The Anti Ageing Benefits of Massage

We all love a good massage but did you know that aside from making you feel good, an effective therapeutic or relaxing massage can give you anti-ageing benefits too?

So why does massage make us feel so good? No matter what kind of massage technique is used, they share some common effects – that is to loosen the muscles and remove pain and strain from the body, thus relaxing your body and calming your mind. Massage also stimulates circulation which enhances nutrient absorption by your cells and makes elimination of waste products more effective. This means harmful toxins are less likely to build up around your cells and cause damage which can lead to the processes of ageing.

Research on massage therapy

We have long known that massage makes you feel good and many ancient cultures have long touted the health benefits and healing powers of massage but it is only in the last 20 years that scientists have begun proper research into the effects of massage therapy. This sudden surge in interest, however, has resulted in over 2,500 published studies in the last two decades.

So far, the research findings on massage therapy have revealed that massage boosts the immune system by increasing the activity levels of the body’s natural “killer cells”. It also enhances alertness and performance at work, while reducing stress. In one study on burn victims, they found that massage therapy reduced the effects of tension, anxiety, pain, depression and even itching, while in another study, abdominal surgery patients were found to recover more quickly following massage therapy. For babies born prematurely, those who had received massage therapy gained more weight and had better chances of survival than those who didn’t, while autistic children showed exhibited less erratic behaviour after massage therapy.

Massage – an anti-ageing weapon

It is hardly surprising – given all these findings – that massage can also play a pivotal role in the fight against ageing. Since one big factor in inducing the processes that cause ageing is stress, anything that can fight and lower stress can help greatly in preventing or slowing the ageing process. And massage can certainly fight stress. In fact, one research study found that levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, in the urine corresponded directly to the intensity of muscle stimulation during the massage.

In addition, scientists believe that the muscle-loosening processes may trigger the release of ‘feel-good’ hormones called endorphins, which not only enhance a sense of well-being but are believed to have anti-ageing effects, For example, many scientist believe that endorphins enhance our immune systems, lower our blood pressure and neutralise ‘superoxides’ which attack cells, causing disease and ageing.

A novel anti-ageing treatment for the face

Massage is not only good for the whole body but can also have specific anti-ageing effects on the face. In fact, facial massage is believed by some to be one of the most effective anti-ageing treatments ever. It improves the elasticity of the skin, helping to lessen fine lines and wrinkles. It improves the circulation of blood to the face, which gives you a healthy, youthful glow. And it also helps to exfoliate the dead skin cells which make your skin look dull and “old”.

Many people consider massage an unnecessary luxury and fail to appreciate the very real health and anti-ageing benefits it provides. Having regular massages will not only make you feel better and healthier but look and feel younger too. So what are you waiting for? Book yourself a session now!