Benefits of Massage therapy during recovery treatment
A little TLC can go a long way. Receiving a massage during detox, and throughout recovery, helps eliminate the physical pain of withdrawal and bolsters overall well-being.
Massage Therapy in our Los Angeles Recovery Centers
As a person goes through the detoxification process of drugs and alcohol, the substances need to be flushed out of the body until they are no longer in the system. Unfortunately, in many cases, the body is dependent on the chemicals which can result in uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include vomiting, muscle and bone pain, headaches, chills, shivering, restlessness, sweating, fever, and nightmares. Additionally, people may experience anxiety, depression, paranoia, panic, intense cravings, and insomnia when they detox. Even after months of detoxification and rehabilitation, the body may feel the tension in its muscles, making massage useful throughout detoxification and recovery.
Similar to what is experienced with the use of drugs and alcohol, serotonin and dopamine are released when massaged, creating a “feel good” sensation. This makes massage therapy especially beneficial as dopamine drops dramatically during the detox period, resulting in physical and mental pain. When experiencing a massage, soft tissue is manipulated when pressure is applied to muscles, tendons, and ligaments with the use of hands, fingers, knuckles, elbows, or feet. In the process, waste products and toxins are removed from the body. The parasympathetic nervous system is also triggered, increasing circulation of the lymph system to alleviate pain.
Benefits of Massage Include:
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Help treat insomnia
- Decreases pain
- Flushes out toxins
- Improves blood and lymph circulation
- Relieves headaches
- Better functioning of organs
- Boosts immunity
- Promotes tissue regeneration
Self-Massage to Do From Anywhere
There are over 80 therapy styles that you can choose from to nourish your mind-body-spirit. However, when in distress, feeling depressed or anxious, or craving, a self-massage can be a quick remedy to relax. Here are some simple ways to melt unease.
- Press your fingers into your shoulder muscles, at the pressure you desire, then knead your way to your neck. Gently cup your neck and make circular motions with all fingers throughout your scalp.
- With two fingers on each side of your jaw, press down and move downward through your jaw to your chin to unlock and relax your face. With your middle fingers, meet above your nose and stroke above your eyebrows out to your temples. Then tap your forehead and your under-eyes.
- Hold out a hand and use the other to cup it. With one thumb or knuckle, make circles in the other to massage the tissues in the hand. From the base of the palm, pinch your palm with your thumb and index finger upward to massage each finger. When you reach the thumb, put more pressure between your massaging fingers and make your way to your thumb web. About two fingernail spaces below, push down for a rapid release of tension. Repeat on the other hand.
In Los Angeles recovery centers, you can incorporate massage therapy into your detox and treatment plan for a safe recovery.
To learn more about massage therapy at a dual diagnosis rehab in Los Angeles, call Conquer Recovery Center at 323.766.6698.
