The Science Behind The Soothe: The Power of Massage

There’s something universally appealing about a good massage. Whether you're a high-performing athlete or just someone nursing an achy body after a long day, the allure of a massage is hard to resist. But is there any solid science supporting the use of massage or is it all about the feel-good factor? In truth, it’s a bit of both! With VIIVIO's recharge function, you can effortlessly track your massages and understand how this soothing activity contributes to your overall wellbeing.

In the past, massages were believed to aid recovery from strenuous exercise by "flushing out" muscle tissue and thereby hastening lactic acid removal. However, current research paints a more nuanced picture. Some studies suggest that massages might even decrease the rate of lactic acid removal by limiting blood flow to the tissues.

Nevertheless, the world of massage therapy extends beyond the scope of lactate removal. Research conducted at McMaster University discovered that while massages didn't impact lactate or glycogen levels, they did contribute to a significant decrease in inflammatory markers and cellular stress post-exercise. This reduction in muscle soreness and inflammation might be the key biological mechanism explaining why most people report feeling more revitalized after a massage. Moreover, the simple act of indulging in a massage and enjoying its tactile comfort can contribute to enhanced wellbeing.

A massage's power lies in its striking ability to alleviate stress. Studies show that physiological markers of stress decrease substantially right after a massage across diverse populations. For instance, a review conducted by the University of Miami School of Medicine explored the impact of massage therapy on individuals with depression, chronic pain, auto-immune conditions, and stress from various causes. The researchers found that on average, massage therapy led to a significant 31% decrease in cortisol levels. Cortisol, a hormone associated with stress, can be harmful if chronically elevated despite its short-term benefits. Additionally, massages increased the levels of serotonin and dopamine by 28% and 31% respectively. These "feel-good" chemicals are linked with improved mood and satisfaction. More recent research points towards the efficacy of massage in reducing pain and anxiety during medical treatments in female veterans suffering from stress, depression, and pain.

Therefore, while massages do indeed feel wonderful, their benefits extend far beyond immediate relaxation. Regular massages can yield enduring positive effects on both your body and mind. By tracking your massages with VIIVIO's recharge function, you can make this soothing ritual a part of your lifestyle knowing you're doing something truly beneficial for your overall health and wellbeing. So, go ahead, treat yourself to a massage—you deserve it!

If you’re using the VIIVIO app, you can record any massage therapy you do in the RECHARGE function. And remember you can download VIIVIO here!

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22301554/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16162447/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9014938/