For millennia, cultures have used touch to promote balance and well-being. Now, scientific research increasingly documents the effects of touch on the body, reinforcing its importance for both physical health and quality of life.
A 2024 study published in Nature Human Behaviour highlights the fundamental role of touch, including massage, in human health. The research analyzed 212 previously published scientific articles, conducting a thorough statistical evaluation of data from 85 studies with adults and 52 with newborns.
Among the analyzed studies, one revealed that elderly individuals with dementia experienced reduced aggression and stress after daily 20-minute massage sessions over six weeks. Another showed a significant improvement in the mood of patients with breast cancer.
Mayra Morais, a massage therapist with nearly 12 years of experience, confirms these effects. She explains that the positive impacts of massage extend beyond the treated area, affecting the entire body.
"Hands offer a level of care and attention that no machine can match. Massage is an act of affection, and when combined with techniques, it generates unique benefits," says Morais, co-founder of Fast Massagem.
Morais explains that while each ailment requires a specific technique, the effects of massage are not limited to the treated area. Activation of the lymphatic system allows improvements to spread throughout the body, promoting a series of physiological responses that impact health and well-being. Key benefits include:
Improved blood and lymphatic circulation
Elimination of toxins
Regulation of body temperature
Activation of immune cells, strengthening the immune system
Normalization of hormonal activities
Improved cellular oxygenation
Stimulation of tissues and organs, enhancing their functions and promoting internal balance
These processes result in reduced swelling, pain relief, muscle tension reduction, and increased vitality and overall well-being.
"Regular massage leads to positive outcomes such as reduced fatigue, nerve relaxation, decreased mental fatigue, improved flexibility and motor coordination, combating insomnia, and cellular secretion. All these effects are interconnected with mental health," Morais states.
Furthermore, massage offers significant aesthetic benefits, including reducing measurements, preventing premature skin aging, and accelerating post-surgical recovery.
Morais notes the growing interest in the therapeutic effects of massage in Brazil, driving the expansion of her brand and solidifying the sector as an increasingly accessible and valued option in the wellness and aesthetics market.