Soothe & Restore: Exploring the Advantages of Massage Therapy
Therapeutic Massages are not just for pampering, they can help heal injuries and improve overall health. Studies show that regular sessions can reduce the buildup of toxins in the muscles and boost your immune system.
A massage may also stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which calms your body’s fight-or-flight response and lowers anxiety levels. Researchers say that massage therapy can also increase sleep and decrease pain in fibromyalgia patients. Contact Massage Tulsa for professional assistance.
Stress is a part of life but too much can have many adverse side effects including muscle tension, digestive issues, fatigue, low libido and headaches. One of the best ways to relieve stress is through massage. The serene environment, soothing music and touch all work together to bring the body into a state of relaxation which helps decrease stress hormones cortisol and serotonin.
During a massage, the muscles and soft tissues relax and elongate which reduces tension and increases the flexibility of those tissues. The increase in flexibility may also improve range of motion and decrease pain due to tightened muscles. Another way massage decreases stress is by lowering the heart rate and releasing feel good hormones called endorphins.
Endorphins are the brain’s natural opiates that help decrease stress and depression by blocking the receptors for the harmful chemicals in the body such as dopamine and serotonin. This also causes the release of oxytocin which is known as the “feel good” molecule. Oxytocin releases feelings of love and compassion which can ease anxiety and feelings of sadness.
Aside from the physical benefits of a massage, it also has emotional and mental benefits. Some people find that receiving a massage is like getting an hourlong hug because it fulfills the need for human contact and comforting touch. The massage also regulates the parasympathetic nervous system which leads to a better quality of sleep and can calm a person’s emotions.
Lastly, massage can relieve stress by stimulating the lymphatic system which increases fluid flow and removes waste from the muscles. When these wastes are removed, it allows the muscles to heal and function properly which reduces stress. Often, people who receive regular massages notice that they are able to handle stressful situations more easily than those who do not.
Reduces Anxiety
Massage has been shown to decrease anxiety and depression in a number of studies. It has also been compared to other complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments for anxiety, such as relaxation, visualization, yoga and deep breathing exercises.
Massage stimulates the autonomic nervous system, which encourages the release of positive hormones, including endorphins, serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters help to reduce stress and feelings of sadness, loneliness and anxiety by acting as natural sedatives.
A massage can be considered an hourlong hug, as it fulfills the need for human contact and comforting touch that many people feel is missing in their lives. It has been compared to a warm embrace, and this sense of closeness can greatly aid in reducing feelings of stress and anxiety.
When receiving a massage, oxytocin is released, which is a chemical that gives you a feeling of connection and belonging. This helps to alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are often underlying causes of anxiety and depression. A massage may also increase levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that acts as a motivator and prevents depression and self-doubt.
A recent study found that therapeutic massage significantly reduced anxiety in patients with GAD. Sixty-eight participants with GAD were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: therapeutic massage, thermotherapy or relaxing room therapy and received 10 sessions over the course of 12 weeks. The study found that immediate anxiety ratings were significantly lower after massage and remained lower even after the treatment was over, at a 26-week follow-up period.
In addition to lowering anxiety, massage improves the immune system by stimulating blood flow. This results in a greater number of white blood cells that can combat infection, bacteria and viruses. Having a stronger immune system can help to reduce feelings of tension and anxiety, as well as improving sleep quality.
A massage can also boost the body’s ability to use glucose, which is important for energy and brain function. This can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety by limiting the amount of cortisol that is released. Cortisol is a negative hormone that increases stress and anxiety, and decreases the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, which naturally calms the body and mind during times of stress.
Increases Endorphins
In addition to reducing stress, massage stimulates the release of feel good hormones known as endorphins. These brain chemicals create a feeling of euphoria and block pain sensations in the body. Endorphins can be triggered by a number of things such as exercise (think runner’s high), dark chocolate, and of course, massage.
The therapist’s touch activates pressure receptors in the skin and soft tissues that send signals to the brain causing the release of these feel good hormones. This in turn decreases the production of stress hormones cortisol, adrenalin, and norepinephrine.
When these hormones are decreased they can improve the overall health of a person and help the immune system work more effectively. Having a healthy immune system means that the body will be able to fight off illnesses and infections.
These hormones also help prevent the “flight or fight” response from taking place. When the body releases these hormones it increases heart rate, blood pressure, and the flow of oxygenated blood to the muscles. This is a great thing if you are running away from a tiger, but not so much when your brain starts to interpret being late for work or fighting with your partner as life threatening.
The increase in endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine produced by a massage can decrease the production of these negative hormones as well as improve a person’s mood. This euphoria caused by these brain chemicals can help reduce anxiety and depression as well as increase self-esteem.
In addition, a massage can increase circulation in the area being worked on. This allows more oxygenated and nutrient rich blood to flow to the area as well as remove waste products from the tissue. This can help speed up recovery from an injury as well as reduce muscle and joint pain.
The euphoria that is generated by these hormones can also help with pre event tension and anxiety. This is because when these positive hormones are increased they can decrease the negative hormones that can cause a person to over react and become stressed prior to an event.
Relieves Pain
Massage manipulates the soft tissue of the body, which in turn relaxes muscles and tendons. It also stimulates nerves to block pain signals from reaching the brain, though every patient experiences a different response to massage.
Pain management is a growing concern in hospital accreditation organizations, and it is important for physicians to incorporate complementary therapies such as massage into their care plans. Studies have shown that massage can improve quality of life for patients with chronic health conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS).
A study conducted by researchers at the Samueli Institute found that patients in a MS support group who received regular massage reported reduced levels of pain and discomfort, and improved functioning. In addition, participants in this study reported a decrease in the perception of the need for medication to control their pain.
Patients in this study received a variety of types of massage, including Swedish massage, which uses light pressure to soothe muscle and joint tension. Deep-tissue massage is a deeper style of massage that uses slow strokes and friction on the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. This type of massage is often used on athletes who are recovering from injury.
Another type of massage is trigger point therapy, which involves working on tight areas of the body that create referred pain in other parts of the body. This type of massage is used to treat chronic pain caused by muscle overuse and injury.
Massage can also help patients with bowel issues such as constipation. According to Medical News Today, daily massages can increase the number of white blood cells in the colon, which helps fight off infections like bacterial and viral illnesses. This increase in immune function is also thought to reduce stress, which can lead to constipation.
Why Gutter Cleaning Is Recommendable
Gutter Cleaning is a dangerous job that should be left to professionals who know how to do it safely. They can also inspect gutters and identify any issues before they turn into major problems like sagging, leaks, and pest infestation.
It is important to remember that gutters can become clogged with leaves, pine needles, twigs, and debris. This can lead to damage to the roof, siding, and foundation of your home.
Gutters play a crucial role in funneling water away from the roof and foundation of your house. However, if they become blocked, it can cause serious damage to the structure of your home and lead to expensive repairs. To avoid this, it is recommended to get your gutters cleaned regularly. This maintenance activity helps ward off water damage to the walls and foundation of your home, keeps pests at bay, and improves your overall building safety.
Gutter cleaning involves removing dirt, leaves, and debris from your gutters and downspouts. This is a messy job that requires a ladder and may be dangerous if you’re not careful. It is recommended to hire a professional for this task as they have the proper equipment and experience. They will also ensure that the entire system is free from blockages, and inspect it for any repairs needed.
Clogged gutters can be a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and other harmful organisms. They can also corrode and over time lead to the need for replacement. Regular gutter cleaning prevents these issues from occurring and extends the lifespan of your gutters.
In addition to preventing mold and mildew, gutter cleaning can help minimize basement flooding. Blocked gutters overflow and spill rainwater around the foundation of your house, which can then seep into the basement. This can cause water damage to your furniture, electronics, and other valuables stored in the area. Gutter cleaning prevents this from happening by ensuring that all rainwater is channeled away from the building.
Leaving your gutters to collect debris will eventually lead to a complete blockage. Over time, this can cause damage to the shingles of your roof and weaken the structure of your home. This can be very costly to repair and may even require the replacement of your whole roof.
The best time to do gutter cleaning is in the spring and fall when the trees on your property are not producing leaves. This will eliminate the risk of leaves falling into the gutters and causing a clog. Keeping up with your gutter cleaning routine will also help you save money in the long run by avoiding costly repairs and replacements.
Clogged Gutters
The main purpose of gutters is to channel water off your roof and away from the foundation of your home. If your gutters become clogged, they won’t be able to do their job. This can lead to a variety of problems, including basement flooding, mold growth and pest infestations.
Clogged gutters can also cause damage to your home’s roof and siding. Water that pools inside your gutters can stain or erode the surface of your roof, causing it to lose granules and eventually degrade or collapse. In addition, the pooled water can leak into your house through the gutters and downspouts, causing water damage to walls, ceilings, floors and other parts of the house.
Gutters that are clogged with leaves, twigs and other debris can also be a breeding ground for pests. Moss, mold and other fungi grow easily in wet environments, and they are irresistible to insects like termites and carpenter ants, who love to make their homes in wet, wooden environments. If left untreated, a pest infestation in your gutters can destroy the structure of your home.
One of the most serious issues that can result from clogged gutters is water damage to your foundation. When water is unable to flow properly through your gutter system, it can rot the wood and cause cracks in the foundation of your home. Clogged gutters can also cause basement flooding, which can ruin carpeting, furniture and other belongings that are stored in the basement.
To prevent clogged gutters, trim any overhanging branches that may be causing them. Additionally, install gutter screens or downspout filters to help catch any small debris that might fall into the gutters. Finally, commit to a regular maintenance schedule for your gutters by scheduling monthly inspections and cleanings.
If you are unable to clear a clog by hand, consider using a plumbing snake to break up the clumps of debris in your gutter downspouts. Start at the top of the downspout opening and slowly rotate the snake through the clog, being careful not to damage the gutter spout. Once you have cleared the clog, flush out the gutter downspout with a garden hose to remove any remaining dirt and debris.
Water Damage
A clogged gutter can cause water damage to your house. This is because water can overflow the gutter and spill onto your roof. It can also enter the house through open windows and doors. This can cause serious problems for your home, including rotting wood, mold growth, mildew and other moisture-related issues. Mold spores can trigger allergies and respiratory illnesses in people and pets. Water damage can also ruin furniture, electronics and other valuables that are housed in the basement. Gutter cleaning prevents this from happening by keeping the gutters clean and ensuring that rainwater is properly funneled away from the house.
Gutters and downspouts are designed to safely divert water from a home’s foundation and exterior siding through underground drainage pipes. However, if the gutters become clogged with debris, they can’t do this. As a result, water may overflow the gutters and pour onto the ground or down the side of the house. This can cause foundation cracks and other structural issues that are expensive to repair.
In addition, water that overflows from a clogged gutter can damage or destroy landscaping and outdoor structures such as sheds and fences. It can also cause mud to seep into the basement and corrode electrical wiring and outlets. It can also create a moist environment in attics and crawl spaces where mold and mildew can thrive.
Gutter cleaning can help you avoid these costly repairs by ensuring that the gutters are free of clogs, debris and other contaminants. It’s important to choose a company that has experience in gutter cleaning and can provide you with a high-quality service. You can choose a company that offers a range of services, including gutter protection systems.
Gutters are a vital part of your home’s drainage system. However, they can easily be neglected if they are not cleaned regularly. This is because they are difficult to access, require a ladder and can be dangerous to climb. A clogged gutter can lead to a variety of issues, including water damage, basement flooding, mold and mildew. It is therefore important to clean your gutters regularly to ensure that they are functioning properly.
Pest Infestation
When gutters become full of debris, they provide a habitat for pests and rodents. This can lead to an infestation and damage the home. Regular gutter cleaning helps prevent pests from infesting the house by keeping them away from the debris. Using deterrents like plant-based natural deterrents, motion-activated sprays, essential oils, and downspout rodent guards can help protect the home from pests.
Gutter pests, such as mosquitoes, flies, ants, and wasps, are attracted to the moist environment and decaying organic materials of clogged gutters. They breed in the stagnant water and can introduce allergens into the home. Mosquitoes are particularly problematic as they carry diseases such as dengue fever, West Nile Virus, and malaria.
Rodents, such as squirrels, rats, and mice, are also known to nest in clogged gutters. Over time, they can cause significant damage to the roof and walls of the house. They may gnaw through wires, insulation, and wood, leaving holes and exposed areas that can lead to rot. They can also carry and spread leptospirosis, hantavirus, and other diseases.
Rodents are able to get into the house by climbing over or chewing through the overhanging trees and shrubs that support their nests in the gutters. They can then cause further damage by gnawing through the siding and roofing. They can even break down the roof shingles and create leaks.
Regular gutter inspections and maintenance are important for the health of the home and the yard. A regular schedule of cleaning and inspections can help reduce the need for pest control and other costly repairs. Taking steps to keep the gutters free from debris, including trimming overhanging trees and shrubs, can help reduce the amount of material that enters the gutters.
Regular gutter maintenance should include inspections of the downspouts as well. Downspouts should be angled and long enough to ensure that rainwater flows away from the foundation of the house, not down into it. If they are not properly angled, the water can wash away soil, seep into the basement, or attract insects. Downspouts should be secured to the house with metal clips.