3 Health Benefits Of Swedish Massage

You might think that the goal of getting a Swedish massage is to simply relieve sore muscles. While this type of massage can indeed help the body to relax and make the muscles to feel better, it also provides many health benefits. Not only can it be an effective way to manage certain symptoms, but it can also be a natural treatment option for several physical ailments.

Here are three health benefits of getting a Swedish massage.

1. Relieves Chronic Pain

According to the CDC, just over 20% of the population in the United States suffers from chronic pain. In fact, this condition is one of the primary reasons that adults see a health professional. One of the most common types of treatment for chronic pain is prescription drugs.

For those who would rather treat chronic pain naturally, getting a Swedish massage on a regular basis can help. This is especially true when the pain is a result of muscle tension and muscle cramps.

2. Improves Digestion

There are many conditions that are caused by poor digestion. Some of these conditions include constipation, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome. Swedish massage can help to improve digestion, which in turn will alleviate symptoms. This is due to the fact that this type of massage helps to prevent the slowing of peristalsis, which is when the muscles in the intestines involuntarily contract.

When peristalsis is slowed down, it causes digestive issues. Swedish massage can help to stimulate the intestines. This allows the body to get rid of toxins more quickly and causes the digestive process to happen at a normal pace. Other digestive issues that Swedish massage can help with includes bloating and excessive gas.

3. Boosts Immune System

It's the white blood cells in the body that help to combat bacteria and viruses. One reason that Swedish massage helps to boost the immune system is that it can increase activity levels of these particular cells in the body. Lymphocytes are one of the subtypes of white blood cells, and these also increase in activity during a massage.

Because of this, the immune system is better able to stave off certain viruses, especially ones that cause colds and the flu. This is why it's important to get a massage during cold and flu season. A massage is a great natural alternative for those who don't want to get the flu shot or take over-the-counter medication.