapies that help with sleep improvement include:

• Swedish massage
• Aromatherapy
• Craniosacral therapy
• Shiatsu
• Reflexology
• Trigger point therapy

3. Enhanced Mood: Elevate Your Mental State

One thing everybody agrees about massage is the enhanced mood through a combination of physiological and psychological mechanisms.

Whether bored, angry, frustrated, or uninterested, taking a 60 to 90-minute massage will instantly enhance your mood.

Here is how massage can help with improving mood.

• Release of Endorphins: Massage triggers the release of endorphins, which help reduce pain and produce a sense of euphoria, leading to an improved mood.
• Stress Reduction: It reduces the production of stress hormones like cortisol, lowering stress levels to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
• Improved Sleep Quality: Massage can help restore your sleep, and a good night's sleep is closely linked to mood regulation.
• Enhanced Circulation: Improved blood circulation is linked to better oxygen and nutrient delivery to brain cells, promoting a brighter mood.

Some common therapies that help with enhanced mood include:

• Swedish massage
• Aromatherapy
• Hot stone massage
• Sports massage
• Shiatsu
• Thai massage

4. Increased Blood Circulation: Fueling the Brain's Potential

Massage therapy improves blood circulation in the affected parts of the body.

When done correctly, it enhances blood flow in the body's circulatory system, which carries oxygen and nutrients to tissues and removes waste products.

It promotes the dilation (widening) of blood vessels, reducing blood flow resistance. 

Specific techniques help clear lymphatic vessels to remove lymph fluid and reduce swelling.

Therefore, it is convenient in healing pain or muscle stress, including enhancing blood flow to the brain and other vital parts.

Some massage therapies that can help in improving blood circulation include

• Swedish massage
• Deep-tissue massage
• Sports massage
• Hot stone massage
• Lymphatic drainage massage
• Thai massage

Conclusion

It may be essential to consult your therapist for advice on which massage therapy would work best for mental stimulation.

Regular massage sessions, in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle, will contribute to long-term improvements.

Contact Lemon Massage Therapy, the experienced massage therapist in Des Moines.