Massage Therapy: The Healing Power of Physical Touch
The pandemic years brought many changes to our lives. But what changed drastically was how limited we were in interacting with each other. Social distancing forced us to experience a lack of physical contact.
As a result, many of us are unknowingly experiencing something called touch starvation or touch deprivation. You might have noticed a craving for physical contact with family and friends in the last few years.
Let’s dive into the importance of touch…
The Importance of Touch
Research shows that touch is crucial to humans, both for social development and mental health.
Skin is our largest organ and has receptors that transmit feelings of positive or negative touch to our brains. From the moment we’re born, touch is the major way we interact with each other. Skin-to-skin contact is highly encouraged right after a baby is born because it boosts healthy physical and social development — skin-to-skin contact is also a powerful bonding component.
Touch starvation feels different for everyone, but the most reported symptom is a feeling of overwhelming loneliness or feeling deprived of affection.
Negative Effects of Lack of Physical Touch
- Increased feelings of anxiety or depression
- Higher levels of stress
- Feelings of loneliness
- Weight gain
- High blood pressure
- Muscle weakness
- Insomnia
Positive Effects of Physical Touch Through Professional Massage Therapy
- Increases oxytocin levels in the brain
- Feelings of relaxation
- Feelings of psychological stability
- Increases levels of serotonin and dopamine
- Reduces pain
- Supports skeletal and muscular realignment
- Promotes overall improved wellbeing
How Massage Therapy Fills the Void
With the brunt of the pandemic behind us, we’ve been able to return to some sense of normalcy. However, we don’t want to understate that the world is changed, and some may still be dealing with the lack of physical touch.
This could be for a variety of reasons, especially for those who are immunocompromised.
Massage therapy can fulfill the fundamental need for physical touch in a professional setting. Not only do licensed massage therapists adhere to strict health and sanitation protocols, but they also abide by a strict set of ethics.
Getting regular massages will encourage your body to relax by reducing tension and moving you into a calm state where healing can happen. Massage improves blood circulation and increases lymphatic flow to support a strong immune system.
Massage therapy offers a healthy, safe environment to receive the healing benefits of touch. Many people categorize massage as a luxury to pamper yourself or something only athletes need. However, many would benefit from this essential element of healthcare on a weekly, biweekly, or monthly basis.
How Often Do You Need to Get Massaged to Feel the Benefits?
Most massage therapist’s agree that a monthly massage is adequate for physical maintenance and general wellbeing. But if you can fit in regularly treatments, there’s no reason not to book a weekly massage.
Of course, if you’re experiencing an injury or working with your doctor, they may recommend more frequent visit to the massage therapist.
Massage Now is Here to Help
At Massage Now, we’re dedicated to healing not only your body, but your mind and soul. If you’re feeling touch starved, it’s okay – we live in a world where we generally keep to ourselves.
Schedule a therapeutic massage and safely experience the contact you ned in a tranquil and healing environment.