Massage Matters

Mindful musings on massage, muscles, and moxie

The Knot Whisperer Rides!

The Knot Whisperer Rides!

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Massage and Weight Loss

It may seem too good to be true that massage can help you with a weight-loss program. There are many ways, however, in which massage therapy will indeed support your exercise and weight-loss goals. Massage is unlikely to have a direct impact on weight loss, such as physically bursting fat capsules as some have claimed. This doesn’t mean, however, that the benefits are not real.

To begin with, massage will improve your flexibility by loosening tight muscles. Muscles that are therapeutically manipulated will experience an increase in blood flow, which helps lubricate muscle fibers that are sticking together. And an added benefit of loosening tight muscles is that you will be less stiff and sore, making it easier for you to stay on track as you work toward achieving your objectives. In short, because massage increases oxygenation of muscle tissue, it can shorten recovery times and prolong endurance.

Massage can also help reduce your risk of injury, especially as you increase your level of activity, putting greater stress on muscles that have been less active. By stretching and manipulating the connective tissue that enwraps all muscle tissue, massage can help reduce adhesions, or scar tissues, which are common with muscle injury.

Further, research has shown that massage will increase metabolic rate, thereby allowing your muscles to burn more calories. This improved metabolic rate is a result of the endorphins released during massage. Endorphins, as you probably know, make you feel better, too, and will help you remain motivated and active.

Another frequent factor in weight gain is the production of cortisol, a hormone that is released in response to stress and has been shown to increase appetite and cause fat to be deposited in the abdominal area. Exercise is the best way to reduce cortisol levels, but massage can reduce it as well by lessening your stress level.

Digestive health is another critical factor if you are going to achieve your target weight, since the digestive tract supplies your body with the fuel it needs for energy and eliminates waste products. Abdominal massage not only promotes digestion, it also reduces constipation, bloating, and flatulence, all of which are factors in belly size. Abdominal massage should therefore be given serious consideration if you are intent on decreasing your body size.

Finally, although losing weight and regular exercise are rewards in themselves—improving your health, your self-esteem, and so on—the results are not instant and it can be easy to feel discouraged. Therefore, if you are working hard, it’s important to find healthy ways to reward yourself regularly to maintain your motivation. Massage is an excellent way to do that because not only does it feel great but it can also be an important adjunct to any exercise and diet plan.

12 comments:

  1. According to a 2007 American Massage Therapy Association survey, almost a quarter of all adult Americans had at least one massage in the previous year. And, they have a wide range of reasons for doing so. More and more people especially baby boomers recognize the health benefits of massage. They choose from among many massage styles to get relief from symptoms or to heal injuries, to help with certain health conditions, and to promote overall wellness.

    ReplyDelete
  2. It's promising that increasing numbers of people are finally realizing that massage isn't just "pampering"!

    ReplyDelete
  3. wow...nice blog. I got super information about weight loss massage. Thanks for sharing useful information, keep update your blog.
    weight loss massage

    ReplyDelete
  4. Very interesting blog.This is awesome technique for weight loss. Thanks for sharing good information.
    weight loss Treatment

    ReplyDelete
  5. Really nice blog...I have learned so many tips after reading your blog. Thanks for sharing for useful information.
    Weight loss Therapy

    ReplyDelete
  6. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Excellent Blog. Very informative article. You have done a great job. Keep updating your blog, Thank you.
    Weight loss Treatment in Hyderabad

    ReplyDelete
  8. Really nice and excellent blog. Very useful information about weight loss. Thanks for sharing useful information.
    Weight loss Treatment

    ReplyDelete
  9. That was really an ex-ordinary article. Thanks for sharing this wonderful information.
    Weight loss Treatment

    ReplyDelete
  10. I am definitely enjoying your website. You definitely have some great insight and great stories.
    Healthguidereviews

    ReplyDelete