Can Massage Help Weight Loss? All You Need to Know
Profound avenues for weight loss have become a pressing need in today’s world of obesity. Among these approaches, massage is gauged as a potential mechanism for weight loss. However,
Can massage help weight loss beyond simply promoting relaxation?
Through this article, we aim to discover the potential impact of massage on weight loss and help you decide whether or not to incorporate massage into your fitness scheme.
Can Massage Help Weight Loss?
Massage therapy can propel weight loss, however, unlike exercises or healthy diets, they don’t address weight gain directly. They complement the weight loss mechanisms efficiently such as reducing the cortisol levels, increasing the metabolism and rehabilitation of muscle soreness after exercise.
How Does Massage Contribute to Weight Loss?
Massage therapies embody certain enterprising techniques that implicate weight loss.
Stress Management and Reduced Cortisol Levels:
Physical or emotional stressors can sensitise the functions of the nervous system from producing flight or fight hormones. This disruption can lead to the release of cortisol hormones or stress hormones into the bloodstream. The elevated cortisol levels can stimulate appetite and cravings, especially high-calorie, high-fat foods, which can subsequently lead to weight gain.
Soothing and rhythmic notions of massage techniques such as kneading, pounding and manipulation of soft tissues along with the application of pressure can rectify high cortisol levels by mitigating the physiological effects of chronic stress.
Metabolism Regulation:
Chronic stress can tamper with metabolic regulation and reduce basal metabolic rate(BMR). A lower BMR burns a few calories while making it easier to gain weight. Disrupted metabolism can manifest disorders such as accelerated insulin secretion, abnormalities in lipid metabolism and hormonal imbalances. These vulnerabilities can result in increased appetite, decreased energy expenditure and alternatives in fat storage, ultimately leading to weight gain.
Targeted Massage techniques focus on regulating metabolism by reducing stress, improving circulation and balancing hormones.
Rehabilitation of Muscle Strain:
Exercise or physical activities are perfect ways to manage weight. When your body is subjected to robust manipulations, it will burn the stored fats to produce energy, so engaging in exercise increases energy expenditure.
However, physical activities can strain your muscles. Incorporating massage techniques into your fitness regimen can enhance your performance. Techniques of deep tissue massage target deep layers of muscles, soft tissues and joints to reduce muscle stiffness, promote mobility and accelerate the muscle healing process.
Complement Healthy Eating:
Massage can stimulate the digestive system and promote better digestion by reducing tension in the abdomen and increasing blood flow to the digestive organs. Improved digestion may enhance nutrient absorption and support overall digestive health. It also supplements healthier eating habits and adherence to a balanced diet.
Which Massage is Best for Weight Loss?
Deep tissue massage is considered the best standalone solution for weight management because of its unique techniques and therapeutic goals. It focuses on eradicating the underlying issues from the deep-seated muscles to the upper layer of skin. It aims to stimulate the production of feel-good hormones to alleviate cortisol levels, enhance the blood flow to affected areas to reduce cellulite and promote muscle flexibility and mobility for better physical performance.
What is the Frequency and Duration Recommended for Incorporating Massage into a Weight Loss Plan?
The frequency and duration of massage sessions recommended for incorporating massage into a weight loss plan can vary depending on individual goals and preferences.
For optimal benefits, you may go in for a massage treatment once a month or every other week. If you are seeking to manage weight gain through exercise, you should schedule a massage session weekly or bi-weekly for cumulative results.
The duration of a massage session can range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes or more, depending on the specific techniques used and individual needs. A longer duration allows the massage therapist to target multiple areas of the body and address deeper issues, but shorter sessions can still provide significant benefits, especially for targeted relief or relaxation.
Conclusion
Incorporating massage therapy into a weight loss plan can offer numerous benefits for both physical and mental well-being. While massage itself may not directly cause weight loss, it can complement other strategies by promoting relaxation, reducing stress, improving circulation, and aiding in muscle recovery. By addressing stress-related factors that contribute to weight gain, such as emotional eating and cortisol imbalances, massage therapy can support a holistic approach to weight management.
