Benefits of Massage Therapy

In China, massage has been used as a kind of physiotherapy for centuries to cure a wide range of diseases. The scientific research reveals that, regular massage could boost immunity and fight against illnesses such as high blood pressure, burns, arthritis and even premenstrual syndrome. Massage therapy has become the most frequently practiced alternative of drug therapy at modern times.

Nevertheless, the western people are still curious about why massage is so enjoyable to the Orientals. Actually, the reason for massage therapy varies from health to relaxation. Here are the five benefits which attract people most.

1. Relieve the body aches

With an increasing pace of work, most of office workers in China suffer from cervical spondylosis due to the lack of exercise. Massage creates chemical substances which reduce the pain throughout the body. The way it does this is by reducing a brain chemical called substance P which is related to pain. That is to say, you don’t have to massage the sensitive part of your body which hurts most. Its pain will be relieved if the other parts such as your shoulders are massaged instead.

2. De-stress and boost immunity

Regular massage is proved to boost human immunity. Several studies have measured the stress hormone called cortisol from the saliva of subjects before and after massage sessions. It is found that the cortisol dramatically decreases after massage. Cortisol, which is produced when you are stressed, kills cells which are important for immunity. The frequent massage reduces the cortisol in your body and hence the stress levels. This may help you avoid having a cold or another illness which happens under stress. Therefore, regular massage is beneficial for you to stay healthy.

3. The satisfaction of being served

People are eager to be served after a hard work day. All kinds of service industries are in prosperity, such as spa, hairdressing and massage. I enjoy the feeling of lying on a comfortable bed and being served by the massage therapist with the expertise.

4. Reduce blood pressure

The vagus nerve which emerges from the brain regulates blood pressure. Massage stimulates pressure receptors that prompt action from the vagus nerve, so it plays the role of reducing hypertension. In a research held by the University of South Florida in 2005, hypertension patients needed to receive a ten-minute massage for 10 times every three weeks. Their blood pressures showed significant improvement compared to the subjects who did not receive any massage in the control group.

If you have not experienced the massage before, come to choose one massage club on The massage/spa section of China Yellow Pages. There are 14 business listed here could offer massage service. Shengtaosha Leisure Club (圣淘沙休闲阁) is the best one among them. It provides Chinese massage and a Thai sauna experience. Though modest compared to others, it still offers common freebies such as beverages and fruit, and the prices certainly won't eat up your salary.