What happens to your body when you get a massage?

January 23, 2023

There is no doubting the relaxing and restorative benefits that come with getting a massage. But what happens to your body while you are getting one? We look at the mental and physical benefits of enjoying a massage and discover how important they are for self care.

Skin

Your skin is filled with multiple nerve endings, sensors and capillaries. When your skin is touched, these sensors send signals to your brain and help you to feel relaxed. As your nerve cells are being stimulated by the massage your brain will also release endorphins (hormones that improve mood and wellbeing). Blood flow increases as your capillaries dilate and this can speed up the exchange at the cellular level within the skin, which can be beneficial for skin elasticity and nourishment.

Muscular System

Massage can help to relieve muscle tension and reduce tightness. While the muscles are being massaged any scar tissue and adhesions surrounding the muscles are broken down as the skin is rubbed and manipulated. Sensory signals are sent to central nervous system, and this causes a reduction in tension and an increase in feeling relaxed.

Lymphatic System

Massage helps aid the flow of the fluid (called the lymph) in your lymphatic system. This fluid helps to transport white blood cells around your body. These cells form part of your immune system, which helps to protect you from infection. The massage will help your lymphatic system to remove any accumulated toxins and improve your immune systems response.

Circulatory System

While you are being massaged, the pressure increases the blood supply travelling around your body. This results in the cells bringing fresh nutrients in, while at the same time encouraging waste to leave. This process helps to keep your body healthy.

Skeletal System

Reducing the tension in our muscles can also help to benefit our skeletal frames from better posture and mobility. It can be so easy to become hunched over at our desks, cars and in day-to-day life with our shoulders and back tight and bunched up. By relaxing our muscles, we can alleviate bad posture.

Neurological System

When massage is applied, nerves and sensor receptors send signals to the spinal cord which then sends messages to the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for lowering heart rate and blood pressure, ultimately lowering stress levels.

Aftercare tips

Keep hydrated and drink plenty of water – you need to replace lost fluids that have been released from your muscles during your massage.
Avoid strenuous exercise or activities – If you are going to exercise keep it gentle, like walking or yoga.
Relax – Try to book your massage at a time that allows you to spend some time reading, meditating, enjoying peace and quiet at home afterwards. Try not to rush back into a hectic schedule.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol – Try to avoid drinking either for at least 12 hours after massage. Both are dehydrating and it won’t help your body remove the toxins that your massage has worked so hard to do!

ishga massage

When you visit one of our luxury spa partners your massage will be tailored to your needs. You can choose from a selection of oils that will help elevate your treatment and ishga experience. Indulge in the restoring powers of the ocean and allow our marine skincare to connect your mind, body and soul back to nature.

What types of ishga massage can I get?

Invigorating Massage – Medium pressure massage that is a mixture of relaxing aromatherapy style movements, incorporating elements of Swedish and deep tissue massage for therapeutic benefit. Idela for those suffering muscle tension, aches and pains or general fatigue

Hot Stone Massage –A full body massage incorporating heated Basalt stones which instantly relax the muscles, allowing the treatment to work at a deeper level. Hot stones work to relax the mind, ease muscle tension, reduce aches and pains and are placed along the chakras to open up energy pathways.
Hot Poultice Massage-A rebalancing, light massage using heated sea salt & seaweed granule filled poultices, which are applied to the body to relax the muscles, release tension and nourish the skin. Combined with manual massage movements, the relaxing warm poultices are rhythmically stroked, and kneaded over the body. Benefits include reducing inflammation in muscles and joints, increasing circulation, and deep relaxation. When the compress is heated it provides a detoxifying effect to draw toxins from the body and add a host of vitamins and minerals deep within.
Marine Back Experience - The ultimate back facial designed to rejuvenate and exfoliate, while treating any congestion to reveal a brighter and smoother skin. Beginning with a cleanse, tone and exfoliation, a powerful heated seaweed clay mask is applied to clarify and soften the skin while providing a deep moisturizing treatment. Ideal for skin concerns such as acne on the back, dryness or skin conditions and for muscular aches and pains. A massage of the back and back of legs is also included to leave you feeling deeply relaxed.
Deep Tissue Massage -Deep Tissue Massage is not only a firm massage with more pressure, but a range of techniques to work on the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue to release chronic patterns of tension (built up over a long time).It involves working beneath superficial layers, to the inner layers of muscle and tissue, using slow, sustained, deep pressure.
Mum-to-be Massage -This treatment has been specifically designed to pamper and relax pregnant clients and is suitable after the first trimester of pregnancy. This treatment focuses on helping to ease aches and pains, and can help to improve your sense of wellbeing, comfort and aid relaxation.